Stadium switch getting closer

The Rams are seeking to improve their facilities to help them progress and Lawson was upbeat about the progress of their plans in a weekend interview for the Thanet Gazette. Insisting that a move from the Southwood Stadium is a necessity, Lawson said he believed a move to a new stadium could come to fruition in the "short-term".

He said: "Our ground wasn't designed for modern-day transport in any way, shape or form. The car parking is inadequate, we're quite frankly a nuisance to the residents and we're aware of that. Somewhere with better access, car parking and facilities would be great for the whole area and certainly our fans.

"I hope it's a short-term thing now. I've spent the last 30 years looking for a new home for Ramsgate FC and we're getting near the end of that cycle now and something is going to come soon.

"You always take a pride when it's your local club and your local community. We've seen with both Ramsgate and Margate the public respond when we're doing well and you can only do well when you have the right facilities. Certainly a new ground for us would help the guys running it now move it forward."

After avoiding a relegation scrap this season, Lawson is also happy with how things have gone on the pitch under joint managers Jim Ward and Danny Ward and is already looking forward to the next campaign.

He added: "It's gone really well this year. Phil [Fennell] has come in as chairman, he's put new ideas in, we've got younger people involved now which is what I wanted. The exuberance of youth and we've got a bit of experience as well holding them back where they need to. We've done really well.

"Every club in this country says next year is going to be a good year. We've only just come short this year after a turbulent time last year so if we move forward by the same amount we'll certainly be up there challenging."

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