Bristol City forward Jamie Paterson has handed out big praise to former Derby County striker Chris Martin following his impact at Ashton Gate, bcfc.co.uk report.
Martin spent seven seasons at Derby, scoring over 75 goals for the club.
But the former Norwich City man’s contract at Pride Park expired in the summer, and a new deal couldn’t be agreed prompting Martin to walk away on a free transfer.
The Scotland international has since joined Championship rivals Bristol City.
And former Derby loanee Jamie Paterson has hailed his impact with the Robins.
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He was good in the changing room and was the leader who wants to win. He hates losing, like me, but you need people like that. He’s demanding, he will tell you where he wants it and we have a few of those characters in the team. He also brings genuine quality, there’s not many big men who can bring what he does with his feet and link-up play, he has a great footballing mind and at Derby we were both scoring and assisting.
Bristol City have made an excellent start to their league campaign, winning all three games with Martin posting assists against both Stoke City and Sheffield Wednesday.
The 31-year-old topped Derby’s scoring charts for three straight seasons between 2014 and 2016. But Martin is more than just goals. His superb first touch, vision, hold-up play and ball control make him an excellent target man at Championship level.
Derby have missed his presence since his departure. The Rams have lost all three of their opening Championship games, scoring just once.
Jack Marriott has been leading the line for Derby. However, the former Peterborough United man doesn’t have the ideal attributes to thrive in such a role.
Most Derby supporters feel Martin leaving has left a big void at Pride Park.
With the transfer window deadline just around the corner, Derby’s prospects this season may now rest on whether they find a suitable replacement or not.
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