FORMER Tonbridge striker Paul Emblen is back at his first club to help the Angels’ fight against relegation.

The 28-year-old joined the Tonbridge youth system and progressed to play 61 league games for Charlton, Brighton and Wigan, scoring seven goals.

His career has blighted by a series of injuries but, two years after injuring his knee in a pre-season game, he is hopeful he can play a part in Tonbridge’s survival bid.

He said: "I can’t wait and it’s nice just to be able to get my boots back on. I’ve been trying to keep fit and it’s a case of playing a half here and there and seeing how I go.

"I’m really looking forward to going back. The team is struggling but there’s eight games to go and that’s more than enough to get out."

Emblen admits he has not seen many Tonbridge games due to the frustrations of not playing but knows something of the team through his father, and former Tonbridge manager, Phil.

"There are good individuals at the club and it’s just a case of building confidence and get them playing as a team," he said.

"My game is about getting around the edge of the box and setting people up. If we start scoring, confidence will come and I believe we can reach safety."

Emblen, who left Tonbridge to become a trainee at Charlton before a £60,000 move to Wycombe, is looking forward to giving something back to the team who gave his career a start.

He is a hero from his time at Wycombe where he scored on the last day of the 1998/99 to save the club from relegation.

Emblen said: "It was years ago when I started out but Tonbridge put me on the way to a professional career. It was a stepping stone to everything I would achieve and if I get the chances, hopefully I can score some goals."

Manager Tony Dolby said Emblen was likely to take a place on the subs bench for Saturday's match against Billericay after he came through a specially arranged practice match on Tuesday.

Chairman Paul Dainty said he was delighted with the signing, adding: "Any boost we can get at the moment is a bonus and hopefully he will help us stay up."

Related article:

Don't miss a minute of the action