REPORT: Former Derby County Striker Chris Martin Expected to Join Bristol City

Chris Martin Expected to Join Bristol City

Free Agent

The Scotsman has been a free agent since the expiry of his contract at Pride Park earlier this summer.

Martin was offered a new deal by Derby earlier this year; however, the striker rejected the offer, and further terms could not be agreed.

As a result, the 31-year-old was released by the Rams after seven-and-a-half years at the club.

An announcement confirming his arrival is expected soon, with the Scottish international still to complete a medical.

Martin made 225 appearances for the Rams in total, scoring 76 goals. The earlier part of his time at Pride Park was when he was most successful; the 2013/14 season saw him score 25 goals in 51 appearances.

After spells out on loan away from the club, Martin returned to the first-team set-up under Phillip Cocu last season. He scored 12 goals in 39 appearances, as Derby finished 10th in the Championship.

Experienced Championship Striker

Martin will no doubt bring a wealth of experience to Ashton Gate. With an inexperienced manager at the helm, it could prove to be a shrewd signing.

While the Robins currently have four options in attack, Antoine Semenyo, the youngest of the quarter, may head out on loan to continue his development.

As a result, newly-appointed manager Dean Holden is looking to supplement his options in attack. According to Bristol Live, he is keen to start the season using a 3-5-2 formation, meaning they need options in attack.

Furthermore, Martin also experience of the play-offs, having featured in them twice before. The Robins continue to have ambitions of reaching the Premier League, and as a result, they may need someone of his experienced to help steer them towards that goal.