Heroes & Villains > Villa Memories
Lionel Martin
PeterWithesShin:
https://player.bfi.org.uk/free/film/watch-boy-footballer-1962-online
dave shelley:
A good watch, thanks for posting. Lionel was a player that used to frustrate the hell out of me and my mates. He was frustrating insofar as he would find himself in positions where a simple pass to a teammate woul see either the chance of scoring or an actual goal.
Lionel often didn't take that opportunity choosing to try and beat one more opponent consequently losing possession. Lionel had great skill and, on form was a joy to watch. He could, imo have gone further in the game than he did but for that one vital flaw.
He scored one of the best goals I have ever seen during the League Cup run in 70/71. I can't remember if it was Burnley or Carlisle but he received the ball just outside the penalty area with his back to goal and he shrugged those big shoulders he has first one way then the other, and then turned and hit it. From where we were standing behind the goal down the Witton End, the ball looked to be sailing over the crossbar by some distance and we were all moaning but the next thing we knew it was lying in the back of the net, simply a superb bit of skill.
Lionel had all that in his locker and more. Sadly in one way, I don't think he realised just how good he could have been. Maybe he was just a little bit before his time and without stating the obvious, would have realised more of his potential with more advanced coaching.
Brend'Watkins:
What a great find this is.Thanks for posting it. I only remember seeing him play a few times. I remember him more for his ability as a service receptionist at Thomas Startins in Erdington.
Flamingo Lane:
That was interesting. Quite poignant, in a way.
In the context of the film (which was mainly about the risks and insecurity of trying to make a career out of football), I'm not sure whether Lionel Martin was successful or not. Probably he was.
His record for Villa was played 44, plus 14 as sub, and scored 9 goals, over a 9 year period from signing as a schoolboy.
He certainly had talent, I clearly recall his goal v Burnley mentioned in another post, a chip from the corner of the 18 yard box. Also I think he may have scored the winner in the FA Cup tie v Southampton, in front of a crowd of 59,000.
Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air:
A fascinating clip. Also first time I have ever heard Dick Taylor being interviewed, he was manager when I first started going in 1966.
Lionel scored the winner against Southampton in that epic 4th Round replay in 1969.
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