Ramsgate manager Ben Smith, who won the Isthmian South East championship last season, steps down after 5-0 defeat at Aveley | Player-coach Lee Martin named caretaker boss

Title-winning Ramsgate manager Ben Smith has resigned following a poor run of form.

Rams lost 5-0 at Aveley on Saturday, extending their winless run to seven games in all competitions.

And that proved the final straw for Smith, who labelled the performance “disgraceful” in his post-match interview, although he will remain at the club in a new role on the committee.

Lee Martin, who recently rejoined Rams as player-coach after being sacked as Welling manager, has been named caretaker boss while chairman James Lawson looks for Smith’s successor.

Smith led Ramsgate to the Isthmian South East championship last season with a record 109 points.

But their Isthmian Premier form has been patchy, with three wins, six draws and six defeats in 15 games, leaving them in 16th place, three points clear of the relegation zone.

They also fell at the first hurdle in both the FA Cup and FA Trophy, beaten by Cray Valley and Leatherhead respectively.

“Ramsgate can today confirm that Ben Smith has stepped down as first-team manager and will take up a role on the club’s committee,” said a Rams statement.

“Ben understands the heart and soul of this football club and the community that it exists within.

“With a blossoming career developing away from the field, his experience and leadership will continue to add huge value off it.”

The statement added: “The club can also confirm that Lee Martin will take charge as interim manager while we take time to review our next steps, supported by existing first-team staff.”

Smith was in his second spell as Ramsgate manager, having initially been appointed as successor to Jamie Coyle in the summer of 2023.

He led Ramsgate to the FA Cup second round for the first time in their history, and a live TV game