Tony Russell leaves Ramsgate after only 26 days in charge of the club

RAMSGATE begin the search for a new management team following the departure of Tony Russell and his assistant Joe Vines yesterday evening.

The former Lewes pair were announced as Ramsgate’s new management team on Sunday 9 June but did not take charge of a single game for the Isthmian League South East Division runners-up.

“Tony Russell and his management team have left Ramsgate Football Club with immediate effect,” said a hasty statement on the club’s social media.

“The application process for this role is now open. If you are interested in this position please email chairman@ramsgate-fc.co.uk.”

The club cancelled last night’s home pre-season friendly against Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division side Kennington.

Russell was in charge of the club for 26 days and did not take charge of a single game of football during his short tenure.

Ramsgate parted company with Ben Smith on 7 June after failing to win promotion from the eighth-tier division, finishing runners-up to Cray Valley (Paper Mills) and losing in the play-offs at the semi-final stage for the second successive season.

Russell’s departure from the club came on the same day that Ashford United announced the signing of Lee Martin, 37, from the Rams and will join Danny Kedwell at Homelands Stadium and will be player coach.

The Nuts & Bolts have signed former Chatham Town goalkeeper, Mitchell Beeney, 28, midfielder Jack Saunders on a six-month loan deal from Dorking Wanderers, former Whitehawk left-back/left-midfielder Joey Taylor, 26, and former Charlton Athletic midfielder Mikey Berry.

Ramsgate officials, meanwhile, haven’t explained the reasons behind Russell’s departure, nor whom will be in charge for their home pre-season friendly against Kevin Stevens’ Bearsted on Tuesday 9 July.