Legendary Elland Road goalkeeper Nigel Martyn played for Championship leaders Leeds United between 1996 and 2003.
Nigel Martyn saw both sides of Leeds United during his seven year spell at Elland Road between 1996 and 2003.
The legendary goalkeeper was an integral part of the team that reached the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2001, featuring against the likes of Barcelona, Lazio and Valencia.
But Martyn was still plying his trade in West Yorkshire when the Leeds empire started to crumble. Financial problems led directly to their dramatic relegation from the Premier League in 2004, one year after the former England international departed having fallen out of favour under Terry Venables.
And, speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Martyn explains that Leeds changed for the worst during his time between the sticks.
“At Leeds it’s a one-club city, it’s a big club and you’re revered there but the club itself changed, tried to be more commercial and not as in touch with the supporters,” Martyn, who remains one of the greatest goalkeepers in the club’s history, admitted.
Leeds have spent the last 14 years outside of the Premier League, even spending time in League One while enduring plenty of upheaval both in the dugout and in the boardroom.
But it seems that Leeds are finally heading in the right direction with Marcelo Bielsa’s side top of the Championship table after eight games.
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