experienced players were signed for the 1972/73 season; Ramsgate found life hard in the Premier Division and were relegated at the end of the season. They did win the Kent Floodlight Cup, beating Bromley in the final, which had been carried over from the previous season. During March 1974, Jack Smith left to join Bath City. Phil Winfield took over until Tommy Coulter, from Faversham Town, was appointed the following month. Several of his former players were signed for the following season (including Dave Bright who was to play for New Zealand in the 1982 World Cup Finals, in Spain), during which the team challenged for promotion, but poor results at Easter let them down. Coulter moved to Dover, with Alf Bentley (former Coventry and Margate goalkeeper) taking charge for 1975/76. Midway through the season, financial problems came to a head and Bentley left. The club gave notice of leaving the Southern League and saw out the rest of the season with a weakened team, under Jim March.

Ramsgate dropped into the Kent League with Mick Williamson as manager. For several years Ramsgate played under the burden of heavy debts and little money. Subsequently results were poor and a succession of former local players had spells as manager. Williamson resigned during 1978/79 and was followed by Bob Harrop. Graham Sawyer took over for 1980/81 but was dismissed after only two months. Several players left too, and Graham Ratcliffe could not prevent the Rams finishing bottom of the league. Phil Gilbert's team produced better results in 1981/82 (when there was a proposed merger with Thanet United), but then the bottom place was occupied for three successive