I hope to see Dean Hill in a Ramsgate shirt again, says chairman Phil Fennell

Saturday 03rd January 2015

RAMSGATE have appointed Simon Halsey as their new manager following the departure of Dean Hill on Friday.

Halsey took charge of today’s trip to Folkestone Invicta, which they lost 5-2 at Cheriton Road.

The Rams sit in the bottom four in the Ryman League Division One South table, having collected seven wins, three draws from their 26 league outings.

The Southwood Stadium club are lying precariously one place and two points above the relegation zone and Halsey has been appointed to avoid the club’s return to the Southern Counties East Football League for the first time since winning the old Kent League back in 2005.

A club statement said: “It is with regret that the club must inform its supporters of the departure of manager Dean Hill with immediate effect.

“Dean has worked tirelessly for the club in its new era but after recent discussions about personnel changes it was mutually agreed to part.”

Chairman Phil Fennell, who issued a statement on www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk, said: “This has been a very difficult decision for the whole board as not one member wanted Dean to leave, but all agreed some fresh ideas were needed at this difficult and frustrating time.

“On a personal note I would like to thank Dean for an enjoyable working relationship and would like to praise his dedication to improving the club and team.

“I’m sure Dean will be a successful manager and to be honest I’m gutted it hasn’t been with us.

“I wish Dean all the best for the future and hope to one day see him in a Rams shirt again.”

The club are pleased to announce that Halsey has agreed to step in until the end of the season.

The statement added: “Obviously the board had to move quickly with 20 games left of the season.

“Dean had already been speaking to Simon, who is an experienced manager at this level, about players to bring in, so it was felt that he is best-placed to take over the reins and we wish him all the best.”

Halsey started the campaign as joint-manager alongside Billy Walton at Southern Counties East Football League side Fisher, but both have since departed and former Beckenham Town coach Dean Harrison is now in charge of the club.

The UEFA B licensed qualified Rainham-based Halsey, guided Herne Bay to Kent League Cup winning glory twice and the league title in 2012-13, taking the Winch’s Field club up into the Ryman League, before taking charge of Lordswood last season.

Reflecting on today’s defeat at Cheriton Road, a result that puts Neil Cugley’s side in third-place in the table, Halsey tweeted it was “a tough day, but loads of positives.”

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