Courtesy www.whufc.com

David Martin has been presented with his official Premier League debut ball following his West Ham United bow at Chelsea.

In an incredibly emotional first appearance, the lifelong Hammer burst into tears at the end as was surrounded by celebrating team-mates.

Commenting the 33 year old said: “Even though I was third-choice at the start of the season, I’d still travel in case someone picked up an illness during the night or an injury during the warm-up, so I’d be out there warming-up with everyone, then you’re almost ready to go. It’s a different mentality between being a third-choice and a second-choice.

“I have never been that nervous. I was looking at my pre-match food and I had Cress sitting across the table and he was laughing at me because I literally couldn’t eat or put it in my mouth!

“As soon that the final whistle went, I just went! It was just relief that I hadn’t let anyone down. The supporters were so loud all day and I could see my Dad in the stand. I went up and I could see him welling up and we just hugged. It’s a bit embarrassing, but it’s something I could never have planned.”

ClaretandHugh says: In a desperate season David Martin’s rise to prominence has been one of the very few high spots and certainly one of the most emotional. Such has been the man’s  performance level that we’ve been able – if not to forget entirely – put aside the memories of the dreadful Roberto who has clearly played his last game for the club. Frankly, that in itslef takes some doing. There’s been a ehole lot of discussion over recent days as to whether there’s any point in the Hammers pursuing reported goalkeeping targets Asmir Begovic or Darren Randolph and frankly it does seem that in Martin we have a decent enough No 2. Whether that happens or not the fella deserves the thanks of us all  something he has clearly got. He’s done us, his family but chiefly himself proud over the last games and we should all feel very proud of him.