Budget cuts forced me to leave Ramsgate, reveals Royston

DEFENDER Ryan Royston says budget cuts were the reason behind his release from relegation threatened Ramsgate a couple of days ago, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Rams were defeated 1-0 at home to fellow strugglers Hastings United at the weekend, a result that now leaves them ten points adrift of safety, and the club have been forced to slash their budget with relegation pending with only six games left to beat the drop.

Royston, posting a message on the fans’ forum at www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk, revealed he has been told to find another club following a meeting with manager Jim Ward and chairman Richard Lawson.

“Jim Ward rang and left me an answer phone message on Monday morning asking me to find another club due to budget cuts,” he said.

“He said he had just come out of a meeting with the chairman and that wages would have to be slashed.

“He explained he was ringing to let me know so that I could find another club before the transfer deadline at the end of the month.”

Striker Jay May has also left Southwood Stadium, and he made a goalscoring return to Dartford last night, as Tony Burman’s side picked up a point in a 1-1 draw at home to Harlow Town.

Meanwhile, Rams boss Jim Ward has signed Herne Bay based Sam Callander, a prolific goalscorer, from the youth set-up at Blue Square Premier outfit Ebbsfleet United.

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

Tooting & Mitcham United v Ramsgate
Ryman Premier League
Wednesday 28^th March 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Imperial Fields, Bishopsford Road, Morden, Surrey SM4 6BF