Rest in peace Phil. I'm gutted. What a great character he was 🐏
Phil Butler – Ramsgate Legend Forever
We are deeply saddened to inform supporters of the passing of Phil Butler.
There is much said about the importance of volunteers in non-league football. Few people could personify that better than Phil.
Born and raised in Ramsgate, and one of the lucky ones to have been born in Thanet with Ramsgate on his passport, Phil's relationship with the club began in 1962.
His father wasn't a football fan, but took him to an event at Southwood Stadium. Phil was hooked. From almost that moment onwards, Ramsgate FC became a huge part of his life.
As a youngster, Phil would travel to away games on the train with the players, helping to carry the equipment while they kept an eye on him. More than 60 years later, he was still here.
For generations of Rams supporters, Phil was simply part of Southwood. Once he retired, you could turn up at the ground on any day of the week at almost any time and there was every chance you'd find Phil there, ready for a chat about the latest game, or how many balls the first team had managed to lose at training this week.
He passed the Ramsgate bug on to his son Rob, taking him to his first Rams game aged just two in the early 1990s and barely missed a game before work eventually took him abroad.
Phil's commitment was such that his family tell us one of his biggest regrets was missing our FA Cup win at Folkestone in the late 1990s because he couldn't swap his shift as a baker at Sainsbury's.
That probably tells you everything you need to know about Phil and Ramsgate FC.
There was very little Phil wouldn't do for this club, and he will rightly be remembered as one of our greatest ever volunteers.
It is fitting that the final years of his incredible service saw Phil take on the role of kit man during one of the most memorable periods in our history. He was there for the televised FA Cup tie at Wimbledon, the league title and our first season back in the Isthmian Premier Division.
But Phil's contribution cannot really be measured in seasons, games or jobs undertaken.
For more than 60 years, he was simply part of Ramsgate Football Club.
Our thoughts and love are with his wife Ann and all of Phil's family and friends.
Thank you for everything, Phil.
Ramsgate legend. Forever.
Big FA Trophy win 🤝
Now onto Tuesday to settle the FA Cup 🏆
@HerneBayFC
Pre season done 🤝
12 goals for me in the friendlies and our team is coming together nicely, we have a real good group on and off the pitch 💙
Come down Saturday for a big FA cup match and support the boys 📲
@HerneBayFC
Let's go 🔵🔵🔵
Herne Bay Football Club are delighted to welcome prolific striker Joe Taylor to Winch’s Field.
Welcome to the Bay, Joe! 💙🤍
#WeAreTheBay
After 2 of the most successful seasons I could have dreamed of, this season was full of uncertainty. Had 5 clubs and never felt settled or comfortable, anywhere.
I'm now committed to getting in the best shape I can get into and coming back with the correct, hungry mindset 🧠⚽️
Really excited for my return to @margate_fc..
Looking forward to the 27th
Up the Gate 🔵
Thank you to Ramsgate, helped me on and off the pitch this season after a turbulent start for me 🐏
Hopefully will now find a new club to settle at ⚽️
Joe Taylor retweeted
We can confirm that Joe Taylor has today left the club.
Joe leaves us on great terms, a true club legend, and his contributions over his three spells at the club will never be forgotten.
Always a Ram JT!
Another 3 points. Train is moving now 🚂
@AlfiePaxman shock 🥱
Pax ⏩️ JT
@AlfiePaxman with a brilliant assist to set up @JoeTaylor28 in Saturdays home win va Canvey Island. Full highlights coming later 🔴⚪️🐏
Joe Taylor retweeted
The countdown begins 4 weeks until this ban is up, just 4 more Saturdays, anyone need a goal scoring attacking player 🤷🏽♂️👀🤔
Thanks for everything @bensmith88
Getting the club promotion, lifetime memories in 2nd round of FA cup and most importantly being a great person 🐏
Club Statement: Thank You Ben
Ramsgate Football Club can today confirm that Ben Smith has stepped down as First Team Manager and will take up a new role on the club’s committee.
Ben understands the heart and soul of this football club and the community that it exists within. With a blossoming career developing away from the field, his experience and leadership will continue to add huge value off it.
It’s well known that Ben guided Ramsgate to a televised FA Cup Second Round tie just two years ago, followed by a championship-winning, 109-point season last campaign.
What’s less well known is his vital contribution to our Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programmes — work that directly benefits hundreds of local families. Ben will continue to lead on these programmes and support our funding bids aimed at improving club infrastructure and community opportunities.
The club can also confirm that Lee Martin will take charge as Interim Manager while we take time to review our next steps, supported by existing first-team staff.
We have a strong squad — seven of Saturday’s starters were part of last season’s title-winning side, which Lee was also part of, famously scoring the winner against Woking in the FA Cup First Round.
Applications for the permanent First Team Manager position are now open.
Interested candidates should email chairman@ramsgate-fc.co.uk.
A minimum of Step 3 management experience is essential.
The club will also undertake a review of training venues, locations and schedules as part of the recruitment process.
Pin&Scoop 🔁
5th goal back at the Rams 🐏
📽️ Joe Taylor nets Ramsgate second of the game in Saturday's 2-2 draw vs @CarshaltonA_FC
Watch the highlights on our YouTube channel now. youtu.be/xfLhVhgPu4U
Joe Taylor retweeted
🗣️'Delighted to get off the mark'
Hear from Joe Taylor after scoring his first goal for the club in today's 2-2 draw with Ramsgate
#BTFC
Joe Taylor retweeted
🗣️'My aim is to score goals, entertain and win games'
We spoke to our latest signing, @JoeTaylor28 on how it feels to be a Blue! 🔵
#BTFC
Really happy to join @BTFC
Can't wait for Saturday 🔵
We are thrilled to announce the signing of striker Joe Taylor! 🙌
Known for his prolific goalscoring record in non-league football, his signing marks a huge statement of intent for the club 💪
We extend a warm welcome to Joe and look forward to seeing him on the pitch in a blue shirt very soon 🔵
#BTFC
























