Martin Hinshelwood

Who is Martin Hinshelwood?

Martin Hinshelwood is an English former professional footballer and football club coach and manager. He is currently Chief Scout and was Interim Manager at Crawley Town F.C. alongside Gary Alexander, following the sacking of manager Richie Barker.

Hinshelwood was born in Reading, but grew up in Croydon, and in 1969, played in the final of the London FA Schools Cup, watched by then Crystal Palace manager Arthur Rowe. Rowe was impressed, and the brothers were invited for trials with the club. Both performed well, and were taken on as apprentices.

Martin played in the centre of midfield, and quickly fought his way into the team, while his brother initially languished in the lower eschelons of the club.

Martin was part of the team that reached the Semi-final of the 1976 FA Cup, and played in the giant-killings of Leeds United, Chelsea, and of Sunderland. In the Semi-final game, Third Division Palace were drawn against Second Division Southampton. Despite the Saints being a tier above the Eagles, Palace were cast as favourites. Martin would miss the game through injury, and some see this as the reason that Southampton beat Palace by two goals to nil.