Ollie's staying unless we get the right offer, says Ward - EXCLUSIVE

Ramsgate boss Jim Ward, whose just returned from his holiday to America this morning, parades his seven summer signings during Wednesday night’s showpiece opening pre-season friendly, writes Stephen McCartney.

League One side Gillingham provide the opposition as the Ryman Premier League hosts officially open their floodlights, which were erected at Southwood Stadium last summer.

Nick Davis (signed from Fisher Athletic), Steffan Ball (back after a year’s travelling), Ben Laslett (recovered from a troublesome hip injury), Sam Vallance (Dover Athletic) and the trio signed from rivals Margate, Scott Holden, Dan Dolton and Danny Wisker, will all feature.

“Ronnie Jepson’s bringing down his full first-team squad, so I can only play the lads who deserve to play,” a jet-lagged Ward said EXCLUSIVLEY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk this morning.

“All the lads that have done all the training will play the game,” he added as the players have been put through their paces by assistant manager Danny Ward and newly appointed coach Steve Butler whilst the manger’s been away.

Ward, who insists his players will give their usual “honest endeavour” against their professional opponents, wants Southwood Stadium packed.

He said: “It’s massive, it is what it is. It gives Ramsgate supporters and Gillingham supporters a chance to see both club’s new faces.”

Star midfielder Michael Yianni has opted for a move to Margate, whilst James Gregory and Akwasi Edusei have also left the Thanet club.

And Ward, whose aiming to better last season’s ninth placed finish, explained the latest situation with want away defender Ollie Schulz.

The home-grown contracted player submitted a transfer request last month, as he wanted to “play at a higher level of football,” but Ward revealed that Ryman League Division One South promotion chasers Dover Athletic are interested.

“I’ve spoken to Jim Parmenter about it,” said Ward. “I told the Dover chairman exactly what the situation was.

“That was over a week ago. He told me he’d get back to me, either him or Andy Hessenthaler, and I’m still waiting for a phone call - I’ve heard nothing.

“The goalposts have moved. I haven’t spoken to Ollie as I’ve come back from holiday and (chairman) Richard Lawson is away.

“But at the moment he plays for Ramsgate Football Club and unless someone comes in for the right offer, he will be at Ramsgate next year.”

Dover Athletic’s player-manager Andy Hessenthaler recently told www.doverathletic.com :” He’s a player who I’ve had good reports about for the past year or so.

“We’re hoping to make a bid but we’re not going to pay silly money - but he’s a player we would like.

“He’s a centre-half but it’s all going to come down to money, so we’ll have to wait and see.”

Meanwhile, Ramsgate officials would like to emphasise that admission prices for the match have been reduced to £6 (adults), £4 (concessions) and £1 (under 16s).

Turnstiles will open at 6pm.

In other news, Ramsgate’s reserve team manager, Richard Langley wants to hear from teams that want to host his side in warm-up matches.

Richard can be contacted on 07917 527 460 - please mention www.kentishfootball.co.uk when contacting him and let us know the arrangements.

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

Ramsgate v Gillingham
Pre-Season Friendly
Wednesday 11^th July 2007
Kick Off 7:30pm
At Southwood Stadium, Prices Avenue, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 0AN