Hawks appoint former Southampton, Coventry and Birmingham defender as manager following sacking of former Portsmouth coach
The Hawks have been quick to appoint a new manager following Shaun North’s departure this week
Havant & Waterlooville have a new man in charge at Westleigh Park.
After parting company with former Pompey coach and kitman Shaun North earlier this week, the Hawks have appointed Aaron Martin as their new manager.
The 36-year-old take the reins with the Southern League premier division south outft currently sitting 20th in the league table after just three wins from their opening 13 games of the season.
It’s the Isle of Wight-born former defender’s maiden senior management role, with his first match in charge set to be Monday night’s trip to Bracknall Town. Martin’s first home game will be against Weymouth next Saturday.
A former Southampton player, Martin has been involved with the Hawks’ first-team squad in recent weeks. He also knows the non-league terrain well, having spent two seasons with Eastleigh prior to hanging up his boots.
Before lining up for the Spitfires, where he began his playing career, the one-time centre-back was a regular in the Football League. Crystal Palace. Coventry City, Birmingham, Oxford United, Exeter City and Port Vale are among his former clubs.
Confirming the appointment, a statement from the Hawks read: ‘After receiving a large number of applications for the role, Martin's application stood out. Aaron impressed in his interview and demonstrated a number of excellent qualities whilst also sharing a similar vision to the board for where he wants to take the club going forward.
‘The board of directors have also received a number of glowing references speaking extremely highly of Aaron, not just as a person but around his pedigree and leadership on and off the pitch.
‘With nearly 20 years of football experience and a track record of success at multiple levels of football, Aaron takes over the reigns at Westleigh Park with a clear vision and the pedigree to drive the Hawks forward into a bold and exciting new era.’
Te statement continued: ‘Whilst Aaron’s playing career was sadly cut short due to injury, this has not stopped him from gaining valuable experience in coaching and management. Aaron is well on the way to completing his journey towards his UEFA A Licence, and has been involved with the squad in recent times.
‘In the process of completing his coaching qualifications, Aaron has spent a vast amount of time working with football clubs and managers across the Football League and non-league scene to further his exposure and experience in the game.
‘All of this experience has allowed him to gain valuable experience with working towards an improvement in fortunes for the team.
‘Aaron will begin work immediately. With new leadership and a united vision, we believe there’s plenty to be excited about as we enter this new chapter as the Hawks look forward to an upturn in results.
‘We know the Hawks faithful will give Aaron a warm and passionate welcome to the club. Let’s pack out Westleigh Park for the upcoming game at home to Weymouth next Saturday. Let’s get behind our new manager as we aim for a successful season ahead.’
Martin inherits a side with plenty of Pompey connections. Midfielder Ruben Swann is currently on loan at Westleigh Park. Meanwhile, Nigel Atangana, Harvey Laidlaw, Leon Maloney, Josh Dockerill and Harvey Bradbury have all spent part of their careers at Fratton Park.