Martin Brittain

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.
Career
Newcastle United
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. Having been an unused substitute six days earlier in a 2–1 home win over Chelsea, 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.
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. Brittain was not offered a new contract at Newcastle at the end of the 2005–06 season.
Ipswich Town
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
Carlisle United
After being released by Ipswich Brittain joined Carlisle United on a week-long trial in July 2007 and after this trial period, Brittain joined the Brunton Park club on a monthly contract. After just one month at Carlisle Brittain was released from his contract having played just twice and only once in the league.
Walsall
After leaving Carlisle Brittain trailed for Scunthorpe United before joining Walsall.
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. 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, making his debut against Histon on 8 August. Brittain scored his first goals for the club against Crawley Town on 22 August.
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. 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". 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. Brittain was released by Gateshead on 30 April 2012.
Celtic Nation
In July 2012, Brittain joined Northern League Division One side Celtic Nation, but left before making a competitive appearance.
Blyth Spartans
On 20 September 2012, Brittain signed for Blyth Spartans. He made three appearances before being released on 11 October.
Bedlington Terriers
In November 2012, Brittain joined Bedlington Terriers on a free transfer.
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
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
External links
1984 births
People from Cramlington
Footballers from Northumberland
Living people
Men's association football midfielders
English men's footballers
Newcastle United F.C. players
Ipswich Town F.C. players
Yeovil Town F.C. players
Carlisle United F.C. players
Walsall F.C. players
Kidderminster Harriers F.C. players
Gateshead F.C. players
Blyth Spartans A.F.C. players
Celtic Nation F.C. players
Bedlington Terriers F.C. players
Ashington A.F.C. players
Premier League players
English Football League players
National League (English football) players
Northern Football League players