Nigel Martyn

Personal Stats
DOB: 11th August 1966
Birthplace: St Austell, Cornwall
Height: 6'1

Profile

Born in Cornwall, he made over 100 league appearances for Bristol Rovers, before becoming the country's first £1 million 'keeper, by joining Crystal Palace in 1989.

Leeds captured his signature in July 96, despite fierce competition from Everton, paying £2.25 million - a record for a goalkeeper.

In his first season at Elland Road, he was outstanding as George Graham arrived as the successor to the man who had signed him just two months earlier, Howard Wilkinson.

His brilliant consistency saw him keep 23 clean sheets in 44 appearances and force himself back into the international frame.

By the summer of 1998 Martyn had established his place as England's back up keeper to David Seaman at the World Cup finals in France, despite not performing quite as well as he had the previous season, when he had been voted Leeds United player of the year.

The likeable and laid back goalie signed a three year extension to his United contract in December 1998 and went on to produce another superb ever present season in the 1999/2000 Leeds campaign.

Martyn's brilliant form helped United to third place in the Premiership and a place in the Champions League and his super shows in the UEFA Cup - including one memorable night in Rome when he shut out the AS Roma attack with string of breathtaking saves - helped Leeds reach the semi-finals.

Currently pushing David Seaman to the limit for a place in the England side one slip up by the Arsenal keeper will see Martyn take over the position so many pundits believe he has rightly earned.

Recently signed a new four year contract that will keep him at Elland Road until 2004

Career Stats:

Squad No. 1
Position: Goalkeeper
Date Signed: 24th July 1996
Signed from: Crystal Palace
Transfer fee: £2,250,000
International Honours: England U-21
England Full Previous Clubs: Bristol Rovers (101 League apps) and Crystal Palace (272 League apps)