Chris Martin believes the upcoming 2017/18 Sky Bet Championship campaign is a big one for him personally.


The striker, who has returned to the Derby fold following a season-long loan spell at Fulham last term, is determined to enjoy a positive season.

Martin has scored 63 goals in 160 appearances for the Rams following his arrival from Norwich City, initially on loan, in 2013.

He finished as Derby’s top goalscorer in the 2013/14, 2014/15 and 2015/16 seasons and is fired up to play a key role for the side once again.

Feeling in good shape and with a real thirst for goals, he is excited about the future.

He has also been in good form so far in pre-season, netting in the friendlies against Kidderminster Harriers and Kaiserslautern.

Martin told RamsTV: “I’m 28 years old and I feel like I am in as good a condition that I’ve been in.

“There’s no reason why I can’t replicate or even better what I have done before.

“After the disappointment of last season and how it went on the field (he was a regular in the Fulham side until the closing months of the campaign), this season is a big one for me personally.”


Martin also feels there’s a determination to prove a few doubters wrong.

He wants to write a few wrongs and has a driven desire to make his mark under Gary Rowett at Pride Park Stadium.

He said: “I can’t wait to get started and maybe prove a few people wrong, and also prove to myself it’s still in me.

“I know it’s in there and when you’ve had a disappointing season, the desire and drive is reignited even more inside you to go and put it right I suppose.”