Ramsgate boss Matt Longhurst bolsters his defensive options

RAMSGATE manager Matt Longhurst has signed Abdul Salami from Brentwood Town.

The central defender is also comfortable taking up a role at right-back, showcasing his flexibility at the back.

The 22-year-old defender was the former Southend United captain at under-18 level.

“Abdul is a quick, strong defender who has an old school style of play,” Longhurst told the club website.

“He has been brought up on the same ethos as our current group.

“I actually attempted to bring Abdul in last season but he wanted to stay loyal to Brentwood until the end of their campaign, which I accept.

“But now we have him and I’m delighted to have him on board ahead of pre-season.

Ramsgate were in the bottom three in the Isthmian League South East Division table at the time of the coronavirus pandemic, while Essex side Brentwood Town were fourth-from-bottom in the Northern Division.

Longhurst has also signed Ben Wilson, 26, from their Isthmian League South East Division rivals Ashford United.

The versatile left-back or centre-back joins up with Longhurst again, having played under him at Corinthian, Erith & Belvedere and East Grinstead Town.

Longhurst said: “Bringing in Ben Wilson is excellent and once again it’s another great signing for the club.

“He’s another player that I’ve worked with for a long period of time at multiple clubs over the last six or seven years’ or so.

“Ben can play in a couple of different positions, giving us that important versatility at the back and he’s got plenty of experience at this level as well.

“He’s good on the ball and had a good campaign with Ashford United last season as well.  Ben is a player who knows exactly what I expect on and off the pitch.

“I believe he’s a perfect fit for us and it’s an added bonus that he knows some of the boys already in the squad.”

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