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Martin Ling

Martin Ling (born 15 July 1966) is an English , executive, and former player who serves as director of football for club Leyton Orient. Born in , , Ling began his playing career as an apprentice at Exeter City in 1982, making over 100 league appearances as a before moving to Swindon Town in 1986. At Swindon, he experienced after promotion in 1993 under manager , and later played for Brighton & Hove Albion and Leyton Orient, where he made more than 150 appearances over two spells, accumulating over 500 career appearances across 18 years. Ling transitioned to management with his first stint at Leyton Orient in 2003, followed by roles at Cambridge United, Torquay United, and a brief spell at Swindon Town. He returned to Leyton Orient as director of football in 2017, contributing to the club's promotion to in 2023. Ling is also known for his advocacy on issues in , openly discussing his own experiences with and .

Playing career

Early career at Exeter City

Martin Ling was born on 15 July 1966 in , , where he grew up before moving to at the age of 16 to join the club's youth academy, marking the start of his professional football journey in a supportive lower-league environment. Ling signed as an apprentice with Exeter City in 1982 and made his professional debut as a substitute on 26 February 1983, at age 16, during a 1–0 defeat to Athletic in the Third Division. He secured his first professional contract in January 1984 and quickly established himself as a regular in the midfield, initially on the wing, contributing to the team's efforts amid a challenging 1983–84 season that ended in relegation to the Fourth Division. Over three seasons from 1983 to 1986, Ling made 117 league appearances and scored 14 goals for Exeter City, including notable performances in key Fourth Division matches after the club's relegation, such as his contributions in competitive fixtures against promotion-challenging sides. As a central , he honed his skills in this lower-tier setting, developing tenacity and versatility without any senior international exposure during this formative period. This early experience at laid the groundwork for Ling's progression, leading to a transfer to Swindon Town in July 1986 for £25,000, where he made two league appearances before moving to Southend United in October 1986 as a step up to a more competitive level.

Time at Southend United

Martin Ling joined Southend United from Swindon Town in October 1986 for a fee of £15,000–£20,000, where he quickly established himself as a regular starter in the right midfield position. His previous experience at City provided a foundation for his defensive solidity, enabling him to contribute effectively in both attacking and defensive phases during his time at . Ling's period at Southend marked his most successful playing spell, highlighted by two promotions from the Fourth Division. In the 1986–87 season, Southend finished third and secured automatic to the Third Division, with Ling playing a key role in their campaign. The club faced relegation back to the Fourth Division at the end of the 1988–89 season but bounced back strongly, finishing third again in 1989–90 to earn another automatic to the Third Division. Over his five years with Southend from 1986 to 1991, Ling made 136 league appearances and scored 30 goals, including notable contributions in the promotion pushes of 1986–87 and 1989–90. His goal-scoring prowess from midfield helped drive the team's success in those lower-tier battles. In early 1991, amid squad rotation, Ling was loaned to , where he made three appearances before returning and subsequently transferring to in March 1991.

Spell with Swindon Town

Martin Ling joined Swindon Town on a permanent transfer in March 1991 for a fee of £15,000, following a short loan spell at Town earlier that season while still contracted to Southend United. (Note: This was Ling's second spell at Swindon, following a brief appearance in 1986–87 where he made two league outings.) As a versatile left-sided midfielder, Ling quickly established himself in the squad under manager , contributing to the team's push for promotion in the second tier of English . During the 1992–93 season, Ling played a key role in Swindon's campaign despite the club suffering a 15-point deduction in October 1992 due to irregularities in player payments from previous seasons. The deduction dropped Swindon into the relegation zone early on, but Ling's energetic performances in midfield helped the team recover, finishing third in the First Division and qualifying for the play-offs. In the semi-finals against , Swindon advanced with a aggregate victory, with Ling featuring prominently in both legs. The season culminated in a dramatic play-off final against Leicester City at on 31 May 1993, where Swindon secured a 4-3 win in a seven-goal thriller—leading 3-0 before Leicester equalized, only for to score a late penalty for promotion to the . Ling later reflected on the match as a defining moment, highlighting the team's resilience under pressure. Over his five-year spell at from 1991 to 1996, Ling made 150 appearances and scored 10 goals, including vital contributions such as assists during the play-off campaign that underscored his importance in build-up play. His prior experiences of lower-stakes promotions with Southend United had prepared him for such high-pressure scenarios. The following 1993–94 season marked 's brief and challenging stint in the , where they finished bottom of the table and were relegated after winning just five matches. Despite the struggles, Ling delivered solid midfield performances, appearing in 33 league games and scoring once, helping to maintain some competitiveness against top-flight opposition.

Later clubs including Leyton Orient

After departing Town in 1996, Martin Ling joined Leyton Orient on a free transfer in July of that year, marking the beginning of the later phase of his playing career following his contributions to Swindon's historic promotion to the three years earlier. As a central , Ling became an important figure in Orient's midfield during a period of mid-table consolidation and occasional flirtations with in the third tier of English . Over four seasons from 1996 to 2000, Ling made 148 appearances for Leyton Orient in the Football League, scoring 8 goals while helping the team navigate competitive challenges in Division Three. Orient finished 16th in the 1996–97 season, avoiding the lower reaches comfortably, before improving to 11th in 1997–98 despite a three-point deduction for financial irregularities. The 1998–99 campaign saw a strong push for promotion, culminating in a sixth-place finish and a play-off final appearance at Wembley, where they lost 1–0 to Scunthorpe United. However, the 1999–2000 season proved tougher, with Orient ending 19th and just five points clear of the relegation zone, highlighting Ling's role in key survival efforts during his time at the club. In March 2000, Ling briefly moved to Brighton & Hove Albion on a non-contract basis, where he featured in 8 league matches and netted 1 goal before departing later that year. He then transitioned to with for the 2000–01 season, continuing to play while beginning his shift toward coaching. Ling retired from professional playing at age 35 in 2001, paving the way for his subsequent involvement in coaching roles at Leyton Orient.

Managerial career

First stint at Leyton Orient

Martin Ling was appointed manager of Leyton Orient on 15 December 2003 at the age of 37, following a successful interim period that began in late September of that year. Having retired from professional playing in October 2000 after a career that included over 150 appearances for the club between 1990 and 1996, Ling had returned to as youth team manager and later assistant manager under . His appointment came amid a turbulent season, with Orient struggling near the foot of League Two, but Ling's familiarity with the club and coaching progression positioned him as a natural successor. Ling's early tenure focused on stabilization, guiding the team to survival in the 2003–04 season despite inheriting a side second from bottom upon his arrival. Progress accelerated in subsequent years, culminating in the 2005–06 League Two campaign, where Orient secured automatic promotion by finishing third. The promotion was clinched on the final day with a 3–2 victory at Oxford United, thanks to goals from Craig Easton, Gary Alexander, and Lee Steele, bettering rivals Grimsby's result to confirm their return to League One after 20 years. This achievement marked Ling as Manager of the Month for October 2005 and highlighted his ability to build a competitive squad on limited resources. In , Ling oversaw mid-table consolidation, with a 20th-place finish in 2006–07. Over his full tenure from late 2003 to January 2009, Ling managed 237 matches, achieving a points-per-match average of 1.27 and fostering a culture of defensive resilience while integrating talents like those he had developed in his youth coaching role. His emphasis on organized defense and youth pathways built directly on his playing experience at , where he had contributed to midfield stability during his time as a key squad member. However, a poor run of form—five consecutive defeats—saw the club drop into the relegation zone by early 2009, leading to his departure by mutual consent on 18 January alongside assistant .

Cambridge United

Martin Ling was appointed manager of Cambridge United on 27 July , succeeding , shortly after departing where he had achieved promotion to in 2006. His prior success at bolstered his reputation for the non-league role. However, Ling resigned after just nine days on 4 August , citing with club chairman George Rolls, only to be reappointed eight days later following resolved negotiations. Ling's initial task was to build on Cambridge's ninth-place finish from the previous Conference Premier season and push for promotion contention, though early stability was prioritized amid off-field uncertainties. In his first full campaign during 2009–10, the team finished 10th in the league with a record of 15 wins, 14 draws, and 15 losses, securing a top-half and demonstrating late-season improvement by winning nine of the final 14 matches. The 2010–11 season saw more inconsistency, with the club positioned 16th at the time of his departure. Ling was sacked on 1 February 2011 after a poor run that included four consecutive defeats, despite providing earlier stability to the squad. Over his tenure spanning 87 matches, he recorded 28 wins, 28 draws, and 31 losses, yielding a win percentage of 32.18%.

Torquay United

Martin Ling was appointed manager of United on 13 June 2011, succeeding who had departed for Bristol Rovers, with the aim of building on the club's seventh-place finish in League Two the previous season. Ling, who had been out of work since his dismissal from United earlier that year, brought experience from his time at , where the team finished 10th in the Conference National in 2009–10. In his first season, Ling rebuilt the squad and led to a strong campaign, finishing fifth in League Two with 23 wins, 12 draws, and 11 losses, securing a playoff spot. The team enjoyed a notable run of five consecutive league victories in late 2011, including a 3-1 home win over rivals Argyle and a 2-1 away victory at later that year, which helped propel them into the promotion picture. Ling's efforts were recognized with the League Two Manager of the Month award for January 2012, following four wins in five matches that month, including triumphs over Crewe Alexandra and Northampton Town. However, 's promotion bid ended in the playoff semi-finals, where they lost 2-0 on aggregate to Cheltenham Town. The 2012–13 season proved far more challenging, with Torquay struggling in the lower reaches of League Two amid inconsistent form and injuries. Ling's side managed only 13 league wins that campaign, leaving the club in the relegation zone by late . He was sacked on 29 April 2013 for "footballing reasons," including a perceived lack of enthusiasm, with caretaker Alan Knill taking over to guide the team to survival on the final day. Over his tenure, Ling oversaw 81 league matches, recording 32 wins, 22 draws, and 27 defeats, for a points-per-match of 1.46.

Brief role at Swindon Town

In November 2015, Martin Ling was appointed manager of , the League One club where he had previously enjoyed two spells as a player, including contributing to their promotion to the in 1993. The appointment followed the sacking of Mark Cooper in October, with languishing in 20th place and facing relegation pressure; Ling's familiarity with the club was seen as a key factor in stabilizing the team. During his tenure, Ling oversaw nine matches, achieving five wins, no draws, and four losses, which earned 15 points and a 55.56% win rate while scoring 14 goals and conceding 15. This run of form lifted from the lower reaches of the table to a more secure mid-table position in , providing a temporary boost to team morale and amid a challenging season. Ling resigned on 29 December 2015, less than two months after taking charge, citing the stresses of the job and health concerns as the primary reasons for his departure. Although his short stint helped steady the squad and avert an immediate relegation battle—Swindon ultimately finished eighth in the league—Ling was unable to commit long-term due to these personal challenges.

Executive career

Appointment as director of football

In June 2017, following a period away from football management due to health reasons, Martin Ling rejoined Leyton Orient as director of football, just one day after the club's takeover by American businessman Nigel Travis from the controversial former owner Francesco Becchetti. This appointment came amid significant financial instability under Becchetti's tenure, which had led to two successive relegations, including a drop to the National League in 2017, ending the club's 112-year stay in the Football League, and widespread player exodus. Ling's deep historical connection to Orient—having played for the club from 1996 to 2000 and managed it successfully from 2003 to 2009, including a promotion to League One in 2006—provided essential continuity and trust during this turbulent transition. Ling's role encompassed overseeing , youth development through the club's , and supporting the in building a competitive for the season. He was immediately tasked with appointing a new first-team coach and developing the , leveraging his experience in nurturing young talent to integrate prospects with targeted signings. This support extended to backing subsequent es, such as in later years, by aligning with tactical needs. In his early tenure, Ling focused on squad rebuilding after relegation left the team severely depleted, with only a handful of players remaining across positions. Efforts emphasized sustainable, data-informed signings to restore competitiveness without overextending the newly debt-free club's resources, aiming for long-term stability and a return to the Football League.

Key contributions at Leyton Orient

Since his appointment as director of football in 2017, Martin Ling has overseen significant growth and stability at Leyton Orient, steering the club from the to consistent contention in while avoiding relegation threats through strategic squad building and financial prudence. Under his leadership, the O's secured promotion from the in 2019, won the League Two title in 2022–23, and in the 2024–25 season, finished sixth to qualify for the , ultimately reaching the final against Charlton Athletic in May 2025. This progress marked a "minor miracle" in Ling's words, transforming a club on the brink of collapse into a stable, upwardly mobile entity under owners like and David Gandler. In 2025, Ling played a pivotal role in the summer , orchestrating an increased playing budget supported by revenue growth, player sales, and owner investment, which enabled 15 new signings to bolster the squad for the 2025–26 campaign. Key among these was the club-record fee signing of midfielder in July, a statement move aimed at elevating competitiveness in . He also announced the retained list in June, expressing gratitude to departing players for their contributions while emphasizing continuity and youth integration. Throughout, Ling highlighted his close collaboration with head coach , underscoring a unified project focused on long-term development rather than short-term gains. Beyond transfers, Ling's influence extends to player welfare and academy development, where he has prioritized by sharing his own experiences of breakdowns to normalize discussions and reduce pressure on young talents. He maintains an open-door policy, stating, "Speaking about it really helps. If people can see that you can come out of the dark places… then it helps them to realise if they do things right then life can be normal." This approach has contributed to club stability, exemplified by the integration of graduates like defender Jayden Sweeney and midfielder Zech Obiero into the first team, alongside historical examples such as his son Sam Ling's progression through the to senior appearances earlier in his tenure. As of November 2025, in the early stages of the 2025–26 season, Leyton Orient are positioned 20th with 17 points from 15 matches (5 wins, 2 draws, 8 losses), following a 2–1 victory over Exeter City on 15 November.

Personal life

Family and early influences

Martin Ling was born on 15 July 1966 in , , an area known for its working-class communities that shaped many young ers of the era. Growing up in , he attended St Joachim's Primary School and later School from 1977 to 1982, where became a central part of his teenage years through school matches and local youth teams. At the age of 16, Ling relocated to Exeter to join Exeter City as an apprentice in 1982, a move that immersed him in a professional environment and fueled his passion for the sport after initial exposure to non-league and grassroots football in London. This relocation marked the transition from standard schooling to a full focus on football development, with no pursuit of higher education as his career took precedence. The apprenticeship provided early professional breakthrough opportunities, leading to his senior debut for Exeter City in 1984. Ling's family life extended into the next generation through his son, Sam Ling, born on 17 December 1996, who followed in his footsteps as a professional footballer. Sam joined Leyton Orient's youth academy in 2013 and made his senior debut in 2015, establishing himself as a defender and upholding the family tradition at the club where his father also played and managed until his departure in 2021. He later joined and, as of July 2025, is a .

Mental health advocacy

Martin Ling has been open about his struggles with , which led him to consider twice during career lows, including after his 2015 resignation from Swindon Town, where the role's pressures exacerbated his condition. He was formally diagnosed with following mental breakdowns, the first in 2013 at United and the second tied to his Swindon tenure. A pivotal moment came in 2019 when Ling publicly discussed his experiences in a interview, revealing his treatment at The Priory clinic involving and , which marked the beginning of his recovery. This openness continued in a 2025 East Advertiser feature, where he detailed how seeking hospital help after helped him recognize and address his issues, leading to sustained recovery. In his role as director of football at Leyton Orient since 2017, Ling has actively advocated for awareness by sharing his story with players and staff to destigmatize seeking support. For instance, in a May 2025 Guardian article, he described using his past breakdowns to encourage open conversations, promoting a culture where is addressed as routinely as in . Ling's advocacy has had a tangible impact at Leyton Orient, creating an environment that relieves performance pressure on the squad through his supportive, open-door approach, which contributed to the team's strong 2024–25 season and playoff run.

Honours

As a player

During his playing career, Martin Ling contributed to three across different clubs, highlighting his reliability in midfield during key campaigns in the lower tiers of English . With Southend United, he was part of the squad that secured from the Fourth in the 1986–87 season, finishing third in the table and earning elevation to the Third . He remained a key figure in the side for the subsequent in 1989–90, when Southend again finished third to return to the Third . Later, during his second spell at Swindon Town, Ling played a supporting role in their historic run to the via the 1993 First play-offs, defeating Leicester City 4–3 in the Wembley final after overcoming West Bromwich Albion in the semi-finals. Ling did not receive any individual awards, though he was recognized for his qualities and consistent performances as a tenacious left-sided , particularly during his time at Leyton Orient where he featured regularly in the side's engine room. Over a 17-year professional career spanning from 1984 to 2000, Ling amassed over 500 league appearances and more than 60 goals, with total career figures reaching 642 games and 75 goals across all competitions. His contributions exemplified the grit and endurance typical of lower-league ers, playing a pivotal role in those three promotions that underscored his impact on team success and resilience in competitive environments.

As a manager

Martin Ling's managerial honours primarily revolve around a successful promotion campaign with Leyton Orient and several individual accolades for monthly performance, alongside notable near-misses in the . During the 2005–06 season, Ling led Leyton Orient to automatic promotion from League Two to , finishing third in the table after a dramatic 3–2 victory over Oxford United on the final day, which secured their place ahead of Grimsby Town. This marked Orient's first promotion in 36 years and highlighted Ling's ability to build a competitive squad on a limited . Ling earned recognition for his tactical acumen through multiple Manager of the Month awards in League Two. In October 2005, while at Leyton Orient, he was named the winner after guiding the team to an unbeaten run of three wins and three draws, including victories over promotion rivals. Later, at Torquay United, he received the award for January 2012 following five wins and one draw in six matches, which propelled the into the playoff positions. He claimed it again in March 2012, after overseeing five victories and a draw in seven games, maintaining Torquay's strong push for promotion. Among his near-misses, Ling took Torquay United to the League Two in the 2011–12 season, where they finished fifth but lost the first leg of the semi-final against Cheltenham Town 0–2 away and the second leg 1–2 at , eliminated on a 1–4 aggregate. Despite these efforts, Ling's teams did not secure any major cup honours during his managerial stints. His earlier playing successes in promotions served as an inspirational foundation for his focus on team development and resilience in management. Throughout his career, Ling emphasized survival and squad building in the lower tiers of , managing clubs like Leyton Orient, Cambridge United, Torquay United, and briefly Swindon Town, where he amassed 168 wins in 477 matches across all competitions. This approach prioritized steady progress and player welfare over high-risk strategies, contributing to sustained competitiveness without major trophies beyond the 2005–06 promotion.

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