Ward: I'm reaping the rewards of local talent (EXCLUSIVE)

Ramsgate manager Jim Ward has added another local talent to his squad as they aim to move three points clear at the summit of the Ryman League Division One table with victory at strugglers Newport IOW on Wednesday night, writes Stephen McCartney.

Ian Pulman, 21, was a YTS at Chelsea from the age of sixteen until he moved to Gillingham 18 months later, where he picked up a knee injury.

After this setback he played for Ramsgate’s under eighteen’s and Margate, whilst they were playing Conference football.

The striker remained on Margate’s books whilst on loan to Eastbourne, Folkestone Invicta and Erith & Belvedere, and returns to the Southwood Stadium outfit after playing in the Southern League with Dartford.

Ward was delighted that Pulman decided to leave the Darts, especially as the North Kent club are in the process of building their new Princes Park Stadium.

“He’s local, he’s one of the better local payers and it’s Ramsgate’s aim to get every local top player in the Thanet area,” he said.

“So he’s been invited to come along and see what he can add to Ramsgate.”

The former Maidstone United boss, who like Pulman is in his second spell with the club, admitted he is “reaping the rewards” for the club’s excellent youth set-up.

The Scot explained: “We know we can only cut our cloth accordingly. This was decided four or five years ago that Ramsgate were going to go down this road. So I’ve continued the trend that’s all and I’m reaping the rewards for what other people have done before me.”

Pulman will be added to the squad for their trip across the Solent, but Ward will be blooding some more local talent as he will be without Dean Hill, Mark Munday, Shane Suter and Stuart Vahid who can’t make the trip through work commitments.

Ward, however, remains upbeat with their chances. He said: “We’ll go there nice and positive. It’s a chance to get three points away from Horsham, who are our nearest challenges if you like.

“I feel every three points we get now are very important. It’s the business end of the season now and we have an opportunity tomorrow night to go three points clear.

“I expected to be in the top six and there and there abouts and we are in the top six. I’ve got plenty of faith and ability in my coaching staff, myself and players.”

The Rams entertain Fleet Town at Southwood Stadium on Saturday (3pm).