Poate signs on for next season

Eastleigh have captured a new signing ahead of next season, perhaps in light of Luke Byles imminent departure after the playoffs. Managing Director Dave Malone confirmed the transfer:

"We are delighted to confirm that tonight we have completed the signing of Brett Poate.

"Brett, aged 25, was previously with Havant & Waterlooville and was prior to that at Southampton.

"Of course Brett will not be available to play for us this season, but we look forward to seeing him in an Eastleigh shirt as soon as pre-season comes around!

Welcome Brett!"

Profile from havantandwaterlooville.net :

Pic courtesy of Dave Haines

Born 1983 Brett joined the Hawks on loan in August 2002 from Southampton FC’s Youth Academy, where he was a third year student. Having played against the Hawks earlier the same month in a pre-season friendly, he impressed enough to be drafted in at the start of the 2002/03 season to cover for injured players.

Saints released Brett at the end of that season, and he returned to the Hawks after try outs with various league clubs around the country. An unimpressive tenure as a signed player followed, and Brett was farmed out on loan to Bognor Regis in January 2004, from where he returned a month later completely revitalised.

Now in his seventh season, Brett is the side’s longest serving player, having amassed 237 appearances to the start of the 2008/09 campaign. His versatility has seen him play in midfield as well as at left back, and his lethally accurate shot has seen him rack up 32 goals; mostly from free kicks.

Left the Hawks in April 2009 to pursue his career elsewhere.