‘Anyone who says Russell isn’t a club legend clearly has a short memory’ – City fans react to Martin exit

David Freezer

Published: 3:33 PM August 31, 2018 Updated: 3:16 PM October 10, 2020

Russell Martin celebrates City's Premier League victory at Old Trafford in December 2015 Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd

Norwich City supporters have been thanking Russell Martin for his long service, after the Canaries announced the defender's contract has been terminated by mutual consent.

Make no mistake about it, this guy is a legend #NCFC https://t.co/DShvLc8Pcj
— tom pauley (@tompauley8) August 31, 2018

Really disappointed it had to end like this, although just short of the 10 year mark, as a former 1st team and club captain deserves a testimonial. #NorfolkCafu #NCFC
— Alex Holden (@Apwholden) August 31, 2018

Sad for it to end how it did but was a superb ambassador and more importantly a key player for this club for many years #ncfc https://t.co/nUXsiqIiAa
— Harwood (@ch_harwood) August 31, 2018

Anyone who says Russell Martin isn't a club legend clearly has a short memory because when he first joined he was a quality right back for us. Its such a shame he didn't get a send off like ruddy and hoolahan did #NCFC
— callum thomson (@cthomson16) August 31, 2018

Russ Martin, 1st Lambert signing, personified #NCFC's swashbuckling charge up the divisions: signed from P'bro but polished into a full international. Then, 3 managers later, he led team to Prem again via unforgettable semis & Wembley. Top guy too, who really got @NorwichCityCSF
— Mick Dennis (@MickDennisReal) August 31, 2018

Sad that he had to be released, but I hope Russ gets back to playing soon. Thanks for all the memories, Russ! #legend #ncfc https://t.co/MmtIAnFNSW
— Kieran Butt ?' (@Ginger_Canary) August 31, 2018

At his peak Russell Martin was one of the best right backs I've seen play for #ncfc in my lifetime. Can't think of a better one other than Culverhouse.
— Tom East (@thomaseast77) August 31, 2018

Russell Martin, one of the finest gentlemen to pull on the yellow jersey. Overcame adversity in health to lead us through great times. Thanks for everything Russ #NCFC
— In the cheap seats.. (@MrCheapSeats) August 31, 2018

The fans will do their bit to say thanks for sure. Fans don't forget. #ncfc
— Matthew Large (@Largey24) August 31, 2018

Feel a little sorry for Russ. Sentiment shouldn't really come into football and it's the right call to let him leave from that POV, but for a good 5-6 years he was a great player and an even better ambassador for #ncfc. Wish him nothing but the best for the future.
— Das Finz (@JamesFinbow) August 31, 2018

Brilliant servant to our club & a true professional on & off the pitch! Some amazing memories.. some not so amazing but one thing is for sure! He deserves a good send off starting with a win Sunday! Hope to see him back in & around the club soon #NCFC #NorfolkCafu https://t.co/Xkpg0J5r3y
— J•A•C•K ?? (@JField97) August 31, 2018

Favourite Russ Martin story was the day he saw his child be born in the early hours, hopped on a plane with Delia to Liverpool and scored the equaliser at Anfield in the afternoon. Testament to the man. Wish him all the best. #ncfc
— Nick Deal (@nick__deal) August 31, 2018

Almost nine years with the club has come to an end for the 32-year-old just over a year since his final appearance for City, during a 4-0 defeat at Millwall.

The Scotland international defender fell out of favour under head coach Daniel Farke and subsequently went out on loan to Scottish Premiership side Rangers in January, making 17 appearances.

The former Peterborough and Wycombe defender was not involved during pre-season as another loan exit looked likely during the final year of his contract, which has been terminated early to enable Martin to keep searching for a new club beyond today's 5pm loan deadline.

The former captain, who led City to Wembley play-off final success in 2015, leaves having made 309 appearances to place him 22nd in the club's all-time appearances list.

He also played an integral part in the club's rise from League One to the Premier League under Paul Lambert, as a right-back, and that has not been forgotten by fans.

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• Take a look at some of the best of the reaction above and below

Don't forget this absolute #BANGER lads. Thanks Russ. #ncfc https://t.co/l26nK8De62
— richut (@twitchut) August 31, 2018

Good luck to Russell Martin is what ever he does next, exceptional Player, Brilliant Captain and Ambassador for @NorwichCityFC over the last 9 years. Above all a top class bloke #Ncfc
— Darren Huckerby (@hucks6dh6) August 31, 2018

Always a true professional and a role model. Represented our team brilliantly and I hope to see him in the future at our club in some way! Thanks for everything Russ! #ncfc
— Ali Bardwell (@AliBardwell) August 31, 2018

Very few players love their football clubs how russ loves Norwich. Not many better right backs at #ncfc than RM in my lifetime. Legend. Russell Martin in his pants, he loves norwich! https://t.co/X8UAtspfHG
— Matt Harper (@mattncfc6) August 31, 2018

All the very best to Russell Martin in the future. Despite the boo boys he still gave his all to the #ncfc cause. Good of the club to honour his departure with a presentation, hopefully it's at a game I can make.
— Chris G (@loodofsquit) August 31, 2018

What a servant Russell Martin has been to #ncfc.

On the pitch, he was a linchpin in some amazing times. Off it, he's continually gone out of his way to help teammates, staff, fans - pretty much everyone. He deserves a lot of respect. A genuine one-off in football.
— Ben Mouncer (@benmouncer) August 31, 2018

My favourite Russ game? Surprising one. The 3 2 win against Derby. Simeon rightly lauded for the mental last minute but it was Russ who drove us on when we were behind! Never forget it! Don't think anybody loved playing for us more than him! #ncfc
— Mike Ward (@mjtward19) August 31, 2018

It was right for all parties to release him now; Russ says he appreciates the way the club have dealt with it. The club's announced he'll be invited back at a future league game for a special presentation & farewell #ncfc #respectruss
— Stewart Lewis (@StewartLewis2) August 31, 2018