Having come through the club's youth set-up, he turned professional at Port Vale in 2007 after spending time on loan at non-League Kidsgrove Athletic.

[7] After Joe Anyon broke his leg in March 2009, Martin was given his first run in the first team, playing the last ten games of the 2008–09 season.

However, Martin did not disappoint, an assured display against Rochdale[9] was followed by a solid performance in the League Cup at Bramall Lane, where Vale defeated Championship side Sheffield United 2–1.

"[10] However, he was transfer listed in late September, along with the entire Port Vale squad, after Adams saw his team slip to a third consecutive defeat.

[15] After a run of 38 consecutive games he was rested in February 2010, as manager Adams wished to see Joe Anyon in competitive action.

[25] Martin was dropped after conceding a comical own goal in a 3–1 defeat to Stevenage,[26] but won a recall the following match as Tomlinson left the field due to a recurrence of his hip injury.

[27] The pair continued to battle for a starting place, though Tomlinson supported Martin after he committed another blunder in a 2–1 loss at home to Oxford United on 12 March.

[29] He started the 2011–12 season on the bench for league games, with Tomlinson preferred by Micky Adams, who had returned to the club as manager.

[31] Martin made only his fourth league appearance of the season on 7 January, as injury ruled Tomlinson out of the trip to Southend United.

[32] Tomlinson won back his first-team spot after returning to fitness, and Martin was not offered a new contract at the end of the season.