Martin Rice
Encyclopedia
Martin John Rice is an association footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Football League Two
club Torquay United
. He spent most of his early professional career at Exeter City
and has since played for rivals Torquay United and non-League side Truro City
.
, his hometown club. Rice began his professional career with the Grecians, making his debut aged 17, and spent four seasons at the club. In his first season, 2003–04, he made five league appearances and two FA Cup
appearances. He improved on this record in 2004–05, making 18 appearances in all competitions. However, in 2005–06, Rice only made five appearances, and despite making 27 league appearances the next season, he moved to Torquay United in 2007–08 after reaching the end of his contract with Exeter. Rice returned to St James Park in May 2011 to play for an Exeter XI in Adam Stansfield
's testimonial.
resulted in nine league appearances, in a side that had just been relegated to the Conference National
for the first time. Rice failed to establish himself as a regular in the side and was mostly used as backup to the more experienced Canadian goalkeeper Simon Rayner
. Rice made more appearances in various cup competitions, amassing 11 cup appearances (including three FA Cup appearances) in total and 20 appearances for the season in all competitions. One of these cup appearances was in the FA Trophy 2007–08 Final against Ebbsfleet United, where Torquay lost 1–0. Rice gave away a penalty after bringing down future team-mate Chris McPhee, but made amends by saving the resulting spot-kick to keep the scores level. He had also played in Torquay's semi-final first-leg win over York City
, keeping a clean sheet in a 2-0 win, and the second-leg defeat to York on 15 March 2008.
Rice was loaned to Truro City
for the majority of the 2008–09 season, returning towards the end of the season to be part of Torquay's play-off squad. He was an unused substitute in Torquay's 2–0 2009 Conference National play-off Final
victory over Cambridge United
on 17 May 2009.
Rice agreed a new one-year deal with Torquay to stay at Plainmoor
as they made their return to the Football League
. However, he lasted just three months in to the deal.
After impressing coaches at Truro during his loan spell, Rice left for Cornwall
on a free transfer on 29 September 2009 after being released by Torquay.
in injury time, they were awarded a penalty. Rice was given the honours and duly converted, for the only goal of his career so far. Rice kept five clean sheets in his loan spell. He was unable to play in FA Cup or FA Trophy
games for Truro whilst on loan, and Torquay had a 24-hour recall on the goalkeeper.
After impressing on loan from Torquay, Rice signed a permanent deal with Truro a few games into the 2009–10 season. Because he had dropped into non-League football
, Rice found himself a part-time footballer and worked on a building site to supplement his income. Rice actually made fewer appearances in his first season as a full Truro player, playing 12 games compared to 20 when he was on loan. Two of these appearances were against Mangotsfield United
and Maidenhead United
in the FA Cup qualifying stages, but the rest of his appearances came in the league.
Rice's second full season at City was more successful, as he made 37 appearances in all competitions. Five of these appearances came in cup competitions, namely three games in the FA Trophy and two in the FA Cup qualifying rounds. Rice enjoyed more success in the league, keeping an impressive 14 clean sheets in 32 games. This rate of almost a clean sheet every other game was a step up from 2008–09, when the custodian only managed an average of one every four games.
During his time at the club, Rice helped the White Tigers to the Conference South
, after they had been in the Southern Football League
prior to his arrival. In the 2010–11 season, Rice kept six clean sheets as Truro went on a 10 game unbeaten run. He made his last appearance for Truro in a 3–2 loss to Falmouth Town
on 12 July 2011, in the Aubrey Wilkes Trophy, just three days before he left for Torquay. In total, Rice made 69 appearances in all competitions for Truro.
Rice's contract with Truro stated that if a league club wanted to buy Rice, he would be allowed to leave. New Torquay manager, Martin Ling
, heard about this clause and decided to sign Rice as cover for first-choice goalkeeper Robert Olejnik
.
, who was signed from Falkirk
at around the same time. Rice made his second debut for the Gulls in the 2–0 friendly win over Bristol City
, coming on at half-time for Olejnik. Rice missed the following friendly against his old club Exeter City, which resulted in a 3–0 win for the Gulls. However, he conceded his first goals in his second spell for Torquay in the 3–1 friendly loss to Burnley
. Rice scored an unfortunate own goal
in this match to make it 3–1 to Burnley.
Robert Olejnik began the season as Torquay's first-choice goalkeeper. Rice was limited to reserve team football, including a 1–0 win against Yeovil Town
reserves in which he kept a clean sheet, and the 3-1 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion reserves. He made his competitive debut for Torquay in the Football League Trophy
on 30 August 2011 in the Gulls' 2–1 loss to Cheltenham Town
.
Torquay United:
Football League Two
Football League Two is the third-highest division of The Football League and fourth-highest division overall in the English football league system....
club Torquay United
Torquay United F.C.
Torquay United Football Club, nicknamed the Gulls, are an English association football club based in the tourist resort town of Torquay, Devon. They played in the Conference National in 2008–09, but were promoted to Football League Two after a 2–0 win over Cambridge United on 17 May 2009 at Wembley...
. He spent most of his early professional career at Exeter City
Exeter City F.C.
Exeter City Football Club is an English football club, based in Exeter, which is owned by its fans through the Exeter City Supporters Trust.The club was a member of the Football League from 1920 to 2003...
and has since played for rivals Torquay United and non-League side Truro City
Truro City F.C.
Truro City F.C. are an English professional football club based in Truro, Cornwall. They currently play in the Conference South following five promotions in six seasons. They were founding members of the South Western League in 1951 and won the title five times in their history...
.
Exeter City
Rice came through the youth scheme at Exeter CityExeter City F.C.
Exeter City Football Club is an English football club, based in Exeter, which is owned by its fans through the Exeter City Supporters Trust.The club was a member of the Football League from 1920 to 2003...
, his hometown club. Rice began his professional career with the Grecians, making his debut aged 17, and spent four seasons at the club. In his first season, 2003–04, he made five league appearances and two FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
appearances. He improved on this record in 2004–05, making 18 appearances in all competitions. However, in 2005–06, Rice only made five appearances, and despite making 27 league appearances the next season, he moved to Torquay United in 2007–08 after reaching the end of his contract with Exeter. Rice returned to St James Park in May 2011 to play for an Exeter XI in Adam Stansfield
Adam Stansfield
Adam Stansfield was an English footballer who played as a striker. He played for Cullompton Rangers, Elmore, Yeovil Town, Hereford United and Exeter City.-Career:...
's testimonial.
Torquay United
Rice's first spell with Torquay UnitedTorquay United F.C.
Torquay United Football Club, nicknamed the Gulls, are an English association football club based in the tourist resort town of Torquay, Devon. They played in the Conference National in 2008–09, but were promoted to Football League Two after a 2–0 win over Cambridge United on 17 May 2009 at Wembley...
resulted in nine league appearances, in a side that had just been relegated to the Conference National
Conference National
Conference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
for the first time. Rice failed to establish himself as a regular in the side and was mostly used as backup to the more experienced Canadian goalkeeper Simon Rayner
Simon Rayner
Simon Christopher Rayner is a Canadian football goalkeeper, currently signed to Three Bridges F.C. in the Sussex County League Division One.-Early career:...
. Rice made more appearances in various cup competitions, amassing 11 cup appearances (including three FA Cup appearances) in total and 20 appearances for the season in all competitions. One of these cup appearances was in the FA Trophy 2007–08 Final against Ebbsfleet United, where Torquay lost 1–0. Rice gave away a penalty after bringing down future team-mate Chris McPhee, but made amends by saving the resulting spot-kick to keep the scores level. He had also played in Torquay's semi-final first-leg win over York City
York City F.C.
York City Football Club is an English football club based in York, North Yorkshire. The club participates in the Conference National, the fifth tier of English football. Founded in 1922, they joined the Football League in 1929, and have spent most of their history in the lower divisions...
, keeping a clean sheet in a 2-0 win, and the second-leg defeat to York on 15 March 2008.
Rice was loaned to Truro City
Truro City F.C.
Truro City F.C. are an English professional football club based in Truro, Cornwall. They currently play in the Conference South following five promotions in six seasons. They were founding members of the South Western League in 1951 and won the title five times in their history...
for the majority of the 2008–09 season, returning towards the end of the season to be part of Torquay's play-off squad. He was an unused substitute in Torquay's 2–0 2009 Conference National play-off Final
2009 Conference National play-off Final
The 2009 Conference National play-off Final, known as the 2009 Blue Square Premier play-off Final for sponsorship purposes, was a football match between Cambridge United and Torquay United on 17 May 2009 at Wembley Stadium in London...
victory over Cambridge United
Cambridge United F.C.
Cambridge United Football Club is a professional football club from Cambridge, England. They are currently playing the 2011-2012 season in the Conference National, the fifth tier of the English league system, where they have competed since 2005 following their relegation from the Football League...
on 17 May 2009.
Rice agreed a new one-year deal with Torquay to stay at Plainmoor
Plainmoor
Plainmoor is a suburb of Torquay, Devon, but is best known as the name of the stadium in which Torquay United Football Club currently play.-History:...
as they made their return to the Football League
The Football League
The Football League, also known as the npower Football League for sponsorship reasons, is a league competition featuring professional association football clubs from England and Wales. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest such competition in world football...
. However, he lasted just three months in to the deal.
After impressing coaches at Truro during his loan spell, Rice left for Cornwall
Cornwall
Cornwall is a unitary authority and ceremonial county of England, within the United Kingdom. It is bordered to the north and west by the Celtic Sea, to the south by the English Channel, and to the east by the county of Devon, over the River Tamar. Cornwall has a population of , and covers an area of...
on a free transfer on 29 September 2009 after being released by Torquay.
Truro City
In his loan spell with City in 2008–09, Rice made 20 league appearances, even scoring a goal in the process. With Truro 3–0 up against Abingdon UnitedAbingdon United F.C.
Abingdon United F.C. is an English association football club who currently play in the Southern League Division One South and West.The club was founded in 1946 as a rival to the already existing Abingdon Town at the Anchor pub on the bank of the River Thames...
in injury time, they were awarded a penalty. Rice was given the honours and duly converted, for the only goal of his career so far. Rice kept five clean sheets in his loan spell. He was unable to play in FA Cup or FA Trophy
FA Trophy
The Football Association Challenge Trophy, commonly known as the FA Trophy, is a knockout cup competition in English football, run by and named after The Football Association and competed for primarily by semi-professional teams...
games for Truro whilst on loan, and Torquay had a 24-hour recall on the goalkeeper.
After impressing on loan from Torquay, Rice signed a permanent deal with Truro a few games into the 2009–10 season. Because he had dropped into non-League football
Non-league football
Non-League football is football in England played at a level below that of the Premier League and The Football League. The term non-League was commonly used well before 1992 when the top football clubs in England all belonged to The Football League; all clubs who were not a part of The Football...
, Rice found himself a part-time footballer and worked on a building site to supplement his income. Rice actually made fewer appearances in his first season as a full Truro player, playing 12 games compared to 20 when he was on loan. Two of these appearances were against Mangotsfield United
Mangotsfield United F.C.
Mangotsfield United F.C. is an English football club based in Mangotsfield, in the Greater Bristol area, who currently play in the Southern League Division One South and West. The club is affiliated to the Gloucestershire County FA and Somerset County FA....
and Maidenhead United
Maidenhead United F.C.
Maidenhead United Football Club is an English football club in Maidenhead, Berkshire. The club was founded in 1870 and moved to their current ground at York Road the following year...
in the FA Cup qualifying stages, but the rest of his appearances came in the league.
Rice's second full season at City was more successful, as he made 37 appearances in all competitions. Five of these appearances came in cup competitions, namely three games in the FA Trophy and two in the FA Cup qualifying rounds. Rice enjoyed more success in the league, keeping an impressive 14 clean sheets in 32 games. This rate of almost a clean sheet every other game was a step up from 2008–09, when the custodian only managed an average of one every four games.
During his time at the club, Rice helped the White Tigers to the Conference South
Conference South
Conference South is one of the second divisions of the Football Conference in England, taking its place immediately below the Conference National...
, after they had been in the Southern Football League
Southern Football League
The Southern League is an English football competition featuring semi-professional and amateur clubs from the South West, South Central and Midlands of England and South Wales...
prior to his arrival. In the 2010–11 season, Rice kept six clean sheets as Truro went on a 10 game unbeaten run. He made his last appearance for Truro in a 3–2 loss to Falmouth Town
Falmouth Town A.F.C.
Falmouth Town A.F.C. is a football club based in Falmouth, Cornwall, United Kingdom. They were established in 1950 and were founding members of the South Western League in 1951. They have reached the 1st round proper of the FA Cup 3 times in their history...
on 12 July 2011, in the Aubrey Wilkes Trophy, just three days before he left for Torquay. In total, Rice made 69 appearances in all competitions for Truro.
Rice's contract with Truro stated that if a league club wanted to buy Rice, he would be allowed to leave. New Torquay manager, Martin Ling
Martin Ling
Martin Ling is an English football manager and former player, who is currently manager of Torquay United in League Two. He played in over 100 Football League matches for Exeter City, Southend United, Swindon Town and Leyton Orient, before moving into management where he led Orient for over five...
, heard about this clause and decided to sign Rice as cover for first-choice goalkeeper Robert Olejnik
Robert Olejnik
Robert"Bobby" Olejnik is an Austrian professional footballer who plays for League Two side Torquay United.- Career :...
.
Return to Torquay
After two seasons with Truro, Rice returned to Torquay as one of new manager Martin Ling's first signings, with the deal being completed on 15 July 2011. Rice was likely to be backup to Austrian goalkeeper Robert OlejnikRobert Olejnik
Robert"Bobby" Olejnik is an Austrian professional footballer who plays for League Two side Torquay United.- Career :...
, who was signed from Falkirk
Falkirk F.C.
Falkirk Football Club is a Scottish professional football club based in Falkirk. It is one of two professional football teams from the town, the other being East Stirlingshire...
at around the same time. Rice made his second debut for the Gulls in the 2–0 friendly win over Bristol City
Bristol City F.C.
Bristol City Football Club is one of two football league clubs in Bristol, England . They play at Ashton Gate, located in the south-west of the City...
, coming on at half-time for Olejnik. Rice missed the following friendly against his old club Exeter City, which resulted in a 3–0 win for the Gulls. However, he conceded his first goals in his second spell for Torquay in the 3–1 friendly loss to Burnley
Burnley F.C.
Burnley Football Club are a professional English Football League club based in Burnley, Lancashire. Nicknamed the Clarets, due to the dominant colour of their home shirts, they were founder members of the Football League in 1888...
. Rice scored an unfortunate own goal
Own goal
An own net occurs in goal-scoring games when a player scores a goal that is registered against his or her own team. It is usually accidental, and may be a result of an attempt at defensive play that failed or was spoiled by opponents....
in this match to make it 3–1 to Burnley.
Robert Olejnik began the season as Torquay's first-choice goalkeeper. Rice was limited to reserve team football, including a 1–0 win against Yeovil Town
Yeovil Town F.C.
Yeovil Town F.C. are an English association football team based in Yeovil, Somerset. The club play in League One after having won the League Two championship in 2004–05...
reserves in which he kept a clean sheet, and the 3-1 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion reserves. He made his competitive debut for Torquay in the Football League Trophy
Football League Trophy
The Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top...
on 30 August 2011 in the Gulls' 2–1 loss to Cheltenham Town
Cheltenham Town F.C.
Cheltenham Town Football Club is an English football club playing in League Two, the fourth tier of English football. Founded in 1887, the team has played at four different grounds, namely Agg-Gardner's Recreation Ground, Carter's Field and now the Abbey Business Stadium, although it is more...
.
Honours
Truro City:- Southern Football League Division One South & West 2008–09: Champions
- Southern League Premier Division 2010–11: Champions
Torquay United:
- 2007-08 FA TrophyFA Trophy 2007-08The 2007–08 FA Trophy was the 38th season of the FA's cup competition for teams at levels 5-8 of the English football league system. 258 teams were entered for the competition.-Calendar:-First round:...
: Runners-up