Martin Pike (English footballer) explained

Martin Pike
Birth Date:21 October 1964
Birth Place:South Shields, England
Height:5 ft 9 in[1]
Position:Left-back
Youthyears1:1982–1983
Youthclubs1:West Bromwich Albion
Years1:1983–1986
Caps1:126
Goals1:8
Years2:1986–1990
Caps2:129
Goals2:5
Years3:1989–1990
Clubs3:Tranmere Rovers (loan)
Caps3:2
Goals3:0
Years4:1989–1990
Clubs4:Bolton Wanderers (loan)
Caps4:5
Goals4:0
Years5:1990–1994
Caps5:200
Goals5:14
Years6:1994–1996
Clubs6:Rotherham United
Caps6:9
Goals6:0
Years7:1994–19??
Clubs7:Durham City
Totalcaps:571
Totalgoals:27

Martin Pike (born 21 October 1964) is an English former professional football who played as a left-back. He made his name at Peterborough United playing in the Fourth Division and in his last season at The Posh he made the PFA Division Four Team of the Year. With Posh unable to gain promotion from the Fourth Division, Pike's impressive performances for Posh brought him to the attention of Billy McEwan, manager of Second Division Sheffield United. However, with United struggling in Pike's second season at United -1987–88 - McEwan was sacked and the Blades appointed Dave Bassett but he was unable to prevent relegation to the Third Division.

Pike survived Bassett's player exodus and recruitment of several players in the pre-season of 1988 and was a regular in the 1988–89 season, whilst also contributing several crucial goals from his customary left back slot, as United bounced back at the first attempt finishing second. However, Pike found himself on the sidelines back in the second division as Bassett signed another left back David Barnes. With first team opportunities now limited, Pike went out on loan first to Tranmere Rovers and then Bolton Wanderers before a permanent move to Fulham. Pike played over 200 games for Fulham before he ended his Football League career at Rotherham United, and also had a period with Durham City.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Rothmans Football Yearbook 1987–88 . Peter . Dunk . Queen Anne Press . London . 1987 . 324 . 978-0-356-14354-5.
  2. Web site: Martin Pike career summary. Neil Brown. 25 January 2011.