Norwich City have seen some top-class strikers wear the yellow and green over the years.
From Teemu Pukki lighting up the Championship with his prolific scoring to Grant Holt’s dependable finishing in the Premier League, the Canaries faithful have plenty of fond memories of their star forwards.
However, few things are as special as watching a homegrown talent rise through the ranks and lead the line with distinction — something Chris Martin accomplished during his time at Carrow Road.
Now 36, Martin progressed through the Norwich academy and broke into the first team, making a strong impact across his seven-year stint with the club.
During the early stages of his career, Norwich enjoyed the best of Martin’s abilities, particularly when he played a key role in their push for promotion back to the Championship — a campaign that helped lay the foundations for their eventual Premier League return.
Chris Martin’s journey with Norwich City
Martin emerged from Norwich’s youth setup and made his senior debut in 2006. At just 18, he began showcasing his talent, scoring in the FA Cup against Blackpool in February 2007, followed by league goals versus Coventry City, Luton Town, Barnsley, and Derby County.
Despite a promising start, Martin fell down the pecking order under Peter Grant and rarely featured under Glenn Roeder, who questioned his attitude and commitment. A loan to Luton Town during the 2008/09 season gave him much-needed minutes, and he returned with renewed determination.
With Paul Lambert at the helm, Martin became a first-team regular once again, playing a key role in Norwich’s promotion from League One. He enjoyed his most productive campaign in front of goal, tallying 17 goals and 9 assists from 42 appearances, which earned him a new long-term contract.
In the Championship, Martin contributed four goals and four assists in 30 matches but was sidelined late in the season due to a hamstring injury. Unfortunately, his involvement in the Premier League was minimal, making just five top-flight appearances over two seasons. He eventually left the club in 2013, joining Derby County on a free transfer after loan spells at Crystal Palace, Swindon Town, and the Rams.
During his time at Carrow Road, Martin racked up 117 appearances, scoring 34 goals and providing 14 assists.
A vital figure in a crucial period for Norwich
Though he wasn’t always a guaranteed starter, Martin stepped up when the club needed him most. Following relegation to League One, he played a crucial role in ensuring Norwich bounced back immediately — using his physicality and goalscoring instinct to spearhead their promotion campaign.
That return to the Championship was the first step in the club’s resurgence, eventually leading to a three-season stay in the Premier League before beginning a stretch of bouncing between the top two tiers.
Martin remains a fondly remembered figure among Norwich fans for his contributions during that key period. Even now, at 36, he continues to find the net in League One with Bristol Rovers — scoring five times this season and 16 the year before — proving his enduring quality in the EFL.
Norwich undoubtedly benefitted from his presence during a pivotal time, and Martin’s career stands as a testament to the value of perseverance, talent, and seizing the moment when it counts.
