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Crystal Palace boss Peter Taylor accelerated the deal to buy non-league star Dave Martin after more top clubs started to show an interest in the young winger.
The 21-year-old signed a two-and-a-half year contract with the Eagles on Monday after Palace owner Simon Jordan agreed a £25,000 deal with Ryman Division One South outfit Dartford FC.
Martin had been training with the Eagles in recent weeks, as well as south London rivals Millwall, who were also hoping to do a deal. But when other teams started to show interest, Taylor, a former Dartford manager, wanted the switch to be completed as quickly as possible.
"He's been looked at by a few clubs because not many were fully aware of him," said Taylor. "I got a little bit nervous that some other big clubs were going to become more involved, so that's why I pushed Simon to do it now.
"We have had him training with us on at least 10 occasions and not once has he looked out of place.
"He will get better as he will be playing with a better standard of player and there are bits about his play which are excellent."
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Martin is still in dreamland after signing his first professional contract. He can now leave his scaffolding job and concentrate on winning a place in the Palace starting line-up - something he has already set his sights on.
"I definitely want to be in the first team before the end of the season," said Martin.
"I'm going to give everything I've got and establish myself - not just as a squad player but in the side. It's going to be a big step up, but I feel I can do it."
Raised in Kent, Martin moved to Eastbourne when he was 10 and was spotted by Brighton playing for Sussex schools. He moved up through the youth ranks before becoming disillusioned with the set-up at the Withdean Stadium.
He quit football for nearly two years before moving back to Kent and joining local side Slade Green. His impressive displays alerted Dartford where he went on to star in Ryman Division One.
Martin hopes to emulate other former non-league stars Freddy Eastwood and Ian Wright by making an impact in the Football League.
He added: "My pace is my strong point. I feel I can definitely make a difference out there if I'm given a chance. I like to get past the full back and get crosses in. If I do that, then it's job done."
The £25,000 deal is subject to appearances and includes the Eagles playing a pre-season friendly at Dartford's Princes Park. Martin will wear the number 21 shirt.
The 21-year-old signed a two-and-a-half year contract with the Eagles on Monday after Palace owner Simon Jordan agreed a £25,000 deal with Ryman Division One South outfit Dartford FC.
Martin had been training with the Eagles in recent weeks, as well as south London rivals Millwall, who were also hoping to do a deal. But when other teams started to show interest, Taylor, a former Dartford manager, wanted the switch to be completed as quickly as possible.
"He's been looked at by a few clubs because not many were fully aware of him," said Taylor. "I got a little bit nervous that some other big clubs were going to become more involved, so that's why I pushed Simon to do it now.
"We have had him training with us on at least 10 occasions and not once has he looked out of place.
"He will get better as he will be playing with a better standard of player and there are bits about his play which are excellent."
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Martin is still in dreamland after signing his first professional contract. He can now leave his scaffolding job and concentrate on winning a place in the Palace starting line-up - something he has already set his sights on.
"I definitely want to be in the first team before the end of the season," said Martin.
"I'm going to give everything I've got and establish myself - not just as a squad player but in the side. It's going to be a big step up, but I feel I can do it."
Raised in Kent, Martin moved to Eastbourne when he was 10 and was spotted by Brighton playing for Sussex schools. He moved up through the youth ranks before becoming disillusioned with the set-up at the Withdean Stadium.
He quit football for nearly two years before moving back to Kent and joining local side Slade Green. His impressive displays alerted Dartford where he went on to star in Ryman Division One.
Martin hopes to emulate other former non-league stars Freddy Eastwood and Ian Wright by making an impact in the Football League.
He added: "My pace is my strong point. I feel I can definitely make a difference out there if I'm given a chance. I like to get past the full back and get crosses in. If I do that, then it's job done."
The £25,000 deal is subject to appearances and includes the Eagles playing a pre-season friendly at Dartford's Princes Park. Martin will wear the number 21 shirt.
