We had some great times at Ramsgate before and we want them again, says Jim and Danny Ward

RAMSGATE have unveiled the return of Jim and Danny Ward as joint-managers.

 

The Southwood Stadium club controversially decided not to keep Simon Halsey at the helm on Wednesday – despite keeping the club in the Ryman League Division One South with 48 points from 46 games, three points clear of East Grinstead Town, who finished in the relegation zone.

The club issued a 43-word statement following the departure of the former Herne Bay, Lordswood and Fisher boss.

“The club would like to thank Simon Halsey for everything he did for the club this season including us keep our Ryman status.

“We wish him all the best for the future and he will always be a welcome guest at Southwood.”

Speculation has been rife in recent weeks that the Ward brothers were to leave Whitstable Town to make an emotional return to Ramsgate.

They guided Whitstable to their best ever campaign in the Ryman League, finishing in eighth-place on 71 points, ten points adrift of the play-off zone.

A Whitstable statement said: “We regret to announce that Jim and Danny Ward have left the club to join Ramsgate.



BACK HOME: Danny and Jim Ward took Ramsgate up from the Kent League to the Ryman Premier League play-offs when they were defeated in the rain at Staines Town in the semi-finals during their last spell at Southwood Stadium.
Photo: Ramsgate FC

“We thank them for their efforts here over the past year and are disappointed they have chosen to move.”

Ramsgate then broke the news on their Facebook page, issuing the following statement.

“The club shortlisted five people it wished to talk to regarding the manager’s position.

“Four candidates have been interviewed over the last 24 hours and the fifth withdrew from the running.

“Jim and Danny Ward have returned back to Southwood as joint-managers.

“With their successful credentials ranging from winning leagues, cups and turning clubs fortunes around it was an easy decision for the club to make. Welcome back to the club.”

The Ward brothers issued a joint-statement on the club’s website www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk.

“It was a difficult decision leaving Whitstable as the fans and club were great to us in what was a very enjoyable season,” they said.

“But when Ramsgate came in for us this week we bought into the challenge that they have set and their ambitious plans.

“Going forward with their vibrant board and plans for the next few years’ ahead it was too difficult to turn down.

“Our first task is to stabilise the club and get away from the bottom half of the league.

“We also want everyone pulling in the same direction and enjoying football again.

“Every player from last season will be asked to return to pre-season and will be trying to win a shirt for the forthcoming season.

“We had some great times here before and we want them again. Everyone at the club thoroughly enjoyed those times and wants them to return.

“The club knows the recipe for success and we now start our journey to push the club onto better things.”

Visit Ramsgate’s website: www.ramsgatefc-co.uk.