Popular Blackpool figure shares what special reunion meant on pre-season trip
There was a special reunion for some former Blackpool teammates at the club’s pre-season camp in Spain.
Blackpool’s pre-season camp in Spain provided the opportunity for Angel Martinez to reunite with some of his former teammates.
The retired midfielder featured 73 times in Tangerine between 2011 and 2014, scoring one goal and providing four assists during that time.
Since departing English football nine years ago, Martinez has moved back to his hometown of Girona, with his various roles now including a local council role as well as media work for Espanyol.
With the current crop of Seasiders players based just north of the Catalonian city, the 40-year-old took the opportunity to catch up with some familiar faces.
After watching Tuesday morning’s training session, Martinez was greeted by Ian Evatt, Stephen Crainey, Stephen Dobbie and Steve Thompson.
“I’m always planning to come to Blackpool, so to have the team here, close to Girona, and to spend time with the staff is very special for me,” he said.
“The club is a big part of my life. I have good memories and good feelings, and to always be in touch is important to me.
“It’s a gift for me because it’s difficult to find the time for a trip. I’m very happy, I will go home with a smile - I needed that. To be here is very emotional.
“It was like travelling back in time, just talking about the old times in Blackpool and all of the memories. We’ve been separate, but always in touch - we have a WhatsApp group, but it’s special to see them.
“We have a good connection - especially with Evo, he was one of the first players who helped me when I didn’t speak any English or knew anything about the country.
“There’s been a mix of feelings, but I’m the happiest guy in the whole world right now because they were all very important in my life.”
Later this week, Martinez will be back at the Hotel TorreMirona Golf & Spa alongside his children.
“It’s going to be very special for the kids to see training,” he added.
“I think they’re the biggest Blackpool fans in Spain. They’re always supporting England.
“My middle daughter Lola was born in Blackpool, so she’s always asking about my time there. She feels English and is supporting them at the World Cup. She’s in love with (Jude) Bellingham.”
The reunion was equally as special for Blackpool boss Evatt, with the pair not seeing each other face-to-face for almost a decade.
“I speak a lot about that group and that era, and it wouldn’t matter if it was 10 years or 50 years - you put us back in a room together and it’s like it was yesterday,” he said.
“We just have a connection that will never go away. He’s just a brilliant guy - I think the world of him. He really bought into the values of what we are as a football club, and he loves this football club.
“One of his children is a Blackpool fan, and is supporting England and Spain now. It’s amazing the dents that our club left on personnel. Everyone loves and cares about our town because of that era, and it’s great that we can get back together.”