Why Aaron is a great incentive

By Wendy Gee -

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa308/jamieefc/AaronMartin-SaintsShirtresized.jpgEastleigh boss Ian Baird says ex-Saint Jordace Holder-Spooner should use Aaron Martin as his incentive for joining Eastleigh.

The 18-year-old right winger, released by Saints at the end of last season, scored a stunning individual goal as the Spitfires notched up a 2-0 friendly win at Worthing on Saturday.

As of yesterday afternoon, Baird was still waiting to hear back from Holder-Spooner’s family about him committing to Eastleigh next season.

But the Spitfires manager says the teenage trialist need only look to ex-Eastleigh centre-back Martin for a reason to join the Blue Square Bet South club.

“Two years ago Aaron was starting the season with us and on Saturday he kicked off the season playing for Saints against Leeds United in a televised Championship game played in front of a near 26,000 crowd,” said Baird, a former Saints and Leeds striker.

“We’ve got a good record at Eastleigh of getting kids into the professional game and young players like Holder-Spooner have got to feed off that success.

“He scored a good goal for us on Saturday, beating three players and sticking the ball into the bottom corner.

“I definitely think there’s something there (talent-wise) and I spoke to his father after the game on Saturday and said I’d like him to come in with us full-time.

“It’s not about money it’s about what you can achieve.

“The biggest thing about Aaron Martin is not his ability, it’s about how much he wants it.

“If there’s an example to be set for young players, Aaron Martin would be it.

“Seeing him start the season in the Championship on Saturday was not just good for him, it was good for Eastleigh Football Club and the young players we are trying to develop here.”

Danny Smith got Eastleigh’s second on Saturday after the ball had dropped to him from a corner. It ensured a first pre-season defeat for Ryman Division One South hosts Worthing.

“It was one of those games you don’t really want to play because you’re concerned about senior players picking up injuries, so I was just glad to come through it unscathed,” said Baird.

“We played a strong side in the first half and finished the game with all our young lads playing, which was very pleasing. It means we can go into this week feeling confident after another good result.”

Eastleigh have added young right-back Billy Tsovolos to their full-time player development programme after he was paid up by Portsmouth and there’s a chance ex-Saint centre-back Ryan Tafazolli could come on board, initially for a month, after his trial at Reading didn’t work out.

Basingstoke Town, who visit Eastleigh in Saturday’s Blue Square Bet South opener, were held 2-2 by a Reading XI at the Camrose Ground on Friday night.

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