MARTIN BARLOW

Born: 25 June 1971

Came from: Trainee   Went to: Exeter City

First game: 06 May 1989   Last game: 17 February 2001

Appearances: 378 (341/37)   Goals: 26

Born in Barnstaple in June 1971, 'Chopsy' came through the youth ranks at Argyle to enjoy a 12-year association with the Pilgrims. While attending Honicknowle Secondary Modern, Barlow represented Devon Schools while also turning out for local side, Prince Rock. After attending Argyle's centre of excellence, he joined the club as an associated schoolboy before an encouraging display in a trial match at Harper's Park, in an unfamiliar full-back role, saw Argyle move to take him on as an apprentice. Barlow made his Argyle debut in May 1989, coming off the bench in a 3-1 victory against Oxford United at Home Park. Two months later, he signed his first professional contract.

Seeing himself as a budding right-winger, Barlow's hopes of gaining a regular first-team spot were hampered by the need for a hernia operation which led to just a solitary appearance from the bench during the following season. It wasn't until the arrival of David Kemp that Barlow began to feature more prominently, taking over from David Byrne on his favoured right wing. Barlow's first goal for Argyle came in a 3-2 defeat at Brighton, a strike that earned him the Barclays 'Young Eagle of the Month' award. Argyle rejected a bid from Aston Villa for the youngster's services as he continued to impress during a difficult period for the club under Kemp.

Peter Shilton's spell in charge at Home Park saw Barlow in and out of the side as he struggled to impress the new manager. During a spell in the Reserves, Shilton's assistant, John McGovern, suggested that he switch to midfield where his energy and industrious approach were perhaps better suited. He regained his place in the starting XI and put in several fine performances during the memorable 1993-94 campaign.

In June 1995, with Neil Warnock taking hold of the Argyle reins, Barlow found himself out of contract and seemingly out of favour. Playing on a week-to-week contract, he found some of the best form of his career, leading to a new contract and a staggering six 'man of the match' awards during a run that saw the Pilgrims reach the play-off final at Wembley following a thrilling semi-final second leg at home to Colchester, where he provided the cross for Paul Williams to head home the winner. While the final itself may not have matched the previous game for excitement, it would remain a highlight of Barlow's career as Argyle secured promotion.

Barlow was plagued by a groin strain over the course of the next two seasons, regularly playing through the pain during a period of real turmoil for Argyle. He claimed the joint Player of the Year award (with Carlo Corazzin) in the 1997-98 relegation season and in April 1999 scored one of the most memorable goals ever seen at Home Park, a stunning Van Basten-esque volley against Shrewsbury Town. He was rewarded with a testimonial against Fulham in July 1999, although injury limited him to the briefest of appearances. Two operations followed, leading to a seven-month absence before a knee ligament injury, just seventeen minutes into his first start since his return, curtailed his involvement for the remainder of the 1999-2000 campaign.

As Paul Sturrock found his feet at Home Park, it became clear that Barlow was not part of his plans. Following a loan spell at Yeovil Town, he left Argyle for Exeter City at the start of 2001-02, bringing down the curtain on his time with the Pilgrims where he had notched up 378 appearances and scored 26 goals. A brief spell with Weymouth followed his time with the Grecians, after which he spent the 2002-03 season with Telford United before retiring from the game.