Martin Brittain (born 29 December 1984) is an English former footballer who played as a winger. A boyhood Newcastle United supporter, Brittain progressed through the club's academy to make his senior debut for Newcastle United under Sir Bobby Robson on 3 March 2004 as a 76th-minute substitute for Michael Bridges in a 3–1 win over Vålerenga in the UEFA Cup third round. Brittain was also awarded the prestigious Jackie Milburn trophy in 2004 as Newcastle United young player of the year.

Martin Brittain
Personal information
Date of birth (1984-12-29) 29 December 1984 (age 39)
Place of birth Cramlington, England
Position(s) Midfielder
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2004–2006 Newcastle United 1 (0)
2006–2007 Ipswich Town 0 (0)
2006–2007Yeovil Town (loan) 15 (0)
2007 Carlisle United 1 (0)
2008 Walsall 1 (0)
2008–2009 Kidderminster Harriers 42 (4)
2009–2012 Gateshead 67 (14)
2012 Celtic Nation 0 (0)
2012 Blyth Spartans 0 (0)
2012–2013 Bedlington Terriers
Ashington
Total 127 (18)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 13:00, 6 November 2012 (UTC)

Career edit

Newcastle United edit

Born in Cramlington, Northumberland, Brittain started his career at Newcastle United. Brittain made his debut for Newcastle under Sir Bobby Robson on 3 March 2004 as a 76th-minute substitute for Michael Bridges in a 3–1 win over Vålerenga in the UEFA Cup third round.[1] Having been an unused substitute six days earlier in a 2–1 home win over Chelsea,[2] he made his only Premier League appearance on 1 May in a 1–0 defeat at Manchester City, replacing Laurent Robert for the last 15 minutes.[3]

His first start came on 7 January 2006 against Mansfield Town in the FA Cup third round, starting on the wide right of midfield in the game that Newcastle won 1–0. That game saw club striker Alan Shearer equal Jackie Milburn's goal scoring record, with Shearer grabbing his 200th goal for Newcastle.[4] Brittain was not offered a new contract at Newcastle at the end of the 2005–06 season.

Ipswich Town edit

Following his release from Newcastle he subsequently trialed with Brighton & Hove Albion and Kilmarnock until having a successful trial with Ipswich Town. On 21 August 2006, he signed a one-year deal with Ipswich. Brittain made his debut for Ipswich in a League Cup game against Peterborough United with Ipswich going on to lose the game 4–2 on penalties. This proved to be his only game for the club as he was then loaned to Yeovil Town. After spending his only season with the club out on loan at Yeovil he was deemed surplus to requirements upon returning and was released in May 2007.

Yeovil Town (Loan)

After signing with Ipswich he then joined Yeovil on loan in league 1 for the 2006/2007 season. Britain made 16 appearances in total with 15 of those in the league but ultimately failed to score before returning to Ipswich at the end of the season.

Later career edit

Carlisle United

After being released by Ipswich Brittain joined Carlisle United on a week-long trial in July 2007[5] and after this trial period, Brittain joined the Brunton Park club on a monthly contract.[6] After just one month at Carlisle Brittain was released from his contract having played just twice and only once in the league.[7]

Walsall

After leaving Carlisle Brittain trailed for Scunthorpe United before joining Walsall.[8][9] Brittain played once in the league and twice in the FA cup throughout the 2007–2008 season but had left by the start of the following season.

Kidderminster Harriers

In March 2008, Brittain joined Major League Soccer side Toronto FC on a trial, scoring a penalty in a 4–3 friendly loss to Houston Dynamo.[10] However, he failed to earn himself a contract with the club. On 5 August 2008, he signed a one-year contract with Conference National side Kidderminster. In his first season at the club he became a regular first team player and impressed, scoring 8 goals in 51 games in all competitions.

Gateshead

On 26 June 2009, Brittain joined Gateshead,[11] making his debut against Histon on 8 August.[12] Brittain scored his first goals for the club against Crawley Town on 22 August.[13] Brittain was seriously injured playing for Gateshead against Hayes & Yeading United on 5 September 2009. Brittain broke both his tibia and fibula. The game was abandoned after a 40-minute delay to treat the injury as Brittain's teammates refused to restart the game due to the shock of seeing the severity of the injury.[14] At the time of the injury, the score was 0–0 with 14 minutes left to play. The Football Conference awarded one point to each team with Gateshead's point deducted for "failing to fulfil an engagement".[15] Brittain returned to action on 8 July 2010, scoring the opening goal in a 3–2 defeat against a Middlesbrough XI in a behind closed doors friendly.[16] Brittain was released by Gateshead on 30 April 2012.[17]

Celtic Nation

In July 2012, Brittain joined Northern League Division One side Celtic Nation,[18] but left before making a competitive appearance.

Blyth Spartans

On 20 September 2012, Brittain signed for Blyth Spartans.[19] He made three appearances before being released on 11 October.[20]

Bedlington Terriers

In November 2012, Brittain joined Bedlington Terriers on a free transfer.[21]

Ashington A.F.C

In December 2013, Brittain joined Northern League Division One club Ashington. Brittain retired from football retired at the age of 31.

Career statistics edit

As of 6 November 2012
Club Season League[A] FA Cup League Cup Other[B] Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Newcastle United 2003–04[22] 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0
2004–05[23] 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2005–06[24] 0 0 1 0 2 0 3 0 6 0
Total 1 0 1 0 2 0 4 0 8 0
Ipswich Town 2006–07[25] 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
Yeovil Town (loan) 2006–07[26] 15 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 16 0
Carlisle United 2007–08[27] 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0
Walsall 2007–08[28] 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
Kidderminster Harriers 2008–09[29] 42 4 4 1 0 0 5 3 51 8
Gateshead 2009–10[30] 6 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 2
2010–11[31] 41 9 2 0 0 0 7 0 50 9
2011–12[32] 20 3 3 0 0 0 1 0 24 3
Total 67 14 5 0 0 0 8 0 80 14
Celtic Nation 2012–13 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Blyth Spartans 2012–13[20][33] 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 3 0
Career totals 127 18 14 1 4 0 19 3 164 22
A. ^ The "League" column constitutes appearances and goals (including those as a substitute) in the Premier League, Football League and Football Conference.
B. ^ The "Other" column constitutes appearances and goals (including those as a substitute) in the Conference League Cup, FA Trophy, Football League Trophy, and Intertoto Cup.

References edit

  1. ^ "Newcastle United v Valerenga IF". nufc.co.uk. 3 March 2004. Archived from the original on 15 November 2010. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
  2. ^ "Newcastle 2-1 Chelsea". BBC Sport. 25 April 2004. Retrieved 15 May 2015.
  3. ^ "Manchester City v Newcastle United". nufc.co.uk. 1 May 2004. Archived from the original on 15 November 2010. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
  4. ^ "Shearer Equals Milburn Milestone". nufc.co.uk. 7 January 2006. Archived from the original on 2 October 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
  5. ^ "Carlisle give trial to Brittain". BBC Sport. 31 July 2007. Retrieved 1 August 2007.
  6. ^ "Month contract for Brittain". Carlisle United official website. 10 August 2007. Archived from the original on 16 June 2007. Retrieved 10 August 2007.
  7. ^ "Carlisle allow Brittain to leave". BBC Sport. 30 August 2007. Retrieved 30 August 2007.
  8. ^ "BOSS HAS IRONS IN THE FIRE". Scunthorpe United FC. 3 January 2008. Archived from the original on 3 May 2012. Retrieved 4 January 2008.
  9. ^ "Walsall confirm Brittain signing". BBC Sport. 4 January 2008. Retrieved 4 January 2008.
  10. ^ "Trialists run rampant in Houston defeat". American Soccer News. 7 March 2008. Retrieved 11 March 2007.
  11. ^ Bowron, Jeff (26 June 2009). "Gateshead sign former Magpie Brittain". Gateshead F.C. Archived from the original on 4 March 2012. Retrieved 26 June 2009.
  12. ^ Bowron, Jeff (9 August 2009). "Gateshead 0–3 Histon". Gateshead F.C. Archived from the original on 25 July 2011. Retrieved 22 August 2009.
  13. ^ Bowron, Jeff (24 August 2009). "Crawley Town 1–4 Gateshead". Gateshead F.C. Archived from the original on 25 July 2011. Retrieved 24 August 2009.
  14. ^ Bowron, Jeff (6 September 2009). "Match is ended by horrific injury". Sunday Sun. Retrieved 6 September 2009.
  15. ^ Bowron, Jeff (9 October 2009). "Football Conference hearing decision". Gateshead FC. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 30 November 2009.
  16. ^ Bowron, Jeff (8 July 2010). "Middlesbrough XI 3–2 Gateshead". Gateshead FC. Archived from the original on 13 July 2010. Retrieved 8 July 2010.
  17. ^ Bowron, Jeff (30 April 2012). "Gateshead 2012/13 Squad Update". Gateshead FC. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
  18. ^ "Celtic Nation set to show off new signings against Annan". News & Star. 10 July 2012. Archived from the original on 21 April 2013. Retrieved 14 July 2012.
  19. ^ "Blyth Bag Brittain". Blyth Spartans AFC. 20 September 2012. Archived from the original on 5 April 2015. Retrieved 6 November 2012.
  20. ^ a b "Martin Brittain Leaves Blyth". Blyth Spartans AFC. 11 October 2012. Archived from the original on 14 October 2012. Retrieved 6 November 2012.
  21. ^ "November Transfers (part one)". Pitchero. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
  22. ^ "Newcastle 2003/2004 player appearances". Soccerbase. Retrieved 3 January 2011.
  23. ^ "Newcastle 2004/2005 player appearances". Soccerbase. Retrieved 3 January 2011.
  24. ^ "Newcastle 2005/2006 player appearances". Soccerbase. Retrieved 3 January 2011.
  25. ^ "Ipswich 2006/2007 player appearances". Soccerbase. Retrieved 3 January 2011.
  26. ^ "Yeovil 2006/2007 player appearances". Soccerbase. Retrieved 3 January 2011.
  27. ^ "Carlisle 2007/2008 player appearances". Soccerbase. Retrieved 3 January 2011.
  28. ^ "Walsall 2007/2008 player appearances". Soccerbase. Retrieved 3 January 2011.
  29. ^ Appearances and goals for this season are taken from:
    "Kidderminster 2008/2009 player appearances". Soccerbase. Retrieved 3 January 2011.
    "King's Lynn vs Kidderminster". Kidderminster Harriers FC. Archived from the original on 22 July 2011. Retrieved 3 January 2011.
    "Ebbsfleet vs Kidderminster". Kidderminster Harriers FC. Archived from the original on 22 July 2011. Retrieved 3 January 2011.
    "Burton vs Kidderminster". Kidderminster Harriers FC. Archived from the original on 22 July 2011. Retrieved 3 January 2011.
    "Kidderminster vs Burscough". Kidderminster Harriers FC. Archived from the original on 22 July 2011. Retrieved 3 January 2011.
    "Ilkeston Town vs Kidderminster". Kidderminster Harriers FC. Archived from the original on 22 July 2011. Retrieved 3 January 2011.
    "Kidderminster vs York City". Kidderminster Harriers FC. Archived from the original on 22 July 2011. Retrieved 3 January 2011.
    "York City 1–1 Kidderminster". sportbox.tv. Retrieved 3 January 2011.[permanent dead link]
  30. ^ Appearances and goals for this season are taken from:
    "Gateshead 2009/2010 player appearances". Soccerbase. Archived from the original on 21 October 2004. Retrieved 3 January 2011.
    Bowron, Jeff (29 August 2009). "Cambridge United 3–0 Gateshead". Gateshead F.C. Archived from the original on 11 July 2011. Retrieved 3 January 2011.
  31. ^ Appearances and goals for this season are taken from:
    "Gateshead 2010/2011 player appearances". Soccerbase. Retrieved 2 January 2011.
    "FA Cup – fourth qualifying round results and scorers". BBC Sport. 23 October 2010. Retrieved 3 January 2011.
    "Gateshead 2 Southport 2". The Journal. 15 December 2010. Archived from the original on 4 April 2012. Retrieved 3 January 2011.
    "Southport 0–1 Gateshead". Gateshead FC. 12 January 2011. Archived from the original on 11 July 2011. Retrieved 6 February 2011.
    "Gateshead 6–0 Hampton & Richmond Borough". Gateshead FC. 16 January 2011. Archived from the original on 13 March 2011. Retrieved 6 February 2011.
    "Gateshead 3 Dartford 0". Sunday Sun. 6 February 2011. Archived from the original on 24 March 2012. Retrieved 6 February 2011.
    "Blyth Spartans 0–2 Gateshead". Gateshead FC. 27 February 2011. Retrieved 1 March 2011.[permanent dead link]
    "Darlington 3–2 Gateshead". BBC Sport. 12 March 2011. Retrieved 12 March 2011.
    "Gateshead 0–0 Darlington (agg 2–3)". BBC Sport. 19 March 2011. Retrieved 19 March 2011.
  32. ^ Appearances and goals for this season are taken from:
    "Gateshead 2011/12 player appearances". Soccerbase. Retrieved 14 August 2011.
    "Gateshead 3–0 Hebburn Town". Gateshead FC. 30 October 2011. Retrieved 30 October 2011.[permanent dead link]
    "Gateshead 3–2 Kettering Town". Gateshead FC. 11 December 2011. Archived from the original on 8 January 2012. Retrieved 11 December 2011.
  33. ^ "Fixtures 2012/13". Blyth Spartans AFC. Archived from the original on 13 October 2012. Retrieved 6 November 2012.

External links edit