Ward plots historic FA Trophy giantkilling

Wednesday 18th November 2009

RAMSGATE boss Jim Ward says he came very close to bringing striker Charlie Sheringham to Southwood Stadium a couple of years ago, writes Stephen McCartney.

Sheringham, now 21, banged in 26 goals in all competitions for Welling United last season, before opting for a move away from Park View Road during the close season and has already scored 14 goals for his new side, Bishop’s Stortford, ahead of Saturday’s FA Carlsberg Trophy third qualifying round showdown at Southwood Stadium.

“I tried to sign the boy Sheringham and I got very close to signing him,” Ward revealed to www.kentishfootball.co.uk today.

“I spoke to him and his father, it was about two years ago and Teddy was (playing) at Colchester at the time but in the end Charlie went to a league club. I’m not quite sure, I think it was in Finland or Iceland and he came back stronger from that and he went to Welling and the opportunity was missed.

“Of course now he’s done fantastically well, I think he’s the leading goalscorer in the country.”

Ward, however, insists his underdogs will snap at the heels of Bishop’s Stortford - a side that are in sixth place in the Blue Square South table - two divisions higher than the Thanet side.

“In the past we’ve got ourselves a bit organised,” said Ward. “We look resilient, a word that people keep using about us. I don’t know if it’s a backhanded compliment or what, I don’t know!

“A couple of people have said that Ramsgate are back to the Ramsgate of old. Well, we’ve not got the personnel of old and time will tell if these lads are as good as those lads that we had here before, but they’re certainly got a good opportunity to put a bit of history on the cards and make history.

“Ramsgate have never been in the first round of the FA Trophy.”

Ward has challenged his side to create the headlines and cause a major Trophy shock.

“It’s why we’re in the game,” said the Scot. “I know Dartford have Dover in the competition on Saturday, both of them are miles away from us at the moment.

“The biggest incentive we’ve got is to beat Bishop’s Stortford, they’re two divisions above us and are flying high in their league, so it will be a big scalp.”

Ward added: “Everyone’s fit, no-one’s suspended, everyone’s dying to get a shirt, obviously a couple will be disappointed but that’s life.

Meanwhile, club officials have issued a rallying cry to all Ramsgate supporters to create a unique bond with fellow fans and players at Southwood Stadium.

Secretary Martin Able urges supporters to utilise the clubhouse facilities instead of spending their hard-earned cash at local pubs.

“The clubhouse is the main source of income for the club,” Mr Able told the fans’ forum at www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk.

“If the clubhouse was better used then the club would be in a better financial position with a more secure future.

“If others choose to drink elsewhere than that is up to them, but to try and encourage others to do the same is damaging the club.”

Supporters are advised to arrive at Southwood Stadium early, as car-parking will be limited. All fans are welcomed to the clubhouse, which opens at 12 noon, with turnstiles opening at half-past-one.

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this game with Mike Green reporting.

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

Ramsgate v Bishop’s Stortford

FA Carlsberg Trophy Third Qualifying Round

Saturday 21st November 2009

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Southwood Stadium, Prices Avenue, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 0AN