Ramsgate player-coach Lee Martin won’t let ill-fated spell as Welling boss put him off management

Ramsgate player-coach Lee Martin is keen to return to management following his short stint at Welling.

Martin was sacked after only 13 games in charge of the Wings - but it hasn’t put him off.

He won two of his 10 league matches, leaving Park View Road with the club in the Isthmian Premier relegation zone.

It was always going to be a difficult first job in management, with a big rebuild required following relegation from National League South.

But Martin, 38, had little time to get things right and was replaced by former boss Rod Stringer, initially in a caretaker capacity, at the start of October.

Martin has since returned to Ramsgate, where he was a key part of the side who won the Isthmian South East title last season, taking on a player-coach role.

He’s enjoying working under Rams boss Ben Smith - the pair having an excellent relationship - but the chance to be a No.1 again one day appeals.

“I would love to get back into management but it would have to be the right people, in the right environment,” said Martin.

“It’s so important when you come into something, you need to have that relationship with people where you know you are there for the long-term.

“You can’t tell me that 10/12 games, with a whole new squad, and a limited budget in this league, is long enough.

“I still think you need six months to see where you’re at.

“With the project we were walking into, it was never going to happen overnight.

“The style of play they wanted was there but, with that, the last thing that comes is results.

“We didn’t overplay by any means but we played with a purpose and wanted to play progressive football.

“Our budget was low to mid-table and it was tough at times.

“Trying to gel a whole new group together is nigh-on