Thousands flock to Southwood as Manchester United Legends team see off Rams XI 6-2

Some of Manchester United’s past stars offered their support to Ramsgate’s cause on Sunday.

A Red Devils’ Legends outfit, which included Luke Chadwick, Wes Brown and Lee Trundle, beat a Ramsgate XI - led by ex-manager Jim Ward - 6-2 at Southwood. Herne Bay boss Ben Smith and Mo Takaloo were on target for the Rams.

Ramsgate goalkeeping coach Les Cleevely helped organise the event.

He said: “We had a good day, the weather held out for us. It was very productive.

“It was great to see the place buzzing and that there was a community feel, which was good. Obviously, I have been at a lot of clubs but the feel for this place is fantastic.

“The Man U players that turned up were brilliant. There was a bit of needle at times, which is right, because the supporters want to see a proper game.

“The Man U boys signed all the autographs. James (Lawson, chairman) and Ian (Heath, general manager) at the club have worked so hard.

“It turned out to be a fantastic day.”

It attracted a bumper attendance and Cleevely hopes the event has whetted the appetite for similar occasions in the future.

“There was a couple of thousand-plus there,” said Cleevely, who expects the cash raised to go towards club costs.

“What it does is it engages a lot of future supporters with the club and, maybe even, some future players. I think it’s important for a club like Ramsgate to create that community feel.

“It has such a brilliant junior section. Because of where we’re located, Ramsgate cannot attract as many of the London boys so, having that great structure, it keeps the club moving forwards.

“The future of the club bodes really well in that regard. We have got to be careful not to build it too quickly but, hopefully, it’s an event that we can do again. The