Hatters boss boosts squad ahead of deadline
The Hatters have completed the signing of former Southend United winger Dave Martin.
The lightening-quick midfielder arrives at Kenilworth Road on an 18-month contract having impressed the Town management staff in training following his release from Southend United.
Martin, 27, joins the Town with a fine reputation as a classy, old-fashioned winger who made his name with Crystal Palace and Millwall as a youngster.
During those spells he made almost 100 appearances and scored 10 goals in the Championship before he was transferred to Derby County in June 2010.
Loans spells at Walsall and Notts County followed for Martin prior to signing permanently for Southend in January last year.
He found then net four times whilst at Roots Hall and was the creator of many more as he helped Paul Sturrock’s side reach the League 2 Play-Offs last season before being released earlier this month.
Town boss Paul Buckle told lutontown.co.uk: “I think that Dave will definitely add to what we have got, he’s something different.
“The fans will love him, they’ll love the flair he has. He takes people on and will go past his man. He’s an out-and-out winger.
“I’d be amazed if he doesn’t improve us and I’ll be amazed that the supporters won’t take to him.”
With the Town’s fixture list bursting at the seams between now and the end of the season, Martin’s signing boosts the manager’s midfield options.
“We’ve got Scott Neilson, who’s played on the left whilst JJ was injured and whilst I rest Jake but Scott prefers to play on the right,” said Buckle. “On the right we have Alex Lawless and we’ve got Jake that can play at full-back too so we have a nice balance and with all the games we’re going to have to call upon everyone.
“With all the football left we will able to freshen it up and with Dave coming in we have plenty of choice now.”
Martin is unavailable for selection for this evening’s FA Trophy tie at Grimsby but is eligible to feature in Saturday’s game at Barrow, should he be chosen for selection.