Russell Martin (footballer)

Russell Kenneth Alexander Martin (born 4 January 1986) is a football coach and former professional player, who is the manager of League One club Milton Keynes Dons.

Russell Martin
Martin at Carrow Road, August 2012
Personal information
Full name Russell Kenneth Alexander Martin[1]
Date of birth (1986-01-04) 4 January 1986[1]
Place of birth Brighton, England
Height 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)[1]
Playing position(s) Defender
Club information
Current team
 Milton Keynes Dons (manager)
Youth career
2003–2004 Brighton & Hove Albion
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2004 Lewes
2004–2008 Wycombe Wanderers 116 (5)
2008–2010 Peterborough United 56 (1)
2009–2010 → Norwich City (loan) 6 (0)
2010–2018 Norwich City 278 (16)
2018 → Rangers (loan) 15 (1)
2018–2019 Walsall 8 (0)
2019 Milton Keynes Dons 24 (2)
Total 503 (27)
National team
2011–2017 Scotland 29 (0)
Teams managed
2019– Milton Keynes Dons
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Martin played as a defender for Wycombe Wanderers, Peterborough United, Norwich City, Rangers and Walsall and Milton Keynes Dons. He played in 29 internationals for Scotland. Starting his career with Brighton, for whom he did not feature in a league match, Martin established himself at Wycombe Wanderers, for whom he made over 100 appearances. Following a brief spell with Peterborough United, Martin joined Norwich City in 2010 and played an important part in the team's rise to the Premier League.

Club career

Early career

Born in Brighton, East Sussex,[1] Martin was educated at Varndean School, Brighton.[2] He played for Woodingdean Youth FC before joining the Brighton and Hove youth set up. He left Brighton & Hove Albion's youth team by mutual consent in early 2004, finishing the season at Isthmian League Division One South side Lewes.

Wycombe Wanderers

Russell attended the Charlton Athletic Development Centre in East Grinstead, run by Academy Coach Aaron Jacob, for two seasons. Following a trial at Charlton Athletic, Martin joined Wycombe Wanderers, initially on a non-contract basis. He made his debut in a 2–1 home victory over Cambridge United on 7 August 2004, then went on to make ten more appearances during the 2004–05 season.

During the 2005–06 season, he made appearances at left-back, right-back, centre-half and in midfield, as well as winning the Goal of the Season award. In the summer of 2006, he signed a new two-year contract with the club,[3] and in 2006–07, he was a regular starter at right-back. In the 2007–08 season, he played every game in Wycombe's League Two campaign as they reached the play-offs. He played in both legs of the semi-final against Stockport County, which Wycombe lost 2–1 on aggregate.

Peterborough United

Martin was out of contract at the end of the 2008–09 season, and on 29 May 2008, he moved to Peterborough United, who had just been promoted to League One. He signed a three-year contract.[4] On 28 September, Martin was announced as the new captain of Peterborough United, taking over from Craig Morgan. [5] He played every match in his first season with the club as they gained promotion to the Football League Championship.

Norwich City

Following Mark Cooper's appointment as a replacement for Darren Ferguson in November 2009, Martin joined Norwich City on loan.[6] On 4 January 2010, his transfer was made permanent and he joined Norwich on a ​2 1⁄2-year contract.[7] Martin played in the majority of games for Norwich for the remainder of the season at right back. He scored his first goal for Norwich in the 3–1 defeat to Doncaster Rovers, with a diving header on 14 September 2010.[8] He scored the only goal in a 1–0 victory over Championship league leaders Queens Park Rangers on 1 January 2011,[9] and a last-minute equaliser against Cardiff City, leading fans to dub him "the Cafu of the Championship"[10] or "the Norfolk Cafu",[11] in honour of Cafu. Martin scored his fifth Norwich goal in the 5–1 victory over Ipswich Town on 21 April 2011. On 7 May 2011, he was the runner up for the Norwich City Player of the Year award to winner Grant Holt, in a season where he played every minute of each game. On 29 December 2012, Martin scored two goals against Manchester City in a 4–3 home defeat.[12]

After an impressive first season in the Premier League with Norwich, filling in well at centre back during some games, Martin signed a new three-year deal in June 2012.[13]

In an interview with The Canary Magazine, published April 2013, Martin revealed his desire to take up management after the end of his playing career, stating, "I would eventually love to come and manage Norwich."[14] On 9 July 2013, Martin agreed a new three-year deal with the club. This contract will keep him at the club until 2016. When asked about the new deal he told the club's official website: "in extremely delighted, everybody knows how I feel about playing for this football club. Since I first arrived here it's gone unbelievably well and I feel really settled in the area. I'm happy playing for this club and I've got a great relationship with the players, staff and the supporters, and I'm just delighted to be here for another 3 years." On 10 August 2013, he was officially named the club captain.

On 23 November 2014, Martin made his 200th appearance for Norwich against his hometown club Brighton & Hove Albion. He scored Norwich's second goal in a 3–3 draw. Norwich were promoted to the Premier League in 2014/15 via the playoffs, but were then relegated after just one season back in the top division.

Martin made his 300th appearance for Norwich on 21 April 2017, in a 2–0 win against Brighton & Hove Albion.[15] He signed a new contract with Norwich City in July 2017,[16] but then had few first team appearances during the 2017–18 season.[17] Martin left Norwich City on 31 August 2018 after his contract was terminated by mutual consent. He made 309 appearances for Norwich, placing him 22nd in the club's all-time appearance list.[18]

Rangers (loan)

In January 2018, Martin moved on loan to Scottish Premiership club Rangers.[17] He made his competitive debut for the club on 24 January, in a 2–0 win against Aberdeen.[19] Martin was one of four players to make their first appearance for Rangers in that game.[19] He scored his first goal for Rangers in a 2–0 win against Hearts on 24 February 2018.[20]

Walsall

Martin signed for League One club Walsall in October 2018 in a player-coach role.[21] He left by mutual consent in January 2019, for family reasons, having made twelve appearances for the club.[22]

Milton Keynes Dons

On 15 January 2019, Martin joined League Two club Milton Keynes Dons on a short-term deal until the end of the season,[23] and played a key role in the club clinching promotion on the final day of the season.[24] Following the departure of manager Paul Tisdale on 2 November 2019, Martin was appointed as his successor in his first managerial position the following day and later announced his retirement as a player to concentrate on the role.[25]

International career

Martin, who was born in England, qualifies to play for Scotland through his Scottish father.[11] On 17 May 2011, he was named in the Scotland squad for the Nations Cup games against Wales and the Republic of Ireland,[26] making his debut as a late substitute against Wales. Martin remarked before a game against Croatia in June 2013 that he was not recognised by Scottish taxi drivers transporting him for Scotland matches.[27] Martin made his first competitive appearance for Scotland in that match against Croatia,[27] which Scotland won 1–0 with then Norwich City teammate Robert Snodgrass scoring the only goal.[28]

Managerial career

On 3 November 2019, following the departure of manager Paul Tisdale, Martin was announced as the new permanent first-team manager of League One club Milton Keynes Dons - the club he had joined as a player earlier in the year.[29]

Personal life

Martin has been a vegan since 2014, initially for health reasons as he sought to manage issues with ulcerative colitis. He has established a charitable foundation in his hometown of Brighton, initially set up as a football academy. He is also a part-owner of Erpingham House, the largest vegan restaurant in the UK. In a 2018 interview he stated that he had joined the Green Party of England and Wales.[30]

Career statistics

Club
As of matches played 14 September 2019[31]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Wycombe Wanderers 2004–05[32] League Two 7010003[lower-alpha 1]0110
2005–06[33] League Two 23310005[lower-alpha 2]0293
2006–07[34] League Two 42220702[lower-alpha 1]0532
2007–08[35] League Two 44010103[lower-alpha 3]0490
Total 116550801301425
Peterborough United 2008–09[36] League One 46140101[lower-alpha 1]0521
2009–10[37] Championship 100—40—140
Total 561405010661
Norwich City 2009–10[37] League One 26200—1[lower-alpha 1]0272
2010–11[38] Championship 4651020—495
2011–12[39] Premier League 3323010—372
2012–13[40] Premier League 3132010—343
2013–14[41] Premier League 3102020—350
2014–15[42] Championship 45200103[lower-alpha 4]0492
2015–16[43] Premier League 3031000—313
2016–17[44] Championship 3712011—402
2017–18[45] Championship 5000200070
2018–19[46] Championship 00—00—00
Total 28418110914030819
Rangers (loan) 2017–18[45] Scottish Premiership 151200000171
Walsall 2018–19[46] League One 80300010120
Milton Keynes Dons 2018–19[46] League Two 181———181
2019–20[47] League One 6100201091
Total 242002010272
Career total 5032725024120057228
  1. Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy
  2. Three appearances in Football League Trophy, two in League Two play-offs
  3. One appearance in Football League Trophy, two in League Two play-offs
  4. Appearances in Championship play-offs

International
As of 16 January 2018[48]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
Scotland 201110
201230
201360
201460
201560
201660
201710
Total290

Managerial record
As of match played 7 March 2020
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team Nat From To Record Ref
G W D L GF GA GD Win %
Milton Keynes Dons 3 November 2019 Present 23 7 6 10 26 28 −2 030.43 [49]
Total 23 7 6 10 26 28 −2 030.43 —

Honours

Club

Peterborough United

Norwich City

Milton Keynes Dons

Individual

See also

References
  1. Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2010). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11. Mainstream Publishing. p. 280. ISBN 978-1-84596-601-0.
  2. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 23 April 2011. Retrieved 3 May 2011.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  3. Martin pens new Wycombe contract
  4. Posh snap up Wycombe right-back
  5. Martin Named Posh Skipper
  6. "Martin secures Norwich loan move". BBC Sport. 25 November 2009. Retrieved 2 January 2011.
  7. "Martin Move To Canaries Sealed". Peterborough United F.C. 4 January 2010. Archived from the original on 24 July 2011. Retrieved 2 January 2011.
  8. "Doncaster 3 - 1 Norwich". BBC Sport. 15 September 2010. Retrieved 2 January 2011.
  9. "Norwich 1 - 0 QPR". BBC Sport. 1 January 2011. Retrieved 2 January 2011.
  10. "Norwich 1-1 Cardiff: Daily Mirror match report". Mirror Football. 17 May 2011. Retrieved 17 May 2011.
  11. "Scots call for Russell Martin and James Forrest". BBC Sport. 17 May 2011. Retrieved 17 May 2011.
  12. "Norwich 3 - Manchester City". BBC Sport. 29 December 2012. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
  13. Russell Martin signs new Contract
  14. Armstrong, Mark, 'Could Russell Martin be the special one?', The Canary Magazine Issue 7, April 2013, Archant Publishing, Retrieved 1 May 2013
  15. "RUSSELL MARTIN ON JOINING THE 300 CLUB". Norwich City F.C. Retrieved 28 June 2017.
  16. "City captain signs new deal with the Canaries". Norwich City F.C. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  17. "Russell Martin: Rangers sign Norwich City defender on loan until summer". BBC Sport. BBC. 16 January 2018. Retrieved 16 January 2018.
  18. "Russell Martin departs Norwich City". Norwich City FC. 31 August 2018.
  19. "Rangers 2-0 Aberdeen: Alfredo Morelos worth a 'barrowload of cash' - Murty". BBC Sport. BBC. 24 January 2018. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  20. "Rangers 2-0 Hearts". BBC Sport. 24 February 2018. Retrieved 26 February 2018.
  21. "Russell Martin: Former Norwich City defender joins Walsall as player-coach". BBC Sport. 19 October 2018. Retrieved 20 October 2018.
  22. "Russell Martin: Scotland international leaves Walsall for family reasons". BBC Sport. 12 January 2019. Retrieved 16 January 2019.
  23. "Russell Martin: MK Dons bring in defender after Walsall exit". BBC Sport. 15 January 2019. Retrieved 16 January 2019.
  24. "Milton Keynes Dons 1-0 Mansfield Town". BBC. 4 May 2019. Retrieved 6 November 2019.
  25. "Russell Martin: MK Dons manager quits playing to focus on new role". BBC. 6 November 2019. Retrieved 6 November 2019.
  26. "James Forrest gets first Scotland call-up". STV. 17 May 2011. Retrieved 17 May 2011.
  27. Bailey, Michael (5 June 2013). "Russell Martin wants to be a recognised man north of the border". EDP 24. Archant Community Media Ltd. Retrieved 9 June 2013.
  28. Bailey, Michael (8 June 2013). "Norwich City stars excel in Scotland and the Republic of Ireland victories". EDP 24. Archant Community Media Ltd. Retrieved 9 June 2013.
  29. "Russell Martin appointed MK Dons First-Team Manager". Milton Keynes Dons. 3 November 2019. Retrieved 3 November 2019.
  30. James, Stuart (23 November 2018). "'I'm probably deemed a weirdo': Russell Martin, the footballer who joined the Green party". The Guardian. Retrieved 24 November 2018.
  31. "R. Martin". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
  32. "Games played by Russell Martin in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
  33. "Games played by Russell Martin in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
  34. "Games played by Russell Martin in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
  35. "Games played by Russell Martin in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
  36. "Games played by Russell Martin in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
  37. "Games played by Russell Martin in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
  38. "Games played by Russell Martin in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
  39. "Games played by Russell Martin in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
  40. "Games played by Russell Martin in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
  41. "Games played by Russell Martin in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
  42. "Games played by Russell Martin in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
  43. "Games played by Russell Martin in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 December 2015.
  44. "Games played by Russell Martin in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
  45. "Games played by Russell Martin in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 22 October 2017.
  46. "Games played by Russell Martin in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 22 October 2017.
  47. "Games played by Russell Martin in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 June 2019.
  48. "Martin, Russell". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmerman. Retrieved 26 December 2015.
  49. "Milton Keynes Dons FC: Matches". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved 3 November 2019.
  50. Rollin, Glenda; Rollin, Jack, eds. (2009). Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2009–2010. London: Headline Publishing Group. pp. 45, 306–307. ISBN 978-0-7553-1948-0.
  51. Rollin, Glenda; Rollin, Jack, eds. (2010). Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2010–2011. London: Headline Publishing Group. pp. 37, 276–277. ISBN 978-0-7553-6107-6.
  52. Rollin, Glenda; Rollin, Jack, eds. (2011). Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2011–2012. London: Headline Publishing Group. pp. 38, 274–275. ISBN 978-0-7553-6231-8.
  53. Shepka, Phil (25 May 2015). "Middlesbrough 0–2 Norwich City". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 December 2018.
  54. "League Two: 2018/19: Current table". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
    "MK Dons: Squad details: 2018/19". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
  55. "PFA Championship Team of the Year: Deeney only Watford player". BBC Sport. 26 April 2015. Retrieved 7 May 2018.
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