Curtis Angell on Hungerford Town return, Robinson reunion and unfinished business

Curtis Angell is back for more at Bulpit Lane.

The 33-year-old left-back returned to Hungerford Town this week, beginning his second spell with the club.

The defender is working with manager Danny Robinson for the third time, having first played under the Hungerford gaffer at Thatcham Town in 2017.

They won the FA Vase together at Wembley in 2018, before Angell followed Robinson to Hungerford Town in 2020.

Angell made 72 appearances in the National League South during his stay at Bulpit Lane, but headed back to Thatcham before joining Basingstoke Town in February last year.

“Danny wanted me to come back in,” said Angell.

“When I left beforehand we hadn’t finished what we started, and he’s given me the best times of my career.

“Before I knock football on the head, it’s one last chance to work with him and get the club back where they should be.”

Angell headed to Basingstoke in search of a new experience, and describes it as an enjoyable one.

“I just wanted another challenge,” he said.

“I really enjoyed my time at Basingstoke.

“It was quite a hard decision to leave, but things change.”

Hungerford struggled in the first half of the season, leaving them near the bottom of the Southern League Premier Division South, but positive results after Christmas have inspired optimism.

“Robbo wants to move forward with the club,” said Angell.

“This season hasn't gone so great, but since the new year they’ve had some good results.

“Danny wants hard graft and workers, and in my opinion that’s how you progress through leagues.

“Hopefully we can turn it around.

“It would be nice to get the club up the table and build from there.”

Angell spent time with a number of local clubs before first playing under Robinson.

“I started off with Kintbury Rangers, where my Dad’s family are all from,” he said.

Father Warren Angell played for Hungerford for a number of years, while uncle Darren Angell played professionally for Colchester United and later coached Kintbury.

Another uncle, Brett Angell, was a striker known for his spells with Southend, Stockport and Walsall, having also played for Everton, Sunderland, Sheffield United, West Brom, Preston and QPR in the 90s.

“I’ve known Danny for most of my career,” Angell said.

“I went to Andover Town, where I played under Danny’s uncle, Andy Leader.

“I ended up at Abingdon United, then played locally for Newbury before going to Totton with Andy Darnton.

“I took a year out of football, playing with mates, before going to Thatcham.”

At 33, Angell is coming to the end of a career which most would envy, but he still has plenty to offer.

“I’m not as quick as I was, but I’m more of a leader and more book smart,” he said.

“I’m a leader, I can get the best out of people.

“I’ve had a good football brain since I was young, just through my family.

“Sometimes I feel like I could retire tomorrow, but I think I’d regret it.

“I’ve played at Wembley, gone far in the FA Cup, but I’ll continue until someone says it’s time to hang them up.”