Ramsgate part ways with Ben Smith after failing to win promotion

RAMSGATE have mutually agreed to part company with manager Ben Smith this morning.

The Rams finished runners-up to Cray Valley (Paper Mills) in the Isthmian League South East Division, picking up 28 wins, five draws and five defeats from their 38 games.

However, Steve McKimm’s side picked up six more points, having lost just once in the eighth-tier division and Ramsgate lost 1-0 at home to Chichester City in the Play-Off Semi-Finals and went on to seal promotion after thrashing Three Bridges 5-0 in the Final.

“We would like to thank Ben for all his hard work over the past year,” said a club statement.

“For many, the 2023-24 season will live long in the memory. Ben guided the Rams to the FA Cup Second Round, a feat no other manager in our history has achieved.

“Ben will forever be welcomed at the club and we wish him every success in the future.”

Smith, who has previously managed Canterbury City and Herne Bay, said in a statement: “It’s been a year with such hugely memorable moments and times on and off the pitch that I will never forget.

“The level of performances from the players has been incredible and to produce one of the club’s best seasons ever and one in a style that the whole club can be proud of.

“The players have been great role models to the hundreds of youth players at the club and I am sure this will have a lasting impact on many.

“Ramsgate is an unbelievable club from top to bottom and it has been a pleasure to work alongside James (Lawson, chairman), the directors and the army of volunteers and supporters who have given me and the players such incredible backing home and away.  It was always valued and appreciated and won’t be forgotten.

“I was desperate to bring you all the promotion that the club is craving for and I am gutted that our season didn’t quite finish how we wanted, which is something that will always haunt me.”

Smith had made one summer signing so far, bringing in former Hythe Town wing-back Aaron Barnes, 27.

Visit Ramsgate’s website: www.ramsgatefc.co.uk