Former Maidstone United goalkeper Tom Hadler on life at Ramsgate

The level may be different but the task remains the same for new Ramsgate goalkeeper Tom Hadler.

At 26, Hadler raised a few eyebrows by dropping into Isthmian South East with the Rams following his release by Maidstone United.

A year earlier, the former Gillingham man had been part of the tightest defence in the division as United won the National League South title.

But he barely featured as they suffered an immediate relegation and, after making the decision to go part-time, Rams were the perfect fit.

The ambitious Thanet club made it worth his while, with the move also giving him an opportunity to take a day job running the Pro Soccer Academy’s facility in Rainham.

It works for Hadler who, regardless of the level, knows a keeper’s role doesn’t change.

“It makes so much sense to be part of the most ambitious club at the level, that allows me to build up a career away from playing, so I thought, why not do that?” said Hadler, who signed a two-year deal at Southwood.

“I know Ben Foster (ex-Man Utd keeper, now at Wrexham) said about it, picking a Premier League goalie out and putting them in the National League, it doesn’t change your job. You still have to do the same thing.

“The pace of the game is a little bit different the lower you go but essentially the job is the same and the ambition is the same.

“You want to go and win and concede as few goals as possible, so it is a very similar thing.

“In my mind it’s reverting and trying to go again and get that success back after our lovely season at Maidstone before a disappointing year last year.

“It’s that positive spin on everything and a bit of ambition. It’s nice to be part of that.”

Ramsgate were pipped to the title by Chatham last year before losing on penalties to