| Nigel Martyn | |
|---|---|
| |
| Personal information | |
| Date of Birth | 11 August 1966 |
| Place of Birth | England |
| Leeds career | |
| Playing position | Goalkeeper |
| Number | 1 |
| Senior | 7/1996 - 8/2003 |
Antony Nigel Martyn (born 11 August 1966) is more commonly known as Nigel. Martyn played as Leeds' first-choice goalkeeper for six seasons. His consistency was such that he was named officially as United's greatest ever goalkeeper. This is quite an achievement as his competition included Gary Sprake and John Lukic – men who both won championship medals at Elland Road.
Martyn was signed by boss Howard Wilkinson in the summer of 1996-97, along with another high profile capture in the form of Britain's most expensive teenager, Lee Bowyer. Martyn's form for United, both at home and on the continent in European competition was outstanding – most notably in a man-of-the-match display at the Olympic Stadium v AS Roma in the 1999-2000 UEFA Cup campaign, of which Leeds reached the semi-finals. Martyn was also a huge part of the squad that eliminated illustrious clubs such as FC Barcelona, S.S. Lazio and Deportivo La Coruna in the following season's UEFA Champions League campaign, leading them to the last four.
However with the increasingly good form of youngster Paul Robinson kept Martyn from playing any games in Leeds' 2002–03 season. After a string of unused substitute appearances, Martyn left the club in August 2003 to regain his first choice goalkeeper status.
Nigel Martyn is number 15 in Leeds United's 100 greatest players.