Steve McKimm’s decision to stay on as Tonbridge manager was vindicated by their fightback against Brightlingsea.

McKimm had considered his future after a run of four defeats saw Angels slip to 10th place in the Bostik Premier.

He decided to keep going after talks with chairman Dave Netherstreet and his players and last Saturday they battled back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 thanks to late goals from Tom Parkinson and Alex Read.

McKimm said: “I spoke to the chairman and a lot of good people in football.

“There’s a minority that aren’t with us but the majority are and I had backing from the chairman and the players to carry on.

“The main thing for me is are the players buying into what we’re trying to do? Yes, they are. Is it working at the moment? No, it isn’t.

“But they believe it will change, as I do, and the comeback on Saturday was testament to them.

“It shows they’re still fighting for the club and for me.

“At 2-0 down after losing 3-0 to Carshalton we could have gone under but they responded well and I’m proud of every one of them.”

Midfielder Michael West has returned to Eastbourne after a month on loan while Angels have released forward Tommy Whitnell after four years at the club.

McKimm said: “Tommy’s been with me since the start.

“He’s an absolute gem and it wasn’t easy letting him go but I’m overloaded in certain areas and I need to trim it down.”

Tonbridge host in-form Kingstonian this Saturday, with the Surrey club up to second place.

McKimm said: “That’ll be a tough game. They’re flying at the minute and they’re coming to us full of confidence.

“We’ve got to try and burst their bubble if we can.”

Young defender Callum Taylor is joining Herne Bay on a month’s loan.