Ramsgate defender Joe Ellul fixed on Isthmian South East promotion after making his 50th appearance for the club

Defender Joe Ellul says there’s something different about Ramsgate after celebrating 50 appearances for the club.

Ellul brought up his half-century on Saturday as the Rams beat East Grinstead 2-1 to move nine points clear in Isthmian South East.

He’s reached the milestone over two spells, having left for Welling midway through last season.

The centre-half was only too pleased to return in the summer following talks with manager Ben Smith.

“It’s good to get 50 appearances under my belt,” said Ellul, 36.

“I enjoy it there and it’s going well, so it makes it a lot easier.

“I think there was a lot of indecisiveness from me and Ben last year.

“It could have been a case of just having a conversation and we didn’t, we sort of just said OK, we’ll go our separate ways.

“But no bridges were burned and that’s the way I like to keep it.

“I don’t think it’s necessary to burn bridges with anyone, so it was good to come back.

“I’d been thinking to myself how many games have I played?

“I checked the other day, before we played Broadbridge Heath, and I was on 48, so I knew if I played that and Saturday, I’d hit 50.

“I’ve got a good record as well. I’ve won 41, lost six and drawn three in all competitions, and I think I’ve only lost two league games.”

Ellul won National League South with Maidstone three years ago, starred for Maidenhead in the National League and has also played top-flight football in New Zealand.

It’s been a long and varied career and he’s enjoying his time at Ramsgate as they bid to land the club’s first title since 2006.

“There’s something different about Ramsgate in that the club should be playing a lot higher, with the infrastructure and the players they’ve got,” said Ellul.

“It’s a nice feeling and the fans adore