AN ex-Manchester United star signed by Sir Alex Ferguson has been sacked from his first job in management.
Lee Martin, 38, was signed by United in 2003 from Wimbledon for a compensation fee worth £200,000 up front and up to £1million depending on performance.
However, Martin only ever played one game for the Red Devils – a League Cup game against Barnet in 2005.
Loan spells at a variety of clubs followed before he signed for Ipswich in 2009.
He made 200 appearances for the Tractor Boys across four seasons, before then starring for Millwall between 2013 and 2016.
Martin continued playing for the likes of Gillingham, Exeter and Dover before retiring at Ramsgate in 2025.
Welling then appointed the former attacking midfielder as their manager in May.
However, after just three wins in 13 games, the Isthmian League Premier Division side relieved him of his duties.
A club statement said: “Welling United can confirm that the club and Manager Lee Martin have parted ways following a disappointing start to the season.
“We would like to place on record our gratitude to Lee for his efforts, professionalism and commitment during his time at Park View Road and we wish him every success in the future.
“Former Wings assistant boss and Dulwich Hamlet and Hastings United Manager, Paul Barnes, will take charge of first-team duties on an interim basis.”
Martin’s win rate of 23.1 per cent is only marginally worse than Ruben Amorim’s at United.
But Amorim maintains the backing of club chiefs amid ever-mounting pressure.
United host Sunderland at Old Trafford on Saturday.
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