One of a hat-trick of Spireites signings on Aug 6 2001, ex-Southend captain Martyn had reportedly interested the then Chesterfield management team for quite a while as a candidate for the right back or wing back position Martyns currently playing in central midfield. Martyn signed a two-year contract for the club.

Born in Kirby Muxloe on May 30, 1971 Martyn is 5 ft 8 in and just over 11st in weight. He started as a trainee at Coventry City but made his name when Crewe Alexandra took him on a free transfer from the Sky Blues. He stayed at Gresty Road for nearly 3 years, making around 100 appearances, before Reading came along with a cheque for £75,000
Martyn In Action For Reading
Martyn joined a Royals side that was struggling to hold onto their first division place and he was one of the few successes in their 1997-98 relegation season, despite missing several games through injury. He joined Southend United, initially on loan, in January 1999 where his commitment and consistency soon endeared him to the Shrimpers fans. He signed permanently for them at the end of his loan spell.

In 1999-00 he was an ever-present for Southend and was a first-team regular in 2000-01 until getting injured. During his absence several young players emerged into the Shrimpers first team and as a result Martyn was surprisingly allowed to leave on a free though a move back closer to his native Leicestershire was also a factor.

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There had been occasional reports that the Spireites were interested in Martyn during the 2001-02 pre-season, but the league transfer embargo and the appearance of other triallists seemed to suggest otherwise. Martyn did not appear in any of the Spireites pre-season games and it was therefore a pleasant surprise, just five days before the start of the league campaign, when Nicky Law finally managed to get his man.

Martyn settling in well at Saltergate despite scoring an own goal on his debut he scored his first goal in the right end for the Club on Bank Holiday Monday to earn the Spireites a deserved draw at Notts County. Since then Martyns played more at right back till a knee injury around Christmas sidelined him for several weeks.Recently Martyns returned to the side and currently once again playing in central midfield.

By Ken Foster