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 with the current uncertainty in the England set-up as Kevin Keegan mulls over his position, there seems every chance that having now seemingly put himself on a level par with Seaman, that Martyn may finally establish himself as England's number one.STATS
Playing Position
Goalkeeper
Date of Birth
11th August 1966
Birthplace
St Austell, Cornwall
Height
6'1
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 Lge apps)
Crystal Palace (272 Lge apps)
Martyn Stories:
09/03/99 - Martyn's No Fan of Beachballs
12/02/99 - Nigel Reveals Graham Rollockings
02/02/99 - Martyn - Don't Kids for Granted
10/12/98 - Nigel on New Deal
02/11/99 - Nigel on Fitness Battle
19/10/98 - United for Life - Nigel in Rome
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