I expect us to take our top form into next season, says Ramsgate boss Jim Ward

RAMSGATE boss Jim Ward says he will cast his eye over a number of trailists to see if they are good enough for the Ryman League, writes Stephen McCartney.


The Thanet club finished in ninth place in the Ryman League Division One South last season – and the Scottish boss wants his side to carry on where they left off next season.

“Another season has ended and what a super finish we had – I fully expect to take that top form into next season,” Ward told www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk.

“Every successful team I have had has always stemmed from a good dressing room.  Well, I think since Christmas we have found the togetherness that forges a never say die attitude.”

Ward has re-jigged his management structure this summer, with Tim Dixon (assistant manager) and Darren Beale (coach) coming in, while Richard Langley will be in charge of the club’s Ryman Youth League side.

“The new structure looks strong to me,” said Ward.

“Tim, of course, played for me at Ramsgate in the double-winning side of 1999.  Timmy knows the way I operate and comes from the same school of thought at how the game of football should be played.

“Tim will assist me in all aspects from discipline to travel to preparation and generally help to take the team forward.”

Ward added: “Darren was coaching at the Academy at Gillingham and comes with glowing references.  From what he has told me so far about his plans for pre-season training, the players will enjoy it and find it interesting.

“But the new structure Richard Langley’s task is perhaps the most challenging.  With all these young lads in the first team he has got to bring them and all the rest of our promising young stars through, making sure they have sufficient match experience at the highest level possible.

“I have great trust in Richard and I know he will meet the challenge head on and bring us the best possible results.”

Ward, meanwhile, revealed that he has kept all of last season’s squad.

He said: “Richard Lawson (chairman), Martin Able (secretary), Timmy Dixon and I have, for the last two weeks, been speaking to the players about next season and both Richard and I both agree that it has been the most straight forward signing on session that we have ever had.

“Quite simply, no one at the club wants to leave – it really shows you how much Ramsgate Football Club means to the players.

“I am currently in talks with four players (two midfielders and two strikers) to be able to give us more threat in front of goal.

“If we can get at least two of these players this gives us the opportunity to wait and assess the trailists who have been invited along for pre-season training, to see if they are good enough for the Ryman League.”

Ward paid tribute to former Ramsgate and Tonbridge Angels star Lee Minshull, who gained promotion into the Football League with AFC Wimbledon last month.

“Congratulations to The Legend that is Lee Minshull on his promotion to the Football League with AFC Wimbledon,” said Ward.

“It sees ages ago since Richard (Lawson) and I stood on Jackie Bakers (Recreation Ground) in the wind and rain watching an overweight young lad playing – but straight away we saw the potential in the boy and nobody is more delighted and proud that he is now playing in the Football League and on top of that he is a really nice guy.”

Meanwhile, former Ramsgate target man, Shaun Welford, 32, has been transfer listed by Margate (as reported by Steve Wells on the Margate website www.margate-fc.com)

The former Ramsgate star signed for Margate from Dover Athletic in August 2010 after two and a half years at Crabble.

He went on to make 40 appearances for Margate, scoring 12 goals, including hat-tricks against Horsham and Whitehawk.

The Northumberland born Welford is a contracted player at Margate and is being made available for a fee.

Any enquiries about the player must be made via manager Chris Kinnear on 01843 221 769 or email office@margate-fc.com.

Article courtesy of www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk  & www.margate-fc.com