Ramsgate name Lee Martin as their new manager after taking seven points from three games as caretaker boss

Lee Martin has been appointed Ramsgate manager following a successful caretaker stint.

Martin has been rewarded after collecting seven points from three games in temporary charge.

He’s now been named the permanent successor to Ben Smith, who stepped down after a 5-0 defeat at Aveley a fortnight ago.

Rams were just outside the bottom four when Martin took the reins but have since climbed to 12th - nine points clear of the relegation zone and only five off the play-off places.

They drew 1-1 with Cheshunt in his first game and have since beaten title contenders Chaham 1-0, followed by a 4-1 success at Hashtag on Saturday.

Martin won Isthmian South East as a player with Ramsgate last season before taking over at Welling.

He was sacked by the Wings after 13 games and returned to Southwood as player-coach, only to find himself in caretaker control on Smith’s recommendation.

A Rams statement said: “Ramsgate FC are delighted to confirm that Lee Martin has been appointed as manager on a permanent basis following a successful interim period.

“With seven points out of a possible nine, Marts has led the team with great diligence - ably assisted by Sean Hill and Tom Hadler, who will continue in coaching roles to assist the manager.

“Lee has always felt part of the family at Ramsgate and we couldn’t be happier that the Martin family will continue their journey with us at Southwood - a place where they, as well as so many others, like to call home.

“An exciting new chapter in the history of Ramsgate FC is now under way, and we look forward to building on the success of recent games going forward.”

Martin, speaking before his appointment, told of the hard work that had gone into the caretaker role, but was keen to praise the players for