From Bescot to managing Cristiano Ronaldo: When Roberto Martinez played for Walsall
Roberto Martinez might be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Ruben Dias, Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo as Portugal boss, but his short-lived stint at Walsall over two decades ago was much less glamorous.
The Spaniard had uprooted to England in 1995 and became a cult hero at Wigan Athletic - making 226 appearances during his six seasons with the Latics.
His move north of the border to Motherwell in 2001 was less successful and he arrived at Bescot the following summer after making only a handful of appearances in Scotland.
It was a mystery former Walsall boss Colin Lee signed him. His Saddlers career comprised of just 216 minutes of league action and resulted in a swift loan exit to Swansea City where he later signed permanently.
Even prior to signing him, Lee hardly sounded enthused.
"There is a possibility something could happen with Roberto because it wouldn't cost anything. But he has got to be good enough or there is no point," he said at the time.
