Former Sky Blues Goalie Saves 77 Years Today. ‘Happy Birthday’, Martin!!
Martin Clamp, a former Sky Blues goalie who joined CCFPA in 2013, is wished “Many Happy Returns” of the day by the Association.
Martin is celebrating his 77th birthday today, and Coventry was born on the last day of January 1948!
Martin, one of the Association’s increasing number of transatlantic members residing in Canada, occasionally communicates with us.
Martin, a schoolboy recruit who joined the groundstaff in November 1964, was a competent keeper for the Club.
Goalkeeping legends Bob Wesson and Bill Glazier, who both joined the CCFPA, virtually limited his appearances to the reserve team even after he turned professional in January 1966.
However, in March 1967, he did play for the first team in a crucial cup match against West Ham United of the First Division.
For the coveted Winston Churchill Memorial Cup, the “Hammers,” who included players like Harry Redknapp, John Sissons, Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, and now fellow goalkeeping CCFPA member Alan Dickie, faced the Sky Blues at Highfield Road.
At the time, the Sky Blues played in the Second Division.
On March 3, 1967, in front of an incredible 18,524 spectators, the game ended 3-3.
Dietmar Bruck, who is currently a member of the CCFPA committee, Ian Gibson, and Ernie Machin scored City’s goals. Unfortunately, “Ernie” and “Gibbo,” both CCFPA members, have since passed away.
The Hammers’ goals came from Geoff Hurst and Peter Brabrook (2). But the Londoners won the trophy after we lost the penalty shootout 7-9.
Coincidentally, the main stand at Highfield Road was completely destroyed by fire three days later!
Martin left the Sky Blues in close season 1968 and was signed by Plymouth Argyle where he had a number of first team outings in league and cup (nine) before returning to the Midlands turning out for Nuneaton Borough and Kettering Town amongst others.
Finishing in England at Bedworth Town before moving to Canada he then played for a number of Canadian teams before hanging up his boots in 1985 at the age of 37.
He worked in the postal services industry in his adopted country after he retired from the game and has lived in Ontario for well over three decades.
Former CCFPA Chairman Jim Brown has kept in good touch with Martin in recent years and welcomed him to the then Ricoh Arena on Good Friday 2019 (left) when Martin came over from Canada with his grandson, Denilson, who had a trial with City’s Academy the same week.
They had come to watch the Sky Blues game with Bradford City which they won 2-0.
Have a great Birthday today Martin and see you next time you return to the UK!
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