Ramsgate boss Lloyd Blackman: If you’re like me then it only takes a few days and already the toes start tapping and the fingers clicking not knowing what to do with yourself at 3pm on a Saturday

RAMSGATE manager Lloyd Blackman says he has kept the bulk of his young squad together for next season.

The Rams finished in sixteenth-place in the Bostik South Division last season after collecting 54 points from their 46 league games.

“If you’re like me then it only takes a few days and already the toes start tapping and the fingers clicking not knowing what to do with yourself at 3pm on a Saturday,” Blackman told www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk.

“However, since the season finished a little over three weeks ago I’ve been finalising our plans for pre-season, as well as speaking to players I wish to sign.

“The good news is everyone else will be back for next season. Aaron Millbank, Tom Chapman and Jake Mackenzie all signed new deals, as well as youngsters Rory Smith, Billy Munday and Tijan Jadama.

“With the benefit of these young players now having completed a full season and being better for the experience, I also feel it’s important to keep the squad fresh and I have identified my targets for the forthcoming campaign.

“One player we won’t be seeing here next season is young Alfie Paxman, whose contract expired in the summer and was free to talk to other clubs. Despite our best efforts to keep Alfie here we were unfortunately unsuccessful and a move to Folkestone was agreed. I wish the kid all the success in the world. He has a fantastic work ethic and I look forward to keeping a close eye on his development.

“We currently have six pre-season friendlies arranged against some challenging opposition and I hope to announce possibly another couple more.

“Like last season, my players underwent fitness tests before our final game against East Grinstead and I trust them to look after themselves during the break.

“It’s very important for the boys to rest and relax, not just physically but also mentally, because when we arrive back on the 30th June our sole focus is to hit the ground running and waste no time in preparing for August 11th!”

HYTHE TOWN manager Sam Denly has signed highly-rated midfielder Jack Sammoutis, 24, from Walton Casuals.

The Cannons have also been busy in the summer transfer market by snapping up goalkeeper George Kamurasi (Ashford United) and striker Junior Aikhionbare (Greenwich Borough).

Three players have signed new contracts to stay with the club; defender Mitchell Dickenson; midfielder Chris Kinnear and winger Kieron Campbell.

Connor Sanders has re-signed for Hythe Town too.

Two players have departed, captain Ryan Johnson, and Defender Callum Emptage has re-signed for league rivals East Grinstead Town.

SITTINGBOURNE have retained the services of Fabrice Blewordah, Harry Brooks, Josh Dorling, Reiss Crimmen, Chris Elliott, Tom Loynes, Kane Rowland and Chris Webber next season.

SEVENOAKS TOWN manager Micky Collins is preparing for his clubs debut Bostik South East Division campaign after winning the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division title in April.

The Oaks have signed defender Sam Crabb from Crowborough Athletic, left-back Jake McIntyre from Thamesmead Town and central defender Rob Saunders from Sheppey United.

Midfielder Jason Thompson has left the club owing to work commitments but Greg Benbow, Billy Bennett, Brett Ince, Jack Miles, Kenny Pogue, Frankie Sawyer, Osman Proni, Tom Ripley have all stayed as the club embarks on their 38-match Bostik South East Division campaign.

WHITSTABLE TOWN manager Scott Porter has confirmed that Dan Eason, John Walker, Josh Burchell, Stuart West, Rob Gilman, Tom Bryant, Teddy Nelson, James Morrish, Chris Saunders, Louis Sprosen, Ricky Freeman, Shaun Welford and Charlie Smith have committed themselves to the club next season.

Striker Danny Williams can be added to the list, although work commitments may limit his availability and midfielder Macauley Murray is taking some time out to go travelling. 

Central defender Craig Cloke has now retired so will not be at the newly-promoted Bostik South East Division club next season.

“Scott is currently in the process of adding three or four new players and the backroom staff will also be returning.

“The Whitstable Town Academy will be entering its second year and hopefully will continue to produce players for the first team squad, as it did successfully during the past season,” added a club statement.