Player #374 for Aston Villa, John Rowland Martin, known as Jackie Martin, played as a forward for the club. Jackie played for Villa between 1936-37 and 1948-49 making 109 appearances and scoring 31 goals.

Jackie was born in Hamstead, just 3 miles from Villa Park, on 5 August 1914 and made his debut appearance for Villa on the 3 October 1936 aged 22.

Villa had signed Jackie, a school teacher in Hednesford, from Hednesford Town in January 1935 and he went on to make just two appearances across Villa’s two seasons in the second tier.

Described in a contemporary biography as “a delightful, scheming Corinthian type of player”, Jackie was a former Rugeley Grammar schoolboy who passed to the College of St. Mark and St. John, London whilst still keeping us his football pastime - representing both his college and the Combined London Colleges team as a centre half.

Following his academic career, Jackie became master at Littleworth Secondary Modern School, in his native Hednesford.

Jackie had first brought his dainty and stylish play to the first team in 1935 and the clever, scheming inside forward with a most deceptive swerve puzzled his markers and opponents throughout his career.

Although not a prolific scorer himself, Jackie’s talents meant he was a regular provider of scoring opportunities for his team-mates despite his early career being interrupted by injury.

A move to centre forward increased his goal count but it was as a provider for others where the twinkle toed teacher truly excelled.

Jackie would however have far more influence on the first team once Villa returned to the top flight, scoring 9 goals in 18 appearances in the final season before football was suspended for WW2.

Following the resumption of football after the end of World War Two Jackie returned to Villa and was a regular starter in the interim Regional League of 1945-46 and the following two seasons of League football proper in which Villa once again competed in the First Division.

Jackie played his final game for Villa in the 1948-49 season on 11 September 1948, aged 34 before retiring from football.

Jackie had played under managers Jimmy McMullan, Jimmy Hogan and Alex Massie.

Jackie passed away in Hednesford on 3rd March 1996 aged 81."