'Top, top player'... Ex Man Utd wonderkid joins 17th club of his career and plans coaching move

When Manchester United landed a FA Cup semi-final draw against Coventry City last season, it brought back memories for one player in the squad.

Veteran defender Jonny Evans, who actually ended up injured for the game at Wembley, was part of the Manchester United team to play against Coventry in 2007, the last time the teams met.

From the 11 starters in that experimental Sir Alex Ferguson XI, Evans is one of just two who are still playing professionally.

The other is former Manchester United youth prospect Lee Martin, making just one of three appearances for the Red Devils.

Lee Martin signs for new club

Now 37-years-old, Lee Martin is continuing his career in non-league football and has just signed up with a new club.

Martin has signed with Ashford United and plans to use the role to transition into coaching, while still contributing as a player.

His signing was praised, with Danny Kedwell telling club website: “Make no mistake, Lee is a top, top player and had a lot of interest from clubs.

“Lee will be part of my coaching staff, but ultimately his coaching and vision will come while playing.”

Lee Martin’s 17 clubs

Manchester United signed Lee Martin as a teenager from Wimbledon’s academy for a fee of £1 million.

The young winger made three appearances for Manchester United, without seriously challenging for a first team spot, made difficult by the dominance exerted by Sir Alex Ferguson’s all-conquering team, who won the Champions League in the same season he made his debut.

Martin was sent on a succession of loan spells, making his final United appearance in 2009 before Roy Keane signed him for Ipswich Town.

He played more than 100 appearances for the Tractor Boys in the Championship, with Millwall his next permanent club where he spent three seasons.

In 2020 he signed with non-league side Ebbsfleet United, and scored a goal to take them to the National League South play-off final in 2022, before being released after they lost the promotion decider.

Since then he has continued in non-league with Dover Athletic and then Ramsgate, before his latest deal with Ashford United, with Martin keen to extend his playing career as long as possible, while also making plans for a move into coaching.