Former Gillingham boss Steve Lovell open to staying on as Ramsgate manager next season

Steve Lovell is open to the prospect of staying on as Ramsgate manager next season.

Former Gillingham boss Lovell took charge initially until the end of the season earlier this month following Matt Longhurst's departure.

The play-off chasing Isthmian South East side had lost four straight games before Lovell’s arrival - and Welshman Lovell, assisted by son Mark, has been unable to turn things around so far.

But ex-Ashford boss Lovell, who would want to add more experience to the squad if he’s kept on, said: “I’ll speak to James (Lawson, chairman) if he’s interested.

“I like the club and I like what James is doing at the club. I’d like to have a go because these boys are good.

“They are hard-working boys who give everything, and I’d like to help them improve.”

But the Rams are now on a six-match losing streak and they are five points behind fifth-placed Herne Bay with only six points left to play for this season.

Their hopes of finishing in the top-five are all but over after they lost 4-2 at second-placed Ashford on Easter Saturday despite Ben Fitchett and substitute Karn Miller-Neave scoring in either half for them.

Lovell reflected: “It’s a tough one to take.

“We started the game well but, obviously, we conceded a goal after seven minutes from a free header. We got back in the game and equalised, and I don’t think there was much between the teams in the first half.

“I think we played the better football in the first half. They got a penalty and the third goal looked way, way offside to me. But you have just got to get on with it.

“I thought we played decently at times. What we are is a young team and we need to really get experience in to help the boys.

“Obviously, there’s only two games to go this season and, if we