Where are they now: Aaron Martin
Monday 02 August 2010By ESFA Office
Last Updated:
10/02/2021 11:48:52
Aaron Martin
Aaron was an England Under 18 Schoolboy International during the 2007-2008 season, earning five caps against Australia, Northern Ireland, Wales, Republic of Ireland and an appearance at Wembley Stadium, against Scotland, in front of 20,000 spectators.
The centre half, previously of Itchen College and Hampshire Schools’ FA, was plying his trade for Eastleigh FC when he was noticed by former Southampton striker, Ian Baird. Aaron was then invited to a trial where he impressed Saints’ boss Alan Pardew enough to secure an 18 month contact in November 2009.
He was loaned out almost immediately to Conference side Salisbury City in a bid to earn first team experience, where he scored one goal in fourteen appearances.
Upon on his return to the Saints and after a number of eye catching displays in training, Aaron earned a first team call up at the end of last season. His full first team debut was at Gillingham which was followed up with another against Southend United on the final day of the season, where he played alongside former Premier League and World Cup star, Radhi Jaidi.
The Isle of Wight born youngster is not the only player from the 2008 England Schools’ team that has progressed into the professional game. Chris Smalling, his centre half partner that season, has taken massive strides to earn a move to Manchester United from Fulham for a reported £10 million.
