Alvin Martin: West Ham’s Legendary Defender and England Icon

Alvin Martin is a former English professional footballer who spent 21 years at West Ham United, earning a reputation as one of the club’s greatest-ever defenders. Born on July 29, 1958, in Walton, Liverpool, he made 598 appearances for the Hammers, won 17 England caps, and remains a respected football pundit today. His name is also frequently searched alongside Whoopi Goldberg — though that connection belongs to a completely different person who shares the same name.

Who Is Alvin Martin?

Alvin Edward Martin is a retired English defender and current football commentator. He played the vast majority of his career at West Ham United between 1974 and 1996, making him one of the club’s longest-serving players.

After retiring, he moved into football management with Southend United before transitioning into broadcasting, becoming a familiar voice on talkSPORT and a regular pundit on Sky Sports.

Early Life and Background

Childhood in Liverpool

Martin grew up in Bootle, Lancashire, in a city where football was part of everyday life. He played school football for Bootle and Lancashire teams from a young age, showing strong defensive instincts and a natural reading of the game. His working-class background shaped a no-nonsense attitude that would define his entire career.

Football Beginnings: Everton and the Road to West Ham

As a schoolboy, Martin trained with Everton at Goodison Park. The club offered him only a part-time apprenticeship — a decision that effectively pushed him toward a bigger opportunity. He also trialled at Queens Park Rangers, but that didn’t work out either.

On August 19, 1974, West Ham United offered him a full apprenticeship. He accepted without hesitation. That decision changed his career entirely.

Alvin Martin’s Career at West Ham United

Early Years and First-Team Debut

Martin played in the 1975 FA Youth Cup Final, demonstrating early composure in high-pressure matches. He signed his first professional contract on July 29, 1976. His first-team debut came on March 18, 1978, as a substitute against Aston Villa at Upton Park — a modest beginning to a remarkable story.

Rise Through the Ranks and Key Milestones

Once he broke into the side, Martin made the centre-back position his own. Nicknamed “Stretch” by teammates for his long frame and commanding presence, he formed one of English football’s most reliable defensive partnerships alongside Billy Bonds.

Standing over six feet tall, his aerial ability and reading of the game set him apart from other defenders of his era. He didn’t rely on brute force — his anticipation allowed him to cut out danger before it developed.

Over his time at West Ham, Martin made:

• 598 appearances — placing him fifth in the club’s all-time list
• 34 goals — an exceptional return for a defender
• Two testimonial matches — alongside Billy Bonds, the only players in club history to receive this honour (vs Spurs in 1988 and Chelsea in 1995)

The 1980 FA Cup Glory

One of Martin’s proudest moments came in May 1980 when West Ham defeated Arsenal 1–0 in the FA Cup Final. What made the victory historic was that West Ham were playing in the Second Division at the time — they remain the last Second Division club to win the competition. Martin was just 21 years old and played a key role throughout the tournament.

The Famous Hat-Trick Against Newcastle United

On April 21, 1986, Alvin Martin achieved something no other player has managed before or since. In a First Division match against Newcastle United, he scored a hat-trick — but each goal was scored against a different goalkeeper in the same match.

Newcastle’s first goalkeeper, Martin Thomas, was injured early in the game. Outfield player Chris Hedworth replaced him in goal, and then Peter Beardsley took over after Hedworth was also unable to continue. Martin scored past all three. West Ham won 8–1. That result stands as one of the most extraordinary individual performances in English football history.

1985–86 Season and Club Peak

That same 1985–86 season was arguably West Ham’s finest. The club finished third in the First Division, just four points behind champions Liverpool. Martin featured in 40 of the 42 league matches, providing the defensive foundation that made the campaign possible.

Loyalty Through Relegation and Revival

When West Ham were relegated from the First Division in 1989, Martin stayed. He helped the club earn promotion in 1991, only to face another relegation — then another promotion at the first attempt. He continued playing in the Premier League until the 1995–96 season, finally leaving at age 37.

After West Ham, he had a brief spell as player-coach at Leyton Orient in 1996, making 17 appearances before retiring from playing altogether.

International Career with England

England Debut and Early Caps

Martin received his first England cap from manager Ron Greenwood in May 1981, in a friendly against Brazil at Wembley. The selection was bold — Martin was still playing Second Division football at the time. He performed well, establishing himself as a credible option alongside established defenders like Terry Butcher, Russell Osman, and Phil Thompson. A crucial qualifying match against Hungary, which England needed to win to reach the 1982 World Cup, saw Martin marshal the backline superbly in a 1–0 victory.

1982 World Cup Exclusion

Despite his contribution to qualification, injury ruled Martin out of the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain. Steve Foster was selected ahead of him. It was a painful setback for a player who had done much to earn his place.

1986 World Cup in Mexico

Martin returned stronger. Bobby Robson selected him for the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, and he played in England’s 3–0 group stage victory over Paraguay, replacing the suspended Terry Fenwick. England then faced Argentina in the quarter-final — the infamous “Hand of God” match. Martin did not feature in that game, but his contribution to the campaign was real. He earned 17 caps in total between 1981 and 1986.

Playing Style and Strengths

Martin’s value was never measured in pace or flair. His game was built on:

• Positional intelligence — rarely caught out of position
• Aerial dominance — won headers consistently at both ends
• Leadership — organised the defence and communicated clearly
• Composure — calm under pressure, rarely made costly mistakes
• Tenacity — committed in the tackle without being reckless

Opponents respected his sportsmanship. Teammates relied on his consistency. He was a natural leader in an era when English football demanded physical and mental toughness from its defenders.

Alvin Martin as Football Manager

In 1997, Martin took over as manager of Southend United. The role was his first step into management, and it proved challenging. The club was relegated to League One during his tenure, and he left the position in March 1999. Despite the difficult results, he brought discipline and professionalism to the role, applying the same standards he had set as a player.

Post-Retirement Media Career

After leaving management, Martin joined talkSPORT radio, becoming a recognisable voice in football broadcasting. He also became a regular pundit on Sky Sports, appearing on football talk shows and post-match discussions throughout the 2000s and beyond.

His background as both a player and a manager gave his analysis a practical depth that fans valued. He speaks plainly about the game — no jargon, no theatrics — which is why he has remained a trusted voice in football media for decades.

Personal Life and Family

Alvin Martin’s Sons and Footballing Family

Football runs through the Martin family. Both of Alvin’s sons became professional players:

• David Martin (born 1986) — a goalkeeper who played for Milton Keynes Dons and West Ham United, and now serves as a goalkeeping coach at Chelsea’s youth academy
• Joe Martin (born 1988) — a defender who played for various clubs in the lower leagues of English football

The Other Alvin Martin – Whoopi Goldberg Connection

A separate individual named Alvin Louise Martin is often confused with the footballer due to shared search results. This Alvin Martin was a drug counsellor from England who married actress and comedian Whoopi Goldberg in 1973, when she was just 18 years old. Their daughter, Alexandrea “Alex” Martin, was born the same year.

The marriage ended in divorce in 1979. Alex Martin later pursued an entertainment career, appearing in productions including American Intellectuals and Call Me Claus, and was named Miss Golden Globe in 1994. Alvin Louise Martin has since maintained a private life, largely out of the public eye.

These are two completely different men. The footballer was born in Liverpool in 1958 and has no connection to Whoopi Goldberg.

Alvin Martin Net Worth

As of 2025, Alvin Martin’s net worth is estimated at around $5 million. This figure reflects earnings accumulated over his long playing career, his two years in football management, and his ongoing media work with talkSPORT and Sky Sports. He has also been involved in charitable activities, though details remain private.

Legacy and Impact on English Football

Alvin Martin’s legacy at West Ham United is defined by one word: loyalty. In an era when player movement between clubs was already becoming more common, he stayed for 21 years — through promotions, relegations, and everything in between.

His achievements include:

• FA Cup winner (1979–80)
• Second Division title (1980–81)
• PFA Team of the Year (1980–81)
• Two testimonial matches — a distinction shared only with Billy Bonds
• 598 appearances for a single club

Beyond the trophies and statistics, he became a mentor for younger players and an ambassador for what West Ham United represents. Fans call him “Mr. West Ham” — a tribute that carries more weight than any award. His story remains a reference point for loyalty, professionalism, and integrity in professional football.

Conclusion

Alvin Martin played 598 games for West Ham United, scored 34 goals, won the FA Cup, and earned 17 England caps — all while remaining at one club for over two decades. His hat-trick record against three different Newcastle United goalkeepers in a single match remains one of the strangest and most memorable moments in English football history. After retiring, he built a credible second career as a pundit and analyst on talkSPORT and Sky Sports. His legacy is built on loyalty, consistency, and a quiet integrity that defined everything he did on and off the pitch.

FAQs

Who is Alvin Martin?

Alvin Edward Martin is a retired English footballer and current pundit. He played as a defender for West Ham United from 1974 to 1996, earned 17 caps for England, and now works as a football analyst on talkSPORT and Sky Sports.

How many appearances did Alvin Martin make for West Ham United?

Martin made 598 appearances for West Ham United across 21 years, scoring 34 goals. He is one of only two players — alongside Billy Bonds — to receive two testimonial matches from the club.

What is Alvin Martin’s most famous moment?

On April 21, 1986, Martin scored a hat-trick against Newcastle United in a single match — each goal coming against a different goalkeeper. West Ham won 8–1. No other player in English football history has achieved this feat.

Did Alvin Martin play for England?

Yes. Martin earned 17 caps for the England national team between 1981 and 1986. He played in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, featuring in the 3–0 group stage win over Paraguay. His debut was against Brazil at Wembley in May 1981, under manager Ron Greenwood.

What did Alvin Martin do after retiring from football?

Martin managed Southend United from 1997 to 1999 before moving into the media. He became a regular pundit on talkSPORT radio and Sky Sports, where he provides football analysis and commentary.

Who are Alvin Martin’s children?

His sons, David Martin (goalkeeper, former West Ham United, now Chelsea youth goalkeeping coach) and Joe Martin (defender, lower league clubs in England), both followed him into professional football. Alexandrea Martin is the daughter of a separate individual, Alvin Louise Martin, and actress Whoopi Goldberg.

Was Alvin Martin married to Whoopi Goldberg?

No. Whoopi Goldberg’s first husband was Alvin Louise Martin, a drug counsellor — an entirely different person. Alvin Edward Martin, the West Ham footballer, has no connection to Whoopi Goldberg.

What is Alvin Martin’s net worth?

Alvin Martin’s net worth is estimated at approximately $5 million as of 2025, earned through his professional football career, management role at Southend United, and long-running media work with talkSPORT and Sky Sports.