I think it was down to the chairman, we had a couple of meetings and he sold the club to me and I like the way he is, says newly-appointed Ramsgate manager Adrian Pennock

RAMSGATE newly-appointed manager Adrian Pennock says he wants to bring a togetherness and excitement to the club after being appointed manager today.

 

The 55-year-old left their Isthmian League Premier Division rivals Dartford following the last game of the season on Saturday, losing 3-2 at home to now relegated side Cray Valley (Paper Mills).

The Darts finished in sixth-place in the seventh-tier division, having picked up 72 points (20 wins, 12 draws and 10 defeats), missing out on the play-offs by six points.

Ramsgate parted company with manager Lee Martin the day after losing the Velocity Trophy Final in extra-time to Wingate & Finchley and had to settle for a tenth-place finish (57 points – 15 wins, 12 draws and 15 defeats), having claimed the Isthmian League South East Division title under Ben Smith the previous season.

“I think it was down to the chairman to be honest with you,” said Pennock, when asked why he joined the Southwood Stadium big-hitters on the club’s social media.

“We’ve had a couple of meetings and he sold the club to me and I like the way he is, just the way his mannerisms and everything else and his ambition and also we’ve been here last season and I thought the supporters’ were fantastic, they really got behind their team and the bigger picture really.  I’m very proud to become your manager.

“It’s very exciting.  Wherever I’ve been, where I’ve been a manager, my team are high intensity, we’re on the front foot.  I love wingers, I love getting crosses in the box and I want physicality and excitement and I want to get bums off seats.

“I’m not one of these, if you look at the Premiership, to be honest, the Premiership bores me sometimes and even England sometimes bore me.  I’m a massive Ipswich Town fan through and through but I’m a great believer, people pay good money to come and watch football and whatever level it is and we’re here to entertain.

“But now it’s really important that the crowd do get behind us and I know that they will and I want them to come and enjoying Ramsgate Football Club.

“All my teams will be well-organised, they’ll be fit and they’ll be players that can roll up their sleeves and tackle and head it and put their head in where it hurts but there will be players that will be flair players as well, so we’ll get a nice mix but there will definitely be a togetherness on and off the pitch and that’s what I want with everybody here connected to Ramsgate Football Club.”

Pennock has brought with him his assistant manager from Princes Park, Roland Edge, 47,who has spent many years in the Isthmian League alongside the legendary Folkestone Invicta manager Neil Cugley before taking over the hot-seat at Cheriton Road alongside Micheal Everitt.

“I’m really looking forward to it.  (I’ve spoken to former Ramsgate striker Joe Taylor and he’s) always talked about the club and how passionate it is and stuff like that and that’s what I’m looking forward to join it and hopefully get it going,” said Edge.

“Ady is a fantastic coach to be honest. My experience in the (Isthmian Premier) League, I’ve been in it for such a long time now with Cugs.  Cugs was a great manager in this league.

“I know the players, I’ve always known that and that’s what I bring to Ady.  Ady’s spent some time in Brunei, came back, obviously he’s been National League, he was even coaching for Stoke in the Prem, so he knows the higher tiers but I’ve been in this for such a long time. I know the players and I know what they’re capable off and that knowledge is what I bring really.

“What I like about Ramsgate, the team that I saw last year, is that they’re passionate and they fight to the very, very end and the fans get right behind them and that’s a really nice thing to see.

“Our team (at Dartford) was very similar to that. I just think we want to add to that, keep that passion and see where it gets us.”

Ramsgate have re-appointed goalkeeper coach Les Cleevely – best remembered for his loyal service for Carshalton Athletic during his playing days – who has also arrived from Dartford – as well as Neil Withington (Fitness Coach/physio).

“I was more than happy to be in touch with James (Lawson, Ramsgate’s chairman). I got on well with him last time and I think the ambition that he has to move the club forward was impressive and in the short period of time I was here last time, the changes that happened with the junior section and getting the fans involved and getting the community involved was quite impressive,” said Cleevely.

“Ady is also ideal for James because I think he’s the perfect buffer, a little bit more experienced and someone that James can obviously lean on a little bit as well for advice.

“The changes here have been fantastic. I mean if you look at the ground and look at what’s going on (with kids playing football here during the week, an increase in attendances). It wasn’t when I was first here, the place was empty on an evening but in seven years, look at the changes, it’s pleasing to see.

“It’s great to see so many youngsters getting involved and all local youngsters as well.  It was quite impressive how many local players you’ve got in and around the first team and it’s important there’s a connection with the supporters and what’s going on at the club and it’s important a club like this has that connection with a local community. It’s so important.

“It’s fantastic to be back. I loved it down here anyway, I love the people down here. It’s just a good place to be.”

A club statement added: “Ramsgate FC are delighted to welcome Adrian Pennock as our new manager. 

“Ady joins the Rams after two strong seasons with Dartford FC, narrowly missing out on promotion and brings a wealth of experience from across the game as both a player and a manager.

“A promotion winner with Gillingham FC and a title-winning manager in Brunei, his track record speaks for itself.”

Visit Ramsgate’s website: www.ramsgatefc.co.uk