Ramsgate manager Matt Longhurst says he is building a team for the next 10 years.

The Rams side who won 3-1 at Phoenix Sports on Saturday included seven players under the age of 23.

There’s big potential in a squad packed with young players, with Longhurst planning for the long-term.

That’s not to say there won’t be immediate success, as Rams sit fourth in Isthmian South East after goals from Jamie Coyle, Ollie Bate and TJ Jadama at Phoenix.

“We’ve got 10 years of this team,” said Longhurst.

“That’s always been my idea at all the clubs I’ve been at, to have a young team, but I’ve never been able to keep them together because clubs come in and cherry-pick them.

“The difference here is we’re able to put players on contract, they can see all the work we’re doing to build the club and they’re part of that process themselves.

“I look at some managers and think you’re planning for now, and not looking at any future plans.

“It was important we looked at that and built a team that can stay together.

"One or two will likely move on to higher level levels but 80 per cent will be here for a number of years.”

Longhurst, who succeeded Jason Lillis at the end of 2019, intends to be around to see the fruits of his labour as Ramsgate continue to grow, on and off the pitch.

As a full-time employee, he’s thrown himself into all areas of the club, including youth and community operations and plans for a new £2 million stand at Southwood.

“Really and truly, it was a five-year plan when I first came in,” said Longhurst.

“In the first 18 months we probably only kicked a ball for six months, because of Covid, but we used that lockdown period to get so much work done.

“We weren’t the only club to do that but we used the time well.

"Everything takes time and I don’t think managers are given enough time these days, even in non-league.

“It’s so cut-and-thrust, you’re not able to build for the long-term, but I’m fortunate here in terms of the chairman, James Lawson, had plans for what he wanted to do, we had similar ideas and we know where we want to go.

“For me personally, I’ve got aspirations to manage and coach as high as I can.

"I know where I think I can finish up and hopefully a lot of that can be done at Ramsgate because there aren’t many clubs and many chairmen who give you the ability to put your ideas in place.

"You won’t find many clubs with similar-type ambitions.

"It’s a big club, with a growing fanbase and a good history. It’s a juggernaut of a club but there’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes by the people working on a full-time basis.

“Three or four of us are doing the jobs of 20 people. It’s 24/7 but that’s how it has to be if you want to be successful.”

Ramsgate start a run of three home games when they welcome East Grinstead to Southwood on Saturday.

The Wasps, Longhurst’s previous club, are aiming to pull clear of relegation under new boss Drew Cooney.

“They’re in a similar position to when I first went there, fighting to stay up,” said Longhurst.

“They’ve just changed their manager, and he’s someone who played a number of games under me while I was there.

“He’s East Grinstead through and through, he’s a good guy and he’ll be desperate to get results for them.

“Hopefully, after Saturday, they’ll do well with him in charge but we’ve got three home games in a row now and we’re looking forward to being back on our 3G after playing on some difficult pitches and getting another big crowd in.”