Lee Martin has been sacked for the second time this season – hours after a cup final defeat.
Martin, axed by Welling last October, has now been dismissed by Ramsgate.
Lee Martin has been sacked by Ramsgate – despite the club admitting he had achieved his remit. Picture: Ian Scammell
The decision comes despite the club admitting he had achieved his remit after succeeding Ben Smith in November, which was to keep Rams in the Isthmian Premier.
Martin led Ramsgate away from relegation trouble and into play-off contention, before tailing off as injuries took their toll, but they still sat comfortably in 10th.
He also reached the club’s first League Cup final since 2008, although it ended in disappointment as Ramsgate suffered a 1-0 extra-time defeat by Wingate & Finchley last night.
It was a sixth defeat in seven games in all competitions and Martin has paid the price, with the club also claiming the “playing budget was significantly underspent”.
“When Lee Martin came into the club, we were in a difficult position and facing the real possibility of relegation,” said a Ramsgate statement.
“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.
“However, a challenging recruitment period leading into March meant that, over the final six weeks of the season, the playing budget was significantly underspent.
“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.”
Seb Tidey, Tom Hadler and Mark Buckingham will take the team for the last two games of the season, a home match against Hashtag on Saturday and a trip to relegated Canvey Island.
The search for Martin’s successor is under way.
“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,” the statement added.
“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.”
