5 Ways Talks to.....

Russell Martin, Norwich City FC


5 Ways Soccer had the pleasure of talking to Russell Martin, Norwich City.

Russell tells us about the professional game, his journey to the top from his early footballing years as a youth playing for Hollingbury Hawks and Preston Panthers, via Charlton and Brighton, education and College football at Varndean and on to playing the game as a full time professional. 

Russell plays right back for Championship Club, Norwich City FC.

He is Brighton born and bred, having attended Varndean School and VI Form College.

We get inside the mind of a professional player and see what it takes to get to the top.

PLAYER PROFILE

Name:  Russell Martin

D.O.B: 04-01-1986

Age:     25

Current Club:  
Norwich City

Previous Clubs: 
Peterborough United 2008 – 2009
Wycombe Wanderers 2004 – 2008

5Ways: Hi Russell, thank you for taking the time to speak to us. 
Ok, first question we would like to ask....
You got promoted to the Championship with Norwich as champions of League One last season, a fantastic achievement.

How did it feel and how does it rate in your footballing achievements?

Russell: It was an amazing feeling, one of real achievement and relief because t is a massive club with a huge fan base which deserves to at least be in the championship. The expectation level on us to do it was big and the team coped with this pressure extremely well which made it even more special as we realised how many people we'd made happy. The city was buzzing and the atmosphere around the place was great. Its an achievement I'm very proud of and will remain as one of the highlights of my career I'm sure.

5Ways: That is fantastic. You got promoted to the Championship with Peterborough previously, but they got relegated the following season. How do you think Norwich will fair this season?

Russell: We've managed to keep the core of our squad which did so well last year and we have added six more quality players, so we are all looking forward to the challenge ahead. I know it's a step up as the championship is a tough league but we think we can give a good account of ourselves. We'll give it our best and see where we end up. We certainly didn't work so hard last year to make the numbers up in this league.

5Ways: It sounds as though your manager is being proactive and developing a strong squad. Since you earned your first professional contract at Wycombe you have had some renowned coaches and some legendary ex players as your managers;

Tony Adams, John Gorman, Darren Ferguson and now Paul Lambert, a Scottish International and Champions League Winner, plus Barry Fry at Peterborough.

What did you learn from them?

Do you have any funny stories?

Russell: I've been very lucky in this respect to have some great names in football as a coach or manager. They are all very different and work in different ways but I can honestly say I've learnt from all of them. Tony Adams gave me my chance in the first team at Wycombe when I was still very young at 18 and for that I'll always be grateful. John was an excellent coach and man manager and you could tell he had been an assistant manager at the highest level as 
he had good people skills. 
Darren set extremely high standards in training and games and wants his teams to play full of energy and pass the ball well. He would talk a lot to his players about what he wanted and expected and always encouraged a good team spirit and a close knit group which is a big factor in why we got promoted. 

I worked with my current manager, Paul Lambert previously at Wycombe.
I am very happy I'm back playing for him. He is a winner. He won the Champions League in 1997 with Borussia Dortmund.


(See left - Starting line ups for the 1997 Champions League Final)


He went on to win many leagues and cups as a player, many as Captain of Celtic.
He has an aura about him which demands respect. He knows how to motivate players, and is very much a man manager who makes players want to play well for him. He also demands high standards. When he first came to Wycombe he read the team out so fast in his Scottish accent, none of the lads knew if they were playing so had to wait to ask the assistant manager who was playing. After that we made sure we listened out fo our names in the team talk!

5Ways: That is some array of managers for sure. Adams was a pure winner, having captained England and Arsenal. He must have leanrt so much from playing under Arsene Wenger. Gorman was obviously England coach under Hoddle and Lambert having won the Champions League is just inspiring. The players he played against and with in that final are amazing - the likes of Vieri, Boksic and Zidane of Juventus - that is arguably the best front three in World Football at the time.

 You became a professional football player at age 18 after you had been to College. How did this come about?

Russell: I was captain of Varndean VI Form and Sussex Colleges U19’s. I got selected to represent South East of England Regional Team. After a lengthy trial process I was selected for the England Schools Under 18 National Team. I played in 6 games and at every game there were various scouts watching. I got invited to trial at a few league clubs. I chose Wycombe as Tony Adams was manager and I thought the chance to play for such a legend in the game was a great opportunity. After a two week trial I signed for Wycombe on a non contract basis for 2 months. This led to me signing a professional deal for 2 years after that. 

5Ways: That says wonders about your attitude and commitment.

That must have taken an incredible amount of self belief and determination?

 

Russell: I was always determined to be a professional footballer, I never wanted to do anything else. Whilst my friends were out at parties, etc I would stay in and rest or do something to improve my game such as go running, go to the local pitch and work on my touch or passing. These are the sacrifices I was happy to make as I had a real desire to succeed and make my family and myself proud. I always believed in my ability even after the set backs and I think these set backs made me stronger mentally and more determined than ever.

5Ways: Do you think your experience at College helped you more than being a pro scholar at age 16?

Russell: I don't know if it helped me more but it certainly worked well for me. It gave me the chance to carry on with my education, meet lots of new friends and carry on enjoying my football and representing my country. I think sometimes scholars can feel too much pressure on them being thrown in to a professional set up straight from school as it can be a very tough environment physically and mentally at times.

5Ways: Yes, that is definitely a testing scenario for a young player and obviously the mental make up of a player is an important factor. It certainly talks a lot of mental strength and self belief. In your case it is a different example of strength in character I think. We have a lot of admiration for you. We are glad it worked out for you in the end. 

How did you manage your busy college schedule and playing football?

Russell: Thanks. I was working in the morning cleaning pubs and offices for my friend's dad's company from 6am to 8.30am. I then went to college for the day til around 4.30pm and then either had football training or work at the local shop in the evenings. My parents had divorced and I lived with my brothers. We all had to muck in and help out paying the bills and keep the house in order. It was hard work but makes me appreciate the position I'm in today even more.

5Ways: Were you associated to an academy or centre of excellence throughout your youth development?

Russell: I went on trial at Charlton at 16 and trained with their academy for a month which was a good experience. I felt like I coped well with the step up in standard and the signs were good that I was going to get a contract so when they said they liked me but couldn't offer me anything I was extremely disappointed. I then went straight to Brighton and Hove Albion where I signed on a non contract basis for the youth team but only lasted 3 months. 
I was working, going to college and trying to train every day too and it was too much to take on. 

5Ways: What position/s did you play?

Russell: I started off as a striker from the time I was about 7 or 8 until about 15 and held a  record for the Sussex Sunday League for most goals scored in a season at one point. I then moved back to central midfield as my manager thought I would have more influence on games from there. I did however still play as a striker in some games and sometimes even at centre half if we needed to protect a lead. 

5Ways: Who was your local club team?

Russell: I started at Hollingbury Hawks from a very young age but when I was 10, my dad who was heavily involved with local youth football at the time moved me up an age group to help my development and I played for Peacehaven for 2 seasons and then Preston Panthers for 2 more. They were both successful teams at that level and it was good for me to play against boys a year older than me and physically more developed as I had to be a bit more clever to compete with them. At 14 I moved back to my own age group for Woodingdean youth and we had a really good team that stayed together for 4/5 years and played as Lewes youth at under 18 level. We were a close group and good friends and won a lot together. I enjoyed my youth football immensely and my best friends are still lads I played with for these years.

5Ways: Are their any influential people who helped you?

Russell: My dad always instilled in me a belief that I could be a professional football player and would fill me with confidence when I played well, as well as letting me know in no uncertain terms when he thought I could do better.

Keith Ryan at Wycombe helped me immensely when I was a young player coming through there.

He was a club legend and had been there for years and was still playing but always looked to help us younger players in training. He was always very approachable and I respected him immensely as his advice was always good. He practised what he preached and was a very good professional. He then became assistant manager and is a very good coach as well.

5Ways: Did any other family members influence you positively? 

Russell: My family have been brilliant in supporting me through everything. I mentioned my dad above. My mum is great and would always take me to training and games if my dad was managing his own team and she would have all the boys staying at our house and cooking us pasta and good food before games. She took in anyone who was a bit stuck or needed our help and we always treated them like family. 

My brothers have been pillars of strength for me to lean on and helped me through our parents divorce and the long hours at work and college. My Brother Dave took over the role of our parents when they moved out of the house and worked so hard to make sure the bills got paid and the house was ok and for that we're all eternally grateful. My little brother Pepe was working with Dave extremely hard from a young age and we were always close to eachother growing up and still are. He is someone I can talk to about anything and he'll listen, even If I'm having a moan! They are always there for me and we all talk every day. My eldest brother Jamie is a real character and his positivity rubs off on me and he has great belief in me which fills me with confidence.

5Ways:  What do you feel your strengths are?

Russell: I'd like to think I'm a reliable player. One that a manager can trust - that they know what they're going to get. My athleticism is a strength as I have to do a lot of running in my position. As a right back I think I defend one on ones well and like to get forward and get crosses in.

5Ways: Having seen you play, you clearly play the role of an attacking modern day full back. We liken you to Maicon! We were going to say Glen Johnson but I think Maicon is a little bit better!

 

Russell: Thanks that's a huge compliment. However I feel I've got a lot of work to do to be as good as those guys, they're great players. These are people you watch and try and learn from as they're two of the best in my position.

5Ways: What are your favourite memories of youth football?

Russell: Enjoyment! I always enjoyed it, the atmosphere amongst the players and parents. I'd say winning the county cup with Woodingdean and lifting the cup as captain with a team full of good friends was the highlight in terms of trophies.

5Ways: And as a professional so far?

Russell: Winning promotion as champions last year. Being named captain of Peterborough at 22 and leading them to promotion the season before last was a great achievement and feeling as no one expected us to do it.

Reaching the semi final of the Carling Cup at Wycombe when we were in League 2. We played against a strong Chelsea team under Mourinho. We beat two Premiership teams en route to that game and drew the first leg with Chelsea 1-1 before going down 4-0 at Stamford Bridge. Great memories.

5Ways: Ah yes that is when you got Shevchenko’s shirt, right?

Russell: Yes, Shevchenko kindly gave me his as did Peter Cech. For me, Cech is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, he was incredible in those two games. I gave Shevchenko's to a very dear friend of mine and the Cech one is framed in my hallway next to my semi final shirt.

5Ways:What is your favourite ground to play at and why?

Russell: Norwich's ground, Carrow Road is always great to play at. Being our home ground the fans always create an amazing atmosphere - they really get behind us. The pitch is always immaculate as well which is great for a player.

Away from home I have to say the best ground was St James Park, Newcastle.
The whole experience was unbelievable - the stadium, the tradition of the club and the passion of the fans was amazing.

5Ways: You have Italian and Scottish roots. Do you have any aspirations to play international football?

Russell: Yes definitely. When at Wycombe I was approached by the Scottish FA to play for their under 21 side and would have liked to but unfortunately was slightly too old. I do have ambitions to get myself in the full squad eventually and if we have a good season in the championship you never know.

5Ways: We wish you all the best with that one. 

You must have a dream to play in the Premiership one day. You are near to that now. Do you think it is a realistic aspiration?

Russell: Of course I do. I think that every professional must harbour that ambition. I hope it is achievable and think it is realistic as I'm one league away from that now. I want to play well in this league and if we have a good season we could get there next year. Every team has that chance and that's why the championship is such a tough league. I have belief that I will play there eventually. Hopefully sooner rather than later.

5Ways: You are a Brighton Boy – Would you like to play for The Albion one day?

Russell: No doubt about it, I'd love to play for the Albion one day. I used to watch them at the Goldstone and when they first came back to the Withdean and I look for their result every week. I hope they have a good season and I think they have a great chance of promotion under Gus Poyet. I saw the stadium in the summer when I was off and the thought did excite me that one day I might get the chance to play there for the Seagulls. However saying that, I am very very happy at Norwich, I don't think there are many better clubs in the country. It's a great club with superb facilities, brilliant fans and a great area of the country to live in. I hope to and would be extremely happy to play here for a many many years to come.

5Ways: Do you coach yourself ? Could you see yourself doing that in the future?

Russell: I actually coached while I was at Varndean College on a Saturday morning at Saturday Soccer School. I thoroughly enjoy coaching young players. It's very rewarding and you get to pass on what you know. Since then I have acquired my F.A Level 3/ Uefa B Certificate. I am starting to help Gary Holt with Norwich Academy's under 15's as its something I want to be involved in after football. I want to be a manager so thought I'd get my badges done early.

5Ways: Nice. How are the U15s progressing? There is that argument that English players aren’t technically as good as other countries.

Russell: They are progressing nicely and many of them are playing for the under 16's already which will help their progression playing with and against more technically and physically capable players. I don't buy into that argument, you look at our top players and they are technically very good and as good as those from abroad. Technique is the main thing academies are teaching kids from a young age but I think the problem lies as they start approaching their teens as it then becomes about winning games and not progressing as players. This for me is where the focus should change at this level and we should encourage our young prospects to play the game in the right way even when the pressure is put on them to win from others.

5Ways: The method of playing up a year is a good way or progressing quicker, for sure. 
We agree that youth football has too much emphasis on winning. We of course want to aim to win - this is important. However it is important not to sacrifice a way of playing which allows players to develop both technically and tactically within games. This is paramount. If this is occurs winning will follow naturally.

Russell:I agree. It's good to hear that is part of your philosophy at 5 Ways.


Now for some random questions…

                                                                                                       

5Ways: Do you get stopped on the street by any fans?

Russell: It does happen, not a huge amount but more in Norwich than I have experienced before as the club is such a big part of the city.

5Ways:  Do your family and friends come and support you?

Russell: My Brothers get to as many as possible, work permitting. My parents get to a few each a season, it’s a lot of travelling so I appreciate it massively when any friends or family get to a game.

5Ways: Who is your favourite player and why?

Russell: Steven Gerrard, he's a leader on the pitch. He has everything, he has pace, strength, can score goals, head it, two good feet, great range of passing. He seems to drag his team through games single handedly at times.

5Ways: What team do you support?

Russell: Brighton. My premiership team was always Spurs growing up as my dad supported them. This has faded over the years though I still like to see them do well.

5Ways: Who do you think is currently the best player in the world?
 Russell: At the moment it has to be Messi or Ronaldo although I think Gerrard is up there in the top 5 as well. Zidane is the best player I'll see in my lifetime. The man was a genius.

5Ways: Agreed, Zidane is a 5 Ways favourite as well.

Who is the best player you have ever player with?

Russell: Rob Lee at Wycombe. He was 40 years old but still possessed the quality he had at Newcastle in his prime. He was so comfortable on the ball. For sheer footballing ability as well I'd have to go for Tommy Doherty from Wycombe who was techinically brilliant and passes it as well as anyone I've seen.

5Ways:Who was the best player you ever played against?

Russell: Frank Lampard and Michael Essien were fantastic when I played against Chelsea.

5Ways: Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring young football players?

Russell: Have confidence and belief in your ability, but never let it turn into arrogance. Always come off the pitch or away from training with no regrets, knowing you've given 100%.

Preparation and lifestyle are so important, sacrifices have to be made (partying, alcohol, junk food etc) but its so worth it in the end.

5Ways: Thank you for your time Russell, we hope you have a great season. We look forward to watching you in the Premier League some time in the near future!

Russell: Thank you and good luck with everything.