Tonbridge Angels striker Andre McCollin has told Kent Sports News that his side are “in with a chance” based on their pre-season preparation.

Speaking as part of our mini-series looking at pre-season around the county, McCollin said that Angels manager Steve McKimm has been impressed with the work his players have put in over the summer: “At the moment the gaffers been happy with how we’ve been playing certain parts of our game. There’s been certain parts of our game where he hasn’t been happy but we’re working on them.”

It hasn’t been an easy few months for McCollin who broke his leg in the opening game of the 2016-2017 season but he’s worked hard to come back in top shape for the upcoming season. “I’ve been out for almost a whole season basically doing nothing so I have been finding it a bit more difficult. After my rehab it as important that I got back into it quick but I found it difficult” explained the ex- Yeovil attacker.

“It’s been a bit testing to be honest with you.”

Returning to fitness hasn’t seemed to effect McCollin where it really matters though, he’s scored three goals in Tonbridge’s opening five pre-season matches.

The Angels have won three of their opening matches this summer including a hugely impressive 7-2 victory away at Phoenix Sports and McCollin is excited by what the current squad is capable of: “Everyone’s scoring goals in pre-season and we’re winning games if we can continue that into the season that would be ideal.

“If we are able to go into the season the way we’ve been playing so far we’re in with a chance.”

The striker spent time in the Football League at Yeovil before returning to the South East’s non-league football scene and he says he prefers the more laid back approach from the lower levels of the game: “It’s so different.

“We had things like heart rate monitors so if you weren’t working hard enough they were able to see so you’d have to work even harder. It was full time as well so that made a huge difference. It’s easier now!”