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BLIND, STUPID AND DESPERATE
 
Famous victories:

League Cup 2nd Round 2nd Leg, 2/9/80
Watford 7
Team: Steele, Henderson, Jackett, Patching, Sims, Bolton, Blissett, Poskett, Jenkins, Train, Rostron
Subs: Callaghan (for Train)
Scorers: Patching, Train, Poskett 2, Bolton (pen), Jenkins, Callaghan
Southampton 1
 
Martin Patching profile
Watford programme article by Neil Pope, 2/9/80

Martin Patching is a player who likes everything settled off the field as well as on it.

So it wasn't surprising that he lost a little bit of form at the end of last season when he faced house-moving problems.

"We couldn't sell our property in Wolverhampton - there were contract difficulties," explains 21-year old Martin.

"I'm not trying to make excuses but I feel the house problems followed me onto the field and affected my form. I always want everything to be right before I play.

"But the contracts went through before the new season started and I feel a lot more relaxed now. I've got a nice home and I'm looking forward to a happy future with Watford."

Rotherham-born Martin went to Wolves as a 16-year old straight from school. He made his debut as a substitute the same season and completed his first full game at 17.

Unfortunately, Wolves were relegated at the end of the 75-76 season but bounced straight back into Division One and Martin played over 30 games in the promotion winning side.

His future looked assured at Molineux but he surprisingly lost his place when Dave Thomas arrived from Everton.

"With the influx of new players, I became regarded as a squad player and I couldn't see any future at Molineux.

"I'm certain that I've made the right move in coming to Watford and now I'm beginning to regain my form."

Martin spent some time during the summer months losing half a stone in weight and he says he feels a lot fitter because of it.

"It's made all the difference to my game," he says. "I'm a running player and the training here at Watford is geared towards this.

"But I'm still looking for improvement, especially where goalscoring is concerned. My goal on Saturday was, I hope, the first of many more to come.

"Obviously, I would be delighted to help Watford into the First Division. Everything is geared towards that, so it's up to the players to achieve it," he says.

In his spare time Martin relaxes with his wife Cheryl and his two dogs - an Irish Setter called Tia and a mongrel named Tinker.

He has also built up a close friendship with Malcolm Poskett but says all of the first team squad get on well together.

"Malcolm and I were the two new boys, so it was obvious that we should be friendly. We also live near each other," adds Martin, whose interests include cricket and golf.

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