We've signed ambitious footballers who want to succeed at Ramsgate, says joint-manager Danny Ward

RAMSGATE have confirmed that seven players have committed their future to the club.

Ever-present goalkeeper Luke Watkins, captain Joe Kane and fans favourite striker Ian Pulman are key members of this season’s Ramsgate side that are pushing for a place in the Ryman League Division One South play-offs.

They have all signed on for next season with the following season an added option.

Joint-manager Danny Ward told www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk: “This is another great thing for the football club. We are building for the future here at Southwood and I’m pleased such important dressing room characters having signed up for the future.”

Winger Tom Loynes, full-back Jake MacKenzie and midfielder Luke Girt have also put pen to paper.

Ward added: “These guys are ambitious footballers who want to succeed.  They see what Jim and I are building here at Ramsgate FC and want to be a part of that.

“On and off the pitch this club has progressed this season and we will continue that. 

“I’m pleased these seven have signed up and we expect more to commit.”

The seventh player to commit is Kane Smith, a young centre back who has managed to break through into the first team in 2015 and has kept his place alongside Kane.

Smith’s performances and stature have grown with each game, arguably his best coming against Carshalton Athletic, when he received the man-of-the-match award for his defensive display.

Ramsgate have always been a club that gives local youngsters a chance to shine in the Ryman League.

Ward added: "Liam (Taylor, under 21s manager) is doing a fantastic job bringing through the young footballers. Our youth system provides a pathway for young local footballers. We have a highly rated U16s side too.

"Things are looking good for the future on and off the field. It just goes to show we are the club that will give youth a chance.”

Ramsgate’s 8-1 home win over relegation threatened Peacehaven & Telscombe on Saturday puts them in fourth-place in the table on 61 points from 36 games.

The club expect more senior players to commit to the club and they travel to 12-placed Carshalton Athletic on Saturday.

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