Ramsgate part company with manager Lee Martin after 29 games despite fulfilling remit of keeping the club in the Isthmian League Premier Division and underspending his budget

RAMSGATE chairman James Lawson has parted company with manager Lee Martin just hours after losing the Velocity Cup Final last night.

The Rams went down to a 1-0 extra time defeat to their league rivals Wingate & Finchley in Aveley, as Ahmet Rifat’s club celebrated winning the silverware for the second time in their history.

Ramsgate are sitting in tenth-place in the Isthmian League Premier Division, having picked up 54 points (14 wins, 12 draws and 14 defeats) and one thing that was evident in Essex last night was the lack of strength-in-depth against Wingate & Finchley, who claimed the victory through an emphatic 109^th minute finish from substitute winger Afi Adebayo.

Director of football Seb Tidey and coaches Tom Hadler and Mark Buckingham will take charge of the last two games of the season, at home to relegated side Hashtag United on Saturday and a trip to Canvey Island seven days later.

“As we reflect on the season, it feels the right time to provide an update on the managerial position,” said Mr Lawson in a statement.

“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.

“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 Five to competing at Step Three, and now to a position where we are able to look towards Step Two.

“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 Two (National League South) 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.”

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 Two, the National League South.

Applications should be submitted to chairman@ramsgate-fc.co.uk

LEE MARTIN’S MANAGERIAL RECORD – SEASON 2025-26:
All competitions

Welling United – Isthmian League Premier Division:
P13 - W3  - D1 -  L9

Ramsgate – Isthmian League Premier Division:
P29  - W14 -  D6  - L9

Total – All Competitions:
P42  - W17 - D7 - L18