Russel Martin - 300 games.

[morty]

 

[hogesar]

I know its fashionable to complain about him at the moment but he's probably been our best CB this season. That's hardly shouting from the rooftops but what you have to remember is we signed him from Peterborough for what, 250k? He has been an absolute steal for that! And 300 appearances just shows that several manager and their coaches have all deemed him one of our better players in his position(s).

On top of that, he loves the club and does his bit off it. People say that's irrelevant but they're also often the first one's to complain when a player refuses to take a selfie with them or whatever.

 

[GJP]

A good servant to the club and I was a big fan of his in his earlier NCFC career but to me he's become a big part of the problem(s).

 

[Din]

250k was undoubtedly a steal for him. He was a crucial part of all 3 promotions we've had during his time here, and throughout Lambert's and even Hughton's time he proved himself at whatever level he was playing. Certainly a great servant to the club. Best part of it all as well is he's a top bloke, and as said above clearly loves this club.

If after we got re-promoted to the Premier League under Alex Neil we'd signed a centre back or two, and shifted Martin into more of a back-up role then he wouldn't be viewed in the way he is now, as a liability. Not his fault that he gets selected most weeks even when he's clearly not good enough, but it has been one of many reasons why we've underachieved this season, and why we were relegated last season. He's a great dressing room influence and I'm sure a superb leader, but that's all he should be, not a first choice centre back at this club.