Ramsgate cite lack of spending in Martin dismissal

Lee Martin played for Northampton Town, on loan from Millwall, in 2016 [Getty Images]

Former Ipswich Town and Millwall midfielder Lee Martin has been sacked as manager by non-league Ramsgate, with the club citing an underspend on player recruitment as part of the reason for his departure.

The former Manchester United youngster departs with the Kent-based club 10th in the Isthmian League Premier Division table after a poor run of form.

His final game in charge was a defeat by Wingate & Finchley in the Velocity Cup final on Wednesday.

Ramsgate will finish no higher than ninth, missing out on the play-offs and the opportunity of promotion to National League South.

The club appear to have attributed this to poor recruitment under Martin, 39.

"A challenging recruitment period leading into March meant that, over the final six weeks of the season, the playing budget was significantly underspent," the club said in a statement on its official X account.

"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."

Martin came through the Manchester United academy before joining Ipswich in 2009, making 106 appearances for the Tractor Boys.

He also spent time with Millwall, Gillingham and Exeter City during his playing career.

Ramsgate face Hashtag United and Canvey Island in their final two games of the season.

"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 added.

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