[Bispham Seasider]

Joe Martin



Signed from Tottenham Hotspur for an undisclosed fee.

Born on 29 November 1989 in Dagenham, England. Current age 18. He plays on the left, is listed mainly as a left sided midfielder but can also play at left back, as well as centre midfield and centre of defence.

Martin started out as a youth player with West Ham United but moved to Spurs where he signed his first professional contract in July 2007. On 27 March 2008 he joined Blackpool on loan until the end of the season, finally making his debut, bot for Blackpool and his first ever game in professional football, in the last match of the season at home to Watford, saying of the experience, "That last game against Watford was brilliant and something I'll remember for the rest of my life." And adding "To make your debut in a match like that, when there was a sell-out crowd and so much riding on the outcome, was terrific." At the end of the season he returned to London and despite the offer of a new contract at Spurs he turned them down to sign for Blackpool on a two year deal on 3 July.

Martin is said to have impressed in training when he was at Blackpool on loan and has shown a clear determination to play first team football by choosing to turn down a contract offer at Spurs, where he would probably though have spent the season in the reserves, and join Blackpool.

He has played for England at under-16 and under-17 levels and is the son of former West Ham United legend, Alvin Martin. His brother, David is a goalkeeper at Liverpool, and he had also been linked with a move to Blackpool earlier in the summer. Most definitely one for the future and with his versatility could prove a very useful signing.

[Dynamogal]

I hope he gets some good opportunities to develop. He has a positive attitude!

[Bispham Seasider]

To think he turned down a contract offer from Spurs to sign for us!!!! Though he stands a far better chance of getting first team opportunities at Blackpool. But it is a big move for him. He is only 18 and from London, so moving up to Blackpool is a big thing for him. He could have stayed at Spurs and no doubt picked up a decent wage, but it does show real determination to give that up and come here, so fair play to the lad.

[Dynamogal]

With a 2 year deal he can get some valuable experience and playing time and who knows what the future will hold for him after that...I hope he does well.