Shaun's unlucky break

Eastleigh's injury problems have already begun - and the pre-season friendly campaign hasn't even started.

Goalkeeper Jason Matthews (groin) and midfielder Peter Adeniyi (knee) are still carrying problems from last season, while winger Shaun McAuley has broken a leg while out running.

"Shaun was jogging and he slipped up on the side of the road," explained Spitfires boss Ian Baird.

"It's not a bad break, it's a hairline fracture, but it's not a good start to pre-season."

Matthews is awaiting the results of a scan on a groin problem that has dogged him for the past couple of years, while Adeniyi - included in the team-of-the-year as voted by Blue Square Bet South managers - is concerned that his knee is playing up again.

"We thought Peter would be okay after a summer break, but it's reared it's ugly head again," said Baird. "We don't know what it is and the only way we'll find out is with a scan."

Despite his limited playing budget, Baird has frequently stated that Eastleigh's talented, but wafer-thin squad are good enough to make the 2010/2011 BSB South play-offs - but only if they keep the bulk of their players fit.

Last season was an injury nightmare for the Spitfires, their lack of strength in depth catching up with them as they slumped to a disappointing 11th-placed finish.

One player whose absence cost them dear was Jamie Brown whose ankle, knee and shoulder problems restricted him to just ten league/cup starts.

But the targetman has reported back for training in good condition and the 28-year-old will be staying on for a fifth season.

"Jamie's fine. All the ailments he had last season seem to have cleared up," reported Baird. "He looks fit and strong and he's doing ok."