Lee Martin to miss Ramsgate’s Isthmian South East Kent derby against former club Ashford | Midfielder rejoined Rams from the Nuts & Bolts last week

Lee Martin is set to Ramsgate’s game against former club Ashford – and his boss says it’s “probably a good thing”.

Martin, 37, rejoined the Rams last week just two months after signing for the Nuts & Bolts.

The sides meet at Southwood in Isthmian South East tomorrow but coaching commitments rule out the midfielder.

“He won’t be playing,” said Rams manager Ben Smith.

“He’s completing his A Licence, so he’s away.

“It’s probably a good thing he’s not playing and it’s just Ramsgate v Ashford.”

Ashford boss Danny Kedwell said he understood Martin’s decision to return to Ramsgate.

And Smith is delighted to have the former Manchester United and Ipswich man back at Southwood.

“It’s no secret, I’ve got a good relationship with Marts,” said Smith.

“He offers so much experience to the group and he’s still a quality player.

“He suits the way we play down to the ground and it’s great to have him back. He picks the ball up and dictates the play.

“It was a hard one for him to leave to leave Ashford because he’s got a good relationship with Keds.

“But he loves it here, his family love it here and that’s no disrespect to Keds because I know Marts enjoyed playing for him.”

Martin played 83 minutes as Ramsgate won 3-2 at Sheppey in the FA Trophy first qualifying round on Saturday.