Martins Can Be No.9

By Nick Raynor
August 24 2006

Glenn Roeder has stated that if imminent signing Obafemi Martins wants the legendary number 9 shirt, he can have it.

Roeder’s quotes have been twisted in some areas of the media, going as far as to claim Roeder has said Martins is the next Shearer.

 

He has relieved some pressure that would be on Martins if he took the shirt, stating that it’s the player, not the number that scores.

 

Roeder said:

 

"I know how important it is for the fans to have a number nine, but what is more important is to have a number nine who fills the shirt and can do the job.

 

"I was a player at the club and you look down over the years and there have been plenty of number nines who could not do the job. It's not the number that scores the goals.

 

"If he wants the shirt, I would be more than happy to let him take it if that is what he wants. I am sure he is a big enough man to carry it.

 

"If he has got a preference for another shirt that is available, he can have that one as well.

 

"But it's not the football boots, it's the person wearing them; it's not the shirt, it's the person that is wearing the shirt. That is what counts."