Leeds United will face Southampton in the Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium, bringing Russell Martin and Daniel Farke together once more this season.
Russell Martin’s notable service to Norwich City ended at the same time as Daniel Farke arrived at Carrow Road, according to historical records. Martin was only 31 when the Germans landed in Norfolk, but he quickly realized he was surplus to requirements.
Despite signing a new deal with Norwich more than a month after Farke arrived, Martin was loaned out to Glasgow Rangers the following January. By the end of August 2018, his contract was mutually ended, and his playing career did not endure much further.
Martin and Farke are poised to meet off for the third time this season on Sunday, but in the heat of a Wembley play-off final, an old clip has reappeared on social media. Talk Norwich City has re-aired Martin’s appearance on their Canaries podcast.
Addressing Martin, the hosts state that the last time he spoke on their podcast, he was enthused about Farke’s impending arrival at Norwich.
Martin smiled and replied, “Got that wrong, didn’t I?”
He continued: “Back then, I had just signed a new deal. The plan was in place with Stuart [Webber] and the club to begin thinking about the conclusion of my playing career and finishing at Norwich, with the hope of starting to work there as well, in whatever role.
“That was the plan, but things don’t always go as planned.” Daniel had other intentions, and it became clear pretty immediately [that I wasn’t going to be featured].
“Unfortunately, I have departed. I went on loan to Rangers and enjoyed the first few months, but after that, I couldn’t wait to come home.
“Summer arrived, and it was clear that I would not be a part of the plans again. So you need to make a decision. It’s not pleasant to be paid and not play.
“After being a major part of something, it’s difficult to subsequently become, not even a minor part; I was completely out of it. I was training with the 23s, trying to provide value and help them, but it became impossible.
“I love the football club, I love the city, I love the place, but sometimes you know when it’s the right time and it was the right time to leave.”
