Jim Ward says Ramsgate’s ambition, rather than money was the factor why he and brother Danny decided to return for a third management spell at Southwood.

The appointment was announced on Friday, 48 hours after Simon Halsey was told he wasn't being retained, despite keeping the Thanet club in Ryman League, Division 1 South.

Ward said: “We have been lambasted by people saying we have come back for money, but it’s the same budget we had at Whitstable.

“The ambition is what sold it to us, Ramsgate are a much better club than when we left four or five years ago.

“The chairman Phil Fennell and the committee have got some great ideas about taking the club forward.”

The Scot denied the brothers’ return was a ‘done deal’ amid rumours linking the pair with a move back for several weeks.

Ward added: “We had four phone calls in the space of three days from clubs who wanted to chat to us at the end of the season.

“We sat down with Ramsgate on Friday, and it was all agreed within the hour.”

The pair leave Whitstable after one season, having talked about a three-year plan to revive the fortunes at Belmont. They guided them to eighth place this season, the club’s highest since being promoted as Kent League champions in 2007.

Ward said: “We are proud of what we achieved there, but that’s football.”

Four players, including Jim Sherman and Warren Schulz, have already been offered new terms for next season.

Danny Ward confirmed on Tuesday that former striker Ian Pulman, whose goal for Whitstable against East Grinstead last month helped Rams survive, Peter Wedgeworth, Luke Girt. Jake Mckenzie and Luke Doherty will make the switch to Southwood.