Paul Martin
Name: Paul James Martin Age: 31 Nickname: None

Joined club:
2006

Other clubs I have played for:
I have played for most the visually impaired football teams in the BBS league, these include London Sports, Avon Sports, RNC and Birmingham Sports.

Position:
Goalkeeper, Defence, Striker.

Football career highlights (with club or other club):
I saved a penalty while playing for London Sports in the Irish Games against the Spain visually impaired team. This was quite an achievement as Spain are one of the best teams in the world. Finishing 3rd in the 1st division with Birmingham Sports was quite an achievement. So too was winning the BBS 2nd Division with RNC I was so proud I felt butterfly’s in my tummy and I have to admit I even cried a little bit.

Successes with club:
I have done so much and won so many trophies it is impossible to name them all. I have won a trophy with every team I have played for. This included finishing Runners-up in the 2007 BBS 5-a-side Open Tournament with South Shields VIFC.

My favourite goal/save for the club:
What can I say but they were all class. Although the goal I scored in the semi final of the North Shields tournament was pretty special and it started an amazing revival by the team. Having just come on with the team 2-0 down Lee Robinson ran down the left and hit an almighty shot. As soon as he hit the ball I could see it was going to hit the board. That moment I knew something special was about to happen. A vision came to me of my Tottenham hero Berbatov scoring an amazing goal. You can do it repeated his voice in my head. The vision cleared just in time for me to get a sudden burst of pace. The West Brom players couldn’t keep up with me. With an elegant controlled touch of the ball I guided it ino the net. The world seemed to stop, the stars cleared from my eyes and I looked around. The South Shields and West Bromwich players were all stopped still taking in the magic they had just seen. We won the game 3-2 which made my goal seem even more special.

My favourite game with the club:
I couldn’t pick a game but the first tournament was good and I played superbly in goal, this being my first tournament in goal for the club. The other would have to be finishing runners-up to Loughbrough in the North Shields tournament.

Professional football:
Football Team(s) I support and why:
Spurs

My favourite football player(s) and why:
Gazza and Spurs forward Dimitar Berbatov both are quality players, and play similar to me.

My favourite game(s) and why:
When Spurs beat Arsenal 3-1 in the 1991 FA Cup semi-final, it was the first ever FA Cup semi-final to be held at Wembley, and it certainly didn't disappoint. Tottenham went on to win the Cup that year beating Nottingham Forrest 2-1 in the final. By knocking Arsenal out in the semis made sure that the Gunners could not achieve the double!

My favourite goal/save and why:
The scene Parc des princes in Paris, the date Wednesday 10 th May 1995, the event The UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup Final. Arsenal were beaten by one of the most memorable goals in European club football history. And what a day for Spurs fans it was. Drawing 1-1 in the last minute of extra time the Arsenal fans were dreaming of winning the Cup winners’ Cup. When up stepped Mohamed Ali Amar (who?) alias Nayim, a former Spurs player. He beat England goalkeeper David Seaman with a lob from the right touchline an astonishing 40 metres from goal. The gunners had no chance of getting back in the game.

My ambitions as a player:
I want to win more and more trophies and individual medals. Although I don’t think Kirsty will be to pleased to hear that as I have already taken up her spare room with my trophy collection.

Other sports and hobbies I am interested in:
I like most things, and have to admit I like to be the best at everything I do put my hand to.

Other comments:
None