Popular Everton kitman Jimmy Martin has announced his retirement. As part of the furniture at Goodison since the mid-80s, he is one of the last links back to the club’s glory days.
From coach driver to kitman
Martin’s initial role at Everton was as coach driver to probably the greatest Everton sides of all time. As the team Howard Kendall assembled swept all before them, he had a front-row seat for every twist and turn.
Ian Snodin recalled the trip back from winning the title away at Norwich in 1988, saying: “There’s no quick way back from Norwich and the lads never wanted the journey to end. Jimmy was doing the minimum speed on the motorway but even then, Howard kept telling him to slow down!”
When Kendall returned from his stint at Atletic Bilbao, he was won over by the concept of a full time role managing the players training and match day equipment. Jimmy’s life calling had begun.
The ultimate Evertonian
From players to administrators and supporters, everybody has a Jimmy Martin story. The tales of the welcome and support he gave as to new arrivals at the club speak to his passion for making sure everybody understood what playing for Everton meant. Even as his job became ever more demanding.
I was fortunate enough to meet Jimmy when me and my wife arrived at Goodison for a tour, without realising there was no tour that day. After being asked by the reception desk (presumably as the only person in the stadium on a Tuesday), he took 2 hours out of his day to convert my wife into a Blue. His passion for everything Everton always shone through.
Enjoy your retirement, Jimmy. From everyone at Grand Old Team.