Simon Halsey insists he has walked away from Ramsgate a proud man after being shown the door despite keeping the club in Ryman League Division 1 South.

Halsey met chairman Phil Fennell and the club committee for over an hour on Monday, which he described as "very positive", and expected a call the following day.

He said: " It didn't come - and then Phil rang at midday on Wednesday.

"He did the deed which I don't think he enjoyed, because I had a good relationship with him."

Halsey added: " I feel let down and disappointed, and trust people too much.

"If I am honest, I knew deep down this would happen, I saw the signs, the phone calls stopped coming.

"I got the job done, and have walked away with my head held high.

"I kept my side of the bargain, but other people haven't kept theirs."

Halsey arrived in January taking over from former player- manager Dean Hill.

He added: " I am not really looking to have a break, if a job opportunity comes up, I want to get straight on it. "

Ramsgate says they are looking for an "experienced Ryman League" manager.

The club said: "We would like to thank Simon for what he has done with the club and wish him luck in the future."

Speculation has already started about who takes over, with Jim and Danny Ward, presently in joint-charge at rivals Whitstable, but their future there uncertain, being linked with a return to Southwood.

In another development, the club have announced that popular midfielder Simon Pettitt is joining the board.