Ramsgate submit appeal over points deduction blow

RAMSGATE boss Jim Ward says he only wants players who will “run through a brick wall” for him, as the club bid to maintain their Ryman Premier League status, writes Stephen McCartney.

That rallying cry comes in the wake of Lee Minshull’s departure to Tonbridge Angels last night.

The 23-year-old midfielder interested Kent rivals Maidstone United, but opted for a move to Longmead Stadium instead.

The Rams issued the following statement, concerning the midfielder’s shock departure.

“The club has been seeking unsuccessfully to negotiate terms for next season with Lee,” said the statement, issued on www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk.

“However, upon learning that he had been speaking to other clubs without our knowledge during his recent injured spell and refusing to commit to the Rams for next season, we have allowed him to speak to Maidstone United and Tonbridge Angels who have expressed an interest in the midfielder’s contract.

“We have heard from Lee that he has decided to join Tonbridge and we wish him good luck.”

Ward, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight, added, “I’ve got all the rest of the lads, who would run through a brick wall for me. I can’t have anyone who won’t go through a brick wall for me and obviously Lee didn’t.”

The Rams have twelve games left to maintain their Ryman Premier League status, and at present are one place above the drop zone on 28 points.

However, if the club lose their appeal over the four-point deduction, then the Rams would be sitting in a very precarious position - second-from-bottom - just three points above Saturday’s opponents, Heybridge Swifts.

The Essex side arrive at Southwood Stadium on Saturday and Ward knows how important it is to claim all three points so if they do lose four points at a later date, it won’t harm them too much.

Ramsgate’s statement added, “The club has lodged an Appeal with the FA against the League’s decision to deduct four points owing to an alleged breach of League Rule 6.8,” added the statement.

“A copy of the Appeal has been sent to the League.

“The FA has confirmed receipt of the Appeal and have advised that the Hearing will be in 3-6 weeks time.”

Back on the pitch, Ward admitted he’s finding it difficult to sign a replacement for Minshull.

“We’re after a few players now. It’s difficult to sign players any time of the year,” he said.

Despite being rooted to the foot of the table, Heybridge Swifts are a tough nut to crack, having conceded only 34 goals during 25 games.

“They’re good defensively,” said Ward. “We’re playing alright, we’ll just be nice and positive Saturday and give it a right good go.

When asked how more points his side need to collect to maintain their league status, Ward replied, “We need to get into the 40’s, it will be somewhere in the 40’s.”

Ryan Royston (ankle), Warren Schulz (knee) and Danny Walder (groin) are expected to miss the game through injury.

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

Ramsgate v Heybridge Swifts
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 14^th February 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Southwood Stadium, Prices Avenue, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 0AN