Former Everton player Steven Pienaar has now sent an Instagram message to kitman Jimmy Martin who announced his retirement yesterday.
Indeed, it was announced on the official Everton website that the ‘wonderful person’ Martin confirmed he would retire after working for the club since the mid-1980’s, becoming the kitman in 1990.
The long-serving Martin became something of an icon at Everton over the years and when the club’s Instagram account confirmed his intention to retire, a host of ex-players took the time to comment, including Steven Pienaar.
The former South Africa international commented: “Thanks Jimmy lad what a wonderful person and very funny enjoy time with your grandkids.”
As well as Pienaar, former blues Sylvain Distin, Phil Neville and Aaron Lennon, among many others, took to the comments section to congratulate Martin on his retirement.
Jimmy Martin is an important presence at Everton and will be sorely missed
No doubt the former kitman has seen countless changes at the club since the mid-1980’s and has worked under a plethora of managers including Howard Kendal, Joe Royle, David Moyes, Marco Silva, Carlo Ancelotti and Sean Dyche.
Martin was sat on the bench at Wembley when Everton lifted the FA Cup in 1995, and one member of that Cup-winning squad Graham Stuart insists that the long-serving kitman is a club ‘legend’.
Stuart told the Everton website: “Jimmy is an Everton legend, no question about it. Finch Farm won’t be the same without him – it will certainly be quieter, that’s for sure!
Nothing is ever too much trouble for Jimmy and he’s been a great friend of mine since the first day I walked through the door at Bellefield. I love the man.”
While the Blues have a big job in on-the-pitch recruitment this summer, there are now also some big boots to fill at Finch Farm. We wish Jimmy Martin a happy retirement.
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