Alvin Martin is a name that brings back wonderful memories for West Ham United fans. He spent over two decades playing for the same club, which is rare in modern football. His story shows us what loyalty and hard work can achieve in professional sports. Today, he is remembered as one of the greatest defenders in West Ham’s history.
Personal Info
| Full Name | Alvin Edward Martin |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 29, 1958 |
| Place of Birth | Walton, Liverpool, England |
| Age | 66 years old |
| Position | Defender |
| Main Club | West Ham United (1974-1996) |
| Total Appearances | 598 games for West Ham |
| Goals Scored | 34 goals |
| England Caps | 17 international matches |
| Major Achievement | FA Cup Winner (1980) |
| Management Career | Southend United (1997-1999) |
| Current Role | Football Pundit and Commentator |
Early Life and Football Beginnings
Alvin Martin was born in Liverpool, a city famous for its love of football. As a young boy, he played for Bootle and Lancashire school teams. Everton noticed his talent but only offered him a part-time position. In 1974, when he was just 16 years old, West Ham United gave him a full apprenticeship. This decision changed his life forever.
Rise to Fame at West Ham United
Martin made his first appearance for West Ham in March 1978 against Aston Villa. He worked hard to earn a regular place in the team. His breakthrough came in the early 1980s when he became a key defender, playing alongside Billy Bonds. Together, they formed a strong partnership that opponents found difficult to break.
The 1980 FA Cup Glory
One of the proudest moments in Martin’s career came in 1980 when West Ham United won the FA Cup by beating Arsenal. What made this special was that West Ham was playing in the Second Division. They became the last second-division team to win this famous competition. Martin played an important role throughout the tournament at just 21 years old.
A Special Record Against Newcastle
April 21, 1986, is a date football fans still talk about. In a match against Newcastle United, Martin scored a hat-trick, but not an ordinary one. He scored three goals against three different goalkeepers in the same game. Newcastle’s first goalkeeper got injured, then the substitute also left. With no more goalkeepers, Newcastle used outfield players to guard the goal. Martin scored past all three. West Ham won 8-1, and this achievement became part of football history.
International Career with England
Martin’s excellent performances caught England’s attention. In May 1981, he made his debut against Brazil at Wembley Stadium. He played 17 times for England between 1981 and 1987. An injury prevented him from playing in the 1982 World Cup, but he was selected for the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. He played in England’s victory against Paraguay before the team lost to Argentina in the quarter-finals.
Loyalty Through Good and Bad Times
What makes Martin special is his loyalty to West Ham. In 1989, the club was relegated, but Martin stayed. He helped them return to the top division in 1991. The team went down again but bounced back quickly. Martin remained through all these difficult times, playing in the Premier League until 1996 at age 37. He made 598 appearances and scored 34 goals, becoming only the second player in club history to receive two testimonial matches.
People Read Also: Who Is Matt Danzeisen? Meet Peter Thiel’s Husband and His Life Story
Life After Playing
When Martin left West Ham in 1996, he joined Leyton Orient as a player-coach, playing 17 games before retiring in 1997. He then became manager of Southend United, staying for two years until 1999. The team was relegated during his time there, and he left management afterward.
Media Career and Current Life
After management, Martin joined talkSPORT radio and Sky Sports television as a football pundit. He shares his knowledge and opinions about matches and players. His experience as both player and manager gives him valuable insights that fans enjoy.
Family and Legacy
Football runs in the Martin family. Both of Alvin’s sons became professional footballers. David Martin, born in 1986, became a goalkeeper and played for several clubs, including West Ham. He is now a goalkeeping coach for Chelsea’s youth teams. Joe Martin, born in 1988, played as a defender for various clubs in England’s lower leagues.
Alvin Martin’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million, earned through his long football career and media work.
What Made Him Special
Martin was not the fastest or most skillful player, but he was intelligent, always in the right position, and rarely made mistakes. He was a natural leader who stayed calm under pressure. His loyalty is what fans remember most. In modern football, where players often move between clubs, Martin’s 21 years at one club seems almost impossible.
Conclusion
Alvin Martin’s story shows what loyalty and hard work can achieve in football. From Liverpool to West Ham legend, he succeeded through dedication. His unique hat-trick record, FA Cup medal, and 17 England caps are part of his legacy. But more than trophies, Martin showed what it means to be a true club servant, staying with West Ham through good and bad times. Today, he continues sharing his football wisdom as a pundit.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many games did Alvin Martin play for West Ham United?
Alvin Martin played 598 games for West Ham United over 21 years, making him one of the club’s most loyal players in history.
2. What is Alvin Martin’s most famous achievement?
His most famous achievement is scoring a hat-trick against three different goalkeepers in one match against Newcastle United in 1986, something no other player has done.
3. Did Alvin Martin play in any World Cup?
Yes, Alvin Martin was part of England’s squad for the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. He played in the match against Paraguay.
4. What does Alvin Martin do now?
Alvin Martin works as a football pundit and commentator for talkSPORT radio and Sky Sports television, sharing his expert opinions on football matches.
5. Are Alvin Martin’s children also footballers?
Yes, both of his sons became professional footballers. David Martin is a goalkeeper who now coaches at Chelsea, and Joe Martin played as a defender for several English clubs.
Read Next: What Is Danwarning70.com? A Simple Guide to Stay Safe from This Risky Website
