Ramsgate manager Ady Pennock has explained his decision to keep TJ Jadama out on loan.

The popular midfielder joined Whitstable last month in a bid to regain match fitness after five months out through injury.

That deal has been extended for a further 28 days, although Ramsgate can recall Jadama at any time if required.

He’s played seven times for The Oystermen, including 90 minutes in their 2-1 Isthmian South East win at previous leaders South Park on Saturday.

“TJ’s loan was extended for another month but we can call him back at any time in that second month,” explained Pennock.

“We’re doing it because we've had two games cancelled, so we didn’t have a game last Saturday and we don’t have one this Saturday.

“It was a no-brainer for me to keep TJ there. I speak to TJ all the time, we've had a good chat, and he feels that he's 70% there towards full fitness.

“We spoke before the deal was extended and, with the two games postponed this month, it was a no-brainer, really.

“TJ is a big part of what I want to do, he'll be important for us, but he's not there yet.

“It would be silly of me to bring him back when we haven't got any games to play.

“He's stayed at Whitstable, he's doing really well at Whitstable, and they've had some good results with him there.

“He's still a big part of my plans, but just because of the two games that have been postponed, it would be silly for him to just sit at home or just have a training session.

“We might as well keep him playing, and he totally agreed with it, so we’re chuffed for him because he's getting there.

“He's not there yet, but he's getting there and it'll be like a new signing for us when he comes back.”

One player who has left Southwood, however, is Axel Ampedu after he was released by Pennock.

Ampedu joined the Rams at the start of the season after initially signing for Cheshunt. He played eight times for the club but featured just once since mid-September.

Two second-half goals saw Ramsgate beaten 2-0 at Wingate & Finchley in Isthmian Premier last Tuesday. They return to action tonight (Tuesday) at home to bottom side Stanway Rovers, hoping to complete an early league double having won the reverse fixture 3-1 in the first week of the season.

Pennock’s men are without a fixture again this Saturday with scheduled opponents Leatherhead in FA Trophy action.

“We played last Tuesday and then the next game is a week later this Tuesday,” said Pennock.

“It’s only a week later but it’s the gap after this one which is an 11–day break. That’s really when you want to keep playing, especially when you're playing so well.

“But it'll be a good time to regroup, and then we can go from there. But we’ve got a big game against Stanway that we need to focus on first before I worry about anything like that.”