Manager Ben Smith says Ramsgate have turned down 10 approaches for striker Rowan Liburd.

Smith has released the majority of the squad who finished runners-up in Isthmian South East before losing to Hythe on penalties in the play-off semi-finals.

But one man going nowhere is Liburd, the forward who joined Rams for an undisclosed fee from Cheshunt in January.

New boss Smith is determined to get the best out of the 30-year-old, who arrived at Southwood with a big reputation.

“I’m excited to work with him,” said Smith.

“We’ve had 10 approaches but it’s quite simple - he’s not for sale.

“He came with a fantastic record and people expected a lot from him.

“He scored nine goals in 14 games, which isn’t a bad record, but sometimes it takes players time to settle when you come into a side and you don’t really know anyone and you’ve had no pre-season to gel.

“Certain players will also want a certain style of play around them as well.

“Did it suit Rowan, the way Ramsgate played?

“Probably not, but good goalscorers will find a way a way to score, whatever, and he did that with nine in 14.

“I fully expect the way we’re going to set up next season will suit him and we’ll be able to get the best out of him.

“I think Ramsgate probably saw 50% of what he can he do and I think he has a point to prove, to show people what he’s really about.

“For me, he’s got to be targeting 25 goals-plus.

“He’s more than happy to stay. He doesn’t know me but I know of him because it’s my job to know players who score goals and he’s someone who will be a big part of the team we’re putting together.”

Jack Paxman, TJ Jadama and Liburd are the only players confirmed to be staying at Ramsgate, while the club are in talks with Kane Rowland and Jerald Aboagye. Everyone else has gone.

It’s a subject Smith addressed at a question-and-answer session with fans on Friday night.

“We had 70-odd supporters there and, quite rightly, they were asking questions about where the previous side have gone,” said Smith.

“I just said they had a two-year cycle and things didn’t work out, in that they didn’t get over the line.

“I said there’s going to be new players coming in and the squad will be built on experience, which is what we need.

“There’s loads of signings we’re close on.

“We’re making big changes but ultimately it’s nice to freshen things up and start again.

“It’s a gamble in terms of you could throw a load of new players together and it might not work.

“There’s that aspect to it but, on paper, it kind of makes sense to be doing it this way because then there’s no hangover from the play-offs.

“Some players would have wanted to go anyway.

“A lot of them lived up the line and when you’ve had two or three seasons at a club it makes sense to have a fresh challenge.

“Things could have been different.

“They could all still be here because because they’d got the rub of the green in the play-offs and they’re all heroes. It’s fine margins in football.”

Ramsgate signed former Maidstone centre-back Joe Ellul from Sittingbourne on Wednesday last week.

Ellul, 34, had recently agreed a two-year contract extension with the Brickies but moved to Southwood for an undisclosed fee.

Smith refutes Sittingbourne’s claims the defender has doubled his money but is happy to have him on board.

He links up with ex-Maidstone team-mate Tom Hadler, who is Ramsgate’s new goalkeeper.

Smith said: “The thing that got Joe to the club is the relationship he has with Tom,” said Smith.

“The reported sums we’re paying him is absolutely absurd.

“They’re good friends and the last time they played together they were able to forge a very good partnership.

“Hopefully they can have that again.

“Joe gives us that balance at centre-half with Dan Johnson - I think they’ll complement each other really well.

“He’s a fantastic signing for the level. He’s won stuff in his career and it’s only a year ago he won National South with Maidstone and was in the National South team of the season.

“What struck me with Joe is he comes across as a born winner.

“The desire and hunger is there and that’s what we want at the club, people who are desperate to win.”

“It seems a very settled defensive set-up now.

“We might add one or two more to that but our eye is now on the next phases of the team and adding to the midfield and forward areas.”