Ramsgate sack Lee Martin as club points to budget issues in late-season slump

Ramsgate have begun the search for a new manager after sacking Lee Martin, with the club citing a “significantly underspent” playing budget during the final weeks of the season as part of their reasoning.

The 39-year-old former Manchester United academy player returned to the club in a player-coach role for a third spell in October.

The following month, after the resignation of manager Ben Smith with Ramsgate staring down the barrel of relegation, Martin was appointed interim manager.

After a successful three-game unbeaten spell, the club handed him the role on a permanent basis.

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Remit

Tasked with keeping the club in the Isthmian League Premier Division, Martin achieved that objective as results improved and briefly lifted Ramsgate into play-off contention.

A strong run between January and February saw the side go eight games unbeaten with six wins, although form dipped thereafter with just two victories from their last eight matches.

Despite being on course to finish in the top half of the table, Ramsgate have opted for a change with just two games remaining.

In a statement, the club said: “Ramsgate FC will begin the process of appointing a new first team manager following the departure of Lee Martin.

“As we reflect on the season, it feels the right time to provide an update on the managerial position.

“When Lee Martin came into the club, we were in a difficult position and facing the real possibility of relegation. His remit was simple – to keep us in the league.

“Lee achieved that.

“Results improved quickly and, at one stage, we even found ourselves looking towards the play-off places, which is a credit to the work done during that period.”

Recruitment

The club went on to suggest that recruitment issues under Martin’s tenure in the closing stages of the campaign contributed to their slump.

“However, a challenging recruitment period leading into March meant that, over the final six weeks of the season, the playing budget was significantly underspent,” the statement continued.

“That period has been reflected in our recent run of results, with six defeats from our last seven games, including this week’s cup final.

“This decision reflects the direction we want to take as a club, not any one result.”

“As a club, our culture has always been about looking forwards. It’s a mindset that has taken us from the brink of Step 5 to competing at Step 3, and now to a position where we are able to look towards Step 2.”

Ambition

The Rams added: “As planned, Seb Tidey will step down from his role on the committee at the end of the season.

“A significant part of Seb’s work with the club has been contributing to the development of a new strategic document, which sets out a very specific plan for the footballing side of the club.

“To give ourselves the best possible chance of success on the pitch, we believe it is important to explore the market and identify the right manager to deliver that plan.

“One thing that remains incredible is our supporters. Their backing is the reason we now find ourselves knocking on the door of promotion to Step 2, and we are unwavering in our determination to match their ambition and push this club forward.

“We would like to place on record our thanks to Lee for the job he has done.

“He came in at a difficult time, helped realign our objectives, and ensured the club moves forward from a stable position.

“Seb Tidey, Tom Hadler and Mark Buckingham will take charge of the remaining two games of the season.

“The club will now invite applications for the role of first team manager from candidates with experience of building teams capable of challenging for promotion to Step 2.”

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