Dream move complete for Saint Martin

Saints have today completed the signing of 20 year-old defender Aaron Martin from neighbours Eastleigh on an initial 18 month contract.





The centre-back, who is a graduate of the Spitfires' youth system, enjoyed a recent trial at the club after being recommended by former Saint Ian Baird.


During that spell he featured in the reserves' 1-1 draw at Plymouth Argyle, completing the full 90 minutes in front of on-looking Saints manager Alan Pardew.


Martin, a former student at nearby Itchen College, revealed how much he owes to a phone call from his former employers, as he signed his contract which initially runs until the end of the 2010/11 season.


"I'd been playing at Eastleigh, and Bairdy (Ian Baird) rang Alan Pardew just to see if I could come down for a couple of weeks on trial to see what I was about," he explained. "Fortunately he and the staff liked what they saw of me.

"Ian Baird was extremely happy for me and I'd like to thank him because this would never have happened otherwise.

"Alan Pardew has been brilliant with me too, he's already told me what I need to improve on and I want to improve on everything. He watched me at a reserve game and talked me through my game then, what I'd done well and what I need to do more of."

The 6'3" youngster has also got used to the idea of training at the place he used to make regular trips to as a fan when he was growing up.

"I've always liked Saints and I watched the team at the Dell. I always used to go up to Staplewood as well to watch reserve games. I've been saying to my dad that it's weird how we used to come and watch the team here a few years ago, and now I'm going to be playing for them.

"Everything about the whole club is just brilliant and coming from non-league to this is just amazing. It's a massive step, but I'm hoping that I can prove myself, hopefully get into the first team and push on from there.

"I want to get into the first team as soon as I can and I will play and train as hard as I can to do that. It would be unbelievable to play at St. Mary's and I just can't wait for that to come."

Martin is used to the big stage from his time at college, where he represented England at schoolboy level, and he believes that this move will be made easier by the familiar environment.

"I knew a few of the lads from before, and I know Jamie White quite well so it'll be good to see him. I want to say a massive thank you to Alan Pardew for giving me this opportunity and I hope to play a part and progress into the first team."

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Eastleigh's Director of Football Dave Malone confirmed the transfer on the club messageboard: "The Club are delighted to announce that Aaron Martin has completed his transfer to Southampton FC.

The transfer - for an undisclosed fee - is a dream come true for 20 year old Aaron, and we wish him every success in the future.

As part of the negotiations, SFC have agreed to continue their annual pre - season friendly with EFC - and we look forward to seeing Aaron in a Saints shirt next summer!

CONGRATULATIONS TO AARON MARTIN FROM ALL AT EASTLEIGH FC