To be able to bring somebody of Ryan Johnson's calibre to this football club is a huge coup for us, says Ramsgate boss Matt Longhurst

RAMSGATE manager Matt Longhurst has snapped up versatile central defender Ryan Johnson following his release from Maidstone United.

The 33-year-old joins the Rams after making 28 appearances for Vanarama National League South side Maidstone United last season.

Johnson will link-up with Longhurst again after his spell with East Grinstead Town ended in 2019 and drops a couple of levels to play for Isthmian League South East Division side Ramsgate.

“I’m very pleased to have signed Ryan. I’ve worked with him several times over a number of years at different clubs,” Longhurst told the Ramsgate website.

“He’s an outstanding footballer, a great character in the dressing room and a good person off the pitch as well.

“To be able to bring somebody of his calibre to this football club is a huge coup for us and he’ll certainly enhance our chances for what we want to achieve.

“Ryan has captained various clubs at this level and above and I’m sure he must’ve enjoyed playing alongside George Elokobi at Maidstone last season. He would’ve learnt a lot as well.

“He’ll help aid myself and my staff in terms of developing young talent at the club over the next year at least. 

“It definitely helps that Ryan knows a lot of the players at Ramsgate already and that will make his bedding in period a lot smoother.” 

Meanwhile, former Ramsgate midfielder Lee Minshull has announced his retirement from the game, aged 34, and will be staying at National League South side Concord Rangers as their assistant manager, rather than their player-assistant under Danny Scopes.

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