Ambitious 7th tier club Ramsgate appoint experienced manager Ady Pennock as part of their ‘exciting new chapter’.
Pennock leaves Dartford, are guiding them to a 6th place finish this season, with 72 points from 42 games, missing out on the play-offs by 6 points.
He now takes over at fellow Isthmian League Premier Division club Ramsgate, who finished in 10th place with 57 points.
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CLUB STATEMENT:
“Ramsgate FC are delighted to announce the appointment of Adrian Pennock as the club’s new First Team Manager.
“Ady arrives with a highly experienced backroom team. Assistant Manager Roland Edge, who made over 100 appearances for Gillingham FC and most recently managed Folkestone Invicta, joins alongside Goalkeeper Coach Les Cleevely, who returns to the club, and Fitness Coach Neil Withington, a long-standing member of Ady’s staff.
“Pennock joins the Rams after two and a half seasons with Dartford FC, where he guided the club to a sixth-place finish this season, following an agonising near-miss in 2025 when they were beaten in the Isthmian League Premier Division play-off final by Dover Athletic.
“A long and distinguished career in the game has seen Ady succeed as both a player and a manager. A product of Norwich City FC’s academy, he went on to enjoy successful spells with AFC Bournemouth and Gillingham FC.
“He was part of the Gillingham side that achieved promotion to the First Division in 2000, before finishing his playing career with Ebbsfleet United FC.
“Pennock’s managerial career began at Welling United FC, where he spent over two years and took charge of more than 100 matches. He then joined Stoke City FC, working under Tony Pulis.
“After six years in the Potteries, he moved into management with Forest Green Rovers FC, leading the club to consecutive record-high finishes at the time.
“Further spells in the Football League followed with Gillingham FC and Barrow AFC, before a successful period overseas with DPMM FC, where he won the Singapore Premier League title in his first season.
“Everyone at Ramsgate FC is delighted to welcome Ady to the club and looks forward to an exciting new chapter.
“Stay tuned across the club’s channels throughout the day for news on 2026/27 season tickets.”
Ramsgate FC are delighted to welcome Adrian Pennock as our new manager 🤝
Ady joins the Rams after two strong seasons with Dartford FC, narrowly missing out on promotion, and brings a wealth of experience from across the game as both a player and a manager.
A promotion winner… pic.twitter.com/0PzjP7XTxL
— Ramsgate Football Club (@RamsgateFC) April 28, 2026
Ramsgate’s statement on Lee Marti’s departure:
As we reflect on the season, it feels the right time to provide an update on the managerial position.
When Lee Martin came into the club, we were in a difficult position and facing the real possibility of relegation. His remit was simple – to keep us in the league.
Lee achieved that.
Results improved quickly and, at one stage, we even found ourselves looking towards the play-off places, which is a credit to the work done during that period.
However, a challenging recruitment period leading into March meant that, over the final six weeks of the season, the playing budget was significantly underspent. That period has been reflected in our recent run of results, with six defeats from our last seven games, including this week’s cup final. This decision reflects the direction we want to take as a club, not any one result.
As a club, our culture has always been about looking forwards. It’s a mindset that has taken us from the brink of Step 5 to competing at Step 3, and now to a position where we are able to look towards Step 2.
As planned, Seb Tidey will step down from his role on the committee at the end of the season. A significant part of Seb’s work with the club has been contributing to the development of a new strategic document, which sets out a very specific plan for the footballing side of the club.
To give ourselves the best possible chance of success on the pitch, we believe it is important to explore the market and identify the right manager to deliver that plan.
One thing that remains incredible is our supporters. Their backing is the reason we now find ourselves knocking on the door of promotion to Step 2, and we are unwavering in our determination to match their ambition and push this club forward.
We would like to place on record our thanks to Lee for the job he has done. He came in at a difficult time, helped realign our objectives, and ensured the club moves forward from a stable position.
Seb Tidey, Tom Hadler and Mark Buckingham will take charge of the remaining two games of the season.
The club will now invite applications for the role of first team manager from candidates with experience of building teams capable of challenging for promotion to Step 2.
Club Statement – Thank you Lee Martin
Ramsgate FC will begin the process of appointing a new first team manager following the departure of Lee Martin.
As we reflect on the season, it feels the right time to provide an update on the managerial position.
When Lee Martin came… pic.twitter.com/SVKz1oswom
— Ramsgate Football Club (@RamsgateFC) April 16, 2026
Here’s how fans reacted as the ambitious 7th tier club appoint experienced manager Ady Pennock as part of an ‘exciting new chapter’…
@Chriss_DFC: At least we now know “Circumstances at the club” = We can’t pay more than Ramsgate. Next appointment is so crucial, especially as none of his staff have stayed either.
@phil_dfc: Next appointment mate is going to show the true ambition of the club, being left behind by another rival that can pay more than we can. Because no one In charge wants to find the right investment. Fucking closed shop boys club. Embarrassing from the board
@phil_dfc: Can’t say I blame him either. Took us as far as he can with the peanuts we have him. Now at a club with actual ambition not with the ambition dartford claim to have. Another club that’s gonna leave us for dust. Well done dartford 👏🏻 Genuinely wish Ady all the best here
@F11DNS: The future begins today. Beyond excited to welcome Ady, Roland, Les and Neil to the Rams. Massive credit to the chairman @DGLawso2010 for showing such ambition. Let’s back the lads by all buying a season ticket now!
@roar_like_alion: An absolute pleasure and honour to have Ady and his team at Ramsgate. The ambition the club is showing makes for a very exciting 2026/27 season. COYR 🔴⚪️🐏
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