One of Mark Stimson‘s first signings, the tenacious John Martin provided an extra bite to the Boro’ midfield with tough tackling and tireless running. Games would rarely go by in which Martin hadn’t attempted to cover every blade of grass on the pitch; scampering around breaking up attacks. Scoring on debut against Crawley Town, Martin was also superb against Droylsden in a 3-0 away win – despite being reduced to 10 men in the first half.
He kept his place during the 2007-8 campaign despite the departure of the man who had brought him to Broadhall Way. But the return of Graham Westley meant new ideas and personnel. An influx of central midfield players meant that Martin’s services were required less frequently. As a result, he went on loan to Ebbsfleet United. A remarkable return to the fold towards the climax of the 2008-9 season was a short-lived one, however. He left the club for Chelmsford City after the season ended.
