Ramsgate unveil Dean Hill as their new manager

Monday 26th May 2014

RAMSGATE have unveiled Dean Hill as their new player-manager.

The Ryman League Division One South club has confirmed that Hill, who took over as caretaker manager for six games in February, has been appointed first team manager with immediate effect.

Defender and club captain Hill told www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk: “I’m delighted to take the full time position as manager at Ramsgate FC.

“I feel passionate about the current squad of players and with a few additions, that are right for the club, we can really push on this year.

“I will be a player/manager next season and to ensure I can focus on playing I will have two experienced coaches I have known for a long time with me.

“I have brought in Paul Murray, who is a full-time professional coach and he is someone I trust and respect; he will motivate and coach the team to work/win together as a unit.

“Richard Langley has also agreed to remain at the club and his knowledge and professionalism will support us during the week with all decisions.

“Finally, on the player front, I want to ensure we keep the close knit feel that we have previously had.”

One of Hill’s first tasks will be to finish assembling the squad for the new season, which will include reviewing some of the signings that have not been announced by the club so far.

A Ramsgate club statement said: “Dean, who gave an excellent interview and ran a very close second to Justin Luchford back in March, retains the assistance of Richard Langley in his previous role, but brings in new coach Paul Murray (who fans may know better as a former pro-footballer and the most recent manager of Deal Town, and before that the man who brought Canterbury City into the Kent League, as well as being the head coach for Crystal Palace’s South East Kent Development Centre).

Deal Town confirmed that Murray received, “an offer he couldn’t refuse,” to join Hill at Southwood Stadium.

Ramsgate parted company with manager Justin Luchford, 37, after only eight games in charge of the club, on Sunday.

The Southwood Stadium outfit said that, “it felt the club was moving away from the commitment to local talent that is fundamental to the structure it has put in place.

“The Board is convinced that the best way forward at this time is to put a younger more local manager in charge.”

Murray left Deal Town yesterday to form Hill’s management team at Southwood Stadium.

A statement said: “The Deal Town Football Club Board of Directors were informed yesterday that Paul Murray has stepped down from his position.

“Paul stated that he had received an offer from Ramsgate FC that he could not refuse.

“We would like to thank Paul for all his efforts during his short time at the club and wish him all the best for the future.”

Deal Town begin the search for a new manager and said that it will be a tough job for the new man at the helm at The Charles Sports Ground.

They finished in thirteenth-place (bottom five) in the Southern Counties East Football League last season, having collected 9 wins and 2 draws from their 32 games.

The statement said: “This now leaves the club in the position of having to recruit a new first team manager.

“While the club is in a stable position, due to the hard work and commitment of the board of directors and our loyal band of volunteers, we are not in a position to have a large playing budget like many clubs, so it will be a difficult job for the new manager.

“With the plans for the new clubhouse now moving along at a much greater rate the work that is carried out behind the scenes, we believe that the club has a bright future but it will not be easy to get where we need to be.

“We now have a thriving youth section with four teams under 10 years of age and will be running the under 16 side in conjunction with Deal Town Rangers.

“Let’s be positive and work to take the club forward.”

Visit Ramsgate’s website: www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk

Visit Deal Town’s website: http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/dealtown