LARGS Thistle midfielder Jamie Martin says he's delighted to have been reunited with a former Ayr United team-mate as he looks to help his new side finish the season strongly.
The midfieled dynamo was handed a baptism of fire after making the switch from Irvine Meadow at the beginning of the year, with league leaders Beith providing the opposition in his first match in a Largs jersey - followed just four days later by a trip to Beechwood Park to face Auchinleck Talbot.
Martin has caught the eye of many supporters with his performances under Stuart 'Arnie' Davidson so far, playing a pivotal role in the 1-0 win at Cumnock before scoring his first goal in a Largs jersey away to Petershill at the beginning of February, with his tenacious running making sure defenders don't get a moment's peace.
The 23-year-old will brings an added dynamic to the side with his attacking flair and can weigh in with important goals.
Martin came through the ranks at Ayr United with Stuart Faulds, with whom he's been reunited in the Thistle ranks.
He then spent a season with his home town team, Troon, before moving on to Irvine Meadow, where he was a supporters' favourite during his two-year stint.
The talented forward can play on both wings, in the centre of midfield, and sit in behind the strikeforce, and says he's enjoying Thistle's favoured style of attacking football on the deck.
"I like to think of myself as a tricky winger and can score goals," he said.
""I really enjoyed my time at Irvine Meadow and the fans took a liking to me.
"Unfortunately things didn't work out for me under the new management and I was eager for a change - and I am happy to be back playing with Largs Thistle."
High points from Martin's Meadow spell included scoring against Irvine Vics in the keenly-contested Marymass Cup, and coming off the bench to set up the winning goal against Musselburgh in a preliminary round tie in the senior Scottish Cup in August 2021.
Jamie added that he enjoyed the fixtures against Kilwinning Rangers which were very much like big local derby matches, and scored in three of the encounters.
He had some bad fortune last season when he broke his ankle and was out of the game for four months, but soon bounced back into contention after recovery.
Coming through the ranks at Ayr United, Martin met a familiar face in former Largs Thistle Scottish Cup winning manager John Crawford who was coaching the U15s at Somerset Park.
Martin said: "John was a brilliant coach, and I have a lot to be thankful to him for.
"A lot of the football knowledge I gained came from him. He put me up a level and I was so grateful.
"He is very much one of my favourite ever coaches.
"It is great to be reunited with Stuart Faulds as we know each other's games well and I look forward to linking up with him.
"The West of Scotland Premier League is highly competitive and I love playing in it.
"When I learnt that Largs were interested in me it was a no brainer - and there are plenty of points to go and fight for and push Largs up the table as far as possible.
"Largs have already shown this season what they are capable of, and we can go and get results off the big boys - and I am looking forward to the challenge as we have a good enough squad."
Martin also praised the Thistle management for their encouragement and support since his arrival.
"Arnie has been great since I have come into training, which has been unbelievable.
"There is a great coaching staff too with Andy Scott - they have all looked after me very well and I feel I could not have asked for anything better."
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