Nigel Martyn was brought to Elland Road by Howard Wilkinson from Crystal Palace for a then record goalkeeper fee of £2.25 million in the summer of 1996. He would go on to become the club's first-choice goalkeeper for six seasons and will be remembered by a generation of supporters for string of outstanding and unforgettable performances between the sticks. Indeed his consistency was such that years later at a supporters' dinner, Martyn was named officially as United's greatest ever goalkeeper, beating off competition from the likes of Gary Sprake and John Lukic – men who both won championship medals at Elland Road. LEEDS UNITED IN FOCUS: Gary Sprake | David Harvey
![Nigel Martyn pictured with fellow new Leeds United signings Ian Rush and Lee Bowyer in August 1996.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE4MjMzNTc0.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
1. Nigel Martyn in focus
Nigel Martyn pictured with fellow new Leeds United signings Ian Rush and Lee Bowyer in August 1996.
![Nigel Martyn claims the ball during the Premier League clash against Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium in December 1996. The game finished goalless.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE4MjMzNTc1.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
2. Nigel Martyn in focus
Nigel Martyn claims the ball during the Premier League clash against Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium in December 1996. The game finished goalless. Photo: Getty
![Nigel Martyn saves Leeds United from exiting the FA Cup at the third round stage in January 1997 after making a penalty save in the 88th minute against Crystal Palace. The Whites won the replay 1-0 at Elland Road.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE4MjMzNTc2.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
3. Nigel Martyn in focus
Nigel Martyn saves Leeds United from exiting the FA Cup at the third round stage in January 1997 after making a penalty save in the 88th minute against Crystal Palace. The Whites won the replay 1-0 at Elland Road. Photo: Dan Oxtoby
![Nigel Martyn celebrates saving a penalty during the FA Cup fifth round clash against Portsmouth in February 1997. The Whites lost 3-2.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE4MjMzNTc3.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
4. Nigel Martyn in focus
Nigel Martyn celebrates saving a penalty during the FA Cup fifth round clash against Portsmouth in February 1997. The Whites lost 3-2. Photo: Steve Riding
![Nigel Martyn celebrates with goalscorer David Wetherall at full time after Leeds United beat Manchester United at Elland Road in September 1997.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE4MjMzNTc4.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
5. Nigel Martyn in focus
Nigel Martyn celebrates with goalscorer David Wetherall at full time after Leeds United beat Manchester United at Elland Road in September 1997.
![Nigel Martyn claims the catch above the head of Arsenal's Tony Adams during the Premier League clash at Highbury in December 1999.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE4MjMzNTc5.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
6. Nigel Martyn in focus
Nigel Martyn claims the catch above the head of Arsenal's Tony Adams during the Premier League clash at Highbury in December 1999. Photo: Getty