SAINTS new boy Aaron Martin is aiming to follow in the footsteps of his new manager and successfully make the “big step-up” from non-league to professional football.

In Saints boss Alan Pardew former Eastleigh centre-half Martin has perhaps the ideal mentor.

Pardew’s route into the professional game also came via non-league, where he played for the likes of Corinthian Casuals, Dulwich Hamlets and Yeovil Town.

He then went on to enjoy a successful full-time football career that featured spells at Crystal Palace, Charlton, Tottenham, Barnet and Reading.

Martin is now starting out on that same path, following the completion of his dream move from Blue Square South Eastleigh to Saints a few weeks ago.

His first appearance after signing for Saints was a solid and confident display in the reserves’ 2-1 win over Bristol City.

The 20-year-old said Pardew has passed on advice about what he needs to do to make the jump up.

“He said to me work hard, listen to all your coaches, listen to the experienced pros and play as hard as you can,” said Isle of Wight-born Martin, a former England Schoolboy international.

“They (the coaches) have been brilliant."

Ful story in today's Daily Echo