David Martin said his father Alvin was in tears as the West Ham legend celebrated his son s Premier League debut in a 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper made a string of crucial saves to help the Hammers end a seven-game winless streak and he admitted the experience of keeping a clean sheet in the top flight of English football was a surreal experience.
Martin, who previously represented teams such as Leicester City, Milton Keynes Dons and Millwall, joined the Hammers in June as cover for Lukasz Fabianski and Roberto.
His father Alvin, who captained West Ham to their highest-ever league finish in 1986, was in the stands at Stamford Bridge and David Martin revealed emotions were running high at the final whistle.
We were both in tears and didn t actually say a lot, David Martin told reporters.
Like father, like son
— Premier League (@premierleague)
But for my dad to see that here, for a club where he played for 21 years, on my debut and I kept a clean sheet and to get the win for the boys, it s just a fantastic feeling.
I m 33 now, I ve had a decent career, played quite a few games, but it still can t prepare you coming into this game. I ve been struggling to eat for two days!
It still doesn t feel real. I m pleased I got through it and didn t let anyone down. I did actually enjoy it in the end which I didn t think I would do.
West Ham goalscorer Aaron Cresswell heaped praise on his team-mate for helping the club pick up their first away win since August.
I m delighted for Dave, said Cresswell. He s gotten his chance and taken it and I couldn t be more proud of him.
When he joined the club, Dave will tell you he wasn t expected to play but he s come in every day and he s the hardest worker we ve got.
We haven t had a good run in seven or eight games but that s West Ham we find it the hard way. We came to Stamford Bridge as underdogs and we couldn t be more delighted.
