Derby County’s Free Signing of Chris Martin from Norwich Proved to Be a Masterstroke
In 2013, Derby County’s decision to snap up Chris Martin on a free transfer from Norwich City turned out to be a brilliant move that delivered one of the club’s most prolific goalscorers in recent memory.
Martin initially joined Derby on a short-term loan in January 2013, after a stint at Swindon Town. His performances during the remainder of the season — including a memorable first goal in a 2-1 win over rivals Leicester — earned him a permanent deal once his contract with Norwich ran out.
A Costly Error by Norwich City
Norwich may not have realized it at the time, but letting Martin leave without a fee gifted Derby a striker who would go on to etch his name into club folklore. Despite coming through the ranks at Carrow Road and scoring 34 goals in 117 matches, the Canaries — then in the Premier League — opted not to renew his deal, believing he no longer fit into their plans. That misjudgment saw Derby benefit immensely, securing a future talisman without paying a transfer fee.
Martin’s Rise at Pride Park
Derby boss Nigel Clough was quick to praise Martin after his loan spell, noting his potential. Clough was proven right, as Martin hit 20 league goals in his first full campaign (2013/14), helping Derby to the Championship play-off final, where they narrowly lost to QPR. He followed that up with 18 goals in 2014/15 and 15 more in 2015/16, consistently delivering as the club pushed for promotion.
During this period, Derby were always in the mix for a top-flight return, though they narrowly missed out each time — including a dramatic slide from the top of the table in 2015 and a semi-final loss to Hull in 2016.
Surprise Exit and Loan to Fulham
In a surprising twist, Martin was loaned to Fulham ahead of the 2016/17 season following managerial upheaval and Derby’s stalled promotion push. Despite scoring 10 goals in 31 games for the Cottagers, his future at Derby became uncertain. Under new bosses Gary Rowett and later Frank Lampard, Martin struggled to regain his status, spending disappointing loan spells at Reading and Hull City.
One Final Resurgence
Just when it seemed his Derby career was over, Phillip Cocu’s arrival in 2019 gave Martin a final opportunity. No longer the focal point, Martin still made an impact — scoring 12 times in all competitions and producing memorable moments, including late goals against Leeds United and Nottingham Forest. He made 35 league appearances that season before departing in 2020.
A Lasting Legacy at Derby County
Martin concluded his Rams career with 76 goals, securing a spot among Derby’s all-time greats. No player in the modern era has surpassed his goal tally for the club.
Although he later turned out for Bristol City, QPR, and Bristol Rovers, Derby fans will always hold Martin in high regard for his crucial goals and near-promotion runs. Norwich’s oversight became Derby’s gain — delivering a striker who helped define a generation at Pride Park.
