Where are they now?

‘Bully’ started out his career at non – league Eastwood Town before securing a move to then Premier League club Barnsley in 1995. In 8 years at Oakwell Bully racked up almost 200 appearances, managing to find the back of the net 6 times.

Then boss Steve McMahon snapped up the tricky winger on a free transfer in 2001. Bully’s lightning speed and mesmerizing footwork made him a real terrace hero. Game after game he would wow the Pool faithful with his wing wizardry.

Perhaps Martin’s finest hour as a Pool player came when he netted the golden goal in the Seasiders’ LDV Vans Northern Final against Huddersfield in 2002 – sealing Blackpool’s place at the Millenium Stadium. Bully starred in both LDV finals for Pool, making use of the wide open spaces of the Millenium Stadium to carve open Cambridge and Southend.

Bully made more than 150 apearances in a Tangerine shirt, scoring five times. Then boss Colin Hendry let Bully go on a free transfer to Macclesfield in 2005. He went on to play just short of 100 games for Macc, scoring 12 goals.

This summer, Bully moved to Wycombe Wanderers in League 2. Bully has so far made 9 appearances but has yet to hit the back of the net.

Martin will always be remembered with great affection by most Pool fans. He had that rare ingredient, lacking on Pool’s right hand side at the moment, pace. Bully had some bad luck with injuries at the Seaside which often affected his performances. Many Pool fans are probably still wondering how such an attacking player had such a poor scoring record.

Nevertheless, Bully was a special talent. Thankfully we now have a certain Wes Hoolahan who entertains us week in week out. But picture Wes on the left and Bully on the right in his prime… an awesome prospect. All the best at Wycombe Martin!

Next week we track down Pool old boy Jamie Milligan.