We'll come back even stronger next season, says Ramsgate chief Richard Lawson

Dixon and his assistant Darren Beale were both shown the door despite leading the team to a 2-1 home win over Tooting & Mitcham United, which prompted anger from players and supporters alike on social networking sites and internet message boards.

Chairman Paul Jefcoate issued a statement on Monday morning and confirmed that he has stood down from his role – after initially re-appointing Jim and Danny Ward, who both later turned the job down.

“We have spoken to Tim and he has confirmed that he and Darren would not be returning and so club captain Dean Hill has agreed to step in as caretaker manager with the assistance of Mark Weatherley,” said a club statement, which was posted on www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk.  

“A number of people have contacted the club already about the permanent position, but for now we want to see how Deano copes in his new role.”

The Rams went down to a 2-1 home defeat to struggling Whitstable Town last night in the pair’s first game in charge.

Striker Ian Pulman played in the game despite insisting on twitter that Saturday was his last game for the club.

“We understand that it has been a frustrating couple of days for fans,” added the club statement.

“However, the timing of the former chairman’s decision left us very little time to speak to each other and the key people involved, especially with so much rumour and gossip being transmitted on social media platforms overnight Saturday and Sunday.”

Richard Lawson, who stepped down as the club’s chairman after 25 years at the helm in August, also issued a statement on the fans’ forum.

“I’ve been watching recent events with some interest and would like to add some input to our supporters to help clarify where we are,” said Mr Lawson.

“Firstly when I stepped down in the close season I left leaving a number of recommendations for running the club.

“My way was very much more conservative than the enthusiastic path chosen by the new board.

“The new direction very much depended on success to be sustainable and whilst I argued against it, I must admit the fan in me wanted it to work and was eager to see it succeed.

 “The playing ability in the squad is far above its current position and Tim is quite right that inconsistency and injuries have cost us points and ultimately him his job.

“The team this year should have been challenging for honours, no doubt about that, so forget the talk of flowing football as clearly it’s only happened in patches.

“Some performances have been excellent whilst others below par.  Unfortunately too many of these have been at home. Running a football club is far more demanding than many of you can imagine and Paul and his board should be applauded for trying to bring the fans success.

“We now have a situation where Paul has stepped down and I am sorry to see him go.

“I do know that Paul personally has an awful lot on his plate at the moment and he certainly can do without the stress of running the club for a while.

“Having me with the board the position is way off a crisis and I’ve agreed to take a more hands on role until we are clear of any problems.

“I certainly see a bright future and had been working behind the scenes on non footballing matters to make sure of it.

“It’s time to pull our horns in, regroup and come back even stronger next season.

“Don’t forget running a football club is new to many people on the board and it will take them time for them to get it right, but they have my experience to draw on and more importantly the clubs best interests at heart and that is vital as we move forward.

“We are a massive club seriously under supported by the local area so keep the faith and thank you for your continued support.”

Axed Dixon, meanwhile, issued a statement on the club’s website and asked for supporters to stay loyal to their club.

“I’d just like to put on record that I would like to thank my staff, players and the fans for all the messages of support that you have shown me during my spell as manager of Ramsgate,” said Dixon.

“I go back to the day when Richard Lawson first asked me to get involved and I was honoured to take the position as manager of Ramsgate and I thank him for giving me the opportunity to carry this out.

“This season has been very difficult and another learning curve for me as I cut my managerial teeth.

“Sadly, it has ended being told that myself and Darren’s services were no longer required.

“There was an offer to return, but it didn’t materialise and we will now be looking for a new challenge.

“I must thank Darren Beale, Steve Nolan, Mark, Liam and Ken Harding for all their valuable time and support and all the hard work they put in.

“I was the manager, I picked the teams, the formation and how we played, and at times we haven’t been good enough and I don’t need somebody sitting behind a computer to tell me that.

“We have been massively inconsistent but I thank the players for all their efforts when playing under my management and I’ve enjoyed every minute of my time with them and wish them all the very best for the future.

“They play for a superb football club, who have slightly lost their way, but the thing to do now for players and supporters, is to back Dean Hill and Mark Weatherly as they try and get some stability at the club.

“The next few fixtures are very decent and let’s hope we can pick up a few more points.

“Good luck to everybody and don’t forget it’s Ben Laslett’s testimonial season – I won’t be hanging around like a bad smell, but I will be over to support a fantastic loyal player to Ramsgate FC.”

The Rams are in ninth-place in the Ryman League Division One South table with 47 points from 33 games, 9 points adrift of fifth-placed Hastings United, who occupy the last play-off berth.

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