Havant & Waterlooville appoint experienced former Football League player as new manager

Havant & Waterlooville appoint the experienced former Football League player Aaron Martin as their new manager.

He comes in as replacement for the sacked Shaun North, with the club currently sitting 20th in the Southern League – Premier South with 11 points from 13 games played, have games in hand around others and are 3 points from safety.

According to the club, the decision to part with Shaun North prioritised Havant’s long-term stability, with Cliff De Gordon overseeing operations in the interim.

𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 | 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗼𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗙𝗖 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲

Following a detailed review and after careful consideration, the Board of Directors have agreed that it is in the best interests of Havant & Waterlooville Football… pic.twitter.com/TZBXgEQiL3

— Havant & Waterlooville FC (@HWFCOfficial) November 11, 2025

CLUB STATEMENT ON SACKING:

Following a detailed review and after careful consideration, the Board of Directors have agreed that it is in the best interests of Havant & Waterlooville Football Club to part company with Shaun North with immediate effect.

This decision has not been taken lightly. The Board would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Shaun for his commitment, professionalism, and the hard work he has dedicated to the club during his time in charge. We wish him every success in his future career.

While we understand that changes of this nature can evoke strong feelings, we want to assure our supporters that this decision has been made solely with the long-term interests and stability of the club in mind. As custodians of Havant & Waterlooville FC, the Board’s responsibility is to protect the club’s future, both on and off the pitch, and to ensure that we remain sustainable and competitive.

We are extremely grateful to our loyal supporters for their continued backing. Your passion and commitment are what drive this club forward, and together we will work towards a stronger future for The Hawks

𝗔𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗛𝗮𝘄𝗸𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿

Havant and Waterlooville Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Aaron Martin as the new First Team Manager of the Hawks!

Read all about Aaron joining the club here 👇
🔗:… pic.twitter.com/NwRQThrf6q

— Havant & Waterlooville FC (@HWFCOfficial) November 15, 2025

CLUB STATEMENT ON APPOINTMENT:

Havant and Waterlooville Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Aaron Martin as the new First Team Manager of the Hawks

After receiving a large number of applications for the role, Martin’s application stood out. Aaron impressed in his interview and demonstrated a number of excellent qualities whilst also sharing a similar vision to the board for where he wants to take the Club going forward. The Board of Directors have also received a number of glowing references speaking extremely highly of Aaron not just as a person but around his pedigree and leadership on and off the pitch.

With nearly 20 years of football experience and a track record of success at multiple levels of football, Aaron takes over the reigns at Westleigh Park with a clear vision and the pedigree to drive the Hawks forward into a bold and exciting new era.

Before stepping into management, Aaron enjoyed an accomplished playing career, involving playing at Championship and League One levels. Aaron has also gained promotions during his career, including promotion to the Premier League with Southampton and helping Port Vale to a Wembley win in the League Two play off final.

Whilst Aaron’s playing career was sadly cut short due to injury, this has not stopped him from gaining valuable experience in coaching and management. Aaron is well on the way to completing his journey towards his UEFA A Licence, and has been involved with the squad in recent times. In the process of completing his coaching qualifications, Aaron has spent a vast amount of time working with Football Clubs and Managers across the Football League and Non-League scene to further his exposure and experience in the game.

All of this experience has allowed him to gain valuable experience with working towards an improvement in fortunes for the team. Aaron will begin work immediately. With new leadership and a united vision, we believe there’s plenty to be excited about as we enter this new chapter as the Hawks look forward to an upturn in results.

We know the Hawks faithful will give Aaron a warm and passionate welcome to the club. Let’s pack out Westleigh Park for the upcoming game at home to Weymouth next Saturday. Let’s get behind our new manager as we aim for a successful season ahead.

AARON MARTIN’S CAREER:

Youth
2003–2007 – Eastleigh
Senior
2007–2009 – Eastleigh – 41 games (4 goals)
2009–2014 – Southampton – 29 games (2 goals)
2010 → Salisbury City (loan) – 15 games (1 goal)
2012–2013 → Crystal Palace (loan) – 6 games (0 goals)
2013 → Coventry City (loan) – 12 games (0 goals)
2014 Birmingham City – 8 games (0 goals)
2014–2015 – Yeovil Town – 12 games (3 goals)
2014–2016 – Coventry City – 60 games (2 goals)
2016–2018 – Oxford United – 30 games (0 goals)
2018–2020 – Exeter City – 72 games (5 goals)
2020–2021 – Hamilton Academical – 26 games (0 goals)
2021–2022 – Port Vale – 36 games (3 goals)
2022–2024 – Eastleigh – 47 games (0 goals)
Total – 396 games (20 goals)