RAMSGATE chairman Richard Lawson this week reacted philosophically to the news that three players Ollie Schulz Dean Hill and Sam Jones have joined Ryman League Premier Division rivals Dover Athletic.

He said: “It’s no surprise to us, and not disastrous. It was an open secret that Ollie was going there, and Dean was, but I am very disappointed about Sam, and that’s the one that sticks in the throat.

“We have a policy not to play any non-contract players in the first team, but gave him special dispensation to continue playing on Sunday mornings.

“We had a verbal agreement that he was going to sign, and agreed terms, only to find out that Dover had made him an offer. We matched it, but he still decided to go. “Dean made no secret he went for money, and you can’t blame lads with young families for that.” He also revealed that Schulz turned down a lucrative move to Blue Square South side Eastleigh last season.

Meanwhile Rams have re-signed striker Mo Takaloo from Maidstone, Herne Bay goalkeeper Jack Delo and Whitstable defender Steven Lloyd in a triple move of their own, and there are more signings in the pipeline

Mr Lawson said: “We wanted to sign Delo and Lloyd three years ago when we won the Kent League. Steven is a big uncompromising centre half who will fill Ollie’s boots. He has different attributes, but will complement the side.”

Delo looks set to replace Paul Wilkerson who is moving on, while Takaloo returns with Rams hoping he will score the 20/25 goals that will spark another Ryman League title challenge.

Rams are also hoping to see the best of Aaron Firth next season. The young striker, signed from Herne Bay last season struggled to shrug off a knee injury, and Mr Lawson said: “I feel he could be the best of the lot.”

The chairman also confirmed he will be staying on, despite announcing his intentions to do so earlier in the season. He said: “I’m not stepping down because nobody has come forward with any interest to take it on, and I won’t let the club down.”

He was in talks this week, ahead of the start of constructing covered terracing at both ends of Southwood, set to cost in the region of £20,000.