Tony Russell gives his reasons for leaving Ramsgate after only 25 days as manager

Tony Russell has explained his decision to resign as Ramsgate manager after only 25 days in charge.

Russell quit on Friday afternoon just hours before the Rams were due to host Kennington in their first pre-season friendly.

It came as a shock to fans who were quickly calling for answers.

Chairman James Lawson released a statement on Sunday, citing a “miscommunication over small elements of agreements made when Tony took the job”.

Lawson, who also apologised to fans, added: “These types of issues are common in any business and are often solved through communication but that was not to be achieved on this occasion.

“It is an unfortunate, unplanned situation but one where we now need to focus on the future and our preparations for the season ahead.

“Football teaches us to expect and deal with the unexpected.”

Russell, who succeeded Ben Smith at Southwood, followed up with his own statement outlining why the situation couldn’t be resolved in his eyes.

He said: “There was no fallout or argument between me and James. In fact, we got on really well.

“It just came down to three agreements that I thought we agreed on, and James thought we had agreed on something else.

“I knew having that sort of conversation so early into a relationship wouldn't end well, because we would be questioning each other's integrity, which will never end well and out of respect, I didn't want to do it.

“And even if you do agree on something, it would damage the long-term relationship.

“So I thought about it, and the only two plays for me were to just go along with it or come away from it.

“The fact I was having to think like this after four weeks was ultimately the reason why I took the latter option.

“I really like James and don't have a problem with