Martin Boyle’s football journey should be shown to every aspiring footballer that doesn’t make it within an elite academy setup.
His path to the top did not follow the traditional route but instead was forged through his own perseverance, hard work and willingness to evolve.
Like so many youngsters, he grew up immersed in the beautiful game and wanted nothing more than to play football with his friends.
“I grew up loving football,” recalled the 31-year-old. “It was something that we all lived and breathed, and I feel incredibly lucky that it has been my life ever since.
“There has been a lot of sacrifices made that people don’t realise, especially coming through the way I did.
“Growing up in Aberdeen, there wasn’t a big chance of going down the academy route. The opportunities were fewer than those living in the central belt.”
His big break came when he joined Montrose after leaving amateur football as a youngster. He was only 16 when he made his debut for the Gable Endies against Hibernian in the Scottish Cup at Easter Road, back in 2010.
“I played for Lewis United Boys’ Club and had progressed through the age groups,” Boyle said. “However, as there was no senior side, we came to an end point.
“Some boys went to Peterhead and others went to Montrose. I felt I would get more opportunities at Montrose, and I was right.
“My debut, ironically, was against Hibs. Although we got beat 5-1, it was a proud moment. I knew beforehand that I would play and that was quite scary. Upon arriving in Leith, Boyle was desperate to impress. However, he had to be patient for his opportunity. When his chance came, he impressed but a serious injury brought his first season in green and white to a premature end, casting his future into doubt.
“I’d had a run of games and scored a few goals but then I did my medial ligament before the play-offs after colliding with Tom Taiwo.
“I needed an operation and was out of contract at Dundee. I was worried all summer about what was going to happen. Thankfully, Alan Stubbs had belief in me and offered me a two-year deal.
“I was buzzing. I was now able to get my head down, work hard and repay the manager’s faith in me.”
Over the last ten years, Martin has certainly done that and Hibs have reaped the rewards.
From winning silverware to promotion and a record points totals in the topflight; big European nights and eye-catching victories, Martin’s Hibs journey has been a thrilling rollercoaster ride.
The 2016 Scottish Cup win over Rangers however was the pinnacle and Boyle’s celebrations are now the stuff of legend!
“Part of me wishes I had played more in those cup games that year, but it didn’t stop me celebrating as if I had scored a hat-trick in the Final!
“That whole weekend was a blur. The parade was mental. People were throwing beers up to us, people were hanging out of windows or off lampposts. It meant so much to so many people.
“This Club means everything to me and my family are completely invested in it.
“My daughter loves coming to the games and her two-year-old sister does nothing but shout ‘Hibees!’
“If I pick out clothes for her, she’ll come through in her Hibs top instead. The girls love the Club, love running on the pitch, the atmosphere and being around the training ground.
“Everything is settled and in place. It’s perfect. They are in a happy place and so am I.”
Watch the full video interview below in association with SBK!
