Some of Manchester United’s past stars offered their support to Ramsgate’s cause on Sunday.
A Red Devils’ Legends outfit, which included Luke Chadwick, Wes Brown and Lee Trundle, beat a Ramsgate XI - led by ex-manager Jim Ward - 6-2 at Southwood. Herne Bay boss Ben Smith and Mo Takaloo were on target for the Rams.
Tom Clifford celebrates his goal with Ramsgate team-mate Solomon Ogunwomoju in last weekend’s 2-0 pre-season friendly home win against Sittingbourne. Photo: Stuart Watson
Tom Clifford celebrates his goal with Ramsgate team-mate Solomon Ogunwomoju in last weekend’s 2-0 pre-season friendly home win against Sittingbourne. Photo: Stuart Watson
Ramsgate goalkeeping coach Les Cleevely helped organise the event.
He said: “We had a good day, the weather held out for us. It was very productive.
“It was great to see the place buzzing and that there was a community feel, which was good. Obviously, I have been at a lot of clubs but the feel for this place is fantastic.
“The Man U players that turned up were brilliant. There was a bit of needle at times, which is right, because the supporters want to see a proper game.
“The Man U boys signed all the autographs. James (Lawson, chairman) and Ian (Heath, general manager) at the club have worked so hard.
Rams manager Ady Pennock is all smiles. Photo: Stuart Watson
Rams manager Ady Pennock is all smiles. Photo: Stuart Watson
“It turned out to be a fantastic day.”
It attracted a bumper attendance and Cleevely hopes the event has whetted the appetite for similar occasions in the future.
“There was a couple of thousand-plus there,” said Cleevely, who expects the cash raised to go towards club costs.
“What it does is it engages a lot of future supporters with the club and, maybe even, some future players. I think it’s important for a club like Ramsgate to create that community feel.
“It has such a brilliant junior section. Because of where we’re located, Ramsgate cannot attract as many of the London boys so, having that great structure, it keeps the club moving forwards.
Ramsgate keeper Jonny Henly clears the ball on his way to a clean sheet against Sittingbourne. Photo: Stuart Watson
Ramsgate keeper Jonny Henly clears the ball on his way to a clean sheet against Sittingbourne. Photo: Stuart Watson
“The future of the club bodes really well in that regard. We have got to be careful not to build it too quickly but, hopefully, it’s an event that we can do again. The Man U lads were as good as gold.
“There are other clubs we can do similar things with, as well.”
The match was held a day after Ady Pennock’s Isthmian Premier Rams had continued pre-season preparations with a 2-0 home win over Isthmian South East Sittingbourne through goals from defender Tom Clifford and forward Callum Jones last weekend.
Cleevely reflected: “They were hard-working. Frustratingly, it was delayed with a couple of accidents on the roads, going into Ramsgate.
“It was such a hot day, as well and, in the end, we were pleased to get the game on and minutes into legs.
“We’re giving everybody minutes and we’re starting to get little partnerships going.”
Unsurprisingly, Cleevely was particularly pleased with a Ramsgate clean sheet.
“Everybody, not just the goalkeeper, but the whole defence, were really involved in that,” he said. “They’re starting to get a bit of an understanding.
“With so many coming on and so many coming off in friendlies, it can be a bit ‘You have it, then we’ll have it’, sort of games. But we controlled things fairly well.
“In that regard, we’re really pleased.”
The Rams conclude a run of warm-up fixtures with this Saturday’s home clash against neighbours Margate for the Thanet Cup.
It's a game that hasn't been played since 2022 and, while still classed as a ‘friendly’, the Ramsgate staff are aware there will be a bit more riding on it.
Cleevely said: “There’s local interest for the supporters, with it being Margate versus Ramsgate. It’s nice to see something at stake.
“But again, it’s another pre-season game and there will be no points at stake.
“It’s still important we show we’re moving in the right direction, especially against local rivals. There should be a good crowd.
“Hopefully, it’s a good day.”
Ramsgate host Faversham Town tonight.