Kentish Football 
My desire to succeed has never changed, says newly-appointed Ramsgate boss Justin Luchford
The Rams controversially parted company with Tim Dixon and his assistant manager Darren Beale following the club’s 2-1 home win over Tooting & Mitcham United on 22 February.
The club appointed injured player Dean Hill as caretaker manager but the side recorded a record of one win, two draws and two defeats during that time.
Ramsgate decided to appoint Luchford, 37, as the club’s new manager on Wednesday and the former Faversham Town, Horsham and Whitstable Town boss takes charge of his first game away to Three Bridges tomorrow.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be given the opportunity to manage this football club,” Luchford told www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk.
“After very positive and forward thinking discussions with the board, it was clear that it was a good fit for us both.
“There are some great people at this club and I am very much looking forward to working with them all.“
Luchford has been working alongside Neil Cugley as the scout at league rivals Folkestone Invicta, where his younger brother Dane plays.
“I haven’t been away from the game as such, as I have been working for Neil at Folkestone all season and so have seen every team in the division this year at least once,” said Luchford.
“I have to thank Neil for giving me the opportunity to get back into football and I wish Folkestone all the success for the rest of the season and hope they get the promotion that I think they deserve.
“However, it is now an opportunity for me to get stuck into the management side again.
“I am very excited about this and I intend to grab it with both hands. My desire to succeed has never changed and if anything I am probably hungrier than ever before, after having a break in terms of management.
“This club has everything it needs to be successful. Ramsgate has shown in the past that they can be successful and be up there with the Ryman Premier clubs. That has to be the long term aim, but for the short term, we need to build something and hopefully get some consistency and some continuity.
“I believe that the most successful clubs are those that have managers for a long period of time and are given support through the good times and bad. I hope that will be the same here and I am sure it will.
“There may be some fans that are not that happy with my appointment and some that are happy, but there is little I can do about that. I am here now and I can guarantee you that I will give absolutely everything to the club as that is the person that I am.
“Everybody that is acquainted with me knows that I wear my heart on my sleeve and I give 100% to the cause.
“I know there will be a few questions on certain things and no doubt we will be able to give answers in due course.
“I will be looking to bring a couple of players in if I can, but I also want to have a look at what I have available to me as well. I spoke to the players on Tuesday night and ironed out a few myths and concerns and all I have asked from them is honesty and commitment.
“I will look to keep the fans updated as much as I can with movements and my thoughts. However, like previous managers I will not be using the forum to discuss any of these thoughts and issues. Everything I have to say will be said via the Ramsgate website and the press where appropriate.”
Luchford provided an update on defender Hill, who he wants to remain part of his plans at Southwood Stadium.
He said: “Dean will take some time away while he gets his knee better. I will still be speaking to him regularly and I hope he can regain his fitness and lead us into next season. We must not forget or underestimate what Dean has done over the past few weeks – he has brought stability and got the players playing for him and created unity. Let’s hope we can get 3 points for him on Saturday.
“I have known him since he was a youngster and know his family.
“He has excellent credentials and, having tried to sign him on many occasions in the past, I definitely want Dean to be here – that is fact and that is my wish.
“Dean wants to continue playing and I want him to get back fit and lead us into next season.
“When fit he is one of the best defenders at this level and above in my opinion. Dean is aware of how I feel, but understandably he is in a position where he needs to have a think about what he wants to do, as he is doubtful for selection for the rest of this season.
“There is a place for Dean at this football club all the time I am in charge. Dean and I spoke about a number of options on Tuesday night and I am sure we will speak more. When I have news on that, then I will of course let you know.
“With regard to Mark (Weatherley), the players have a lot of respect for him and enjoy his coaching, and there is no doubting his knowledge of the game. I will be speaking with Mark also, over the coming days to see where we go from here.”
However, Luchford revealed that midfielder Macauley Murray has been subject of a seven-day approach from Nicky Southall at Whitstable Town.
He said: “I have spoken to Macca and we had a good conversation. He is fully aware from my side that I want him here and he is part of what I would like to do. I think he can only get better as well, so it would be great to keep him.
“However, he knows Steve Nolan who is down there now and Steve is a good coach and good guy and clearly rates Macca, so we will see what happens.
“Macca will go and have a look at them tomorrow and spend the weekend thinking about it. So although I want him to stay, he has to do what he thinks is right for him.
It will be central defender Ollie Schulz’s last game in Rams colours at Three Bridges tomorrow.
Luchford said: “I have spoken to Ollie and with him living in Ireland, the travelling was bound to take its toll. Bearing in mind we are going to need everyone to do a full pre-season and train all the time, we have agreed that it is probably best for Ollie to make the break from us.
“However, should he come back at any point, he will always be welcome here and I would have him in a shot! So please all join me in wishing Ollie all the success for the future and I am sure he won’t be a stranger to the club!!
“In addition, we have signed a new player Connor Heffernan. Connor joins us from Dover Athletic where he has been training since Christmas, but he has also had some minutes at Leatherhead in the past month or so. He comes highly recommended and has been playing full time football in Spain for the past two years and returned to England at the back end of 2013.
“Connor is 21 and raring to go. He was a young lad that Jamie Day had at Welling, so he comes from a good background. Please join me in welcoming him to the club, and wish him luck for tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, leading goalscorer Ian Pulman is expected to be on the sidelines against Three Bridges tomorrow.
“He has had two teeth out and has some stiches in his mouth so we will see how he is in the morning,” revealed Luchford.
“Curtis (Robinson) is unavailable for tomorrow, but will be back for next weeks’ game.
Ramsgate are in tenth-place in the Ryman League Division One South table with 52 points from 38 games, 13 points adrift of the play-offs.
Three Bridges, meanwhile, are in the bottom five, with 36 points from 34 games, six points clear of the relegation zone.
Luchford added: “Other than that, we are all looking forward to it and hope that as many fans as possible can make the trip.”
Visit Ramsgate’s website: www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk
Three Bridges v Ramsgate
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 22nd March 2014
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Jubilee Field, Three Bridges Road, Three Bridges, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 1LQ
The Rams controversially parted company with Tim Dixon and his assistant manager Darren Beale following the club’s 2-1 home win over Tooting & Mitcham United on 22 February.
The club appointed injured player Dean Hill as caretaker manager but the side recorded a record of one win, two draws and two defeats during that time.
Ramsgate decided to appoint Luchford, 37, as the club’s new manager on Wednesday and the former Faversham Town, Horsham and Whitstable Town boss takes charge of his first game away to Three Bridges tomorrow.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be given the opportunity to manage this football club,” Luchford told www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk.
“After very positive and forward thinking discussions with the board, it was clear that it was a good fit for us both.
“There are some great people at this club and I am very much looking forward to working with them all.“
Luchford has been working alongside Neil Cugley as the scout at league rivals Folkestone Invicta, where his younger brother Dane plays.
“I haven’t been away from the game as such, as I have been working for Neil at Folkestone all season and so have seen every team in the division this year at least once,” said Luchford.
“I have to thank Neil for giving me the opportunity to get back into football and I wish Folkestone all the success for the rest of the season and hope they get the promotion that I think they deserve.
“However, it is now an opportunity for me to get stuck into the management side again.
“I am very excited about this and I intend to grab it with both hands. My desire to succeed has never changed and if anything I am probably hungrier than ever before, after having a break in terms of management.
“This club has everything it needs to be successful. Ramsgate has shown in the past that they can be successful and be up there with the Ryman Premier clubs. That has to be the long term aim, but for the short term, we need to build something and hopefully get some consistency and some continuity.
“I believe that the most successful clubs are those that have managers for a long period of time and are given support through the good times and bad. I hope that will be the same here and I am sure it will.
“There may be some fans that are not that happy with my appointment and some that are happy, but there is little I can do about that. I am here now and I can guarantee you that I will give absolutely everything to the club as that is the person that I am.
“Everybody that is acquainted with me knows that I wear my heart on my sleeve and I give 100% to the cause.
“I know there will be a few questions on certain things and no doubt we will be able to give answers in due course.
“I will be looking to bring a couple of players in if I can, but I also want to have a look at what I have available to me as well. I spoke to the players on Tuesday night and ironed out a few myths and concerns and all I have asked from them is honesty and commitment.
“I will look to keep the fans updated as much as I can with movements and my thoughts. However, like previous managers I will not be using the forum to discuss any of these thoughts and issues. Everything I have to say will be said via the Ramsgate website and the press where appropriate.”
Luchford provided an update on defender Hill, who he wants to remain part of his plans at Southwood Stadium.
He said: “Dean will take some time away while he gets his knee better. I will still be speaking to him regularly and I hope he can regain his fitness and lead us into next season. We must not forget or underestimate what Dean has done over the past few weeks – he has brought stability and got the players playing for him and created unity. Let’s hope we can get 3 points for him on Saturday.
“I have known him since he was a youngster and know his family.
“He has excellent credentials and, having tried to sign him on many occasions in the past, I definitely want Dean to be here – that is fact and that is my wish.
“Dean wants to continue playing and I want him to get back fit and lead us into next season.
“When fit he is one of the best defenders at this level and above in my opinion. Dean is aware of how I feel, but understandably he is in a position where he needs to have a think about what he wants to do, as he is doubtful for selection for the rest of this season.
“There is a place for Dean at this football club all the time I am in charge. Dean and I spoke about a number of options on Tuesday night and I am sure we will speak more. When I have news on that, then I will of course let you know.
“With regard to Mark (Weatherley), the players have a lot of respect for him and enjoy his coaching, and there is no doubting his knowledge of the game. I will be speaking with Mark also, over the coming days to see where we go from here.”
However, Luchford revealed that midfielder Macauley Murray has been subject of a seven-day approach from Nicky Southall at Whitstable Town.
He said: “I have spoken to Macca and we had a good conversation. He is fully aware from my side that I want him here and he is part of what I would like to do. I think he can only get better as well, so it would be great to keep him.
“However, he knows Steve Nolan who is down there now and Steve is a good coach and good guy and clearly rates Macca, so we will see what happens.
“Macca will go and have a look at them tomorrow and spend the weekend thinking about it. So although I want him to stay, he has to do what he thinks is right for him.
It will be central defender Ollie Schulz’s last game in Rams colours at Three Bridges tomorrow.
Luchford said: “I have spoken to Ollie and with him living in Ireland, the travelling was bound to take its toll. Bearing in mind we are going to need everyone to do a full pre-season and train all the time, we have agreed that it is probably best for Ollie to make the break from us.
“However, should he come back at any point, he will always be welcome here and I would have him in a shot! So please all join me in wishing Ollie all the success for the future and I am sure he won’t be a stranger to the club!!
“In addition, we have signed a new player Connor Heffernan. Connor joins us from Dover Athletic where he has been training since Christmas, but he has also had some minutes at Leatherhead in the past month or so. He comes highly recommended and has been playing full time football in Spain for the past two years and returned to England at the back end of 2013.
“Connor is 21 and raring to go. He was a young lad that Jamie Day had at Welling, so he comes from a good background. Please join me in welcoming him to the club, and wish him luck for tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, leading goalscorer Ian Pulman is expected to be on the sidelines against Three Bridges tomorrow.
“He has had two teeth out and has some stiches in his mouth so we will see how he is in the morning,” revealed Luchford.
“Curtis (Robinson) is unavailable for tomorrow, but will be back for next weeks’ game.
Ramsgate are in tenth-place in the Ryman League Division One South table with 52 points from 38 games, 13 points adrift of the play-offs.
Three Bridges, meanwhile, are in the bottom five, with 36 points from 34 games, six points clear of the relegation zone.
Luchford added: “Other than that, we are all looking forward to it and hope that as many fans as possible can make the trip.”
Visit Ramsgate’s website: www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk
Three Bridges v Ramsgate
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 22nd March 2014
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Jubilee Field, Three Bridges Road, Three Bridges, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 1LQ
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