Eastleigh sign Byles

Former Havant and Waterlooville and Southampton academy defender Luke Byles, 23 today became an Eastleigh player with the two clubs coming to an agreement of a fee.

It is thought Luke will feature in tomorrow's away visit to Braintree Town for his debut.

Press Release in Today's Echo - Wendy Gee

Eastleigh have signed defender Luke Byles from fellow Blue Square South side Havant & Waterlooville, but are now in desperate need of a striker.

Although the swelling on frontman Steve Watts' knee has subsided enough for him to possibly play at Braintree Town tomorrow, the former Fisher man is due an operation on Tuesday and that will keep out for at least six weeks.

"Wattsy's got a cartilage tear, but the specialist says one more match tomorrow won't make much difference, so it's possible he might play" confirmed manager David Hughes.

With fellow frontman Jamie Brown sidelined until the end of October, the Spitfires have just Andy Forbes and ex-Andover hit-man Justin Bennett, who is new to the Blue Sqaure South and needs time to acclimatise having missed the whole of last season after knee surgery.

"In the interests of the club and Justin himself, I want to make sure we get his progression right and that he's introduced gradually as a substitute", said Hughes.

With their budget already overstretched, Eastleigh are looking to sign a loan striker.

"Wattsy will buy us a bit of time if he's available tomorrow and there's no midweek game, so we'll see what comes off," said Hughes.

"If we can pick up someone for a month or two, it gives Wattsy time to get back and a chance to get more experience under Justin's belt."

With Watts, Andy Harris, Chris Collins, and Damian Scannell all ruled out at Bath City on Tuesday night, Eastleigh were well under par in a 2-0 defeat.

It was a performance that sent travelling fans home deflated, but Hughes has assured them there will be no repeat.

"I'm not happy for the supporters who travelled to Bath. The whole thing felt like the beginning of last season, but don't anyone think it's Groundhog - because it's not," he stressed.

"If you don't put in the basics like aggression and passion, that's unacceptable. The players know that and I'm pretty sure we'll get a reaction.

"Just as we didn't get carried away with beating Cambridge City on Saturday, so we won't get too carried away with losing an away game. We're all in this together - players, management, directors, supporters - that's the way it's got to be.

"It's not about laying the blame at the players' door, but they understand the 11 on the pitch must work as hard as possible and give it their all. If you do that and get beaten, you can accept it. If not, it's unacceptable."

Injuries haven't helped Eastleigh's cause, but Hughes said: "I'm not going to bleat about that, it's the same for all clubs.

"But what I would say is that Andy Harris, Jamie Brown, Chris Collins and Steve Watts are all big, strong and physical - and big characters too. If you're looking to be a bit solid away from home, you'd like to have them at your disposal."

Harris should return tomorrow after hamstring problems as should winger Scannell. New signing Byles is expected to figure.