Martin Gritton

Last updated

Martin Gritton
Personal information
Full name Martin Francis Gritton [1]
Date of birth (1978-06-01) 1 June 1978 (age 46)
Place of birth Glasgow, Scotland
Height 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Position(s) Striker
Youth career
1996–1998 Porthleven
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps(Gls)
1998–2002 Plymouth Argyle 44 (7)
2001Yeovil Town (loan) 4 (0)
2001Shelbourne (loan) 6 (0)
2002Torquay United (loan) 5 (1)
2002–2004 Torquay United 88 (22)
2004–2006 Grimsby Town 49 (6)
2006–2007 Lincoln City 27 (3)
2007Mansfield Town (loan) 19 (6)
2007–2009 Macclesfield Town 52 (13)
2009–2011 Chesterfield 29 (5)
2010–2011Torquay United (loan) 12 (0)
2011 Chester 5 (1)
2011 Yeovil Town 2 (0)
2011–2012 Stockport County 11 (0)
2012 Truro City 8 (2)
Total361(66)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Martin Francis Jeremy Gritton (born 1 June 1978) is a Scottish former professional footballer and sports co-commentator primarily for BBC Radio Devon.

Contents

As a player he was a striker from 1998 to 2012. He was a journeyman player and has previously played for Plymouth Argyle, Shelbourne, Torquay United, Grimsby Town, Lincoln City, Mansfield Town, Macclesfield Town, Chesterfield, Chester, Yeovil Town, Stockport County and Truro City

Career

Although born in Glasgow, Gritton moved to South-West England at an early age and played for Cornish non-league sides Perranwell, Truro City, [2] and Porthleven while studying at the University of Portsmouth helping the latter reach the quarter-finals of the FA Vase in 1998. [3] He impressed Plymouth Argyle manager Kevin Hodges in a trial in the summer of 1998 and joined the Pilgrims initially on a non-contract deal to allow him to complete his degree. His league debut came as a substitute on 8 August 1998 in Plymouth's 2–1 home win against Rochdale. Although doing enough to earn himself a full-time deal at Home Park, he never fully established himself in the starting line-up and was allowed out on loan, to Yeovil Town in February 2001 [4] and to Irish side Shelbourne in November 2001.

In August 2002, after playing only twice in Plymouth's 2001–02 promotion side, he joined Torquay United on loan, signing permanently on a free transfer the following month. He settled in well at Plainmoor scoring 16 times in his first season and helping the Gulls to automatic promotion the following season. With Torquay struggling in the higher division and looking to cut costs he was allowed to move to Grimsby Town in December 2004 for a nominal fee. [5]

Although linked with a welcome return to Torquay United, he joined Lincoln City on 30 January 2006. [6] The timing of this move meant that he played against Torquay United in two consecutive games. He was mostly used as a substitute in the 2006–07 season due to the form of Jamie Forrester. In January 2007 he joined Mansfield Town on loan for the remainder of the 2006–07 season. [7] On 30 January 2007, he scored a hat-trick against his former club Torquay. He was released on a free transfer the following May, joining Macclesfield a few weeks later. [8]

On 8 January 2009, Chesterfield purchased Gritton from Macclesfield Town for a fee of £40,000 on a 2+12-year deal. [9] He re-joined former club Torquay on loan for the start of the 2010–11 season. [10] He returned to Chesterfield in January 2011 and had his contract cancelled by mutual consent. [11]

He then joined Chester F.C., and on 22 March 2011 signed on a short-term contract with Yeovil Town until the end of the 2010–11 season. [12] He was informed by the club at the end of the season that he would not be awarded a new deal. [13]

In June 2011 he signed a one-year contract with Stockport County. [14] He played eleven games for the club before being released in March 2012. [15] He subsequently joined Truro City on a non-contract basis, [16] [17] scoring his first goal in a 3–0 win against Thurrock. [18]

Career statistics

As of 2 April 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueNational CupLeague CupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Plymouth Argyle 1998–99 [19] Third Division 2000000020
1999–2000 [20] Third Division30630111 [lower-alpha 1] 0357
2000–01 [21] Third Division10110202 [lower-alpha 1] 1152
2001–02 [22] Third Division2000000020
Total447403131549
Yeovil Town (loan) 2000–01 [23] Football Conference 4040
Shelbourne (loan) 2001–02 [24] [ circular reference ] League of Ireland Premier Division 6020000080
Torquay United 2002–03 [25] Third Division431323101 [lower-alpha 1] 04716
2003–04 [26] Third Division314000000314
2004–05 [27] League One 19610101 [lower-alpha 1] 0226
Total932333202010026
Grimsby Town 2004–05 [28] League Two 23400234
2005–06 [29] League Two26210201 [lower-alpha 1] 0302
Total496102010536
Lincoln City 2005–06 [30] League Two10100101
2006–07 [31] League Two17200003 [lower-alpha 2] 0202
Total273000030303
Mansfield Town (loan) 2006–07 [32] League Two196000000196
Macclesfield Town 2007–08 [33] League Two31811001 [lower-alpha 1] 0339
2008–09 [34] League Two21531111 [lower-alpha 1] 0267
Total52134211205916
Chesterfield 2008–09 [35] League Two20400204
2009–10 [36] League Two91001000101
2010–11 [37] League Two00000000
Total295001000305
Torquay United (loan) 2011–12 [38] League Two12010002 [lower-alpha 1] 0150
Chester 2010–11 [39] NPL Division One North 510051
Yeovil Town 2011–12 [40] League One20000020
Stockport County 2011–12 [41] Conference Premier 1100000110
Truro City 2011–12 [42] Conference South 82000082
Career total361661559213139874
  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy
  2. One appearance in Football League Trophy and two appearances in Football League Two play-offs

Personal life

After leaving Truro, Gritton retired from football and moved to London.

Gritton has worked as a co-commentator for BBC Radio Devon's coverage of Plymouth Argyle and Torquay United games. He has also occasionally appeared for BBC Radio Humberside covering Grimsby Town matches. [43]

His brother, Kevin, was the drummer in the 1990s indie band Adorable who were signed to Creation Records and released two albums. Martin was the band's roadie on their 2019 reunion tour. [44]

Related Research Articles

Elvis Zark Hammond is a retired Ghanaian footballer who last played for Kingstonian as a striker.

Benjamin Kieron Burgess is an English-born Irish retired footballer best known for his time playing for Hull City and Blackpool. He was capped by the Republic of Ireland at U18 and U21 level.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paul Wotton</span> English footballer (born 1977)

Paul Anthony Wotton is an English former professional footballer who is the manager of Torquay United.

Christopher Richard Todd is a Welsh retired footballer who played as a defender and current assistant manager of Yeovil Town.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Barry Hayles</span> Footballer (born 1972)

Barrington Edward "Barry" Hayles is a football player and coach who plays as a striker. He began his career in the Spartan League with Willesden Hawkeye before playing for Stevenage Borough, Bristol Rovers, Fulham, Sheffield United, Millwall, Plymouth Argyle, Leicester City, Cheltenham Town, St Albans City, Arlesey Town, three separate spells at Truro City, Chesham United, and Windsor. Born in England, he was capped ten times by Jamaica at international level.

Ryan Anthony Dickson is an English former professional footballer who played predominantly as a left-back.

Paul John Buckle is an English football manager and former player. He has previously been the interim head coach of San Diego Wave FC of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), the manager of Torquay United, Bristol Rovers, Luton Town, Cheltenham Town and Sacramento Republic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steve Collis</span> English footballer and coach

Stephen Philip Collis is an English former professional footballer who is currently the goalkeeping coach at English League Two club Notts County.

Ian William Sharps is an English former footballer who is currently Lead Academy Coach at Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club. During his playing career he was a defender most commonly deployed at centre back.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Martin Rowlands</span> Irish footballer

Martin Charles Rowlands is a former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. Born in England, he has represented Ireland at youth level.

Kevin McIntyre is an English retired footballer who played as a midfielder or left-back.

Martin John Rice is an English professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Exmouth Town. He spent most of his early professional career at Exeter City and has since played for their rivals Torquay United and non-League side Truro City.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daniel Leadbitter</span> English footballer

Daniel William Leadbitter is an English semi-professional footballer who plays as a right-back for Southern League Premier Division South club Gloucester City. He is currently a personal development manager with the PFA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Angus MacDonald (footballer)</span> English footballer

Angus Lees MacDonald is an English professional footballer who plays as defender for Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kevin Dawson (footballer, born 1990)</span> Irish footballer

Kevin Patrick Dawson is an Irish footballer who plays as a midfielder for Southern League Premier Division South club Gloucester City.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kieffer Moore</span> Wales international footballer (born 1992)

Kieffer Roberto Francisco Moore is a professional footballer who plays as a striker for EFL Championship club Sheffield United and the Wales national team.

Daniel Michael C Sullivan is an English footballer who plays for Truro City as a forward. After rising through Torquay United's youth system, Sullivan made his senior debut in August 2013.

Benjamin Michael Whitfield is an English professional footballer for EFL League One club Burton Albion. He can play as an attacking midfielder or as a winger.

Gabriel Eric Rogers is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Barnstaple Town.

Ryan James Law is an English professional footballer who plays as a left back for Truro City.

References

  1. Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2007). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2007–08. Edinburgh: Mainstream Publishing. p. 170. ISBN   978-1-84596-246-3.
  2. "Truro target big name recruits". NonLeagueDaily.com. 21 May 2007. Archived from the original on 30 September 2012. Retrieved 30 July 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  3. "Legg back for Elburton's relegation battle". thisisDevon.co.uk. 4 April 2009. Archived from the original on 5 May 2013. Retrieved 30 July 2010.
  4. Yeovil land Gritton on loan
  5. Gritton completes Grimsby switch
  6. Imps sign Grimsby striker Gritton
  7. Mansfield sign Conlon and Gritton
  8. Gritton joins Silkmen from Imps
  9. "Gritton signs deal with Spireites". BBC Sport. 9 January 2009. Retrieved 21 June 2011.
  10. "Torquay United sign Martin Gritton from Chesterfield". BBC Sport. 29 July 2010. Retrieved 21 June 2011.
  11. "Striker Martin Gritton released by Chesterfield". BBC Sport. 18 January 2011. Retrieved 21 June 2011.
  12. "Yeovil Town sign Chester striker Martin Gritton". BBC Sport. 23 March 2011. Retrieved 21 June 2011.
  13. "Terry Skiverton offers seven new Yeovil Town deals". BBC Sport. 5 May 2011. Retrieved 5 May 2011.
  14. "Striker Martin Gritton joins Stockport County". BBC Sport. 21 June 2011. Retrieved 21 June 2011.
  15. "Gritton to move on". Stockport County FC. 13 March 2012. Retrieved 13 March 2012.
  16. "Truro City sign Martin Gritton on a non-contract deal". BBC Sport. 20 March 2012. Retrieved 29 March 2012.
  17. "New boy Gritton impresses". NonLeagueDaily.com. 23 March 2012. Archived from the original on 30 January 2013. Retrieved 23 March 2012.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  18. "Truro City beat Thurrock 3–0 to move closer to survival". BBC Sport. 26 March 2012. Retrieved 29 March 2012.
  19. "Martin Gritton | Football Stats | No Club | Season 1998/1999 | 1998-2012 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  20. "Martin Gritton | Football Stats | No Club | Season 1999/2000 | 1998-2012 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  21. "Martin Gritton | Football Stats | No Club | Season 2000/2001 | 1998-2012 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  22. "Martin Gritton | Football Stats | No Club | Season 2001/2002 | 1998-2012 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  23. "Martin Gritton | Football Stats | No Club | Season 2000/2001 | 1998-2012 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  24. 2001–02 Shelbourne F.C. season#Player appearances/goals
  25. "Kevin McIntyre | Football Stats | No Club | Season 2002/2003 | 1996-2016 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  26. "Kevin McIntyre | Football Stats | No Club | Season 2003/2004 | 1996-2016 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  27. "Kevin McIntyre | Football Stats | No Club | Season 2004/2005 | 1996-2016 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  28. "Kevin McIntyre | Football Stats | No Club | Season 2004/2005 | 1996-2016 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  29. "Kevin McIntyre | Football Stats | No Club | Season 2005/2006 | 1996-2016 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  30. "Kevin McIntyre | Football Stats | No Club | Season 2005/2006 | 1996-2016 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  31. "Kevin McIntyre | Football Stats | No Club | Season 2006/2007 | 1996-2016 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  32. "Kevin McIntyre | Football Stats | No Club | Season 2006/2007 | 1996-2016 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  33. "Kevin McIntyre | Football Stats | No Club | Season 2007/2008 | 1996-2016 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  34. "Kevin McIntyre | Football Stats | No Club | Season 2008/2009 | 1996-2016 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  35. "Kevin McIntyre | Football Stats | No Club | Season 2008/2009 | 1996-2016 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  36. "Kevin McIntyre | Football Stats | No Club | Season 2009/2010 | 1996-2016 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  37. "Kevin McIntyre | Football Stats | No Club | Season 2010/2011 | 1996-2016 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  38. "Kevin McIntyre | Football Stats | No Club | Season 2010/2011 | 1996-2016 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  39. "First Team Statistics 2013/14". www.chester-city.co.uk. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  40. "Kevin McIntyre | Football Stats | No Club | Season 2010/2011 | 1996-2016 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  41. "Kevin McIntyre | Football Stats | No Club | Season 2011/2012 | 1996-2016 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  42. "Scotland - M. Gritton - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway". uk.soccerway.com. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  43. "Martin Gritton on the challenges of his Argyle commentary role". 11 September 2017.
  44. Troughton, Adrian (6 June 2019). "When the head was cool – Kevin restarts his indie band career". Derby Telegraph. Pressreader. Retrieved 10 February 2022.