We have not broken any rules

THE Ryman League have charged Ramsgate with having more than the maximum of players on short term loan for three recent games - despite one becoming permanent before the end of the loan, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Southwood Stadium club will be fined and can expect four points to be deducted from their points tally - leaving Jim Ward’s side inside the relegation zone.

A statement issued by the Thanet club said, “Ramsgate have been charged by the League, by including three players on short term loan on the teamsheet for the games against Margate,
Dartford and Tonbridge.

“They have exceeded the maximum of two permitted and so played an illegible player and are in breach of Rule 6.4.6.

“Rule 6.4.4 clearly states that short term loan transfers that become permanent before their expiry date shall not count against a club’s quota of days or players and with (goalkeeper) Jamie Turner falling into the category (as had always been the intention), the club do not believe that any breach of rules has occurred.

“The hearing originally due to be held later this week was brought forward by the League last Friday to Tuesday morning and was heard at The Football Association’s offices in Soho Square.

“The club’s response to the charge was considered and dismissed by the League, with the 4 points resulting from the matches in question deducted and a fine imposed.

“The club is now considering whether to appeal to the FA.”

If the league table was adjusted today, Ramsgate can expect to drop four places to second-bottom in the Ryman Premier League on 23 points.

Club secretary, Martin Able, speaking to www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk, beleives the club have done nothing wrong.

He said: “Jamie Turner is a permanent member of the club and is under contract to Ramsgate.

“His loan from Welling United, to enable him to play for us while we negotiated his contract, was up to and including 28^th January, so if he hadn’t already joined on a permanent basis he would still be on loan now.

“As he has become permanent before his loan expired, which was always out intention, it was our understanding that he would not be counted as part of our quota, as set out in rule 6.4.4., and this view was confirmed by legal advice.

“A lot of time and effort has been put into the club’s defence of the charge, while continuing with the day-to-day running of the club, and the League’s decision is difficult to comprehend.

“We will have to wait for the written decision to see the reasons they put forward before considering whether it is worth spending more time and money pursuing it with the FA.”

Three Ryman League clubs have already had the rule book thrown at them this season.

Dulwich Hamlet were deducted three points in the Ryman One South and in the Northern section, Maldon Town (three points) and Potters Bar Town (one) have also suffered a reduction.

Ramsgate, meanwhile, have re-arranged their Kent Senior Cup quarter-final re-match with Thamesmead Town for Tuesday, 17^th February.

However, just before the whistle for the second half, three of the floodlight columns at Southwood Stadium went out last night, owing to a failed fuse in a local sub-station. The score was 0-0 at the time.

Quotes courtesy of www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk

Ramsgate v Dover Athletic
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 31^st January 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Southwood Stadium, Prices Avenue, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 0AN