Eastleigh FC

Eastleigh have made one of their biggest signings ahead of the new campaign - Tony Taggart. Obviously he is not a new player, but it has been confirmed that Eastleigh's tricky winger and top goalscorer from the 2008/9 campaign will still be donning the Spitfires shirt next season. Dave Malone released the following statement this morning: "We are delighted to confirm that Tony Taggart has agreed a new contract for the coming season. "Taggs was one of our most consistent players last season, and we are certain that he will be an important player for us in the coming season. "We are currently in talks with one or two potential new signings, and we have also invited two promising young local players to join us for pre-season training. They are Michael Green (pictured below), a left sided defender from Christchurch, and Matt Bowler a centre half from Thatcham. "More player news when appropriate."

At the close of the 2008/9 season and the heartache of the Blue Square South play-off semi final loss to Hayes & Yeading United, it was announced a couple of weeks later that the club have decided to release three members of their first team squad as preparations begin for next season. Managing Director Dave Malone released a statement on the club message board confirming the news: "The Club can confirm that we have released Andy Harris, Matt Groves and Gavin Heeroo. We would thank them all for their services, and wish them well for the future. "We are currently negotiating with a couple of our other existing squad, along with one or two potential new signings. More news as appropriate." It would appear that Groves who found the back of the net ten times for Eastleigh in the last campaign, could well be heading back to his former club Dorchester Town where he spent nine years previously making just short of 400 appearances.

"We are pleased to confirm that Danny Smith has re-signed for EFC, after spells with both Bashley and Bognor. Danny is a welcome addition to our squad, and we look forward to him playing an important part in our quest to emulate or even better our performance of this current season in 2009/2010."

HAYES & YEADING UNITED v EASTLEIGH SATURDAY 2nd MAY 2009 Blue Square South - Play off Semi-Final Leg 2 Report by Jamie Montigue In this second leg of the Blue Square South playoff semi-final, Eastleigh struggled to build on their fantastic 4-2 lead from Tuesday night’s win at Church Road. Hayes & Yeading United showed passion and commitment from the very start this afternoon; scoring goals at crucial times to see them progress to Thursday night’s final (where they will meet Hampton & Richmond Borough). The Spitfires meanwhile were left to rue missed opportunities, if’s, but’s and maybe’s though in reality despite the final score and looking at Eastleigh’s season collectively; it has been the club’s best season yet. The game started well enough for Eastleigh as Brett Williams went up for the ball with Delroy Preddie in the opening minute with the striker beating the visiting goalkeeper to the ball in the aerial battle. As the ball dropped, Williams looked to chip over t

2008/2009 DATE OPPONENTS H/A COMPETITION RESULT SCORER/s Sat 9th Aug Thurrock A Blue Square South 1-0 Luke Byles Tue 12th Aug Newport County H Blue Square South 3-2 Own goal, Anthony Riviere, Matt Groves Sat 16th Aug Fisher Athletic H Blue Square South 3-0 James Baker, Peter Adeniyi, Anthony Riviere Sat 23rd Aug Bromley A Blue Square South 1-5 Matt Groves Mon 25th Aug Bognor Regis H Blue Square South 2-1 James Baker, Tony Taggart Sat 30th Aug St. Albans City A Blue Square South 5-0 ----- Mon 1st Sep Weston-Super-Mare A Blue Square South 1-1 James Baker Sat 6th Sep Braintree Town H Blue Square South 2-1 Jamie Brown, Anthony Riviere Tue 9th Sep Weston-Super-Mare H Setanta Shield 5-4 (4-4 AET) Matt Groves,