Martin: 'I'd talk to Neil Harris, we spoke over the last few months so had an idea'
The Shrimpers made their second signing in only the opening week of the January transfer window when left winger Dave Martin signed on the dotted line of his shiny new 18-month contract, having left the Championship club Derby County.
So when did he hear we were first interested?
Martin told BBC Essex: "I've played against Southend and watched them a few times and got a whiff of it a while ago they were interested."
A whiff?
Anyway, as suspected, as Martin is a former Lion he had the odd word with Millwall legend Neil Harris, now applying his trade at Roots Hall, who Dave played with at The Den during his time there.
He said: "I'd talk to Neil Harris, we spoke over the last few months so had an idea. In the summer nothing could be agreed between the to clubs. Played with Neil at Millwall, he's a model professional been around the game a while. Knew a few of the lads here as well, home team, so it was completely right for me."
Hang on, your a Dartford boy Dave!
He explained:"I mean it's not that far for me, I can get back and see my family and friends which is great."
18 months ago, that could have put him off for life!
And Bomber was happy to return the compliments telling www.echo-news.co.uk: "David’s a super lad who will fit into our dressing room well, which is important. He’s also a super player who has pace, is very direct and likes to get at his full-back. He crosses well and I’m sure he’s a player our fans will enjoy watching.”
However, back to young Dave, and dropping down a couple of divisions, his first time in the fourth tier?
Martin said: "If we kick-on this season we'll be back in League One where we should be. It's a club moving forward and wants to go up. It shouldn't be too long before I get into the swing of things."
And that could start on Saturday against Port Vale, got to start thinking about that possible starting eleven!
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