Eastleigh FC

Match Preview by Kieran James Ian Baird’s Spitfires will look to start 2012 with a win over Hampshire rivals Havant & Waterlooville on New Years Day tomorrow at the Silverlake Stadium (3pm kick off). The two teams met on Boxing day in a very disappointing scrappy encounter at West Leigh Park which saw no goals. Very few chances were created from both sides and it was Jamie Brown who came closest with a header moments before he got substituted in the 24th minute after receiving a yellow card early in the game and being replaced as a precaution. The game needed a goal to settle things, however with very few chances created - both keepers Jack Dovey and Lyall Beasley spent most of the time watching the match with very little to do. Graeme Montgomery came the closest to putting the Spitfires in the lead but his low driven shot went narrowly past the post after evading his marker. Captain Tom Jordan received a red card after receiving two yellow cards moments after Jamie ...

By Wendy Gee -  Eastleigh have “come to an agreement” with Bognor Regis Town over the shock collapse of the deal that would have made Jason Prior the Spitfires’ record signing. The 24-year-old was in line for a £12,000 move to the Silverlake Stadium after his final game for Bognor on New Year’s Day. But, in a dramatic twist, Prior’s agent rang Eastleigh’s assistant manager Shaun Wilkinson with the bombshell news that the prolific marksman – scorer of 92 goals in 120 games for Ryman Division One South leaders Bognor – had been fixed up with trials at Premier League giants Newcastle United, managed by ex-Saint Alan Pardew. Eastleigh considered reporting Bognor to the FA for breach of contract, having forged a written agreement with the Rocks that he would become a Spitfire on January 2. Instead the Blue Square Bet South outfit have withdrawn their offer for the player and reached an agreement that suits both parties.

Eastleigh FC's director of football Dave Malone released the following statement on the club messageboard with regard to Bognor Regis striker Jason Prior: "This afternoon we have learned that Jason Prior has been invited to train with Newcastle United, with a view to a possible transfer. "Despite the fact that we have what we consider to be a binding agreement with Bognor Regis FC for the transfer of Jason, we are led to believe that they have given permission for him to train with NUFC. If this is the case, it obviously contravenes our agreement, and we will consider that to be a breach of the contract between us. "However, we do understand that the player will be attracted to a Premiership Football Club - and for that reason we will not attempt to enforce the pre-contract agreement with the player. We will however discuss the matter of any breach of contract with Bognor Regis FC with the FA in due course. "Nothing surprises you in football!...

By Simon Walter -  Eastleigh will welcome in 2012 with a record signing – highly-rated Bognor Regis striker Jason Prior. The former Moneyfields striker has been in outstanding form for the Ryman Division One South leaders over the last few seasons. An outstanding record of 92 goals in 120 games has seen a host of Football League scouts make the trip to Nyewood Lane to watch. Prior will play his last game for his current club against Whitehawk on New Year’s Day before completing his £12,000 move to the Silverlake Stadium. He could make his Eastleigh debut at Dover on January 7. A Bognor Regis FC statement said: “It is with regret that the club has to announce that agreement has been reached with Eastleigh for the transfer of Jason Prior. “As supporters will be aware there has been considerable interest in Jason this season with many Football League clubs as well as a number of Conference clubs showing interest. “However none of these have made a definite offer, and ove...

HAVANT & WATERLOOVILLE 0-0 EASTLEIGH MONDAY 26th DECEMBER 2011 Blue Square Bet South Match Report by Ray Murphy Figures can be calculated to make a guide on how you wish best to perceive them. To be honest from this game just remember that Eastleigh FC have now only lost one of their last eight league games. This was the dire local derby, the textbook goalless stalemate that a more seasonable temperature might have seen more drift away from the 938 attendance long before the game had finished. Ian Baird returning to his old hunting ground made one change to the side that had defeated Boreham Wood in their previous league fixture with Danny Smith joining the starting line up in place of Jordace Holder-Spooner. Havant & Waterlooville were without former Eastleigh centre back Chris Holland missing through suspension. Chances were very few throughout the game, which looked as though it might have been feisty but referee Adrian Quelch quickly quelled any tempers wi...

Eastleigh Football Club Fixture List January 2012 FIRST XI Sunday 1st - Home to Havant & Waterlooville - Blue Square Bet South, 3pm Saturday 7th - away to Dover Athletic - Blue Square Bet South, 3pm Saturday 21st - away to Basingstoke Town - Blue Square Bet South, 3pm Tuesday 24th - Home to Salisbury City - Blue Square Bet South, 7.45pm Saturday 28th - Home to Sutton United - Blue Square Bet South, 3pm RESERVES (Suburban League side) Saturday 7th - away to Ash United Reserves - Suburban League Cup Second Round Second Leg, 3pm Saturday 14th - Home to A F C Wimbledon - Suburban League Premier Division, 3pm Saturday 21st - away to A F C Stoneham - Southampton Senior Cup, 2pm (time to be confirmed) RESERVES (Wyvern League side) Wednesday 4th - away to A F C Totton Reserves - ...

As you might be aware, Bridle Insurance have agreed a substantial sponsorship package with the Club. As part of that sponsorship, Bridle will become our shirt sponsors with immediate effect. Therefore we have just taken delivery of new first and second choice shirts emblazoned with the Bridle name. We will be wearing the new yellow strip at Havant on Boxing day, and our brand new light/dark blue home strip will be on used on New Years Day - when we entertain our local rivals. The really good news is that Bridle have agreed to exchange any Eastleigh FC shirt that has been purchased this season (with the Whelan logo) for a brand new Bridle shirt. We will announce how this can be done early in January. We hope that you will agree that this is a very generous offer, from our very generous new sponsors. Lets hope this new strip will help propel us even further up the League!

Match Preview by Kieran James   Ian Baird’s Spitfires sent out a youthful side for their Hampshire Senior Cup third round tie at home to Evo-Stik Southern Division One Central outfit Fleet Town. Eastleigh got of to the best of starts with Chris Flood doing well to set up Jordace Holder-Spooner who made no mistake with a cool finish after just three minutes played. Holder-Spooner then turned creator when the winger did very well to set up seventeen-year-old Sam Wilson who tucked away his first goal for the Eastleigh first team this season. Eastleigh missed several chances with Danny Smith hitting the post after doing so well taking it past keeper Ryan Pryce. Sam Wilson then scored his second of the game, one minute from the break with a superb effort on goal when the former Portsmouth youngster curled a right-foot shot into the back of the net. Chris Flood added to a one-sided scoreline with a fantastic solo goal after taking it round several defenders before finding the ne...

Eastleigh have signed former Wealdstone favourite Graeme Montgomery on a permanent basis after he was released by npower League Two side Aldershot Town. The ex-Dagenham & Redbridge midfielder reunited himself with manager Dean Holdsworth by joining Aldershot after a successful trial period in August 2011. The 23-year-old spent much of last season on loan at Newport County under Holdsworth. He initially joined Eastleigh on loan in September and has made seventeen appearances for the Spitfires, netting three goals. Aldershot Town manager Holdsworth said: "I would like to thank Graeme for his efforts during his time at the club and wish him well for the future as he continues his footballing career." A statement from Eastleigh director of football Dave Malone confirmed the signing of Montgomery for the Spitfires: "We are pleased to confirm that Graeme Montgomery has signed a contract with EFC until the end of the season. "Monty has been a big par...

By Simon Walter -    Eastleigh manager Ian Baird believes the festive double header against arch-rivals Havant & Waterlooville can define the club’s season. The former Hawks manager is hoping for his first win at Westleigh Park as Eastleigh manager on Boxing Day, having seen the Spitfires draw 2-2 on their last three visits. And Baird, whose side host Havant on New Year’s Day, believes it is about time their luck changed at the home of their local Blue Square South rivals. He said: “We’re looking forward to these games, we’re one of the division’s form teams and I always get a nice reception at Havant! “These two games could define our season, if we get four points or more out of them we’ll have continued our momentum.   “There’ll obviously be added spice to these games but we’re confident. “We’ve always equipped ourselves well there in the four games we’ve played there since I left, but we have been desperately unlucky in all of them. “We lost ther...

Fleet Town - HSC - 201211

By Simon Walter -  EASTLEIGH cruised into the Hampshire Senior Cup quarter-finals after a convincing 4-0 win over Fleet Town at the Silverlake Stadium last night. Teenage striker Sam Wilson fired two of the goals in as the Spitfires brushed the Southern Leaguers aside with a power-packed display. Former Saints academy forward Jordace Holder-Spooner scored one and made another inside the first five minutes as a young Eastleigh side made a difficulat task for Fleet even harder. Holder-Spooner converted Chris Flood's cross to give Eastleigh a third-minute lead. Then he turned provider, with 17-year-old Wilson providing a smart left-footed finish. Eastleigh dominated and should have scored a third long before Wilson netted his second, this time with his right foot, in the 43rd minute. Captain Danny Smith put a free header wide from another Flood centre and could only find the side netting after doing well to round goalkeeper Ryan Pryce. Smith's midfield partner, new signing...

Subject to the necessary paperwork, Bridle Insurance have secured the agreement of enough shareholders to have a majority shareholding in Eastleigh Football Club. That being so, at a Board Meeting yesterday, Stewart Donald and Neil Fox were elected as Directors of Eastleigh Football Club Ltd. Paul Murray will remain as Non Executive Chairman and the constitution of the Board will be announced soon.

By Wendy Gee -  DAMIAN SCANNELL is playing with a smile on his face again after renewing his successful partnership with Eastleigh boss Ian Baird. Back in late 2007, the talented winger/striker enjoyed three outstanding months under Baird's tutelage at the Silverlake Stadium, earning him his big break into the Football League with Southend United in January 2008. Although he totted up more than 50 appearances in two-and-a-half seasons at Roots Hall, Scannell suffered more than his fair share of injuries and, at one stage, even contracted swine flu. Then, with the Shrimpers running into financial difficulties, he rejected a new deal in the summer of 2010, instead signing a two-year contract for Dagenham & Redbridge. But, despite making 17 appearances for the the npower League Two side this season, Scannell wasn't entirely happy with life at Victoria Road. So last week he opted out of League football to rejoin Eastleigh in the Blue Square Bet S...

EASTLEIGH 2-0 BOREHAM WOOD SATURDAY 17th DECEMBER 2011 Blue Square Bet South Match Report by Jamie Montigue EASTLEIGH: Jack Dovey, Andy Forbes, Michael Green, Jamie Brown, Tom Jordan (c), Mitchell Nelson, Jordace Holder-Spooner (Danny Smith 56), Scott Rogers, Jamie Slabber (Ross Bottomley 88), Damian Scannell, Graeme Montgomery (Chris Flood 81). Subs (not used): Gareth Barfoot, Billy Tsovolos. Goals: Eastleigh - Jamie Slabber (36), Damian Scannell (68). Half Time - 1-0 Eastleigh, Full Time - 2-0 Eastleigh Attendance: 490 Eastleigh secured back to back home wins to move up to tenth place in the Blue Square Bet South after recording a 2-0 victory over Boreham Wood. Ian Baird's side are now unbeaten in seven league games at the Silverlake Stadium with five victories and two draws stretching back to the 17th September. It was also Eastleigh's third clean sheet of the season. The Spitfires made two changes to the starting eleven that beat Thurrock l...

Eastleigh v Boreham Wood

By Wendy Gee -  EASTLEIGH have loaned Andrew White to Blue Square Bet South rivals Dorchester Town in the hope that he will rediscover his goalscoring touch. Like Richard Gillespie, who was last week loaned back to his old club Bashley, White has had a lean time of it in front of goal. Since scoring three times in his first five games as a Spitfire - two of them away at Dorchester - he has found the net just twice - in the FA Cup at Cinderford in October and in last month's 3-1 league win at Farnborough. White, a former Reading youngster, signed up as a full-time professional for Eastleigh during the summer following his release from npower League Town outfit Gillingham. The 20-year-old made a big impact in pre-season but, according to manager Ian Baird, is still adapting to the rough and tumble of the BSB South. "There's a big adjustment to be made for players coming into the Conference South. It's a completely different agenda," he...

Eastleigh are growing increasingly concerned about the welfare of missing midfielder Ali Fuseini. The 23-year-old has mysteriously vanished off the radar having played one game for the Spitfires at Woking on December 3 and attended one training session following his arrival from Lincoln City two weeks ago. Fuseini failed to show for last Saturday’s Blue Square Bet South game against Thurrock having not returned telephone calls on the Thursday night. Eastleigh have drawn a blank in their efforts to contact him this week and even his agent doesn’t know the whereabouts of the south London-based former Millwall man.    "There's been a bit of third party heresay, but we haven't heard a thing from Ali Fuseini and neither has anyone else," said Eastleigh's concerned director of football Dave Malone. "Ali joined us on a non-contract trial basis after his agent suggested we have a look at him. "I'm not worried about him as a footballer, I just...

Match Preview by Kieran James Ian Baird’s Spitfires moved up to twelfth in the Blue Square Bet South last Saturday after a 3-2 win to Thurrock at The Silverlake Stadium. Damien Scannell returned to the Silverlake Stadium after nearly four years departing from Eastleigh to Southend United for £5,000. Scannell started lively and set up Graeme Montgomery for a wonderful chance to put Eastleigh 1-0 up with just three minutes played, however the on-loan Aldershot Town winger fired high over the bar. Montgomery redeemed himself twenty-five minutes later when he netted a fantastic half volley, which was too powerful for Craig Holloway to keep out despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to the effort. Billy Tsovolos, who had to fill in for the absent Ali Fuseini (who no one has seen since last Tuesday), put Eastleigh 2-0 up after the central midfielder raced into the penalty area and blasted an eight-yard strike into the back of the net. Jamie Brown extended Eastleigh's advanta...

Mitchell Nelson - Eastleigh FC last night agreed terms with the 22-year-old defender from AFC Bournemouth, and subject to the completion of the necessary paperwork we hope that he will be available for our game at home to Boreham Wood on Saturday. Mitchell can play at right back or centre half and will add significant flexibility to our squad. Andrew White - Subject to completion of the formalities, we have agreed to loan Andrew to Dorchester Town for an initial one month period. This will give the promising youngster an opportunity to play games, which we trust will be of benefit to all parties.

Eastleigh v Salisbury City This fixture was originally scheduled for Saturday 14th January but owing to Salisbury's Cup commitments has now been moved to Tuesday 24th January 2012 . Kick off will be at 7:45pm.

Eastleigh Football Club Fixture List December 2011 FIRST XI Saturday 3rd - Away to Woking - Blue Square Bet South, 3pm Saturday 10tth - Home to Thurrock - Blue Square Bet South, 3:00pm Saturday 17th - Home to Boreham Wood - Blue Square Bet South, 3pm Tuesday 20th - Home to Fleet Town - Hampshire Senior Cup 3rd Round, 7.45pm Monday 26th - Away to Havant & Waterlooville - Blue Square Bet South, 3pm SUBURBAN LEAGUE SIDE Saturday 3rd - Home to Ash United - Suburban League Cup Second Round First Leg, 3pm Wednesday 7th - Away to Woking Reserves - Suburban League Premier Division, 7.45pm Saturday 17th - Away to Boreham Wood Reserves - Suburban League Premier Division, 3pm WYVERN LEAGUE SIDE Thursday 8th - Away to Moneyfields Reserves - Wyvern League, 7.45pm Saturday 17th - Away to AFC Totton Reserves - Wyvern League Cup, 3pm Wednesday 21st - Away to Moneyfields Reserves - Wyvern League, &:45pm YOUTH TEAM (Football C...

By Wendy Gee -    BRIDLE Insurance’s big plans for Eastleigh will not detract from the club’s youth policy. Quite the opposite in fact. According to director of football Dave Malone, Bridle, who have a five-year plan to get the Spitfires into the Football League, are as passionate about youth development as the club are. Back in the summer, Eastleigh launched a player development scheme, inviting young players with aspirations to turn professional to train full-time with the club. Already one of the first intake, Sam Wilson, has had trials with Premier League outfit Fulham and was last week training with Leicester City. Although it will be a few weeks before Bridle acquire a majority shareholding at Eastleigh, they have already agreed a generous sponsorship deal which has paved the way for experienced duo Damian Scannell (Dagenham & Redbridge) and Scott Rogers (Newport County) to join the Blue Square Bet South club. And while Malone accepts that a reinforced S...

EASTLEIGH 3-2 THURROCK SATURDAY 10th DECEMBER 2011 Blue Square Bet South Match Report by Jamie Montigue EASTLEIGH: Jack Dovey, Andy Forbes, Michael Green, Scott Rogers, Tom Jordan (c), Ross Bottomley, Jordace Holder-Spooner (Chris Flood 70), Billy Tsovolos, Jamie Brown, Damian Scannell (Sam Wilson 81), Graeme Montgomery. Subs (not used): Gareth Barfoot, Ben Wilson, Andrew White. Goals: Eastleigh - Graeme Montgomery (28), Billy Tsovolos (39), Jamie Brown (43). Thurrock - Nathan Ashton (82), Jamie Guy (90 pen). Eastleigh controlled the first half and looked to be out of sight with a three-goal lead at half time, but Thurrock came out fighting in the second half to claw back two late goals to set up a tense finish. Today’s visitors were Thurrock, who heading into the game sat five points adrift at the foot of the table; however, the Fleet had changed their manager and brought in several new signings last week meaning Eastleigh were up against an unknown qu...

Eastleigh v Thurrock

By Wendy Gee -  MANAGER Ian Baird sees the signing of winger Damian Scannell as a statement of intent from Eastleigh's potential new majority shareholders Bridle Insurance. According to director of football Dave Malone, it could be early January before all the legal formalities have been tied up in getting Bridle on board. But the company have already stumped up generous sponsorship without which the return of crowd favourite Scannell for an undisclosed fee from Dagenham & Redbridge would never have been possible. "It's a marquee signing and a mark of what the new owners are looking to do," said Baird. News that Scannell has penned a two-year contract and will make his Spitfires comeback at home to rock-bottom Thurrock tomorrow in the Blue Square Bet South has excited the fans. And Baird himself is looking forward to working again with the 26-year-old who, he revealed, was considering hanging up his boots just three months before leavin...

Match Preview by Kieran James Ian Baird’s Spitfires will look to get back to winning ways after their four match unbeaten run in the league came to an end last Saturday against first placed Woking. The Spitfires put in a great performance last week at The Kingfield Stadium however they were somehow on the wrong end of a 1-0 defeat courtesy of a Wayne Gray strike that looked offside. Eastleigh had their chances and dominated the second half after conceding but couldn't quite find the equaliser they deserved with Woking hanging on at the end. The only thing missing was making it count in the final third. The Spitfires will be looking to exciting new signing Damian Scannell to cause bottom of the table Thurrock problems tomorrow on his return to the club since departing in January 2008 for Southend United. The Fleet have only won three out of their eighteen games this season in the league, all of which have been away from home. Thurrock’s last win in the league came last month agai...

By Wendy Gee -  WING wizard Damian Scannell is on his way back to Eastleigh. The popular wideman, sold by the Spitfires to Southend United during the 2008 January transfer window, will return to the Silverlake Stadium for an undisclosed fee this week, subject to a satisfactory medical today and completion of the necessary paperwork. It is hoped the deal will be completed in time for the 26-year-old to feature in Saturday’s home game against Thurrock in the Blue Square Bet South. Scannell's probable return has been made possible by sponsorship from Eastleigh's potential new majority shareholders Bridle Insurance. Eastleigh's director of football Dave Malone said: "Many of our supporters will remember Damian from his previous time here at the Silverlake when he was a real favourite with us all. "Our thanks should go to Bridle as their generous sponsorhip has allowed us to sign this gifted player." Eastleigh have also lodged notice of approach with league...

Eastleigh FC are absolutely delighted to confirm that we have agreed to sign Damian Scannell from Dagenham & Redbridge FC, subject to a satisfactory medical and completion of the necessary paperwork. Many of our supporters will remember Damian from his previous time here at the Silverlake - when he was a real favourite with us all. Our thanks should go to Bridle, as their generous Sponsorship has allowed us to sign this gifted player. We hope to have Damo available for our game at home to Thurrock on Saturday (ko 3.00pm) Damian Scannell Damian first joined Eastleigh in the 2007/2008 season on the 2nd June 2007 from Fisher Athletic. Scannell is a highly talented and skilful wide player who is comfortable operating on either flank. His attributes include powerful running and trickery. The Croydon-born winger netted in only his second game as an Eastleigh player in a pre-season friendly against Southampton. Damian scored a terrific double in a 3-0 rout over Fisher Athl...

By Wendy Gee -  EASTLEIGH boss Ian Baird is convinced the goal that condemned his side to an unlucky defeat at leaders Woking should never have been given.   The feeling that among the Spitifres players was that former Wimbledon and Orient striker Wayne Gray was offside when he netted the 47th-minute strike that eased the Cards six points clear at the top of the Blue Square Bet South. And having watched Internet footage of the game, Baird agrees. "We conceded a goal that everyone in the ground - including myself - thought was offside," he said. "I've watched it back on YouTube and it confirms what I thought. "The first half was even. We had no glaring opportunities and neither did they. "But then we conceded as soon as we came back out and I'm convinced it should have been given offside. "I gauge those sort of things by the reaction of the players and we had five or six of them making their feelings known t...