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 Full Name: Martin Albrechtsen Defender
Date of Birth:
31st March 1980
Birthplace:
Herlev,
Denmark
Joined
Albion:
3rd June 2004 from FC Copenhagen for a fee of £2.7 million
dependent on clauses
Albion Debut:
28th August
2004, Everton, away, Premier League, as substitute Contract Expires: Summer 2008
2007/08 Squad
Number: 14
Previous Clubs:
Malov Youth ---
1988-93 International Honours: Capped at Denmark Under-19 (12 Caps), Under-21 (14 Caps, 2 Goals) & Full (4 Caps)
Club Honours:
Danish Super League Championship --- 2003 & 2004 Biography Martin started his professional career at AB Copenhagen and made his debut for them in May 1998 in a league game against Herfoelge. In November 1999 whilst at AB Martin came over to England and spent a few days training with Sunderland however their then manager Peter Reid decided against taking the deal any further. During his time at AB Martin represented his country at a number of levels including full international. In September 1997 he won the first of his twelve caps for Denmark's Under-19 side whilst he won his first Under-21 cap on March 28, 2000 against Portugal. He made his debut for the senior side as a substitute against Slovenia in April 2001. He has since won a further two full caps for his country, the last of them coming against Bosnia & Herzegovina in April 2003. He moved to Danish Super League side FC Copenhagen in 2002 and during his two years there helped them win the league title twice and the Danish Cup. In June 2004 Albion broke their club record transfer fee to bring Martin to The Hawthorns, splashing out £2.5million plus £200,000 dependent on appearances. The Danish star signed a three year contract with a years option in the club's favour. Speaking at the time of the deal ex-Baggies boss Gary Megson said: "I'm delighted Martin has agreed to sign for us. We've been chasing him for a couple of seasons now. When we enquired about him the first time, the price we were quoted was astronomical but it has now come down to more manageable proportions. Martin is comfortable on the ball and reads the game really well. He's got an old head on young shoulders." Martin said of the move: "I won the domestic double with FC Copenhagen last season and technically you could say I'm leaving behind Champions League football but I see this as a step up in my career because if you're playing in the Premier League then you're playing on one of the biggest stages in the world. I'm physically strong and good in the air as well as very fast, I'd like to think I'm a bit quicker than most." Albion Career Season By Season 2004/05 Martin's first appearance in Albion colours came during the club's pre-season tour of his homeland. He came on as a half-time substitute in the club's 0-0 draw against OB Odense on July 20th. He made his competitive debut, as a substitute in a 2-1 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park replacing the injured Thomas Gaardsoe after 23 minutes of the game. His full debut came two weeks later in the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. Martin failed to really impress in the centre of defence for his new club and made only a few appearances under Gary Megson. It appeared that new Albion boss Bryan Robson was not that impressed by the Danish defender either as Martin had to make do with reserve team football during Robson's first six weeks in charge. His return to first team action didn't arrive until Albion visited The City of Manchester Stadium on the 28th December. Martin was finally given the chance to impress his new manager when he came on as a 62nd minute substitute for Riccardo Scimeca. He helped Albion, down to 10 men for much of the game gain a point against Kevin Keegan's Manchester City, a result many believe was the turning point of Albion's season. Four days later saw Martin make another substitute appearance, this time away at Bolton where many felt he was at fault for Bolton's late equaliser. This perhaps wasn't a view shared by his manager because the next game, at home to Newcastle United on January 3, saw Martin given his first start in the team since Albion's defeat at Crystal Palace in October. Despite being signed and used as a left sided defender by Gary Megson, Martin was soon switched to right full-back by Robson where he made the position his own, missing only two of Albion's final twenty games. Albion Stats Appearances & Discipline:
Goals:
Appearances and
goals are
correct up to and including v Charlton Athletic, FA Cup
3rd Round Replay, 15/01/08. |
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