Ramsgate manager Ben Smith feels like he’s never been away after seamless return to the club | A matter of time before Thanet produces another Leroy Lita

Ben Smith feels like he’s never been away after settling back into life as Ramsgate manager.

Smith left Rams by mutual consent in June only to return - initially as interim boss - when successor Tony Russell quit after 25 days.

The temporary role became permanent and Rams have started the season in magnificent form.

They’ve won seven successive games in all competitions and look to continue their winning streak at home to Ashford in Isthmian South East tonight.

“It’s like I’ve never been away,” said Smith, whose side host Broadbridge Heath in the FA Cup second qualifying round this Saturday (3pm).

“With everything that’s gone on, it’s brought the people behind the scenes even closer and we are determined to have a successful season.

“Sometimes a little bit of a break, for both parties, does the world of good.

“I think you then realise how much you value each other at both ends.

“We’re a very happy club at the moment and we’ve just got to get our heads down and work hard - simple as that.

“There’s a long way to go. It’s a more competitive league this year.

“It’s going well but things can soon change.

“Did we think we’d be here five weeks ago? No, so all the points we can get at this stage of the season are a bonus.”

Ramsgate missed out on the title to Cray Valley last season despite chalking up a club-record 89 points.

The squad looks even stronger this year, boosted further by the return of Lee Martin from Ashford last week, although he isn’t playing tonight.

“It’s tough to say if it’s a better squad,” said Smith.

“You’d like to think so but we’re in the here and now, so we can say that.

“Last season’s squad doesn’t get enough credit for the amount of games it won.

“The win percentage, including all the cups, was a joke