Chris Martin may only be 19 years old but the goalkeeper has already shown maturity beyond his years in a string of good games for Port Vale’s first team.
A graduate of the ASE programme, Martin has come through the ranks at Vale Park as part of their successful Youth system.
Having made his debut at the end of last season for the injured Joe Anyon (ironically yet another Youth product), Martin has produced a number of excellent performances between the sticks this campaign under Micky Adams.
That has included winning praise from a number of national newspapers for the saves he made against Championship side Sheffield United in the Carling Cup, though Martin, speaking to the Club’s website is modest about his achievements so far:
“I’ve had a couple of good games and I have a few clean sheets under my belt, which is pleasing,” he said.
“There are still bits I can work on but on the whole, I can’t grumble. It’s all about the defence really and throughout the season, including in the two Carling Cup games, we have looked pretty solid at the back. We’ve looked good and the formation we have been playing at the back seems to work well. We have gelled well and we just need to keep that going now.”
“Keepers don’t usually come into the team until they are a lot older so it’s good to get this experience. I’m enjoying it while I still have the shirt and now I have to keep performing and giving 100% in every game.”
Martin also revealed that he has been supported by coach Mark Grew, as well as fellow ‘keeper Joe Anyon, who is on the road to recovery following a broken leg.
“We have a good team spirit here and Grewy has helped me a lot, along with Joe. I take on board their advice. Everybody wants the number one shirt but we do have a goalkeepers’ union and we look after each other.”
“I was signed to cover for Joe in case anything happened and I think I showed late on last season that I can handle it in there. I just need to continue that now.
