Players - David Martin

David Martin
Birthdate: 22 January 1986
Birthplace: Romford, England
Other clubs: MK Dons (2004-06), Accrington Stanley (loan 2007), Leicester City (loan 2008-09), Tranmere Rovers (loan 2009), Leeds United (loan 2009-10), Derby County (loan 2010), MK Dons (2 / 2010-2017), Millwall (2017-19), West Ham United (2019-22), MK Dons (3/2022-)
Signed from: MK Dons
Signed for LFC: £250,000, 12.01.2006
Contract expiry: 01.07.2010
League games / goals: 0 / 0
Total games / goals: 0 / 0

Player Profile

Goalkeeper Martin joined Liverpool in January 2006 from League One side MK Dons where he had made 25 appearances. Martin made his first-team debut for the Dons on 20 April 2004 in a 2-0 defeat to Burnley when only 18. MK Dons, at the time still operating under their previous name of Wimbledon, were in the second tier of English League football then but got relegated that season. David is son of former West Ham defender Alvin Martin and started out in the same position as his dad at Tottenham in the centre of defence. However, it soon became evident that he was more suited to being a goalkeeper. He had spells at Spurs and West Ham before settling in at Milton Keynes Dons. Liverpool's training staff spotted Martin's talent when MK Dons used the Academy's facilities for training and they must have liked what they saw as he was invited to a week's trial at Liverpool. 

In February 2007 the young goalkeeper was loaned out to Accrington Stanley but suffered an ankle injury within a few minutes of making his debut and so returned to his parent club. After successful treatment and a period of recovery he returned to Accrington and made ten appearances in League Two for them. Martin made twelve appearances on Liverpool's bench during the 2007/08 season and was a key member of the reserve side that were the Premier League Reserve North champions and then subsequently the National Reserve champions in 2008. Martin then started a six-month loan spell with Leicester City in August 2008. He made 25 League appearances as the Foxes won the League One championship. Although he seemed keen to make a permanent move to the Midlands club, he was unable to reach agreement with them about a transfer. Martin was named in Liverpool's squad for the 2009/10 Champions League group stage. However, before that group stage had been completed, he was loaned out to Tranmere Rovers, for whom he played in three League One matches. He then made another loan move, this time to Leeds United, which lasted until 10 February. A month later he was with Derby County and placed twice in their first team before returning to Liverpool on 12 April. David Martin returned to his former club, Milton Keynes Dons, when his Liverpool contract expired on 1 July 2010 and was their number one for six seasons. In 2015/16 when they were relegated from the Championship he was still voted their player of the year by fans. Martin remained at MK Dons in League One but after losing his place in the side towards the end of the season, he opted to leave the club as a free agent rather than sign a new contract.

On transfer deadline day 2017 he joined Millwall on a short term deal, remaining there as a back-up keeper for 2018/19. He made eleven appearances, then surprisingly moved to the Premier League, agreeing a two year deal with his father's former club West Ham. He made five appearances in 2019/20, the most memorable of which was his first, a 1-0 win at Chelsea in which he sank to his knees in tears at the final whistle. During 2020/21 he was restricted to bench duty but his valued presence earned him a one year contract extension. He made just one matchday squad in 2021/22 and was released, but said in an interview with the club website that he now felt stronger and fitter than ever before and looked forward to getting an opportunity with a new club. Martin trained with MK Dons whilst he sought a new club, then agreed a deal to rejoin them on 23rd September in a player-coach role. 
Appearances per season
Season League FA LC Europe Other Total
Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0
2006-2007 0 0 0 0 0 0
2007-2008 0 0 0 0 0 0
A more detailed look at the player's appearances
Total Started/substitutions
0 Started
19 On the bench
0 Substitute
0 Substituted
Related Quotes

"I started out at Tottenham as a centre half. I didn't enjoy it and I soon changed to a goalkeeper. They say you have to be a bit crazy to be a keeper and I think I suit that perfectly! I then had a six month spell at West Ham before coming back to Tottenham for six months. I then went to Wimbledon and then MK Dons when they changed the name. I haven't any regrets about changing to become a goalkeeper and it's one of the best moves I've ever made."

David Martin on his arrival at Liverpool in January 2006

Other Clubs
Club Season Club rank League apps League goals Total apps Total goals
Wimbledon 2003-2004 England 1st Division 2 0 2 0
MK Dons 2004-2005 England League One 15 0 15 0
Accrington Stanley 2006-2007 England League Two 10 0 10 0
Leicester City 2008-2009 England League One 25 0 30 0
Tranmere Rovers 2009-2010 England League One 3 0 3 0
Derby 2009-2010 England Championship 2 0 2 0
MK Dons 2010-2011 England League One 43 0 50 0
MK Dons 2011-2012 England League One 46 0 56 0
MK Dons 2012-2013 England League One 31 0 41 0
MK Dons 2013-2014 England League One 40 0 43 0
MK Dons 2014-2015 England League One 39 0 47 0
MK Dons 2015-2016 England Championship 35 0 38 0
MK Dons 2016-2017 England League One 40 0 42 0
Millwall 2017-2018 Championship 1 0 4 0
Millwall 2018-2019 Championship 10 0 11 0
West Ham United 2019-2020 Premier League 5 0 5 0
Total 347 0 399 0