The 39-year-old had a turbulent 2025/26 season as he was sacked by Welling United and then Ramsgate, the latter in bizarre fashion.
Club Statement
Lee Martin Appointed First Team Managerhttps://t.co/dwb5WAGA1O pic.twitter.com/O1pWYxm2X4
— Whitstable Town Football Club (@whitstabletown) May 18, 2026
Martin had led the Rams to the Velocity Cup after beating Aveley 1-0 in the final, but was dismissed a few hours later.
He now joins the Kent side, who saw management duo Jamie Coyle and Matt Longhurst leave to take over at Margate just 11 days after agreeing new two-year contracts with the club.
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They had just won the Southern Counties East League Premier Division title by 19 points and thus a return to Step 4 for the first time since 2022.
Lee Martin made over 100 appearances for Ipswich Town. (Image: NQ)
“I’m delighted to be appointed manager of Whitstable Town Football Club,” said Martin.
“This is a club that has clearly been on a fantastic journey in recent years, and I am excited to now be part of that. The progress made on and off the pitch is clear to see, and there is a real ambition here to keep moving the club forward in the right way.
“I know the challenge that lies ahead as we step into the Isthmian South East League, but it is one I am really looking forward to. There is a strong foundation at the club, a passionate supporter base, and a real community feel around Whitstable Town.
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“My focus now is on building a competitive squad, setting high standards, and making sure we are ready for the season ahead. I cannot wait to get started.”
Martin started his playing career at Manchester United, before he was signed by Roy Keane at Town for £1.5m in summer of 2009, where he made 105 appearances for the Blues, scoring six goals during his spell at Portman Road.