Former Newry City star Andy Martin opens up on health scare as he departs for Banbridge Town

Andy re-joined the Town last Thursday following two seasons in the Premiership with Newry City.

A plasterer by trade, the 6’4” 26-year-old has taken the decision to move due to the increasing demands of balancing top flight football with his busy day job.

Newry were sorry to see him go, saying: "Widely lauded for some heroic defensive displays, Andy’s commitment and infectious personality made him a firm favourite with the fans.

“Best of luck for the future Andy, you will always be welcome at The Showgrounds.”

Martin said: “Newry were more than good to me. All good people; I enjoyed every single minute there.”

Health scare

Highlights of his time with the border club include winning the Mid-Ulster Cup, then helping them secure top flight survival last season, but he hit the headlines in November during a Premiership clash with the Blues at the Newry Showgrounds.

He went down after 26 minutes complaining of chest pains and breathing difficulties. Martin received medical attention at the ground before being transferred to hospital for precautionary X-rays on his lungs.

Martin described what happened: “I took a tight chest, but it turned out to be inflammation in my sternum.

“During the match, I knew something wasn't right and signalled to the referee.

“Fair play to him, he came running over straightaway, and he just said 'Andrew, you're going off. I'm taking no chances.'

“I got into the changing room and the Linfield doctor did my heart rate – it was well above normal – and told me to go straight to hospital.

“Then I got into the hospital (Daisy Hill), they took my bloods and said I was on the signs of cardiac arrest.

“It turned out to be basically the adrenalin rush playing, that's why my blood was so high and it turned out it was inflammation of my sternum.

“So it was nothing too serious, but at that stage I didn't know what it was.

“It was scary for me and for my fiancée, Abbie, who was with me.

“There were no rooms in the hospital, I was sitting in the corridor for three nights, in a chair. It didn't bother me, I felt for the older people in front of me.”

The centre back has had no health issues since and is fit and raring to go at Crystal Park.

He confirmed: “I'll be available for selection this Saturday. I've trained with the Town and I feel good, feel sharp.”