It's been a mixed few weeks, admits Ramsgate boss Justin Luchford

Luchford took charge of the club for their goal-less draw away to Three Bridges on 22 March following the controversial sacking of former boss Tim Dixon.

He takes charge for game number eight when champions Peacehaven & Telscombe visit Southwood Stadium for the last game of the season tomorrow.

The Rams are marooned in midtable and head for their summer holiday’s sitting in thirteenth-place in the table with 59 points, 17 points adrift of the play-off places.

Luchford told www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk: “In football you learn all the time and the past few weeks haven’t been any different.

“I wanted to use this time to look at the players and see what we have and what we may need in the summer. I have done that and I have a lot to think about.

“One disappointment for me is how hard it has been to motivate a set of players that mentally had already finished the season. Maybe not all the players, but certainly a fair number of them.  In a way I don’t blame them, as they have had a fairly traumatic season in football terms both on and off the pitch.

“However, in another way, they should always be proud to put on the shirt and realise that they have a job to do no matter what the result is at the end of it. It’s another learning curve for me, and points I will take on board next season.

“It’s been a mixed few weeks to be honest, with some real positives but some negatives as well. One positive was that we knew that it was about experimenting for the final games and we got out of them what we needed from them.”

Star striker Jon Main scored his first two goals for the club in their 4-2 home win over Horsham on Good Friday, but is rated doubtful for tomorrow after sustaining an ankle injury in the 1-0 defeat away to Herne Bay three days later.

“The Herne Bay game typified the games I have been in charge of really,” admitted Luchford.

“When we finally got going we did ok, but we cannot wait until half time to turn up. The players know how I feel and I think in the main they agree with where I am coming from. It has been difficult, but enjoyable nonetheless.

Looking ahead to the test against Ryman Premier bound Peacehaven & Telscombe, who have been promoted at the first attempt, Luchford said: “Please join me in congratulating them on a fantastic achievement this year and wish them all the best for their journey into the Ryman Premier.

“We have to put that to one side though, as I want to finish the season with a win and so do the lads.”

Ramsgate stage Ben Laslett’s testimonial at Southwood Stadium on Saturday, 10 May.

But before the club pay tribute to a loyal servant, Luchford will sit down with the board to begin planning for next season.

“For me, the hard work starts now preparing for next season,” he said. 

“We will sit down this week with the board to go through budgets and players we need for 2014/15.

“Then we will be looking to set up pre-season and have that all prepared before we go on our holidays in the summer.

“Finally, I would like to thank Richard Lawson and the rest of the board for making me feel welcome and providing me with the support I needed since I have been here.

“I’ve really enjoyed it so far, but the hard work starts now and I cannot wait to get going at pre-season on 28^th June.”