Herne Bay striker Joe Taylor on working with manager Ben Smith again, turning down higher-division interest, looking for more stability after a tough 2025/26 season and the family-friendly feel at Winch’s Field

Striker Joe Taylor has explained how the lure of working with manager Ben Smith again helped convince him to turn down higher-division interest for Herne Bay.

Taylor, 35, became the Isthmian South East side’s first summer signing. He enjoyed big success under Smith at Ramsgate but hopes for more stability after a tumultuous 2025/26 campaign.

Taylor, who also found form playing under Tony Russell earlier in his career, said: “In the Premier League, Chelsea give players eight or nine-year deals.

“But if you get a contract as a non-league player, you’re lucky. Even then, it’s hard to be at a club for a long period of time, with the managerial merry-go-round. We have seen that in Kent this summer!

“I have turned down Step 2 and Step 3 offers to come here. It’s not about levels for me at this stage.

“I did it with Tony when I dropped down a level with Cray Wanderers and he made me a much better player.

“It’s not always about the level, it’s about playing for a manager that suits you and brings out the best in you. I followed Tony to Lewes, as well.

“I didn’t want to leave Ramsgate last year - Ben will tell you that.

"I still love the club and got records there. When my head space is right, I know what I can do.

“That’s why I have a good feeling about this year.”

Taylor entered the Rams’ record books, playing a vital role as they reached the second round of the FA Cup before he captained them to the Isthmian South East title in April 2025.

“We had two seasons together at Ramsgate where I scored more than 100 goals, we got to the FA Cup second round and we won the league,” he said. “I almost got all my career highlights then with Ben!

“It doesn’t get any better than that for an Isthmian League player. Last year, I had five