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Sympathies
Uploaded Tuesday, 1st Aug, 2023 at 10:14
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BALLYMENA United are saddened to hear of the passing of former player Jim Martin. We extend the deepest sympathies from all at Ballymena United to Jim’s family and friends at this sad time.
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Martin signed for the light blues from Dundela in July 1968 by Alex Parker, making his debut on 3 August 1968 against Coleraine in the Ulster Cup. He quickly established himself as a potent Irish League goalscorer in the United front line. Alec McCrae returned as manager during Martin's second season and his goals led the Sky Blues to the Irish Cup Final in 1970, although Ballymena were defeated by Linfield at Solitude.
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Led by new player manager Arthur Stewart, with a stellar supporting cast of Sammy Frickleton, Eddie Russell and Bobby Averill – Martin enjoyed a spectacular 71/72 season with 44 goals in 48 games, as Ballymena United enjoyed success in the Texaco Cup, losing to Scottish side Airdrie in the semi-finals.
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He also picked up his first senior medal with the Sky Blues in the 1971/1972 season, winning the City Cup competition against Ards. Being the natural choice for Ballymena United Player of the Year, he scored in a club-record twelve consecutive games.
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In a shock move, Jim retired from football for personal reasons at the end of his most successful season and didn't kick a ball in anger for three full seasons between 1972 and 1975. He was coaxed back into football by Arthur Stewart in August 1975 and returned to form quickly, bagging 24 goals in the 1975/76 season as United won the County Antrim Shield. He would eventually score 126 goals in 242 appearances, before his move to Linfield in January 1977.
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He remains third on the all-time Ballymena United goalscorers list behind Mal McDonnell (137) and Bob Sclater (136).
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68/69 – 44 apps / 19 goals
69/70 – 44 apps / 17 goals
70/71 – 38 apps / 16 goals
71/72 – 48 apps / 44 goals
72/73, 73/74, 74/75 – 0 goals
75/76 – 41 apps / 24 goals
76/77 – 27 apps / 6 goals
Total: 242 apps / 126 goals
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Picture Details
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Picture Details
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