User:Martyn Ford

Martyn Ford (born 25 november 1958) is a retired ex Welsh Professional Footballer who played as a centre forward and who was raised in the town of Usk in Monmouthshire, South Wales. whilst attending Caerleon Comprehensive School at an early age where he made his mark as a amature footballer. Marytn was spotted at the age of 12 by Cardiff City scout Joseph Rogers playing for Caerleon Comprehensive School Team against Hartridge High School in a Newport Schools Cup Game in 1970. He was asked to attend trials for the bluebirds at Ninian Park Stadium, he was then taken on as a school boy by ex Manchester United manager Frank O'Farrel. At the age of 14 Ford was told he was making his reserve team debut against a very strong Newport County side, the game finnished 0-0 with a very good performance from Martyn. With very strong performances Martyn was selected as a Wales U15s International being capped several times for the national team. In 1974 Frank O'Farrel was sacked as Cardiff City manager and shortly after Jimmy Andrews was appointed the new boss, not long after the signing of the new manager several youth team players were released including Martyn Ford. Still being a Welsh International he was not tied with a Professional Club, Martyn was playing part time for Usk Town in monmouthshire but was asked to play against West Germany for Wales at Cwmbran Stadium in 1974. Giving an unbelievable performance at the final whistle an AFC Bournemouth scout assigned by there manager John Benson/Harry Redknapp approached the 16 year old and offerd him a 1 week trial. after 4 days Martyn Ford was signed as a Full Time Professional for the club making his football league debut age 16 against Swindon Town in August 1975. Martyn made 52 football league appearences for AFC Bournemouth scoring many goals for his club. In 1977 his career was stalled after suffering a broken leg in a League Cup "now known as the carling cup" game against Portsmouth FC. Shortly after coming out of plaster having had a loan spell at Tottenham Hotsper for rehabilitation he was transfer listed and was asked to join Dorchester Town FC in the conference league. Martyn signed a one year contract for the club patnering ex Manchester United & Wales International centre forward Ron Davies. Making many appearences in the football league and the conference at the end of the season of 1978 Martyn left Dorchester Town FC to join Newport County FC which was short lived as his injury still had the better of him. He Retired in 1978 and went back to play in the Gwent County League for Usk Town FC where he still made his mark as a player.