He was a proficient sportsman who excelled in basketball and track and field, and captained the school's Rugby team (which also included future Newport RFC prop Dai Pattison (highly successful rugby player) and Telford Tigers' ice hockey forward Joe Miller) to the final of the Welsh National Schools Competition in May 1996.
However, it was in football that he came to prominence after he was selected for the Wales Under-19s that year, and was spotted by a scout from Crystal Palace, of whom he was an avid supporter in his school days.
[6] Martin found himself out of favour in the 2000–01 season, playing just once for Palace, in a 0–0 draw at home to Tranmere Rovers in the League Cup when he came on as substitute for Fan Zhiyi with just four minutes of extra-time remaining.
In March 2002 he joined Torquay United on loan, having trained at Plainmoor for several weeks before and scored in a friendly win away to Plymouth Argyle.
He played just once in the Conference for Hereford, as a substitute in their 2–1 win at home to Farnborough Town on 17 August, but was released the following month.
[11] After leaving Wimbledon, he played for Whyteleafe and Croydon Athletic, who he left to joinTonbridge Angels late in the 2006 close-season.