Former Blackpool favourite opens up on special connection, being brave, and 'painful' departure
Angel Martinez reflects on his time with Blackpool - and shares why the club remains special to him a decade on from his departure.
Former Blackpool favourite Angel Martinez states the club will always have a special place in his heart - with a strong connection still existing between himself and the Bloomfield Road faithful.
The Spanish midfielder made the move to the Fylde Coast in 2011, having no prior knowledge of the Seasiders or life in England.
His CV had seen him progress through the Espanyol system, with loan spells coming with Rayo Vallecano and Girona, but a sense of adventure attracted him to join Ian Holloway’s then-side.
The 39-year-old quickly learnt the language and found his place in the Blackpool squad, as well as in the town.
In total, Martinez featured 73 times in Tangerine, scoring one goal and providing four assists, before leaving in the summer of 2014.
Despite more than a decade passing since his Seasiders exit, the ex-Spain youth international admits a strong bond is still there even from afar, with members of his family holding the same love.
“Espanyol was the team where I got my dream to play in La Liga, but Blackpool was very, very special,” he said.
“I moved far from home with my family, and discovered a new world. It was magical.
“At the beginning it wasn’t easy, but neighbours, my teammates and the people around the town helped me - there was a special connection.
“I didn’t speak any English at first, but I could feel the energy of the people and the love of the people - it’s why I made a big effort to learn the language quickly at the college.
“On the pitch, to play at Wembley in my first season, under Ian Holloway, was very special.
“I wasn’t the best player, I didn’t score too many goals, I never got a promotion or any trophies - but the connection was magical with the fans, the team - everything. It’s difficult to find why.
“My daughters will be part of Blackpool forever. My second daughter was born in Blackpool, she’s always following England in the World Cup.
“She’s very proud. In the Euros final against Spain, she was supporting England, so we had problems at home.
“That connection will be there forever. I’m looking forward to having a trip over because she wants to come back to know more about the place.”
Making the move to England
Martinez admits he was excited by the prospect of playing in England when the offer came his way, despite his limited knowledge of Blackpool itself.
“It was a very big move,” he added.
“I was playing for Girona on loan, and my agent rang to say we had an offer. I was thinking: ‘England, Blackpool, Championship.’
“I didn’t know where Blackpool was on the map, and I didn’t know anything about the league, but I said ‘yes’ quickly and didn’t think about it too much.
“Not having knowledge was good for me, as I could be brave with everything. I was lucky we had a manager who had an open mind and played technical football, which made it easy for me to adapt.
“I didn’t even know Blackpool wore a Tangerine shirt, but I needed something different. I was a bit demotivated and needed an adventure, and that’s what I found.”
Working with the community
During his three years with the Seasiders, Martinez’s close bond with the club’s fanbase saw him named as Community Champion in his final season in Tangerine before moving to Millwall at the conclusion of his contract.
“We’re not only football players; we are part of the community,” he stated.
“We’ve got a responsibility to be an example for everyone, it’s a privilege to help - everything needs to work together.
“In Blackpool, Millwall, Chesterfield - I’ve been a football player but also a person who has been involved with the community. It’s very important.”
‘It wasn’t easy’ - The change of atmosphere at Bloomfield Road
Despite Martinez’s popularity, his time in Tangerine saw Blackpool go through the start of a decline under the Oyston ownership - which ultimately led to supporters boycotting games.
The 39-year-old’s first campaign ended in a 2-1 defeat to West Ham in the Championship play-off final, while his last was a relegation battle.
Martinez admits he often thinks about what could’ve been if the Seasiders had overcome the Hammers at Wembley.
“When you retire and you analyse your career, you think a goal could’ve changed it,” he noted.
“We could’ve been in the Premier League, but instead the next season was a bit difficult.
“When you lose a final it’s difficult. I’ve been dreaming about playing that game again, but you have to accept that some players win and some players lose.
“You’ve always got to look forward. You can either stop and cry or keep going - learning and getting better.
“I never thought about leaving Blackpool because I had confidence they could be a big team again, but there were a lot of changes when Ian Holloway left - there was no stability in the club, so it was difficult to build something.
“In my second and third season, I kept the love of the fans and playing at Bloomfield was special, but we weren’t the same team that dominated games.
“We could feel the negative atmosphere, which had an impact. It wasn’t easy.
“They offered me another contract, but with the situation of the club with the Oystons and the fans, I didn’t want to get involved in that. It was a pity because my heart was with Blackpool always, and it wasn’t the same after that.
“Seeing the team get relegated a couple of leagues was super painful. I was away, but I was engaged in the distance.”
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