New Ramsgate manager Simon Halsey is determined to ensure he will still be at Southwood at the start of next season.

The former Herne Bay boss has been put in charge until the end of the current campaign following Dean Hill’s decision to quit last Friday but said: “From what I have seen so far, it’s a well-run club and I certainly want to be here next season.”

Halsey took charge for the first time in last Saturday’s 5-2 defeat at Folkestone Invicta.
The relegation-threatened Rams suffered their fifth successive defeat but Halsey insisted: “Although Folkestone are a good side, the score flattered them and I take a lot of positives from the game.

“But if anyone thinks I have got a magic wand and that things are going to improve dramatically overnight, they had better think again.

"The hard work starts now and everyone is going to have to pull together but I’m confident we will stay up.”

Halsey, who won the Kent League title and two Kent League Cups during his time in charge of Herne Bay, added: “I’ll be looking to bring a decent style of football – I’m not saying they haven’t been playing that because I haven’t seen them but I’ll be going back to how I played at Herne Bay.

“It’s something myself and the backroom staff will have to work on. It’s a fresh start for everyone.”

Halsey started the season as joint manager of Southern Counties East League Fisher but quit before Christmas and is relishing the chance of being in sole charge again. He confirmed that Richard Langley, Hill’s assistant manager, will be staying at Southwood.

Ramsgate chairman Phil Fennell said when announcing Hill’s departure: “This has been a difficult decision for the whole board as not one member wanted Dean to leave but all agreed some fresh ideas were needed at this difficult and frustrating time.

“On a personal note. I would like to thank Dean for an enjoyable working relationship and would like to praise his dedication to improving the club and team."

Halsey’s first home game in charge will be a crucial Kent derby on Saturday against Hythe Town, who are only two places above Rams.