How new arrival Aaron Martin earned himself a move to Harrogate Town

Powerhouse striker Aaron Martin joined the National League title-chasers from Guiseley on Friday following a goal-laden spell with the Lions in National League North.

And, while his form in 2019/20 ultimately sealed his switch to English football's fifth tier, the 28-year-old forward caught the eye of Town boss Simon Weaver 18 months earlier.

"We've known about him for some time," Weaver said.

"We played Brighouse Town in a pre-season friendly [in 2018] and Aaron did ever so well. He was a real handful.

"He was a bustling physical presence and caused us problems. He looked a real threat.

"We've monitored him ever since and obviously he's gone on to score a lot of goals both at Brighouse and with Guiseley.

"When we came up against Guiseley this pre-season he was such a handful again, so I'm very pleased that we've managed to beat off interest from elsewhere to get his signature."

Having joined Guiseley last summer, Sheffield-born Martin reached double figures for goals by the end of August and was named National League North Player of the Month.

His move to Nethemoor followed an eye-catching season under former Harrogate coach Vil Powell at Brighouse Town, where the 6ft striker netted 30 times and contributed 11 assists.

His former clubs include Staveley Miners Welfare, Worksop Parramore, Goole, while he also spent five years at Sheffield FC following a youth career spent between Sheffield United and Barnsley.

Martin, who has penned a deal with Town until the end of 2020/21, has been handed the number 25 shirt at Wetherby Road.