2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Craig Tucker)
It was fitting that TJ Jadama should score the goal that set Ramsgate on their way to securing the Isthmian South East title. Local lad Jadama grew up at the club, coming through the youth ranks to make his first-team debut aged 16. He spent a couple of seasons at Whitstable, from 2019-2021, before returning to Southwood, where the attacking midfielder has gone from strength to strength.
No one deserves success more than the 26-year-old, who opened the scoring in Rams’ 4-0 win at Hythe on Good Friday. “I can’t believe,” he said. “I’ve been here so long, I’ve come through all the levels.
“The last few years we’ve been so close and not gone up. “This year felt like the one. It feels amazing.
We knew today could be the day. I’m thrilled. “I’ve been here most of my life.
I know everyone inside the club, I’ve got the keys to the club, so it means so much to me.” Ramsgate knew victory at Hythe would clinch the championship, regardless of rivals Sittingbourne’s result against Burgess Hill. If there were any nerves, Jadama settled them with a lovely finish across the keeper from Benny Bioletti’s pass in just the third minute.
Jay Leader, Alfie Paxman and skipper Joe Taylor also struck as Ramsgate secured a return to the Isthmian Premier for the first time since relegation in 2009. “That was quite a good finish actually, across the goal, and once that went in, everyone chilled a bit,” said Jadama. “It was a great pass from Benny, a great run.
“All the boys have worked so hard this year. We’ve got a fantastic team.” Clubs going up from Isthmian South East have fared well in recent seasons.
Chatham finished runners-up in their first year while Cray Valley and Chichester, the teams who beat Ramsgate to promotion last term, are fighting for play-off spots. It gives Ramsgate plenty of encouragement. “I’m confident with these boys,” said Jadama.
“Let’s go again next season. Why not? “Us Thanet boys, who live locally, we’ve all spoken about how well Cray Valley and Chichester have done this season. They’re both in or around the play-offs, so why can’t we do that?” Ramsgate have come a long way since the upheaval of pre-season when Tony Russell came and went as manager in the space of a month, opening the door for predecessor Ben Smith to return.
Smith got a side together in double-quick time and has worked wonders, with Rams winning 35 of their 40 matches to secure the title with two games to spare. “At the start of pre-season, when we barely had any players in and were cancelling friendlies, everyone counted us out, and look at us now,” said Jadama. “Ben’s been first-class with us.
He’s a fantastic manager, so credit to him.” Ramsgate will be presented with the league trophy after the Easter Monday derby at home to Margate. The match is a 3,200 sell-out.
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