Jim Ward has stepped down as first team manager at Ramsgate as part of a restructure at Southwood.

Ward (pictured), who guided the Rams through their most successful period ever, returned to the club more than eight years ago.

He will remain at the club as general manager, while Tim Dixon will take over as first team manager with Darren Beale remaining as coach.

Chairman Richard Lawson paid tribute to the ‘outstanding success’ Ward had brought to the club and was said he was sure these changes would ‘be a first step to bringing back silverware at the highest levels.’

There are other off-the-field changes including the formation of new steering group headed by vice-chairman Paul Jefcoate.