BLUES goalkeeper David Martin will be reunited with a familiar face at Gateshead this weekend.

Martin went to the same college as Gateshead’s interim manager Rob Elliot.

And the Shrimpers shot-stopper is pleased to see another goalkeeper doing well in a coaching capacity.

“It’s nice to see another goalkeeper doing well what with the goalkeeping union and all that,” said Martin.

“I know Rob quite well too.

“I was at Wimbledon as a youth team player and he was at Charlton.

“We went to the same college and I’m really pleased to see him in that management role now.

“He’s played at a very good level for a number of years so he’s got great knowledge of the game.

“It’s a great time to takeover a good team and hopefully he can carry on that vein of form they’ve been in, just hopefully not against us.”

Fifth placed Gateshead have won their last three games with Elliot in charge.

But Martin is unsure if more goalkeepers will soon start to become managers rather than specialising in coaching those playing in their own position.

“I’m not sure.” said Martin.

“Goalkeepers get pigeon holed a little bit.

“But I look at myself and what I want to be as coach.

“I understand working with obviously goalkeepers, a back four or five and possibly midfield.

“But if you ask me what does a right winger do you have someone perfect like Darren Currie for that.

“He’s got real expertise in that position.

“Would I know more than him? Definitely not.”

However, Martin does feel like he can offer something different.

“I’d look at it from the goalkeeper’s perspective,” said Martin.

“Would I want the winger going inside or outside? It’s outside all day long.

“There are different things I can add like that so goalkeepers do have a different perspective and that’s what I like to bring to them upstairs.”

Martin sees his own future as a goalkeeping coach but is still keen to keep on playing.

“Coaching wise I do want to be a goalkeeper coach,” said Martin.

“But when that is I don’t know.

“I think I can play for another few years and still feel in really good condition.

“If I can be of value to Southend doing this in a player coach role then the balance is just right.

“I found it really tricky at MK Dons last year because I still wanted to play and they saw me as more of a coach which was unfortunate.

“These things happen but this year I think I’m seen as a player and a coach which has been really important for me.”