Carl Martin is returning to Wealdstone.
Stones boss Gordon Bartlett confirmed his former defensive stalwart has become his first new signing of the summer as the club prepare for the exciting new world of Conference South football.
The 27-year-old has graced league football at both Crewe Alexandra and Macclesfield since leaving Stones in 2009.
However, he is returning to his roots to play semi-pro while he pursues his coaching badges.
News of his return to London is a massive coup for Stones, particularly in the wake of the departure of ex-Burnley and Reading midfielder Glen Little and Bartlett is delighted to have someone of Martin’s experience and physicality back on board.
He said: “We heard Carl was not going to stay up north at Macclesfield, so I gave him a call and he said he was looking to come back home, build his coaching experience and play part-time at a decent level.
“While it probably suited everyone in the end for Glen to leave it probably suits everyone for Carl to come back to us. He is a younger ex-pro who can probably give a lot to this club over the next few years.
“With Carl you are getting a great role-model for a start in the way he conducts himself, plus he is experienced and very strong.
“His style of play suits us too in that he is a footballer who likes to play the proper way.”
Martin spent three seasons at Crewe under Dario Gradi after leaving Stones making in excess of 30 appearances.
In 2012 he moved to Macclesfield where he made 34 starts and five other appearances from the bench.
The majority of those were at the heart of defence where Bartlett appears well served by the likes of Sean Cronin, Wes Parker and Tom Hamblin, not to mention Jerome Okimo, all of whom have committed themselves for the new season along with keeper Jonathan North.
However, Bartlett feels Martin has several other strings to his bow which will give him options for the challenge ahead.
“To be fair we have brought in someone who can do a number of jobs,” he said
“Carl is a utility player who can play right-back, centre-back or in the centre of midfield, so you are getting someone who can have a positive impact in a number of areas of the field.”
Other new faces are sure to follow, but Bartlett admitted Martin’s arrival is indicative of his plan to first build a platform to make sure Stones are competitive at the next level and therefore tough to beat.
He added: “We have got the majority of the back four tied up and Carl also is a more defensive player even if he plays in the middle of the park, so we are looking to start from being solid.
“We are speaking to a few other players and are still talking to our current ones, but while others are tying up deals we are deliberately not rushing into things.”
