Former Ramsgate manager Ben Smith speaks about his departure from Southwood

Ben Smith is no longer in charge at Ramsgate - but still hopes to see them win promotion.

Ex-boss Smith left the Rams by mutual consent earlier this month and was quickly replaced by Tony Russell.

But he retains great affection for the club and the players he’s left behind and wants to see them win Isthmian South East.

They fell just short under Smith, pipped to the title by Cray Valley before falling to Chichester in the play-off semi-finals.

“I wish Ramsgate all the best,” said Smith, who also led the club to the FA Cup second round for the first time in their history.

“I’ve no ill feeling towards anyone there.

“I’m not going to say Ramsgate isn’t a fantastic club just because I’m not the manager any more, because it is.

“It’s a fantastic club, with fantastic people. It’s a shame I’m not involved any more but that’s life and that’s football.

“I genuinely want to see Ramsgate promoted - genuinely.

“I hope Joe Taylor scores even more than he did last year.

“I wouldn’t begrudge anyone success, certainly not the people I’ve worked with and have given me everything.”

It was initially announced Smith would be staying on for the second year of his contract after Ramsgate’s play-off exit.

But the situation changed and he stepped down following talks with chairman James Lawson.

“Football moves on quickly,” said Smith. “Time waits for no man and football certainly doesn’t want for anyone.

“It’s the right decision for all parties.

“We had an amazing season but mentally it was so draining because we put so much pressure on ourselves to do well.

“Missing out the way we did takes a lot out of you.

“Suddenly, it’s we’re going again now and you’ve got a couple of weeks to get back into that mode.

“As a manager, you put your heart and