Martin Gorry, a former English professional who played more than 200 games for Rotorua City, has died, aged 68.
Another of his former clubs, Ngongotaha AFC, paid tribute to Gorry, saying: “We would like to pass on our condolences to Martin’s family and friends during this very sad time.”
Derby-born Gorry became a professional footballer as a teenager, playing 34 games for Barnsley who played in the ‘old’ fourth division.
In 1977, the left back moved to Newcastle United for a transfer fee of £50,000 after his first team progress was made difficult by the good form of Alan Kennedy, the future Liverpool star.
Newcastle United 1977
After one season, Gorry moved to Hartlepool United, where he made 59 appearances and was the club’s Player of the Year in 1979. He played at left back while his right back teammate was Phil Brown, the future Premier League manager of Hull City.
After a short stint with part-timers Shildon FC, Gorry emigrated to New Zealand in 1981 and settled in Rotorua.
He enjoyed many seasons with Rotorua City where he was still able to show searing pace in his 30s, and was an integral part of the club’s Chatham Cup run to the final in 1989.
Later, he played for Rotorua Suburbs and then played the 1991 season for Ngongotaha.
Ngongotaha AFC 1991
Martin Christopher Gorry (December 29, 1954 — March 8, 2023)
Martin Gorry’s funeral will be held at 1:30pm Wednesday March 15, 2023, at Rotorua Crematorium Crematorium Chapel on Sala Street, Rotorua.
Obituaries
Through the publication of obituaries, Friends of Football tries to recognise the loss of those who have significantly contributed to our game.
