Ramsgate sack Justin Luchford after eight games in charge

Luchford, 37, took charge of the club for their goal-less draw away to Three Bridges on 22 March 2013 and the club finished in 12^th place in the Ryman League Division One South table with 62 points from 46 games.

The Rams won three, lost four and drew one during Luchford’s short time in charge at Southwood Stadium.

The club issued a statement on their club website www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk, which said: “The board has announced the departure of Justin Luchford as first team manager, following several discussions over the past few days and a meeting earlier in the week.

“In light of recent events the Board has decided to ask Justin to step down, as it felt the club was moving away from the commitment to local talent that is fundamental to the structure it has put in place.

“The Board is convinced that the best way forward at this time is to put a younger more local manager in charge and understands that although this may seem an unusual move at an important time, it was only fair to tell Justin now before he puts his plans into action.

“Bearing in mind the difficulties the club experienced last year and the giant strides subsequently made, the Board is confident this change will reinforce the long-term future of the club in conjunction with the new initiatives that are also being introduced.

“The Board will be confirming new arrangements next week after the Bank Holiday, and wish Justin all the best for the future.”
 
Meanwhile, striker Ian Pulman, who scored 24 goals for Ramsgate last season, has put pen to paper to sign for their league rivals Whitstable Town today. 

The Oystermen are now jointly-managed by Jim and Danny Ward, who took Ramsgate out of the Kent League towards the Ryman Premier League play-offs during their time at Southwood Stadium.

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