Ramsgate manager Ben Smith leaves role at Isthmian South East club - just one month after they announced he would stay in charge

Manager Ben Smith has left his position at Isthmian South East Ramsgate.

Smith guided Ramsgate to the FA Cup Second Round and then saw his team pipped to the league title by Cray Valley, before losing in the play-offs.

His departure comes just 34 days after the club had confirmed Smith would be their manager for the 2024/25 season.

A statement from Ramsgate said: “Ramsgate FC can today confirm that we have mutually agreed to part company with manager Ben Smith. We would like to thank Ben for all his hard work over the past year.

“For many, the 2023/24 season will live long in the memory. Ben guided The Rams to the FA Cup Second Round - a feat no other manager in our history has achieved.

“The away victory at AFC Totton saw us draw Woking at home in the FA Cup First Round. The rest, as they say, is history. In front of 3,000 supporters, Ben masterminded the routine for the corner that led to our winning goal.

“A trip to AFC Wimbledon was the reward for beating Woking. The Rams were live on national TV for the first time in our history, with 17 coaches and 1,500 fans cheering Ben and the team on.

“The league campaign saw the Rams pick up an impressive 89 points and included many incredible wins in front of huge crowds.

“Ben will forever be welcomed at the club and we wish him every success in the future.”

“It’s been a year with such hugely memorable moments and times - on and off the pitch - that I will never forget,” Smith added.

“The level of performances from the players has been incredible to produce one of the club’s best seasons ever and one in a style that the whole club could be proud of.

“The players have been great role models to the hundreds of youth players at the club and I’m sure this will have a lasting