Jon Main is keen to get back involved, says Ramsgate boss Justin Luchford

RAMSGATE manager Justin Luchford has pulled off a major transfer deadline coup by enticing star-striker Jon Main out of retirement.

Main, 33, has put pen to paper on a deal to play for the Rams until the end of the season, after hanging up his boots whilst playing for Ryman Premier League strugglers Thamesmead Town last September, before playing a single game for Ryman League Division One North strugglers Erith & Belvedere in January of this year.

The Legendary Striker needs no introduction to followers of non-league football, having banged in the goals for VCD Athletic, Cray Wanderers, Tonbridge Angels, AFC Wimbledon, Welling United and Dartford.

Luchford issued a statement on Ramsgate’s website www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk, saying there is no pressure on the striker, after he failed to rekindle his form for Thamesmead Town earlier on in the season, before announcing his retirement on his twitter feed on Sunday, 29 September 2013.

Main announced his retirement on twitter, by saying: “I didn’t do too bad. From someone who couldn’t get in the school team to non-league player of the year.

“Achieved more than I ever could of dreamed of. Goals, trophies, promotions, but more importantly met some proper people that’ll never forget.”

Thamesmead Town manager Keith McMahon said at the time: “He’s lost his heart in football.  Everything that Jon has done in his career has been unbelievable – I think I’m one of his biggest ever fans.”

Luchford, who has taken charge of just two games, has seen his charges draw 0-0 at Three Bridges, before beating struggling Eastbourne Town 2-0 last Saturday.

The club have six games remaining, are in tenth-place in the Ryman League Division One South table, with 16 wins, 8 draws and 16 defeats.

Main tweeted that he “looks like I’m dusting the boots off tomorrow, super sub,” and Luchford said he will add the striker to his squad for tomorrow’s trip to Redhill.

“I am delighted to have signed Jon Main just before the deadline and will go into our squad for the game at Redhill,” said Luchford.

The former Faversham, Horsham and Whitstable Town boss added: “I don’t think Jon needs much introduction as he has been a major player in the non-league for many years, earning promotions from the Ryman Premier all the way through to the Conference National.

“Jon hasn’t played much this season but is keen to get back involved.

“I’ve known him for a number of years and at 33 years of age still has a lot to give.

“We spoke last week and I talked him through what we are trying to do and asked him to come down for the rest of the season, have a look at us and vice versa and if things go well, then we will look to get him on board pre-season and go from there.

“Jon is basically coming down for expenses, as by his own admission, hasn’t played much football this year, but he comes with no pressure on him and he can just go out there and enjoy his football and hopefully he will enjoy it so we can get him a full pre-season and be part of our plans for next year.”

Ramsgate travel to third-from-bottom Redhill on Tuesday night.  The Surrey side are two points adrift of safety, but four goals from Marcus Elliott saw them thrash Crawley Down Gatwick 6-0 at the weekend.

Meanwhile, Ramsgate lost the services of midfielder Macauley Murray, 19, last Thursday, after their league rivals Whitstable Town submitted a successful seven day approach.

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

Redhill  v  Ramsgate
Ryman League Division One South
Tuesday 1^st April 2014
Kick Off 7:45pm
at Kiln Brow, Three Arch Road, Redhill, Surrey RH1 5AE