Testimonial year for Blair’s Martyn
Forfar Athletic player to be honoured for service
It’s rare for a player to earn himself a testimonial in modern football.
But Blairgowrie-based Martyn Fotheringham has entered a special year and will be honoured by Forfar Athletic for 10 years of service.
The 33-year-old admits money was never at the forefront of his mind during a career which began at St Johnstone back in 2001.
Before football, at a young age, Fotheringham had ambitions of becoming a butcher. He decided against it before moving on to prove he could cut it in the professional ranks.
Now his dedication and loyalty is being recognised with a series of events planned across this year.
He said: “When you’ve been at a club for 10 years you really notice it because you go through so many team-mates. You think ‘where is everybody going and what am I still doing here?’ But it has really suited me at Forfar.
“I went through a spell when I left Saints, went to Montrose, then Cowdenbeath. It’s no fun going from club to club. When you get something that suits you - and where you are comfortable - it makes sense to stay.
“I always enjoyed and loved football. But I had this mad thing when I was younger where I wanted to be a butcher. I’m not sure what really triggered it. My mum reminds me of that every now and again.
“I’m now told I’m a bit of a fans favourite at Forfar but I don’t really understand why. Maybe it’s because I’m the one who goes to all of the presentations, quiz nights and race nights with the club.
“For being such a wee club you get to know a lot of the fans personally, which is great. I’ve got a couple of them on my committee. You get a bond at a smaller club which you wouldn’t necessarily get elsewhere.”
Fotheringham reckons there needs to be more loyalty shown in football. But money talks.
“There is quite a good bit of money in part-time football, especially if you have a good job on the side,” he explained.
“There are certain teams who have a bit of money behind them and they are the ones who tend to go through the most players. Boys go there wanting a slice of it.
“But it’s never been like that for me. I think where you are most comfortable, you play your best football. That’s what has suited me.
“And they treat you very well at Forfar. They are a great club.”
As a youngster, Fotheringham, who now works with local firm Graham Pest Control alongside his football, always had a passion for the game. Davie Park in Blairgowrie was a second home.
And he has offered some words of wisdom for potential stars of the future.
“My advice would be to put down your Iphones, Xbox and Playstation controllers and go and play football again,” said Fotheringham, who also reminisced about working the turnstiles while a youth player at Saints.
“The local park used to be heaving with people but now you’re lucky if you see a single person.
“But I know Blairgowrie has a good youth set-up and it has certainly picked up. It just annoys me on week nights that you don’t see as many with a ball down the park.”
“I’ve got a wee boy who is two so I would love him to play football. But if he chooses not to he chooses not to. Hopefully he can give me something to go and watch when I retire.
“You just can’t really imagine a Saturday without football. I’ve thought about going into coaching and probably will one day. I think I’ll need to be involved with football somewhere.
“But I’ll still give it a bash on the pitch. I’ve always said I’d like to see my career out with Forfar but it’s up to the manager.
“It’s rare for a person to stay at a club but it’s also rare for a manager to keep a player.”
Fotheringham’s testimonial match is likely to take place next year.
You can keep up to date with all events by following the Martyn Fotheringham Testimonial page on Facebook or by emailing foxytestimonial@hotmail.com