Family, friends and former players gathered to celebrate ex-Ramsgate manager Jim Ward’s life in football.

Ward, 72, was treated to a surprise ‘This is Your Life’ evening at North Foreland Golf Club in Broadstairs.

Organised by brother and long-time assistant Danny, more than 100 people turned out to hear and share stories from the decorated Scottish boss’s career.

There were speeches from Tommy Sampson, Michael Stone, Neil Brown, Richard Lawson, Mal Watkins, Ollie Gray, Luke Watkins, Tom Loynes, Tommy Warrilow, Andy Hadden, Steve Snell, Ada Hubbard, Paul Jefocate, along with grandchildren Charlotte, Harry and Lara, and brother Frank.

The evening also featured contributions from others who couldn’t attend, including Paul Bowden-Brown, Joe Brownett, Steve Butler, Simon Pettit, Michael Simmons, Nick Davis, Mick Gray, Steffan Ball and Jamie Kempster.

“It was a great night with many a laugh and many a tear shed,” said Danny.

“It finished with the great man himself saying a few words, which included putting himself and Tommy Sampson forward as joint-managers to Richard Lawson for the vacant Ramsgate job (since taken by Ben Smith).”

Ward’s sparkling CV includes a hat-trick of Kent League doubles, with Ramsgate (2) and Maidstone.

He led Rams to the old Isthmian Division 1 title at the first attempt following promotion and guided the Southwood club to the Isthmian Premier play-offs and League Cup glory.

Ward also had spells at Sittingbourne and Whitstable during a long management career which started in local football with Hotel De Ville.