I'm happy with my reduced budget, says Ward

Thursday 28th May 2009

RAMSGATE boss Jim Ward says he’s excited about the prospect of blooding five or six home grown players - as the Thanet club bid to bounce straight back from their ill-fated campaign last season, writes Stephen McCartney.

Ward, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight, revealed that he’s happy with his reduced budget, which he thinks will be good enough to make a swift return to the Ryman Premier League, having finished at the foot of the table last term.

“I’m so excited about next year,” said the Scott. “I’ve got my reserves and 18s, there’s five or six in there that will certainly be pushing to get into my first team.

“We didn’t have a lot of that last year, there was nobody really knocking on the door, even though we were going through bad times. They’ve had a year’s experience, so I’m looking forward to that.”

When asked which players he has high hopes for, Ward tried to keep tight lipped on his future stars, although he did slip three names out.

He revealed: “Dan Smith, Joe Powell - I’ll only name two, there’s another five or six in the under 18s and reserves, Jimmy Booth, I could go on but I’ll miss somebody out so I’d rather miss five or six out than miss one out.”

With favourite Ben Laslett penning a new one-year contract to stay at Southwood Stadium, Ward added, “I’ve got him for a year, another year. He won all the awards, he won the players’ player and all that stuff. He won it more than less unanimously.

“And this year, again, he will be one of the first names down on the team sheet - so a good signing.”

Speaking about team personnel, Ward revealed that he’s only lost one goalkeeper so far.

He said: “I’ve just got back from holiday myself as you know, I spoke to them before I went and as far as I know, Jamie Turner wanted to go so he was put on the list straight away and he’s gone to Maidstone and that was it really.

“All of the rest that I spoke to, no-one told me they were leaving, so I take it there all staying.”

“I’m looking for any sort of defenders who can bring me any experience.”

Ward admitted that he was happy with his reduced budget that he’s got at his disposal next season and has received the backing from his chairman Richard Lawson to deliver the goods.

“I’m happy with the wage bill that the chairman’s given me,” said Ward.

“It’s lower than last year obviously, because we’re in the lower division, make no bones abut it. But to be fair, it’s a decent budget for Ramsgate Football Club. It’s certainly one that I’m happy with.”

Ward added: “We’ve gone out and we’ve already signed three or four new lads on contract that I think will strengthen our squad and we’re also in the market for more defenders.

“But I’m not doing what I done this time last year,” he insisted. “This time last year I had my squad assembled but with the current climate, I’m going to be cruel.

“I’ve still got two months, all of June and July to find me a couple of gems and they will be out there.”

Ramsgate for promotion then Jim? “It’s certainly what the chairman wants!” he added.

Meanwhile, striker George Purcell, 21, who spent a loan spell with the Rams last season, has been signed by Braintree Town. The Kent lad was one of many non-contracted players to be released by Blue Square Premier club Ebbsfleet United earlier in the month.

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