Darren Beale is impressed with Ramsgate’s three recruits from last season’s title rivals Sittingbourne.
Assistant boss Beale saw one of the trio, right-back Donvieve Jones, score twice in a 3-1 friendly win over SE Dons at Chatham Town on Saturday.
Forwards Mitchell May and Ryan Kingsford also made the move from Bourne after a titanic Isthmian South East championship fight that saw both clubs surpass 100 points.
Rams eventually lifted the trophy and set about landing Jones, May and Kingsford as part of their summer recruitment for Isthmian Premier football.
“That will always help them settle in, coming from the same club and knowing each other,” said Beale.
“But there’s also other lads within the squad they know as well.
“We’ve recruited them not only on their technical ability, it’s the mental side of it, too, in the fact they are good lads and they’ve got a great work ethic. They’re exciting signings.”
Ramsgate boss Ben Smith identified Jones, Kingsford and May as players he’d like to bring to Southwood.
His chances increased when Sittingbourne were pipped on penalties by Burgess Hill in the play-off final, meaning Rams could offer higher-division football.
“It’s always an awkward one when you’re looking at players because you never know who’s going to go up,” said Beale.
“You start looking at players and who’s caused you problems, and then once you see who goes up and who stays, then you look at what you can do.
“Even then, it was quite hard for them because, being at Sittingbourne, they obviously had a good team ethic as well.
“But, like a lot of players, and especially younger players, they all want to play at the highest level they can.
“So when someone comes in and offers that, it’s hard to refuse.”
Jones forged a
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