Ward: I'm happy with my budget - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Ramsgate have today confirmed the signing of defender Ryan Bernard and manager Jim Ward has admitted the 20-year-old, whose signed from Cheshunt will have to fight for a place in the side, writes Stephen McCartney.

Bernard becomes the newly promoted Ryman Premier League’s side’s second summer signing, joining the Southwood Stadium outfit from Southern Premier League side Cheshunt, where he scored four goals last season.
 
He joined Cheshunt from Carshalton Athletic and started his career as a YTS at Bury, where he spent two and a half years before playing five games for Hastings United before switching to the Colston Avenue club.
 
Rams boss Jim Ward, whose led the Thanet club to back-to-back championships, is pleased to have got his man, and is expected to add a midfielder to his squad next week, having captured striker Warren Waugh from Leatherhead recently.

Speaking about Bernard’s capture, Ward told www.kentishfootball.co.uk : "I needed a defender, he came into what we were looking for, which was a player with experience.  He’s a young lad and he can play anywhere across the back four. 

“I think he’ll give us a bit more stability.  First of all he’s got to get a shirt.
 
“Cheshunt wanted to keep him but I’ve gone in and got him and signed him on a two-year contract.”

Ward is expected to bring in one more player – a midfielder – next week and the Scot will be happy with three new signings as they prepare for life in the Ryman Premier League.

But Ward expects his budget, although increased from last season, will be amongst the lowest in their division.
 
“The budget allows me three new signings,” he said.  “The budget was increased, I was given a bit of budget but not enough to frighten the other teams in the Ryman Premier.
 
“I’m hoping that’s the only table we’ll be bottom of next year – but I’m happy with the budget I’ve been set.”