Non-league club Ramsgate has dismissed manager Lee Martin following a disappointing season that saw the team miss out on promotion. The Kent-based club cited poor recruitment and an underspend on the playing budget as key factors in Martin's departure. The former Manchester United academy graduate had led the team to 10th place in the Isthmian League Premier Division after a poor run of form.

Martin's final match in charge ended in defeat to Wingate & Finchley in the Velocity Cup final on Wednesday. The club revealed that a challenging recruitment period led to the playing budget being significantly underspent in the final six weeks of the season. This financial constraint coincided with six defeats in their last seven games, including the cup final loss. The club emphasized that the decision reflects their desired direction rather than any single result.

Martin, 39, joined Ramsgate after a playing career that included spells at Ipswich Town, Millwall, Gillingham, and Exeter City, making 106 appearances for the Tractor Boys. The club thanked Martin for stabilizing the team during a difficult period and realigned their objectives. Seb Tidey, Tom Hadler, and Mark Buckingham will take charge of the remaining two games against Hashtag United and Canvey Island.