Catching up with… Geoff Martel

Fresh from captaining the England Over-75s football team to an historic victory over Germany last week, we talked to Geoff Martel about how the team handled the pressure, the joy of winning and his future ambitions within the game.
 

Congratulations on the victory over Germany. What did that win mean to you personally, especially as England captain?

I treat every win as special these days, as you never know how long it will last. Being England captain is extra special and gives me extra momentum to train as hard as I can and hopefully set a good example to the manager and players in the team. With all the media coverage, there was a lot of pressure on us to win, so to lift the trophy in front of a cheering crowd at the end of the game was a huge relief and very exciting.
 

The match marked the 60th anniversary of England's famous 1966 World Cup victory. How special was it to be part of such a memorable occasion?

The whole idea of playing the Germans was to commemorate England winning the World Cup. It came from Tracy Willetts of York St John University, as she wanted to make a documentary on the benefits of playing football at our age. 

So, it started a year ago when they filmed us playing Wales for the Aneurin Bevan Shield. This means they have followed us from changing rooms, matches, and training sessions to recording studios, as well as coming to Guernsey for two days to film me training and playing at Victoria Park. My physiotherapist daughter, Rachel Martel, was working on me, as she is our team physio. So, the pressure was on us to make sure we won it, as the England team did in 1966.
 

You've represented England for several years now. Where does this victory rank among your proudest moments in football?

I have been very fortunate to play some very memorable games for England, but I have three that stand out the most. Firstly, playing Wales at St George's Park in the first-ever over-75s 11-aside game, scoring a hat-trick and winning 7-1. 

Secondly, winning the World Cup in Cardiff on penalties as player-manager and top goal scorer. 

Finally, playing the Germans at Oldham because of the significance of the game in relation to England winning the World Cup in 1966.
 

What was the atmosphere like in the dressing room after the final whistle, and how did the team celebrate such a hard-earned win?

The atmosphere between the players and the spectators was very significant. They had given us support throughout the match, and when we had won, after thanking our goalkeeper for helping us win, we rushed to the crowd, grabbed a few flags, and we were shaking hands, signing autographs and chatting to them.

Victoria Park has been proud to support your journey this season, as has Aztech. How important has that backing been in helping you continue representing England?

I couldn't have done it without their support. Both facilities are brilliant but in different ways. I use the Aztech for all my training, both technical in the zones and physical on the pitch. I am six years older than many of our players, so I must put in the work if I am to succeed. 

Victoria Park means that I can now play throughout the year on a brilliant pitch and with the help of a group of younger players. My colleagues in the England team are envious of what we have here, but it has attracted two England teams and a county team to come over. Hopefully, with the publicity we had at Oldham, it will attract more to come.

You've shown that football can be enjoyed and played at the highest level well into later life. What message would you give to players in Guernsey about staying involved in the game for as long as possible?

Many players give up after playing in the veterans’ league over here when there is an opportunity to continue, as we now have veterans’ teams from 50 to 60 years and nearly enough for a 65 team. It keeps you fit, the camaraderie is great and helps you mentally. 

We have players who can play at a higher level, but you need the commitment to do it. I would personally like to see more players who enjoy playing for fun to come along to the Aztech. All abilities can be catered for because of the facilities available.

Looking ahead, what are your ambitions with the England Over-75s, and what keeps your passion for football as strong today as ever?

My ambitions are to keep playing at the highest level I can; particularly at my age (81), you never know what is around the corner. 

You only have one chance in life, so I want to make the most of it. As a youngster, I always preferred to play rather than go and watch a match. Many times I would take my boots to matches, as in those days you didn't have substitutes. 

If football wasn't available, I would go and play other sports like tennis, cricket (still do).