Jack Martin

John Charles Martin (25 July 1903 – 31 December 1976) was an English professional footballer who played as a central defender.

Career Yorkshire-born Martin crossed the Pennines to begin his career with Lancashire club Burnley in 1923. After failing to break into the Clarets first team, he joined Accrington Stanley the following year.

The defender made twenty-eight league appearances for Stanley, scoring one goal, before joining Frank Buckley's Blackpool in 1926.

Martin made his debut for the Seasiders on 27 November, in a 2–2 draw with Port Vale at Bloomfield Road. He made two further league appearances in 1926–27, before being released at the end of the season.

He remained in the north-west for the remainder of his career, playing for Southport (two spells), Macclesfield Town, Nelson, Wigan Borough and Oldham Athletic. He retired in 1932, after a nine-year and eight-club playing career.

He is survived by his daughter Irene, born 1925 during his time at Accrington Stanley, her two daughters, Diane and Karen, her grandchildren, Andrew, Laura, Matthew, David and six great grandchildren, Siân, Mason, Anderson, Blake, Ada and Thea. His great-grandsons all followed in his footsteps and were keen amateur footballers in their day;two now coach youth teams in the area. Three of his great-great-grandsons currently play for local teams in Burnley.