ACE JOE GIVES TONY BOOST

New Rams boss keeps star striker on board

- Matthew Nash

TONY RUSSELL insists promotion hasn’t even been mentioned after he took over at ambitious Ramsgate – and revealed keeping the club’s all-time record goalscorer Joe Taylor for next season had been one of his priorities.

Russell left Lewes after three years in charge at the Dripping Pan last month and took the reins at Isthmian South East runners-up the Rams last weekend following the exit of previous manager Ben Smith.

The Kent side have finished second in the Step 4 division in the past two seasons, failing to go up through the play-offs, and will be among the favourites for promotion to the Premier in 2024-25.

Russell hopes they can make it third time lucky after agreeing to take over at the WW Martin Community Stadium, although he claims his discussions with chairman James Lawson did not even feature the “P” word amid speculation about having a budget available that will allow him to try to win the title.