Martin relishing his "dream move" to Palace

Lightening quick, left-sided winger, Dave Martin has described his move to Championship club Crystal Palace as a “dream come true,” writes Stephen McCartney.

 

The 21-year-old, who joined Dartford from their Kent League neighbours Slade Green – a club that don’t pay their players – in 2005, has signed for the Eagles on a two and a half year contract.

The Darts, currently second in the Ryman League Division One South table, have received a cheque for £25,000 for his services.

But the Kent club will receive three further payments depending on appearances and even more important, a 20% sell on clause.

Dartford will also welcome the Eagles to Princes Park in a friendly match later this year.
Martin, whose been terrorising defences during the past two years, completed fitness tests on Monday before signing for the Selhurst Park club at 6pm that evening.

“I’m very excited about signing for Crystal Palace, it’s a dream come true,” said Martin.

“This is a great opportunity for me to develop my football and see what I can do at a higher level.

“I’ve really enjoyed training with the Crystal Palace squad over the last couple of months and it’s been a very exciting time for me and my family.”

Martin, is, however, sad to be leaving the Darts, especially after their first eight games at their new £6.5m Princes Park Stadium has attracted crowds of over 1,000.

“I will be sad to leave Dartford,” he said.  “The team has been playing very well and the supporters are hugely positive.

“I’ve been amazed at the support since the team came home to Princes Park and this has helped to lift everybody’s game.”

Darts boss Tony Burman, meanwhile, thinks Martin will benefit from working under Peter Taylor, a left-winger himself and former player-manager at Dartford.

He said: “Dave’s certainly one of the best young players I have ever had the privilege to manage and I think this will be an exciting move for him.

“He has a fantastic raw talent that Peter Taylor will be able to bring on over the coming weeks and months.

“I speak for everyone at the club in wishing Dave well at Selhurst Park.  I’m sure he’ll be one of Peter’s best signings and a real star for Palace.”

Burman, himself a former professional at Charlton Athletic, believes the current Dartford team has been boosted by their November move to Princes Park and the added bonus of visiting scouts.

“Over the last couple of months there has been a steady stream of scouts and agents at Princes Park, including Premiership clubs and FA officials, and they’ve been treated with some excellent performances,” he said.

“I have no doubt that they will continue to attract the attention of league clubs, especially as we’re also attracting some of the best players because of our support and excellent playing facilities.”

Darts co-chairman, Dave Skinner, believes the wing wizard will not be the only player progressing from the club into the professional ranks.

“Delighted for the club, I’m delighted for Dave,” he told www.kentishfootball.co.uk last night.

“Peter Taylor is very interested in him already.  He did say he may even get into one of his squads, put him on the bench as he may be useful as an impact player.

“Hopefully he will improve with full-time training and playing with better players.

“We have had a few really good players at Dartford, including Peter Taylor, but Dave Martin has as much potential as anyone else.

“This is another indication of what the club already does.  We never want to stand in the way of a player who wants to move forward and more youngsters will come to us as the path remains open for them for league clubs to come in for them.”

www.kentishfootball.co.uk would like to wish Dave Martin all the very best during his professional career.

Visit Dartford's websites: www.dartfordfc.co.uk - www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk