MARTIN DOBSON
Martin the Leader; Warwick Jordan, Football Digest, June 1974

THE only classical wing-half left in the country. That's how one respected football expert waxed lyrical when describing the immense talents of Burnley skipper, Martin Dobson. Certainly, this tall, strongly built, yet remarkably delicate player, can look back on two eventful - and highly successful - seasons while anticipating, with some justification, a more rewarding future. For at 26 Dobson has already proved himself a dominating, constructive leader, whose inspiration has led Burnley back into the top ten.

He also seems to have quite an important part to play for England. Sir Alf Ramsey, taking a pointer from Burnley manager Jimmy Adamson, has made it evident that Dobson can be a hit on the international scene. A schoolboy apprentice with Bolton, Martin signed for the Turf Moor Club in 1967 on a free transfer. After trial runs at centre-forward and centre-half, in which position he gained his first under-23 cap, Dobson finally settled down in midfield. That under-23 game took place in April, 1970, but hopes of quick progress were shattered when he suffered a broken leg during the summer and missed Burnley's vain struggle to avoid relegation.

Within two years, however, with Dobson as captain, Burnley marched back into the First Division and last season dumbfounded their critics with some outstanding football, backed by new-found steel.

"We proved we were no flash in the pan," says Martin. "We took on, and beat, some of the so-called best teams in the land. And we beat them on skill, not clogging. We were more consistent than anyone gave up credit for.

"The team spirit at Burnley is tremendous. That's what helped us all the way. There's no place for fits of temperament. Everyone works for each other." For all that, Burnley proved there is still plenty of room for individual ability. Dobson's own contribution grew game by game and fine runs in both League and F.A. Cup were in no small way due to his tremendous leadership. He controlled midfield, scored vital goals and was a wonderful example of the forgotten wing-half style.

It didn't go unnoticed. He was in the squad for England's clash with the Italians in November and then represented the Football League in their 5-0 win over the Scottish League in March. Two weeks later, Martin made his full international debut as one of six new players called up by Sir Alf for the visit to Portugal. Though the game ended in a goal-less draw, Dobson was impressive enough to keep his place for the Home International series.

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