League One outfit Bristol Rovers are currently taking a look at former Norwich City and Derby County striker Chris Martin, according to journalist Daniel Hargraves from Bristol Live.
The 34-year-old, who was most recently at Championship side Queens Park Rangers for a short spell, is understood to be training with The Gas in a bid to earn a contract with Joey Barton’s side as he looks to build up his fitness, although there is interest elsewhere in League One.
The former Scotland international has enjoyed a stellar career in the Championship, with Martin finding the back of the net on 34 occasions and assisting 14 times in 117 appearances for Norwich City during a seven-year connection with the club from 2006 to 2013.
After leaving The Canaries for Derby County, whom he signed permanently following a previous loan spell, the striker would go on and notch up an impressive 76 goals in 224 appearances in all competitions for The Rams between 2013 and 2020, before eventually moving on to Bristol City.
The 34-year-old went on to score 17 goals in 95 games for The Robins between 2020 and 2023, before Martin would make the switch to QPR on a short-term contract in February, finding the back of the net on four occasions in 16 appearances, before being released.
Martin’s previous clubs also consist of Luton Town, Crystal Palace, Swindon Town, Fulham, Reading and Hull City.
This comes after a striker is still very much on Bristol Rovers’ shopping list after missing out on Peterborough United forward Jonson Clarke-Harris on Deadline Day, with the necessary paperwork not being handed in on time in what would have been a club record deal to bring the 29-year-old back to The Memorial Stadium.
Following the departure of fellow Ryan Loft to Port Vale in anticipation they would complete the return of Clarke-Harris, The Gas are left with Aaron Collins, Jevani Brown and John Marquis as their only recognised forwards, with the latter being Bristol Rovers’ only central striker, with Collins playing on the left wing so far this season.
It’s also understood that former Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth forward Lewis Grabban was in attendance for The Gas’ 1-1 draw against Lincoln City, with the 35-year-old remaining a free agent following his departure from Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli in January.
Writer’s View
Chris Martin is a vastly experienced striker who possesses a lot of experience that would be ideal for any team, as much as he can bring the goals.
Even at 35 years old, I have no doubts he can still be a success at any club given a chance, especially in League One. His record of scoring 114 goals in 456 total Championship appearances very much speaks for itself.
I think it would be a great pickup for Bristol Rovers if they do go ahead and offer Martin a deal, especially as they are short on numbers in the striker role at this moment in time, with Aaron Collins, Jevani Brown and John Marquis being the only options at present.
