Morley's Musings: What Rubbish That Turned Out To Be! Monday, 26th Oct 2015 11:59 by Nathan Morley After adding another goal to his tally for the season on Saturday - Chris Martin truly has had a remarkable start to the season. His start to the campaign has been impressive I just wanted to focus on his goal record of 8 goals in 14 matches to date. So far so good nearly seems an understatement. Last season his injury troubles meant he played 46 matches, still a high tally. The striker bagged 21 goals, which failed to top his wonderful 2013/14 season record of 25 goals in 51 appearances. Over 20 goals a season twice in a row — which is likely to become three consecutive at this rate — is a phenomenal record.
And what did he cost? Remember way back in February 2013 he signed on loan, which turned out to effectively be a ‘try before you buy’ loan, not a straight out purchase. Anyway, he scored 2 goals in that short loan spell and before that had been going from one loan club to the next seeking games and finally he found the right place to land. I remember not being wowed by him during that loan period so I thought I’d look back to see if I’d written anything about him back then. It turns out I had… Chris Martin came in February from Norwich on loan, this came after both Robinson and Tyson left the club on loan and in search of more frequent first-team football. The 24-year-old arrived at the club during a spell where wins were tough to come by and he made a decent impact — he seemed like a breath of fresh air in the side. However, after a few games in, and in a sticky patch of form for Derby, he began to seem quite an ordinary striker. During his time on loan with the club, towards the latter end of the season, Martin didn’t come across as a natural goalscorer. However, the former-England Under-19 international’s link-up play seemed good and he worked hard. When he was alongside Sammon, goals were few and far between. Having said that, the chances were there. I can’t say I was over the moon at Derby swooping quickly to make Chris Martin a permanent signing but, equally, I wasn’t disappointed. I see him as a good squad player, maybe not a week-in week-out reliable starter and certainly not the answers to the prayers of that twenty goals a season striker. Well that was my opinion of our number 9 two seasons ago. What rubbish that turned out to be!
On a free transfer he has been the best piece of business the club has done for some time. Please tell me I wasn’t alone in thinking that back in 2013? Please, anyone?! On another note, what has been Martin’s best goal for the Rams? For me, his free-kick against Bournemouth springs to mind, as well as his recent strike against Wolves.
Here’s hoping Martin's current form continues and more goals are coming as his goals and Derby’s final table position will no doubt be heavily linked come seasons end.
For more of Nathan's articles you can read his blog at www.derbycountyfan.com and follow him via @ramscorner on Twitter.
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