Gregory upbeat upon his return home

Friday 03rd July 2009

JAMES GREGORY has returned to his home-town side Ramsgate to emulate winning the Ryman League Division One South title - as he did during a previous spell at Southwood Stadium, writes Stephen McCartney.

Gregory has been away from the club for two seasons and finished fourth-from-bottom with the Rams’ fiercest of rivals, Thanet neighbours Margate, last season.

Having played for Ramsgate as a youngster, and also in the Kent League during the 2003-04 season, he spent the following year at Dover Athletic, but rejoined the Rams, being part of the team that won promotion to the Ryman Premier League, but left mid-way through the 2006-07 campaign.

“I’m looking forward to working hard towards bringing success back to my home-town club, which in turn should contribute to bringing the feel-good factor back to the Rams’ fans, something they deserve after their loyal support last year,” Gregory told www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk.

“I’ve lived in Ramsgate all my life and when I was younger I used to come up and watch all the time, hoping to play for them one day, so I’m delighted to be invited back.

“This squad is already buzzing with anticipation, and none of us can wait to start stacking the points up.”

Last season was a miserable campaign for the Southwood Stadium club, finishing rooted to the foot of the Ryman Premier League table, which was a blow for a club that have tasted success in the last five years - but everyone at the club remains upbeat that an instant return is on the cards.

Meanwhile, vice-chairman Paul Jefcoate, has responded to supporters’ comments on the fans’ forum on the club’s official website, about undergoing ground improvements.

Of course, all this costs money, and Mr Jefcoate, has issued a rallying cry for people to support the club financially.

“Having just read the wish list recently posted for ground improvements, I thought that those that read the site should be aware of a few details concerning the subject of sponsorship,” he said.

“Vic Todd has stepped down as our commercial manager to concentrate on a new political path.

“Vic did a good job securing some new contacts and gaining very valuable income for the club and went with our thanks.

“Until we are lucky enough to find someone else to fill the position, it remains with me to follow up on previous contacts and generate some new ones.

“Given the current economic climate, some of the responses I’m getting are to be expected, but if you know anybody that I can speak to about the various options available, please contact me.”

The club are asking supporters to raise money through individual players’ kit sponsorship, where shirts (£75), shorts (£40) and socks (£10) are available to sponsor.

“Hopefully, others will see there are differing levels of sponsorship, which are absolutely crucial to keeping this club running in the right direction,” added Mr Jefcoate.

Visit Ramsgate’s website: www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk.