Eastleigh FC

A busy day at the Silverlake Stadium sees former Weymouth winger Darren Wheeler move on from Eastleigh in a switch to Mangotsfield United. Darren joined Eastleigh in June 2006 and made 30 starts and 15 appearances as a sub scoring three goals in his first season. Two of which came in the opening month of the 2006/7 campaign. The arrival of Damian Scannell and Ellis Green ahead of the new campaign - both of whom have set the club alight; saw Darren slip down the pecking order. We'd like to wish him all the best for the future. Meanwhile, Justin Bennett who spent a year on the sidelines during the 2006/7 season following his transfer from Andover, has joined Gosport Borough on loan along with defender Andy Puckett. Phil Cousins will also be seeking first team football in order to gain more experience and to benefit the midfielder in the long run as he joins Farnborough - again a loan move. Club statement from the official website - http://www.eastleigh-fc.co.uk Darren Wheel

Press Release from http://www.eastleigh-fc.co.uk Mark Dennis "It is with regret that we announce that Mark Dennis will not be returning to Eastleigh Football Club. We had wished that Mark would continue his role as Assistant Manager, but due mainly to irreconcilable differences between a senior Board member and himself, he feels he is not able to continue. Mark has been an integral part of the Clubs climb up the non league pyramid over the past 5 years, and his vicious loyalty, allied to a top level of professionalism has been second to none. His highly infectious level of energy, football "know how" and bubbly nature will be sorely missed by most people at the Club. The Board wish Mark well, and would welcome him at the Club any time in the future."

Dorchester Town 0 Eastleigh 1 Match Report by Ray Murphy With defender Rob Marshall having failed a late fitness test, Eastleigh manager David Hughes was forced to make one change to the side that had beaten Fisher Athletic so comprehensively on Saturday. Ian Oliver returned to the side in a left back role whilst Luke Byles switched to a central defensive position. Dorchester had their own problems with Jamie Cumming missing from the Dorchester side that had plated three days earlier and also listed ex. A F C Bournemouth defender Roy O’Brien amongst their other absentees. Dorchester had the early part of the play and were unlucky in the third minute when a low drive from Charlie Henry was diverted over the bar by Jones Awuah. Play immediately switched to the opposite end where Eastleigh’s own wing ace Damian Scannell produced a right wing cross that was volleyed over by Warren Ryan. Despite the promising start play settled down with defences on top, both sides having their win

EASTLEIGH v FISHER ATHLETIC SATURDAY 25th AUGUST 2007 Blue Square South With both teams knowing each other fairly well, (Eastleigh's squad containing four former Fisher players); add to this the decent opening to the new campaign that either side have made – it was most definitely an eagerly anticipated encounter. The Spitfires on the back of a remarkable 2-0 victory away from home to Braintree Town last weekend, today welcomed two new signings into the fold with fans favourite Paul Sales returning to the club just this week from neighbours Salisbury City, along with defender Luke Byles who made his home debut. As expected, after such a dominant display a week prior to this game, it was pretty much an unchanged side with the exception of Sales coming in for the injured Steve Watts. In search of a repeat performance from the same fixture last year, which saw Eastleigh run out comfortable 4-0 victors over the Fish en route to Blue Square survival; Eastleigh came up again

Eastleigh great Paul Sales has re-signed for the Spitfires from Blue Square Premier side Salisbury City. To cap a fine couple of days for David Hughes and his men, following the remarkable away win over Braintree Town, the official website confirmed that a fee had been reached for Paul and personal terms were also agreed. A club statement on this very exciting, big news for all involved with Eastleigh Football club confirmed all the details - with what just about every Spitfires fan would love to hear. http://www.eastleigh-fc.co.uk "Eastleigh Football Club are delighted to announce that we have agreed a fee with Salisbury City for the transfer of Paul Sales. Paul has also agreed personal terms, and is expected to train with the first team squad tonight (Tuesday). The Club are thrilled to welcome back a player who is a proven performer at this level, and was a firm favourite amongst our fans during his previous spell at the Club." Obviously a big loss for our loc

Press Release from http://www.eastleigh-fc.co.uk "Eastleigh Football Club are delighted to announce a series of new sponsorship deals with 14 (yes 14!) local Companies. We are proud to work in partnership with: Condor Office Solutions, Cedar Colour Ltd, Fullers Group, Gracelands Ltd, Sakks Menswear, Steele & Co (Removals), Taylor Made Computer Solutions, Wave 105.2 Radio, BSA Regal Ltd, Lion Commercial Cleaning Ltd, Moore & Blatch, Pro-Tex Coating Services Ltd, Haywood Office Services & Griffin Fire Extinguishers & Alarms. The above Companies join forces with our existing band of loyal Sponsors, which now total over 75 in number. Thank you, one and all! Finally, we are currently negotiating with three other significant Companies, and hope to be able to report some further positive news soon!"

Match Report by Ray Murphy Last season Eastleigh had to wait until midway through their campaign before picking up their first away league victory of the season. The Spitfires bounced back from their first poor away display this campaign at Bath City on Tuesday evening to put on record an excellent performance and a thoroughly deserved away victory. Manager David Hughes rearranged his line up from the Bath match. Andy Harris and Damian Scannell both returned to the side from injury whilst Steve Watts made his final appearance before undergoing knee surgery on Tuesday. There was also a starring role at left back for midweek signing Luke Byles from Havant & Waterlooville. In addition to this Danny Smith reverted to right back allowing Chris Piper to accompany Anthony Riviere in the middle of the park, whilst Warren Ryan continued in the left flank role that he finished off playing at Bath. Braintree unbeaten in the first two games and fresh from a home victory over one of the

TEAM: Andy Wynn, Liam Winzar, Andy Puckett, Scott Gilham (c), Tom Roberts, Adam Roberts, Tom Price, Phil Cousins, TJ McClory-Cuthbertson, Trialist, Trialist. SUBS: Nathan Lynch, Scott Waters, James Screen, Jason Sangha, Grant Porter Match Report by Jamie Montigue On a horrible, wet and windy afternoon - awful conditions for a game of football, Eastleigh's 2nd team were up against a very competitive Tooting and Mitcham side today at the Silverlake Stadium. After an early free kick from Phil Cousins flying narrowly over the cross bar on seven minutes, it was the visitors who took charge and indeed, the visitors who broke the deadlock with an eighteenth minute goal. The excellent Dean Hamlin who controlled the game exceptionally well for Tooting in the centre of the park, played one of many delightful passes over the top to carve an opening, exploit the Eastleigh defence and make the very most out of forward Henry Darko's frightening pace. Scorer of 49 goals last camp

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

"Ex-Saint Mark Dennis has been placed on gardening leave' by Blue Square Conference South outfit Eastleigh. The colourful 46-year-old is taking time out from his role as assistant manager after a difference of opinion behind the scenes. Dennis's position was discussed at a board meeting last week, but the former Dell full-back was in the dugout as usual for Saturday's 1-0 win over Cambridge City. However, in a club statement released ahead of last night's 2-0 defeat at Bath City, the Spitfires confirmed: "Mark Dennis has been placed on gardening leave in respect of personal issues with the board of directors. "In due course the club may have something further to say on the matter, but we have no further comment right now."

Match Report - Ray Murphy Last season’s 2006/7 Southern League champions Bath City demonstrated their prowess against a lack lustre Eastleigh performance. Following their impressive opening day display against Cambridge, The Spitfires had to change their side owing to injuries obtained from the game. With Chris Collins, Jamie Brown and Andy Harris still sidelined, they were joined by Damian Scannell and Steve Watts, which left Warren Ryan forced into an unaccustomed centre forward’s role. The home side made one change to their line up from their opening day draw at much fancied Bromley, brining in Mark McKeever to give them more attacking options than their previous fixture. Bath City gave early indications to Eastleigh to produce a gritty performance. With a hard working midfield, the home side created the first opening of note on seventeen minutes. A low drive from McKeever was pushed away by James Pullen and from the resultant corner a header from Lewis Hogg struck the outs

Anthony has touch of the Vieiras   " I do get a few goals during the course of a season and I've scored better than that one," smiled Riviere, who says his nifty footwork stems back to his days of playing out wide. "Before last season when I moved to central midfield, I played wide right so I'm used to running at people," he revealed. "Today's was one of those goals where, if you caught it right, it was always going in. I aim to get at least ten goals this season. "It was a tough game today, opening games always are. Cambridge played it long, but we got an early goal and, after a good pre-season defensively, we're confident we can hold teams and not concede too many. "I've got high expectations for Eastleigh. I'm here to win the league. That's the be all and end all for me."

EASTLEIGH v CAMBRIDGE CITY SATURDAY 11th AUGUST 2007 Blue Square South If Eastleigh had one wish for the outcome of today's game, it would have been to start the brand new season with three points. And that is exactly what they got as well as a clean sheet as an added bonus! Having ended the pre-season on a high with victory over Weymouth, the Spitfires faithful had no reason not to expect a similar outcome today against Cambridge City. Chris Piper, having missed the majority of pre-season and only returning to training just this week, made a return to the side, to replace the injured Andy Harris in an otherwise unchanged starting line up from the eleven that surpassed the Terras. An extremely, lively start from the Spitfires saw City keeper Shane Herbert troubled within the opening stages. Working the ball down the right hand side, Ellis Green and Chris Piper played a smart one-two before the right back hooked into the centre. Danny Smith latched on to the pull-back

Eastleigh Attack Down Wings - Andy Forbes looks ahead to the new season in particular to the service that he can expect from the wingers "Damien's looking really good. It's always handy to have a winger like him who is comfortable with both feet. Ellis, another one of the new lads, has great technique. The way he plays reminds me of Jermaine Pennant at Liverpool - he's even got the same haircut!" "I'm also a big fan of Darren Wheeler. Anyone with his pace and ability has got to be good for the team." Also in the article: Steve Watts - suffered a swollen knee after training this week, making him doubtful for tomorrow's opener. Justin Bennett - is expected to make his first league start. In defence - Andy Harris is out for two weeks rather than three as was originally expected with hamstring injury. Chris Collins - will begin running next week. Karim El-Salahi - will start his three match ban on August 20th, could miss a furthe

Craig Lisher last night made his Eastleigh debut coming on for the final ten minutes to replace keeper Andy Wynn between the sticks for the second team. A good night all round, away to Fareham Town saw Ady and Brian's men cruise to a 4-0 victory against their Wessex Premier Division opponents. Fareham Town 0-4 Eastleigh (Glasspool; McClory-Cuthbertson; Ryan; Bosley) Eastleigh Starting Line Up: Andy Wynn; Liam Winzar; Warren Ryan; Scott Gilham; Aaron Martin; Tom Roberts; Adam Roberts; TJ McClory-Cuthbertson; Nathan Lynch; Zach Glasspool; James Screen Substitutes (All Used): Craig Lisher; Tom Price; Ryan Long; Ben Bosley; Ciro Donadao; Joe Prince-Wright

Source - Daily Echo, Thursday 7th August By ADRIAN KAJUMBA: "Andy Harris will almost certainly miss the start of the season after the Eastleigh midfielder limped out of their 1-0 home friendly win over Weymouth with a hamstring injury. Midfielder Harris has performed "exceptionally" during pre-season according to Spitfires boss Dave Hughes while filling in at centre-back. But Hughes now believes it will be a "minor miracle" if 30-year-old Harris misses anything less than two or three weeks of the new season after picking up the injury in the Spitfires' final warm-up game last Saturday ahead of this weekend's big kick-off at home to Cambridge City."

EASTLEIGH v WEYMOUTH SATURDAY 4th AUGUST 2007 Pre-Season Friendly With the league campaign just a week away, today was the ideal opportunity to get a final friendly in before the big kick off. To my knowledge, Weymouth have never beaten Eastleigh at the Silverlake Stadium; certainly not in the past couple of seasons, and today proved to be no different. Coming back into the side for Eastleigh, following the midweek friendly victory over Christchurch, were Karim El-Salahi, Ian Oliver, and Steve Watts. Meanwhile, for Jason Tindall's 'Terras', former Spitfires favourite Stuart Douglas lined up to face his former club, amongst a strong look side. Former AFC Bournemouth midfielder, 36 year old Marcus Browning, who signed for Weymouth just days ago as a player-coach, came in to make his debut. In what was a relatively quiet opening period, neither side could find a way through. Weymouth, did however come within a whisker in the 6h minute, when Browning connected wi

CHRISTCHURCH v EASTLEIGH WEDNESDAY 1st AUGUST 2007 Pre-Season Friendly In this penultimate pre-season friendly for Eastleigh, the Spitfires overcame Wessex Premier League side Christchurch by two goals to nil at Hurn Bridge. David Hughes fielded a strong side, with just Steve Watts and the suspended Karim El-Salahi missing from the Gosport Borough starting line up. On an extremely positive note, Andy Forbes came back for the first time since the Portsmouth friendly. The first opportunity came the way of Justin Bennett, who in a short space of time, has already shown his potential netting twice at the weekend, and looking sharp despite being out for a year and making a big leap to the Blue Square South. Picking the ball up with his back to goal on the edge of area, the former Andover man spun well but hit a weak effort towards goal. Warren Ryan, the Eastleigh full back very nearly caused a spot of bother in the ninth minute, when his cross-cum-shot appeared to be sneaking

Back from injury with a goal to celebrate contract extension Having signed on a new three year deal it is believed*, prior to the Christchurch friendly, hotshot Andy Forbes shrugged off a calf injury to line up in the Spitfires penultimate pre-season run out away to Christchurch. Stealing the headlines on his return, Andy marked his comeback with a fifteenth minute goal slotting past former Eastleigh reserve stopper, Alan Walker-Harris. * CONFIRMED... Official Statement, press release found at: http://www.eastleigh-fc.co.uk "The Club are pleased to confirm that Andy Forbes has signed a new three year contract! "This is fantastic news, and gives us great heart for the coming season. "Andy has been at Eastleigh for three seasons, and has been our top scorer each term! "Several other Clubs have coveted this player, and we are delighted that Andy has pledged his loyalty and future to us." ------------- Christchurch 0-2 Eastleigh Line up: James

Click image for full size - report, from Eastleigh News Extra: 2nd August 2007

Second team commence their 2007-8 league campaign with fixtures against promoted teams. They are at home against Tooting & Mitcham United on Saturday the 18th August and away to Fleet Town on Wednesday 22nd August. Latest Friendly: 31/07/2007 Wimborne Town 1-1 Eastleigh Match Report - Here Line Up: Andy Wynn, Scott Gilham, Ian Oliver, Karim El-Salahi, Aaron Martin, Tom Roberts, Adam Roberts, TJ McClory-Cuthbertson, Ben Bosley, Zach Glasspool, Tom Price, (Scott Waters 44): Subs: Sam Doswell (on for Gilham 81), Tom Price (on for A. Roberts 88), Ryan Long (on for McClory-Cuthbertson 65), Liam Winzar (on for Bosley 65), Nathan Lynch (on for Glasspool 53), Scott Waters (on for Price 44) ------------------------------------ Coming Up Next: New Milton, Sat 4th Aug - Away Fareham Town, Tues 7th Aug - Away Street, Thurs 9th Aug - Away