Best Saints-related Martin?

[Dusic]

The name Martin is one of the first things that many football fans across the UK, and indeed further afield have associated with Southampton FC for most of the club's history.

From recent promotion winning legend Russell, to widely heralded CEO Semmens, academy poster boy Cranie, the guy who has been on TSP a couple of times and Martin who operated a turnstile at the Dell for many man years - just to name a few.

Simple question - who is the top Saints Martin in your opinion, and crucially, why?

For me - although I liked Martin Hunter as Technical Director under Les Reed, I have gone for Eric Martin because he was a top GK at the time, good with his feet before that was a necessity and at claiming crosses. Also showed his versatility by transitioning to have a good indoor career with the Washington Diplomats in the late 70s. A proper Martin.

 

 

[ant]

I was going to facetiously say Aaron Martin.

Googled him, found he's retired and (being two years his senior) I just feel sad now.

[Badger]

1 hour ago, Dusic said:

 

Simple question - who is the top Saints Martin in your opinion, and crucially, why?

For me - although I liked Martin Hunter as Technical Director under Les Reed, I have gone for Eric Martin because he was a top GK at the time, good with his feet before that was a necessity and at claiming crosses. Also showed his versatility by transitioning to have a good indoor career with the Washington Diplomats in the late 70s. A proper Martin.

Another vote for Eric Martin.

Interesting that you mention good with his feet and claiming crosses. I think he combined those skills, often raising feet when coming for the cross or through ball. Often his feet - with studs showing - were at the oncoming forwards face height. A bygone age.

Think he'd be top Eric as well if we had a poll.

Some might add Martin Chivers, but he was before my time following Saints by a couple of years, and fucking off to Spurs he is barred from this anyway. (Recall him saying on the pitch at St Mary's that Spurs were his first team now, so he can go in the 'cunt Martins' list for me).

 

Edited 10 October, 2024 by Badger

[skintsaint]

Martin Chivers? 100 goals for Saints not to be sniffed at. 

[benjii]

a

[Turkish]

Martin Foyle scored a late equaliser and extra time winner secured a famous cup victory for us v Carlise in the great 1983/84 season.

[Miltonaggro]

In case Russell gets offended (easily done) a mention in dispatches for his first team coach, Carl Martin.  Stellar playing career at Macclesfield and Wealdstone with nearly 100 games as a semi-professional.  Promoted to head of cones in terms of Russball v.4 but a convert, and upwards of 425 required on the training pitch at any one time.  A proper Martin.

[OttawaSaint]

Has to be Chivers. 

 

[SotonianWill]

Got to be Russell Martin. Best manager we’ve had since the previous one. 

[Badger]

1 hour ago, OttawaSaint said:

Has to be Chivers. 

 

Talking to older relatives years ago I can understand the feelings they and you had for him. 

4 hours ago, Badger said:

 

Some might add Martin Chivers, but he was before my time following Saints by a couple of years, and fucking off to Spurs he is barred from this anyway. (Recall him saying on the pitch at St Mary's that Spurs were his first team now, so he can go in the 'cunt Martins' list for me).

 

But I have a less favourable view of him.

Might have been quite a prospect though of him and Channon paying together for Saints. But of course we had Big Ron. 

[ecuk268]

4 hours ago, skintsaint said:

Martin Chivers? 100 goals for Saints not to be sniffed at. 

Also, when he was a nipper, he lived opposite my Uncle in King George's Avenue.

[Turkish]

Best goal scored by a Saint Martin

 

[Dusic]

A lesser spotted Martin. Over 100 caps for Uruguay but didnt get a look in for us. Now 37 and being skippered by Maya Yoshida at LA Galaxy.

 

[bpsaint]

1 hour ago, Dusic said:

A lesser spotted Martin. Over 100 caps for Uruguay but didnt get a look in for us. Now 37 and being skippered by Maya Yoshida at LA Galaxy.

 

Still think we should have played him in the EFL cup final instead of Stephens.

[Turkish]

11 hours ago, Dusic said:

A lesser spotted Martin. Over 100 caps for Uruguay but didnt get a look in for us. Now 37 and being skippered by Maya Yoshida at LA Galaxy.

 

Obviously signed just to be cover but clearly a player of quality who was miles better than Stephens and Yoshida at the time. 

[Andrew Watson]

Eric Martin for me,a top keeper with a dreadful defence.

[St Chalet]

19 hours ago, bpsaint said:

Still think we should have played him in the EFL cup final instead of Stephens.

I think I should have played ahead of Stephens

[sandwichsaint]

Eric Martin for me, one of my earliest Saints heroes.

In more modern times Alfie Housemartin seems to be doing a good job of getting under RM's skin.

[Yorkshire Saint]

Lee Todd

[OneMrsWallace]

I once went on a Martin Chivers football academy course. It was so badly organised I started as a full back but ended up as a goalkeeper. A bit like Russell Martin's team selections. 

[SNSUN]

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/football/2015/mar/19/the-rumour-mill-southampton-martin-odegaard-real-madrid

Well... I think it counts. 😝

[Badger]

On 11/10/2024 at 21:28, sandwichsaint said:

Eric Martin for me, one of my earliest Saints heroes.

In more modern times Alfie Housemartin seems to be doing a good job of getting under RM's skin.

Looking forward to the next time we have  a ‘happy hour (and a half)’ .