Eastleigh: We would love to see Aaron next week ...

By Wendy Gee -

EASTLEIGH would love to see Aaron Martin back on his old stomping ground next Monday (August 2) when Saints wrap up their pre-season preparations at the Silverlake Stadium (7.45pm).

After weeks of speculation about his impending move to St. Marys, the 20-year-old centre-back ended up leaving the Spitfires in such a rush last November that there was no chance for Eastleigh fans to bid him a proper farewell.

Martin, an outstanding graduate of Eastleigh's youth system and a former student at nearby Itchen College, is the classic 'local boy made good.'

Having signed for Saints on an initial 18-month contract, the former England Colleges defender was made captain of the reserve side before being loaned out to gain experience in the Football Conference with Salisbury City.

He made his full first-team debut for Saints at Gillingham on May 1, earning rave reviews from manager Alan Pardew.

He then gave another sure-footed performance against Southend on the last day of the season in front of a 25,000 St Mary's crowd.

As part of the deal that took Martin to St Mary's, Saints agreed to send a first team squad to Blue Square Bet South outfit Eastleigh for the next three pre-seasons, starting on Monday night.

"We would love to see Aaron back here playing again," said Eastleigh's director of football Dave Malone.

"He's done remarkably well since joining Saints and all the vibes are that he is very well thought of.

"He's got his head down and worked hard and that's the biggest asset of the boy.

"I've never met a more determined lad.

"He's got the best attitude of a young player I've ever known and that, allied to his ability, will hopefully take him a long way.

"He hasn't made it yet, but I'm pleased Alan Pardew seems to have taken a shine to him and that when his opportunity comes along, he will make the most of it."

"Everyone at Eastleigh thought the world of Aaron and we'd love to see him here on Monday to say a proper thank you and goodbye."

The Eastleigh game offers Pardew the chance to make some last-minute tweaks to his team ahead of the big npower League One kick-off at home to Plymouth on Saturday week (August 7, 12.15pm).

A big crowd is expected at the Silverlake and tickets are selling fast.

Admission is £10 for adults, £6 for 12 to 16-year-olds/seniors and £4 for under-12's.

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