Ramsgate manager Lee Martin on the loan signing of former Gillingham team-mate Liam Nash as fine form continues with third successive win

Ramsgate manager Lee Martin says the signing of former Gillingham striker Liam Nash is a “hell of a coup”.

Nash has joined the Rams on loan from Isthmian Premier rivals Billericay, making his debut from the bench in a 4-0 win at Potters Bar on Saturday.

A prolific spell at Maldon & Tiptree led to a move to Gillingham, where he and Martin were team-mates, in 2017.

He’s best known for his time at Hornchurch, where he scored 71 goals in 137 games, including the winner in their FA Trophy final triumph at Wembley in 2021.

Ramsgate pounced after Nash was made available for loan by Billericay and the 30-year-old picked the Thanet club despite more money being on the table elsewhere.

“We’re very reactive when a Liam Nash comes up,” said Martin. “We’d be stupid not to act on that, and I think we’ve got a hell of a coup on that front.

“I knew he would have a lot of interest.

“We managed to get up to a reasonable offer, nowhere near the highest payers, but I think the boy had made his mind up at that stage to come to us.

“Two or three clubs came in and outbid us but we’d already got his signature on a piece of paper and he’s very true to his word.

“I shared a dressing room with him as peers at Gillingham and we know how each other work.

“He knows I’m demanding and I know how to push him.

“We’ve made a few really good signings and a lot of people are probably saying ‘you’re paying out a lot’ but actually we’re not.

“You’d be very surprised by just how little we are paying and how much we’re saving over the last few months with the outgoings and incomings.”

Nash is the latest piece in the puzzle for Martin and Rams are working on a deal for another forward, which they hope to make progress on this week.

The manager has made several