BORO BOY MARTIN IS ON THE UP – AT LAST!
PAUL MARTIN is at last looking up, not down – and can even think about giving his old ticker a much-needed rest!
After avoiding relegation from Bostik North i n the most dramatic of circumstances last season, Martin’s Romford have begun the new campaign with renewed vigour and are now looking to challenge at the right end of the table.
Boro looked dead and buried with two games remaining last year but victories over Grays Athletic and Malden & Tiptree saw Martin’s side pull off the great escape.
Now Romford, who have played at Step 4 level for almost a decade since winning promotion from the Essex Senior League, are enjoying life in the hunt for promotion after picking up an impressive 13 points from their opening seven games before yesterday.
“It’s great that we have been able to carry on our momentum from last season” Martin told The
NLP. “Last year certainly put a strain on everyone’s blood pressure but It was a bit more exciting than finishing in mid-table I suppose!
“We’ve made a great start this season and to beat teams like AFC Sudbury and Aveley is a real achievement
“We currently have a 100% record at home and are looking to make our ground into something of a fortress but if we are going to challenge near the top we need to replicate this form away from home because our performances have been far less consistent on the road.”
Martin is now into his 12th season in charge of the East London side and is Romford’s longest serving manager since the club reformed in 1992 after a 14-year exile.
The Boro boss admits that his long affiliation with Romford has led to him developing a close bond with the club.
“This club has become a massive part of my life. I love what I am doing and working in football should be all about enjoyment,” Martin added.
“Managers are given so little time to prove themselves these days and I fear that the pressure for instant success takes away the enjoyment for many coaches, which is a real shame.”
But although Romford have come flying out of the blocks this season, Martin is refusing to get carried away and insists that for now at least, any talk of promotion is premature.
“It’s still early days and we won’t really know what the season entails until a few more months have passed,” he told The NLP. “We have a very small budget and the club often struggles financially. We just don’t have the resources to match what other sides in this division can offer players. “Last season Corinthian-Casuals showed that it is possible to have a really successful season despite having limited resources but it is going to be tough.” Whilst gaining success on the pitch is certainly among Martin’s top priorities, he admits that he takes more pride in acting as a footballing mentor for his young side. “How we fare this season really depends on whether we can keep this squad together but I don’t want to stand in any player’s way if they are offered a better opportunity elsewhere” said the experienced boss. “Whilst it is nice to win matches I am here to push these players on in the game and my main ambition is to help them progress forward with their careers. “Helping my players move up the leagues is what gives me a real buzz but of course – but it’s always nice to get three points on a Saturday!”