West Ham United is pleased to announce that goalkeeper David Martin has signed a one-year contract extension until June 2022.
The 35-year-old, who arrived at London Stadium on a free transfer in the summer of 2019, will continue in his role as a back-up to international goalkeepers Łukasz Fabiański and Darren Randolph, while also remaining an experienced influence to the Club’s promising crop of young stoppers coming through from the Academy.
Martin said: “To be at a Club I’ve supported all my life, and to have the opportunity to stay for another year, it means everything.
“Being a positive vibe around the place is very important to me – to try and help the lads in whatever way I can. I give it everything in training and try to compete with Łukasz, Darren and Nathan Trott, and just try to enjoy it and always make sure I am ready to play if ever called upon. I try to make sure everyone is working hard and have that positive vibe.
“I’m not just saying this, but it’s probably the best group of lads I’ve been with. You go into most dressing rooms and there’s cliques here and cliques there. Obviously we’ve got all different nationalities, but there’s not one clique where you’re scared to go and talk to that group. It’s been a real joy to be a part of and that transfers onto the pitch, because you know that when you go onto the pitch you’ve got everyone’s back.
“It’s great to be a part of because it’s so competitive and like I said I think everyone has enjoyed it behind the scenes, working hard and trying to get that progress and get that goal at the end of the day.”
The son of Hammers legend Alvin Martin, who made almost 600 appearances during a 22-year career with the Club, David began his professional career with Wimbledon in 2003 and remained with the team after its reformation as Milton Keynes Dons.
In January 2006, at the age of 19, he was signed by then-UEFA Champions League holders Liverpool and was a regular feature in the Reds' reserve side and also consistently part of first-team squads.
Loan spells with Accrington Stanley, Leicester City, where he won the League One title, Tranmere Rovers, Leeds United and Derby County followed, before Martin joined MK Dons as Karl Robinson’s first signing at the club. The goalkeeper would spend a further seven seasons with the Buckinghamshire side, reaching 339 appearances in total for Dons, before a two-year spell with Millwall.
Since arriving at London Stadium, he has established himself as a valued and respected member of the first team squad, and famously made an unforgettable senior debut in Claret and Blue, keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 victory at London rivals Chelsea in November 2019.
Martin made a further four appearances in the 2019/20 season and his dedication and commitment in a unique role among the goalkeeping set-up continues to be highly regarded among team-mates and colleagues.
Everyone at West Ham United would like to congratulate David on extending his stay at London Stadium and wish him all the best for the remainder of his Hammers career.
