Ramsgate chairman Paul Bowden-Brown has stood down.

A statement released by the Isthmian South East club said that it was with regret that Mr Bowden-Brown had taken the decision due to health reasons.

He joined the Rams in October 2018 shortly after the demise of his former club Thamesmead Town who folded after being unable to find a buyer.

James Lawson is his successor as chairman at Southwood.

Ramsgate's statement said: "Many of our supporters would have noticed that after recent heart surgery our chairman Paul Bowden Brown has been wearing a heart monitor.

"Paul this week has had to inform the shareholder that results from the monitor has shown it is essential that he reduce the stress levels in his lifestyle.

"It is with regret that he has tendered his resignation as chairman.

"Whilst he wishes to continue the sterling work he’s been doing with regard to stadium development in his capacity as a director, it is with great sadness that on doctors' advice he must retire from running, organising and funding the playing side of the first team.

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"Jason Lillis (the club's head of coaching development) has been informed and has agreed to stay on and help restructure the club by helping further develop our large youth section giving a strong pathway to the first team and beyond.

"The new chairman will be James Lawson who has been responsible for some valuable work in the youth section and he will ensure that these ideals are realised.

"James will be well known to many at the club and it continues his family’s long standing connection to this club.

"With the suddenness of Paul’s resignation the transition period will be made as painless as possible by James appointing many of his committee and staff from existing personnel within the club Structure."

Ramsgate are next-to-bottom in Isthmian South East, with just two wins from their opening 15 games.

They host Whitstable on Saturday. The visitors – 2-0 winners in Guernsey on Wednesday – are managed by former Rams boss Lloyd Blackman.

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