Former Man Utd star, 37, signed by Alex Ferguson and transfer listed by Roy Keane joins EIGTHEENTH club of career
FORMER Manchester United ace Lee Martin was signed for £1million by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2003.
Now the midfielder has joined his 18th club – seventh-tier side Ashford United.
After coming through their famous academy, the Devon-born ace made three first-team appearances for the Red Devils.
Legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson scouted the youngster while he was at Wimbledon and made a move to Old Trafford at 16-year-old for £1million.
The 37-year-old is now set to make his debut for Ashford after spending the season at rival side Ramsgate.
The Kent-based club announced the winger’s transfer on their X page and shared a pic of the former United star standing alongside boss Danny Kedwell.
The pic was captioned: “That smile. Keds gets his man. Welcome to United Lee Maritn. Lee joins the Nuts & Bolts from Ramsgate FC.”
Martin featured 43 times for Ramsgate last season and was an integral part of their FA Cup run and unsuccessful push for promotion out of the Isthmian League South East.
Kedwell said: “Don’t be fooled by the age. Lee is unbelievably fit, and showed that last season. Make no mistake, Lee is a top, top player and had a lot of interest from clubs.
“There’s not much I can say really, his experience and career speaks for itself.
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“Lee will be part of my coaching staff, but ultimately his coaching and vision will come while playing.
“This signing almost completes the squad. I want to strengthen just a bit more, but not going to be too hasty in making that decision. They need to be the right player.”
Before his move to Old Trafford Martin attracted interest from the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham.
Martin had an unsuccessful breakthrough into the Red Devils’ first team after several loan spells and also had temporary spells with Antwerp, Stoke, Plymouth, Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest.
Ipswich — who were then managed by Keane — signed him on a permanent deal in the summer of 2009.
The fiery Irishman has not managed a club since his departure from the Tractor Boys in 2011.
Martin said: “Roy couldn’t understand that none of us were at the level he had been while playing. I was actually transfer listed by him two months after I’d scored my first goal for the club.
“I was still only 23 and my head was scrambled, but the mental health side of things wasn’t as talked about as it is today.”
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The 18 clubs Lee Martin has played for
- 2005-2009 Manchester United
- 2006 Royal Antwerp (loan)
- 2006 Rangers (loan)
- 2007 Stoke City (loan)
- 2007-2008 Plymouth Argyle (loan)
- 2008 Sheffield United (loan)
- 2008 Nottingham Forest (loan)
- 2009-2013 Ipswich
- 2010-2011 Charlton Athletic (loan)
- 2013-2106 Millwall
- 2016 Northampton Town (loan)
- 2016-2018 Gillingham
- 2018-2020 Exeter City
- 2020-2022 Ebbsfleet United
- 2022-2023 Dover Athletic
- 2023-2024 Ramsgate
- 2024- Present Ashford United