City striker Chris Martin has vowed to put his nightmare season behind him as the Beccles teenager enters his make-or-break year at Carrow Road.
After bursting onto the scene in 06/07, Martin endured a disappointing campaign last time out with only 10 league and cup appearances to his name.
But it was his off-the-field antics which grabbed the headlines after an incident in his home town ended with him being banned from a number of pubs in the Waveney area.
Glenn Roeder also had plenty to say throughout the season, citing Martin's attitude as a cause for concern.
However, Martin hopes he has turned the corner and has certainly been putting in some hard graft over the summer. And all concerned will be hoping that the 19-year-old can make the most of his fresh start.
“Obviously it was disappointing for myself and it was stupid by me,” Martin said yesterday, whilst attending an autograph signing session at the Royal Norfolk Show.
“I regret it, but hopefully that's out of the way now. I have learned from my mistake and I just want to forget about it and get on with the new season.”
Still only a teenager, Roeder seems willing to forgive and forget ? as he did with Matty Pattison ? as long as Martin puts in the hours on the training field.
But the former England youth international was not using his age as an excuse for his misdemeanors. He knows he made a mistake, but that a valuable lesson has now been learned.
“It's definitely a lesson learned and it doesn't make it any excuse that I am young,” Martin added. “It was still very naive of me, but hopefully that is all out of the way with now and I just want to concentrate on the new season.”
And whilst the new Championship campaign represents a real chance for Martin to do his talking on the football pitch, Roeder will be keeping a close eye on the youngster after admitting on more than one occasion last season that the striker needed to pull his finger out.
“I think they were rightful demands. Obviously I had a poor season last year and I want to try and put that behind me, but I am confident that I can do well this season and hopefully hold down a first team place.”
Another City Academy product, Michael Spillane, has also been on the end of some criticism from the Canary chief but while their approach has sometimes been brought into question, their talent has never been in doubt.
And now it's up to both to prove they can cut the mustard?
“Obviously he [Roeder] has shown faith because we are still at the club,” continued Martin. “He might have said that we weren't in his plans, but hopefully we can both step up to the plate this season.”
While Wes Hoolahan and Sammy Clingan have been brought in to bolster the midfield, Roeder's striking options are still thin on the ground.
If the season were to start tomorrow, then Martin would be in line for a start alongside City's only other recognised striker ? Jamie Cureton.
And if he is leading the line by the time the pre-season friendlies are under way, then holding onto that shirt for dear life will be the aim.
“Hopefully I can start the season in the first-team, but we will just have to wait and see. I still think we need to bring one or maybe two strikers in to the club to get some good healthy competition, but I still think with players coming in to the club I have a chance possibly of getting into the first-team.
“But it is up to me to put the hard work in on the training field and hope that the manager will pick me. I have been working hard and it is up to me to put the work in during pre-season as well.
“There will be some more hard work and there is definitely going to be a lot of running but I can't wait to get into the games.”
After the release of Darren Huckerby and several Canary youngsters, the City squad will have a completely different look by the start of Championship proceedings on August 9.
And seeing so many of his Academy pals depart has given Martin extra incentive to make it in Norfolk. Going out on loan or, even worse, being released in a few years down the line is not an option. He wants that first-team shirt as soon as possible.
“I have seen a lot of friends go this summer and obviously I don't want to be in that kind of position in a year or two years time. I think it puts things into perspective for you and hopefully it will make me work a lot harder.”
“I think that it is a negative thing to go out on loan, because that means I'm not playing at Norwich City and that, in my mind, is the thing I want to do.
“I want to play for Norwich City and I want to be here for years to come so hopefully I can hold down a place this season.”
Over to you, Chris.
Tom Haylett
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