Aaron Martin aims to add experience to Mariners group

Aaron Martin is aiming to hit the ground running with South Shields after agreeing to join the club from Gateshead.

Martin will be eligible to make his debut in Saturday’s Vanarama National League North opener against Alfreton Town, subject to receiving FA clearance.

It is a division the striker knows well, having scored 17 goals in 20 appearances in the division for Guiseley in the 2019-20 season.

That form earned the now 32-year-old a move to Harrogate Town, who he helped to promotion to the Football League before appearing regularly for the club in League Two.

The imposing frontman spent last season in the Vanarama National League with Gateshead, and appeared for the club in the Izuzu FA Trophy final against FC Halifax Town at Wembley.

He now adds to the competition for places up front at 1st Cloud Arena.

Martin said: “I feel the club has a promising future in this league and already know a few of the players, so I’m aware of what they’re capable of and very pleased to be here.

“I’ve been really surprised and impressed by how professional the club is as a whole, especially considering it’s just coming into this league.

“The standards in training are really high and intense, and I’m hoping to add a bit of experience to the group and help to guide some of the younger players.

“This is my first time returning to this league since my spell at Guiseley, and I’m looking forward to getting started.”

South Shields manager Julio Arca said: “Aaron is a striker who has proven what he is capable of in this league previously.

“He did really well for Guiseley at this level, which earned him his move to Harrogate, and he is coming from the league above with a lot of experience.

“He’s good in the box, good in the air and can hold the ball up, so he should be able to work well alongside the other strikers we have.

“He provides us with something different and it’s something I felt the team needed, so we’re delighted to have signed him.”