Hearts have announced the signing of French midfield player Malaury Martin. The 28-year-old left Norwegian side Lillestrom on 1st January and has penned a deal that will see him a Hearts player until the end of season 2019/20.
Martin, who began his career at Monaco in 2006, has captained his country at Under 17, Under 19 and Under 21 levels. He has already played in the UK – former Hibs boss Tony Mowbray signed Martin for Middlesbrough in 2011. At that time, Martin was on Blackpool’s books at a time when the Seasiders were in the English FA Premiership. However, the Frenchman’s spell in Lancashire was blighted by injury and he didn’t make a competitive appearance. This was principally down to suffering a serious injury during a pre-season friendly with Kilmarnock – he damaged his cruciate ligament.
Mowbray took a chance and Martin had a more productive spell on Teesside, making 18 appearances in season 2011/12, scoring three goals. A year later, he moved to Swiss side FC Lausanne-Sport on a six-month contract.
After a spell out of the game, Martin moved to Norway in 2015, signing for Sandnes Ulf before landing a move to one of the top sides in Norwegian football, Lillestrom. The Frenchman was a big success here, playing 32 games scoring 8 goals.
Martin was delighted to have the chance to prove himself in Scotland and told the official Hearts website:
“The facilities here are amazing and the club has amazing potential. I’ve played in the UK in the past and I’ve known about Hearts and the Scottish League for a long time,” he explained.
“It’s a great feeling to be here, I’ve enjoyed my first day and I’m now eager to meet the players and start my first training.
“I hope to have a lot of success with this club.”
Despite his obvious ability, the signing of Martin will be seen as a huge gamble by Hearts. The fact he has played just 115 games over a ten-year period raises doubts about his ability to avoid injuries. However, Hearts clearly believe Martin is over this now and have offered him a three-year contract.
Martin should be in the Hearts squad for Sunday’s William Hill Scottish Cup Fourth Round tie at Raith Rovers.
Author of The Team for Me - 50 Years of Following Hearts. Runs Mind Generating Success, a successful therapy practice in Edinburgh. Contact me if you want rid of any unwanted habits. Twitter @Mike1874
