Manager Ben Smith has described the arrival of new Ramsgate defender Myles Judd as a great addition to his squad.

Right-back Judd joined the Rams ahead of last weekend’s 3-1 FA Cup first qualifying round home win against Isthmian Premier team Folkestone, who were reduced to 10 men early on following midfielder Eze Ebuzoeme’s last-man challenge.

The 25-year-old, who came off the substitutes’ bench for his debut at Southwood, joins after a brief stint with National League South outfit Welling.

Judd started his career at Leyton Orient, where he was the Football League’s Apprentice of the Year in 2017, and was Dover Athletic’s player-of-the-year for the 2022/23 season.

“That’s another great signing when you look at the experience that he’s got,” said Smith.

“I put him at centre-half on Saturday - and he’s not a centre-half.

“It was the first time that he’s met the lads and I could throw him on just after half-time at centre-half in a big game. Suddenly, he’s racing forward from centre-half and creating chances.

“I think that’s quite an exciting signing.

“Once we get him up to speed in terms of fitness levels and the detail of how we play, I think he’ll do very well for us.”

Ramsgate’s latest victory means they have won all five fixtures this term despite a tumultuous summer, which saw Smith rejoin after Tony Russell’s 25-day stay at the helm.

The Rams are set to visit Isthmian South East rivals Sheppey in the FA Trophy first qualifying round on Saturday, having been set to host Hythe in the league tonight.

On their start to the season, Smith insisted: “I’m not surprised by that at all.

“It’s a great football club. Certainly, I believe in myself and I believe in the team that we have got here.

“The management team - as a whole - have been great. I’ve brought Darren Beale in, as well, with Sean Hill who was with me last season. He’s added an awful lot.

“We have got a good group of people behind-the-scenes that have helped us bring in good players and they have been working hard.

“Hard work brings you results.”

While Smith wouldn’t rule out potentially adding one more to his ranks, he said after the Folkestone game that he was content with what he has got at his disposal.

Speaking prior to this week's Southwood return of midfielder Lee Martin, Smith said: “We’re very close but I wouldn’t rule out one more.

“It’s about having depth across the positions and there’s probably one more thing that we’re missing.

“If we can get that over the next couple of days, we will.”

Winger Alfie Paxman bagged a second-half brace over Folkestone after midfielder Lewis Gard had broken the deadlock during first-half injury time.

“It was a really good second half from Alfie,” stated Smith.

“In the first half, he probably didn’t get into the attacking areas that we would have liked but once I think him and Josh Ajayi really stayed wide, suddenly, it opened gaps up.

“What Alfie is, is very calm in front of goal. They were great finishes.”

Smith was also happy to see his squad display the strength-in-depth they have at their disposal ahead of a busy start to September, which will also see them host Ashford in the league on Tuesday.

He said: “I thought the boys that came in on Saturday, like Medy Elito, did really well.

“He came out of the wilderness a little bit in terms of being late in during pre-season. But he did really well on Saturday.

“Medy showed we have real depth in the squad - as did Tom Clifford, going in at left-back.

“We rotated Tom Carlse out because he’s had a lot of minutes. The boys that came in or adjusted their position from Monday (a 4-2 win at Deal), I think they did really well.

“Long may that continue.”

Ramsgate have been drawn at home against either Faversham or Broadbridge Heath in the FA Cup second qualifying round.