Ramsgate manager Ben Smith says the Isthmian Premier new boys are keeping some deals quiet until pre-season starts

Ben Smith says Ramsgate are quietly going about the business of getting ready for Isthmian Premier football.

The Rams have announced some impressive signings in goalkeeper Aiden Prall from Sheppey, Maidstone defender Raphe Brown and Sittingbourne duo Donvieve Jones and Mitch May.

They’ve also retained the likes of TJ Jadama, making him captain, Alfie Paxman, Tom Clifford and Lewis Gard.

Other deals are being worked on, while the Isthmian South East champions also intend to hold back some news until the squad report for training on June 26.

“We’re keeping a few under our hat for when pre-season starts,” said manager Smith.

“We’re ahead of where we were this time last year and the year before in terms of we are quite settled.

“In terms of are we done yet? No, we’re not.

“We’ve got a very good XI, it’s just making sure we’ve got the right squad depth now.

“What we don’t want to do is overload the squad because we do have some young lads that we want to try and give an opportunity to as well.

“We don’t want to completely block their pathways.

“Pre-season is going to be really interesting to see how the young lads do.

“Last year the pressure of every point and all that sort of stuff, it was difficult to blood them.

“We did give debuts to a few of the players but this pre-season they will get a proper opportunity.

“It’s win-win for us.

“If they take that opportunity, there’s nothing better than having homegrown players representing your club, is there?”

Ramsgate are looking forward to a first season of Isthmian Premier football since relegation in 2009.

Smith is anticipating a strong division with a host of ambitious clubs making their presence felt in the transfer market.

Rams won’t have the same pressure on them that came