Ward brothers walk away for return to rivals

Jim and Danny Ward are vowing to bring the good times back to Ramsgate after rejoining the club from Ryman South rivals Whitstable Town on Friday.

The brothers, who were on a short-list of five candidates to replace Simon Halsey following his departure from the Southwood Stadium on Wednesday, took the Rams from the Kent League to the Ryman League's Premier Division play-offs during their previous time at the helm from 2004 to 2012.

In a statement on the Rams website announcing their return, the Wards, pictured alongside with new Rams director Simon Pettit, said: "It was a difficult decision leaving Whitstable Town as the fans and club were great to us in what was a very enjoyable season but when Ramsgate came in for us this week we bought into the challenge that they have set and their ambitious plans.

"Everything about the club is so positive. I know they had a really hard season, but hopefully we can turn that around. Going forward with their young, vibrant board and plans for the next few years ahead, it was too difficult to turn down.

"Our first task is to stabilise the club and get away from the bottom half of the league, we also want to get everyone pulling in the same direction and enjoying football again. Every player from last season will be asked to return to pre-season and will be trying to win a shirt for the forthcoming season."

He added: "We had some great times here before and we want them again. The club knows the recipe for success and we now start our journey to push the club onto better things.”

Thanking their former manager Halsey for his work, a Rams spokesman said: "The club would like to thank Simon Halsey for everything he did for the club this season including helping us keep our Ryman status. We wish him all the best for the future and he will always be a welcome guest at Southwood."

Whitstable Town, now on the look-out to appoint a new manager at the Belmont, issued a brief statement on Friday confirming the news and wishing the Wards well.

The Oystermen said: "We regret to announce that Jim and Danny Ward have left the club to join Ramsgate. We thank them for their efforts here over the past year and are disappointed they have chosen to move."

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