Hello everyone!

I'm currently researching for a book looking into goalkeepers careers through the decades, been some superb characters in the game between the sticks.

One player i've been researching is Martin Burleigh - obviously he played quite a few games at Hartlepool at the end of his career, I was just wondering if anyone had any opinions, stories, or general information about his time playing for you.

thanks very much in advance!

The Flying Pig

You should write a book on coaching goalkeepers and give it to our current no1.

I do recall he was a very heavy smoker...

Well, this has been enlightening! Thanks for the responses so far, anyone else with anything to add?

I can remember alan starling playing for northampton(I think) bumming a cigarette off someone in the rink end then smoking it while the game continued

He had a very twitchy right shoulder blade.

Wasn't that him?

That seems to ring a bell

...it was Huddersfield I seem to remember, an end of season nothing to play for game. I was in the Rink End and he kept the whole end entertained all half, our fans provided him with a cuppa, a packet of crisps and a pie, which he proceeded to scoff while the play was up the other end, he then finished it off with a fag. I also vaguely remember him getting daggers off their management, but he probably knew he was getting released so didn't give a s..t. It was one of the funniest things I've ever seen at a footy match.

...If my memory serves me right I think they were Asbestos and Salted Pitsock flavour, Tudor used to do them in those days.