Ramsgate appoint Steve Lovell until the end of the season

RAMSGATE have appointed former Gillingham boss Steve Lovell as their new manager until the end of the season.

The Isthmian League South East Division club announced the departure of Matt Longhurst yesterday, a week after he submitted his resignation.

Longhurst took charge of Ramsgate’s 4-1 defeat at fellow play-off chasers Cray Valley (Paper Mills) on Saturday.

Ramsgate are in fifth-place in the table, having collected 59 points from their 34 games and Welshman Lovell, 61, takes charge of their final four league games of the season.

Lovell was caretaker manager at Gillingham just three months ago, making way for current manager Neil Harris, who took over the League One side on 31 January.

Ramsgate chairman James Lawson said in a statement: “The quality of the applicants we have received in the last 24 hours is testament to the hard work that so many people have put into growing this community club.

“Steve would be a stand-out candidate for positions at league clubs and we are delighted that our efforts have attracted him to our club.

“We have some huge games on the horizon and I look forward to introducing Steve to the squad.”

Lovell will be introduced to the Ramsgate squad on Tuesday night, ahead of Saturday’s fifth-versus-fourth home clash against Haywards Heath Town on Saturday.

“I’m so pleased and excited to be asked to become Ramsgate manager for the remainder of the season,” added Lovell.

“James Lawson is working very hard to make Ramsgate FC a force on the football field and in the local community.

“Looking forward to the remaining four games and the prospect of play-off games.”

Lovell's management career has taken him to Sittingbourne, Gravesend & Northfleet, Hastings Town, Sittingbourne, Ashford Town, Gillingham, Bromley (assistant manager), Gillingham, Welling United and Gillngham.

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