Talksport Radio - Alvin Martin

The only people who love Alvin Martin more than we do are West Ham fans. The defensive stalwart marshalled The Hammers’ back line with aplomb for 19 years, which saw him handed two testimonials, a feat only matched by former teammate Billy Bonds.The two games were just reward for the former England international and proceeds raised ensured Alvin will be eating Turkey again every Christmas for life.Lovingly nicknamed ‘Stretch’, although for reasons we can’t reveal on a family-based website such as ours, Alvin guided West Ham to one of their greatest achievements when he was part of their Second Division side that toppled high-flying Arsenal in the 1980 FA Cup final. Then England manager, Ron Greenwood, eased Alvin into international football by throwing him on as a substitute against football minnows Brazil at Wembley in 1981 and he was part of Bobby Robson’s World Cup squad that reached the quarterfinal stage in Mexico in 1986. You always know when Alvin has arrived as he blocks out the sun with his tall, athletic frame. I say this with no exaggeration, Alvin is a true gentleman and his scouse accent endears him to everyone around him, but he looks like he could put you in hospital by blinking at you. He shows his gentle side by carrying a doll around with him that looks uncannily like Adrian Durham, sporting several pins in various body parts, as well as his eyes, so we invite him over for a chat.