3/1 To Win
Chris Martin received a standing ovation from Derby County’s supporters in what was his first appearance for the club in over 20 months last week.
Martin’s substitute appearance in last Friday’s 1-1 draw against Cardiff City at Pride Park Stadium was his first competitive outing in a Derby shirt since January 2018.
The striker came off the bench in the latter stages of the draw with the Bluebirds to a rousing reception from the Derby faithful.
After finding himself out of favour with former managers Gary Rowett and Frank Lampard, Martin spent much of the last two seasons out on loan at fellow Sky Bet Championship rivals Reading and Hull City.
He has been given a fresh opportunity to impress under Phillip Cocu and, having not made the matchday squads in the first month of the season, Martin returned to the fold against the Bluebirds.
The 30-year-old sat down with RamsTV’s Owen Bradley for this evening’s episode of the Derby County Show to discuss life under Cocu and his aims for the future.
Looking on his return to action in a Derby shirt, Martin said: “I was excited to be back, to be honest, and that was the overriding emotion on the night.
“I suppose afterwards there was almost a little bit of disappointment too that I couldn’t affect the scoreline from when I came onto the pitch, because I think we deserved more than what we got out of the game.
“On the reception I got from the fans I hadn’t thought too much about it, but everyone seemed to notice it.
“The more I’ve thought about it, it was a touching moment because you’re never quite sure how you are received at times. Generally, the fans have been very, very good to me.”
He added: “I hadn’t been in the matchday squads until Friday so for them to give me that kind reception when I’m back involved was a proud moment, looking back on it.”
Martin joined Derby from Norwich City in 2013, initially on loan before signing permanently soon afterwards as a free agent, and in 187 appearances for the club in total he has scored 64 goals.
The full five-minute interview with Chris Martin will be available to watch on The Derby County Show, available on dcfc.co.uk and on YouTube, from 6pm this evening.
