Ward swoops for Oxford university bound defender

Saturday 20th June 2009

RAMSGATE boss Jim Ward has re-signed former Dover Athletic central defender Laurence Ball, writes Stephen McCartney.

Ball left Crabble at the end of last season to take up a Masters degree at Oxford University - but Ward has made a surprise move for the central defender, who started 38 games (1 as a substitute) and scored 4 goals for the runaway Ryman Premier League champions last season.

Ward, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk this evening, hails bringing Ball back to Southwood Stadium as a “massive signing.”

“There’s a few quirks to it because the lads at Oxford University so it won’t all be plane sailing but we’re trying to find a way where we can get round it,” said Ward.

“He will come and do the pre-season, I’ve got him until at least October and then we have to work out a plan - he’s Ramsgate’s player for the year.”

Ward knows Ball may find getting to midweek games a problem.

“It depends how many Tuesday night (games) we’ll have,” he said. “He won’t train with us, he’ll train up there.

“We’ll cross all those bridges when we get to them, it depends on all his courses, he doesn’t know yet, there’s a lot of talk still to go on but he’s our player.”

Ball originally joined the Rams whilst on loan from Dover Athletic during the 2007-09 season, making eight appearances before the Whites recalled him as a result of defender Liam Quinn moving to Whitstable Town.

But he was an instrumental player during last season when Andy Hessenthaler's side comfortably sealed promotion into Blue Square South.

“He’s a top man, he loved it when he was with us before,” said Ward. “He got in touch and said he’ll do it all again. The boys love him and they’re so delighted for him to be back.

“He just wants to be a part of the club, he loves the atmosphere and everything that Ramsgate Football Club is all about.”

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