MARTYN FANCIES MIDDLE GROUND
EXCLUSIVE BY
NIGEL MARTYN is backing two of his former clubs, Crystal Palace and Leeds, to establish themselves in mid-table this season.
Martyn (above) was a popular figure with the Eagles after a transfer from Bristol Rovers in 1989 saw him become the first £1million goalkeeper in British football. He then joined Leeds in 1996 and was a key player in their rise under David O’Leary, making 273 appearances.
The retired stopper keeps a close eye on Palace and the Whites. The 56-year-old 23-cap England star, who lives in Yorkshire, said: “Leeds spent last season flirting with relegation and will want to establish themselves in the Premier League and get away from the bottom.
“They started this season really well, whereas I don’t think Palace have got the points they deserve. They started brightly and had they just converted one of those draws into a win they would be a little bit further up the table.
“But I see both Palace and Leeds around the mid-table point this season, which would be a good base for them both to build from.”
Martyn is a big fan of Eagles boss Patrick Vieira and reckons the ex-Arsenal midfielder will continue to make his mark on Palace. He added: “I think Vieira is a perfect fit – Palace are good at home and Selhurst Park will be a great place for them if they can turn it into a fortress.”
Martyn believes Whites boss Jesse Marsch is also capable of steering Leeds to better times. He has been impressed with Leeds’ summer signings such as Brenden Aaronson, Marc Roca, Luis Sinisterra and Tyler Adams.
Martyn said: “They have brought really good energy and that energy has lifted the other players. Marsch takes a pat on the back for who he has brought in, and so do the players for their performances.
“At Palace, Vieira must look to his star players, such as Wilfried Zaha and Eberechi Eze, who cause a spark and get the crowd going. It is vital they stay fit. They invigorate players around them.”
■■Nigel Martyn was speaking at the launch of William Hill’s newly transformed, state-of-the-art shop on Vicar Lane, Leeds. This exciting, new digital shop also delivers innovations in player safety.