Russell Martin has been given help by Easton and Otley College in Norfolk to earn a UEFA B coaching qualification. This opportunity will help Martin achieve his ambition of becoming a coach after retiring from football.

The course consisted of seventeen hours of coaching at the college’s football academy, which is located on the Easton campus.

When speaking to the Eastern Daily Press, The Scotland international spoke fondly about his experiences at the college and showed that he was deadly serious about the prospect of management. The students have been great – very receptive.

There is a lot of talent – some great facilities and the college has been really supportive. I’m one hundred percent doing this not just to tick a box – I genuinely want to become a coach or a manager in the long term future, that’s the plan.

The Norwich captain, who will be starting his eighth season with the club in August, also suggested that he wouldn’t mind improving his qualification next summer.

With the UEFA A badge, I will need to do even more hours so I will be looking to come back next year if the college allows it.

Worker at the college Dan Connelly went on to praise Martin, fresh from Scotland’s friendly loss to Italy, by saying:

We would like to thank Russell for his support of the college both at this event and throughout the year

Would Russell Martin make a good manager in the future?