Martin: Rovers move for myself and my family

NEW Bristol Rovers striker Chris Martin admits he did not think about his recent Bristol City past when signing for the club, and has revealed that he is not yet match fit with today’s trip to Peterborough the 34-year-old’s first opportunity to make his debut, writes Daniel Hargraves.

Similarly to the situation with right-back Jack Hunt, Rovers have signed a player who has previously represented the red side of the city, with Martin netting 17 goals in 95 appearances for the Robins during a two-and-a-half-year period.

However, speaking publicly for the first time since signing for Rovers – to BBC Radio Bristol’s Having a Gas – the forward discussed representing the red side of the city, confessing: “Honestly, no”, when asked if he had thought about any loyalties to his previous employers.

“I think as a professional you have to block that out, as much as I had a great time over at City and had a decent relationship with the fans there. I had no huge affinity to the club in terms of being a supporter as a young guy.

“It wasn’t like I was hugely attached to the football club. I know that that’s not exactly what fans want to hear, but that’s kind of the reality as a professional. I think that most people have taken the decisions based upon a lot of different factors and that is one that is, I would say, minimally looked at. It’s more, what is the project, how can I contribute, what can I offer here, what can they offer me, what’s the relationship going to be like?

“Obviously family stuff comes into it to, but there’s lots of important factors. I hope that people don’t find it disrespectful, but it’s a decision I’ve made for hopefully the benefit of myself, the club and my family.”

Rovers are just two points behind Peterborough in the standings.