The 'other' Aldo began his career at Northampton, the town of his birth, where he'd made 50 league appearances before joining United on a free transfer in December 1995. Martin James Aldridge proved an immensely popular, if occasionally frustrating, striker, scoring many valuable goals in the 95/96 promotion season, specialising in spectacular last-minute efforts. Unfortunately, manager Denis Smith didn't rate Aldo too highly, and he spent far too much time on the bench. Once he was famously dropped after scoring a hat-trick against Sheffield United, each goal followed by his trademark somersault.

After a three-month loan spell at Southend, Blackpool signed Martin on a free transfer in August 1998. He had a brief loan spell at Port Vale in October 1999, where he made just three substitute appearances, before his fateful loan to Rushden & Diamonds. He had played just one game for the Northamptonshire outfit when he was killed in a car crash driving away from a training session. His untimely death shocked United supporters, who were united in their grief with Northampton and Blackpool fans.