Martin Donnelly programme article
Posted : 28th August 2021
In one of the biggest Irish League transfer stories of the summer, experienced attacker Martin Donnelly swapped red for blue as he moved from Larne to Linfield in a move which saw Navid Nasseri head in the opposite direction. Donnelly – who has been one of the Irish League’s top performers for a number of years – spoke of his delight at joining the champions in a recent catch-up with ‘Look at Linfield’.
“Linfield is a massive, massive club and one of the biggest clubs in Ireland, if not the biggest. It was a challenge that I couldn’t turn down and when David Healy got on the phone he didn’t even need to say much. His track record is brilliant and the challenge was so appealing. I’m buzzing to sign and can’t wait to get going.
“Everyone I spoke to – including ex Linfield players who are now at Larne – they all said how big the club is and how demanding it is. They all said I would love it here and it was just one of those things you couldn’t turn down. I know a few of the lads here already, so it’s all very exciting for me. I’m enjoying seeing how everything works around the club and hope to play some games and help Linfield be successful.
“From the moment I first joined up with the squad they’ve all been brilliant with me. The likes of Jordan Stewart, Kirk Millar and Jimmy Callacher are at the heart of a great group of lads here. I’ve only been here a week or so but I feel welcome already.”
As a former Crusaders, Cliftonville and Larne attacker, the 32 year-old was frequently competing against the Blues for honours over the years and says there was always a strong respect for his new club from the outside looking in.
“No matter who you are or what team you play for, you always have respect for Linfield. Every year or thereabouts they have been there winning trophies, often doubles and trebles too. I was close to joining Linfield years ago when David Jeffrey was the manager and I always looked back and thought about the decision. I never thought it would happen after that, so once the opportunity arose this year I was so happy to get it over the line.”
Incidentally, Martin will celebrate his birthday on matchday when Linfield take on his former club Crusaders. Days before his 33rd birthday he said he feels like he’s in his prime and is eager to keep improving as a player.
“I feel fit at 32 and I think full-time training has helped me a lot. Thankfully, Linfield are full-time now and that makes it an easy transition. I want to continue to progress as a player as I feel I have done in the past few years since going full-time with Larne. Last week I got 45 minutes against Dungannon and it was much needed. I might be a bit behind in terms of fitness for a number of reasons from my time at Larne but I am working hard to get back up to speed.”
Until joining Larne in 2018, Donnelly had played his career as a direct left winger. However, Larne used him effectively as a number ten behind the striker. Asked whether he’d be open to playing on the left again if desired by the manager, the once-capped Northern Ireland international gave an assured answer.
“If David wants me to play goalkeeper, left back or right back then I’ll do it! I’ve come here to get my head down, work hard and to be the best I can possibly be. Even though I’m 32, coming 33, I still feel I have a lot to learn, and I believe that with David’s management style I’ll learn a lot from him.”
Although he won the NIFL Championship and a Co. Antrim Shield during his time at Larne, Donnelly says he wants to win the big prizes again, having won back-to-back titles with Cliftonville in 2013 & 2014, as well as four consecutive League Cups with the Reds.
“Winning the title with Cliftonville was amazing and seeing Linfield win it year in, year out makes you look on with an envious eye. That’s a real desire of mine and to be part of something like that again with Linfield would be amazing.”
To finish off, Donnelly – who joins on a two-year contract - says he wants to impress the fans and assures he will be giving his best to make it happen.
“Like any other player, I will give my all every week and put 100% into every training session too. I will work as hard as I can and hopefully the fans will take to me, but they’re only going to do that If I am performing well, and I know if I perform well they’ll appreciate it.”
A very warm welcome to Windsor and Happy Birthday to Marty and everyone associated with Linfield wishes him every success for his time ahead with the club