My move to Everton came at a time when I wasn’t getting a game for political reasons at Elland Road, which wasn’t an easy thing to deal with. David Moyes bought me at the end of the transfer window and he really gave me my dignity back and I was determined to repay the club and the manager for the faith they had shown in signing me.
The first season was a difficult one, we ended up battling relegation, but on a personal note, I got voted Player of the Season, which was particularly nice given it was my first at the club.
The best memories come from the following season, 2004-2005, for a club that had just avoided relegation, to then go on to finish above the team that became European Champions was pretty special. On paper, most people would have probably looked at the team and expected us to finish near the bottom again, so to finish fourth and qualify for the Champions League was an outstanding achievement. We had tremendous team spirit, we had fantastic support and we carried all that momentum along throughout.
The following season I started getting pains in my ankle and probably played for about 3 months with a really sore ankle. My final game was an FA Cup 4th round tie against Chelsea, who were reigning Premier League champions and really at the height of their powers at the time. The match coincided with my 100th appearance for Everton. We fought really hard and got a 1-1 draw on the day and I had a pretty decent game, beaten only by a Frank Lampard strike, which he’d done to me a few times through my career & to plenty of other goalies too!
Moving to Everton at the age of 37, I thought I might get one or maybe two seasons there. To get three, to secure a regular place in the team and to show some of my best form as a goalie was so enjoyable.
When David Moyes signed me, Richard Wright was first choice but developed a knee problem which was going to need surgery. The boss told me that basically if I did well, I would keep my place in the team, his selections would be based on performances and merit. As player you look for honesty and knowing where you stand and David was very fair in that respect. I was commuting from Yorkshire every day and the boss offered me the chance to take a day off occasionally if I needed it. I never did, I knew if I ever felt like taking a day off, I may as well finish there and then. I worked as hard as the other goalies and really pushed on. He has a bit of a reputation as a disciplinarian and I would say he was firm but fair and as a player, that is all you really want in a manger. He knows how to get the best out of his players, time and again he has led Everton into a top eight position when the squad really hasn’t looked on paper as if it were strong enough to put in such great performances across the seasons.
I’ve really enjoyed thinking back to my time at Goodison Park and hope fans will join in the spirit of the memories game by sharing some of their own favourite Everton moments
All the best
Nigel Martyn
Everton v Stoke City Memories Game on 30th March 2013 is raising awareness of dementia
The Alzheimer's Society recently launched a national initiative called Dementia Friends which is giving people an understanding of dementia and the small things people can do that make a difference to people living with dementia. Alzheimer's Society want to create a network of a million Dementia Friends across England by 2015 - for more information visit dementiafriends.org.uk
Memory added on March 29, 2013
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