Whoever wants to stand in front of me I want to beat them, says Sittingbourne joint-boss Jim Ward
The most successful manager in Ramsgate’s history makes an emotional return to Southwood Stadium to take on Tim Dixon’s side for the first time since his departure last April.
Sittingbourne go into the eagerly-awaited showdown sitting in eighth-place in the Ryman League Division One South table, with six wins and three draws from thirteen games, one place above Ramsgate, who have the same playing record.
Sittingbourne defeated Tooting & Mitcham United 2-0 at the weekend, courtesy of goals from long-serving stalwart Hicham Akazaan and Kent’s leading goalscorer, Ryan Golding.
Ward said: “It was a tough game. I think they’re full of so many experienced players, a lot of Premiership players, even the Premiership itself, players who played for Blackburn. They’ve got a lot of experience in their team. I’m sure they’ll end up around the play-offs. They’ve been on a great run and I can see why.
“Fair play to my lads, they were excellent on Saturday. Although Tooting had a lot of the ball we contained them to one or two chances and we were a threat going forward. It was a result we deserved.”
Ward is delighted how things have progressed so far this season on limited funds.
“We’re ahead of schedule to be honest with you,” said Ward.
“When me and Danny (Ward) took over in the summer the plan was a two-year plan, maybe a three-year plan to see where we could take this club and we’re ahead of schedule.
“We don’t really expect to be around the play-offs at the end of the season. We expect to be around midtable somewhere. I think that’s as good as what we are!
“There’s only three or four players left from last season and the ones that have are left are delighted with the change because they’re proper Sittingbourne players, especially Hicham Akhazzan, Luke Girt and Jon Hogg. They’ve been asked to leave (with offers from other clubs) but they’ve stayed loyal to the cause and I’m pleased for them.”
Ward hopes he receives a warm welcome from the Southwood faithful on Tuesday night.
“I could sit here and say no I haven’t been looking forward to it – but yes, the reason I’m looking forward to it is because I live around the corner in Broadstairs,” said Ward.
“You’ve got to remember I’ve left Ramsgate before and came back with Maidstone. It’s not the first time that I’ve actually had to do this.
“It’s another three points. They’ve got the same number of points as us and played the same number of games and we’re beating them by one goal.
“Can we stay above them? That’s the main thing. It’s a game of football that I’d take pleasure out of winning, that’s for sure.
“Ramsgate can add as much spice as they want – I see it as three points!
“Me and Danny, I hope we’ll get the respect we’ve earned. Over the years we won them enough trophies over the years.”
Ward said he will enjoy the social side with some good friends after the game.
“I’ve got good pals there. Richard Lawson (the chairman), Paul Jefcoate, the vice-chairman, the groundsman, Martin Jefferys are all very good friends of mine. It will be nice to see them to have a drink with them. Edward Lucas is a top man as well so it would be nice to have a drink with them win, lose or draw.”
Ward, though, would like to be celebrating a Sittingbourne victory.
He said: “It’s my competitive edge and Danny’s competitive edge. I can only see games to win games, that’s all I want to do.
“Whoever wants to stand in front of me I want to beat them. Tomorrow night makes no difference. Alright, it’s got more of an edge because me and Danny have been there, it’s one of those things.”
Sittingbourne welcome Merstham to Bourne Park on Saturday. The Surrey side are presently in 12th place in the table and they are managed by former Bromley boss Hayden Bird.
Ramsgate v Sittingbourne
Ryman League Division One South
Tuesday 20th November 2012
Kick Off 7:45pm
at Southwood Stadium, Prices Avenue, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 0AN