Ramsgate sign goalkeeper Tom Hadler from Maidstone United on two-year deal

Ramsgate have signed goalkeeper Tom Hadler from Maidstone on a two-year contract as new boss Ben Smith gets to work.

Smith, who’s succeeded Jamie Coyle at Southwood, believes Rams need more experience after missing out in the Isthmian South East play-offs.

His signings are set to reflect that and Hadler, a National League South title winner with Maidstone a year ago, fits the bill.

The 26-year-old, released after two seasons at the Gallagher, started his career at Gillingham and has also played for Ebbsfleet and Eastbourne.

“I’d be surprised if there’s going to be a better goalkeeper in our league than him,” said Smith, who led former club Herne Bay to promotion via the play-offs.

“He’s a great person as well. With the way the club is on the community aspect, with the youth, Tom’s fantastic on that side as well.

“He ticks a lot of boxes and we’ve got him on a two-year contract.

“The majority of players we’re signing are on contract. They’re showing their commitment to us and we’re showing our commitment to them.

“We want to build a side to hopefully get promoted straight away and stay with us and take us up league by league.

“That’s the plan. It’s harder to execute it because other clubs will be looking to do the same but we can only work on what we want to do.

“We’ve got an eye on youth as well but the most important thing is to add experience. That’s probably what cost them last season.

“I think when Jamie Coyle was out of the side, there was only one other player who’d won promotion.

“My predecessors have done a good job in terms of moving the club forward but through bad luck, or whatever, they’ve not managed to get over the line.

“I’ve been fortunate to do that and that gives me confidence I can do it again and