Former Potter Martin out to spearhead Rovers' recovery

RICKY Martin has moved from the frying pan into the fire after returning to football for his first job post-Stoke City.

- Peter Smith

Martin left Stoke in spring last year after overseeing an unprecedented turnaround in player and staff personnel during 15 months as technical director. He had previously worked with Alex Neil, who recommended him for a role he had identified, but Neil ended up as one of the many who left too as the Potters were sucked into a Championship relegation battle.

If he was hoping for a quieter life in his next job he couldn't have been more wrong. He landed at Bristol Rovers only a month ago but the club has since been sent down to League Two, sacked manager Inigo Calderon, released 15 players, appointed club favourite Darrell Clarke - the former Port Vale boss, and is now preparing for a major summer transfer window.

This week, Martin has held his first public interview about his role, recruitment and relegation.