Eastleigh FC

Richard Hill has been looking ahead to Eastleigh's trip to promotion-chasing Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday. The Eastleigh director of football/caretaker boss has said that it is likely that Reda Johnson will miss out on the rest of the season due to injury. "Reda did his hamstring at Chester and I’d be very surprised if he plays again this season. There’s no point pushing him now. “I came back to the club to get us safe and we’ve managed to do that. There’s no point playing players with long-term injuries, we might as well save them now.” The Spitfires have taken ten points from their last four games. Hill said: “We’re in better recent form, but they’re (Dagenham & Redbridge) at the right end of the table with not a lot of upheaval this season, which is totally different to Eastleigh." “At Eastleigh it’s been one obstacle after another, but the club’s come a long way in a short space of time and perhaps it’s time to just calm ourselves down a

Centre-back Ayo Obileye has been talking to the Daily Echo about Eastleigh's form since switching to a back three and his recent goalscoring exploits. Obileye has noted the impact that Paul Reid has made to the team since he returned from Whitehawk. “Reidy is the leader of the three of us but we all talk to each other, it’s been going great for us. “Reidy’s a good player and a good leader, a real defender, so it’s good to have him there helping. “I played in a back three at Dagenham so I’m familiar with it. I’m comfortable with both feet - my left is as strong as my right.” Obileye has scored four goals in 14 appearances for Eastleigh this season and has two in his last two games. “I was a striker as a kid so when I’m in the penalty box I’m quite comfortable,” he said. “There have been a lot of changes but we’ve all knuckled down and worked hard and it’s showing with our performances on the pitch. “After four managers [this season] people are looking at us as if it’s a jolly

Eastleigh have added 17-year-old goalkeeper Nick Hall to the squad on a work experience loan from League Two side Portsmouth until the end of the season. Hall will provide some cover for the experienced Graham Stack and Ryan Clarke for the remainder of the campaign. The young keeper played against Eastleigh Youth earlier this season in the FA Youth Cup which Portsmouth Youth won 5-0. Eastleigh sign Portsmouth goalkeeper EASTLEIGH have signed 17-year-old goalkeeper Nick Hall on a work experience loan from League Two outfit Portsmouth until the end of the season.

Tyler Garratt has returned to Doncaster Rovers after a loan spell with Eastleigh. The 20-year-old left-back made 11 appearances for the Spitfires and scored one goal. He was signed by previous manager Martin Allen in December. After Richard Hill's return to the club, another left-back Sam Muggleton (also signed by Allen) left Eastleigh. It was also quickly announced that fans favourite Michael Green would be re-joining the club just two weeks after he was let go by Allen. Hill has said that Garratt has been allowed to end his loan spell and return to Doncaster in order to help young left-back Chinua Cole, who is now the backup option to Michael Green.  “We wouldn’t have had Tyler for next season and, if I’d played him, it would have been standing in the way of Chinua’s development,” Hill said. Tyler Garratt Loanee left-back parts company with Eastleigh TYLER Garratt has returned to Doncaster Rovers following a loan spell with National League outfit Eastleigh. Ga

Watch the goals from Eastleigh's 1-1 draw with Gateshead at the Silverlake Stadium. Ayo Obileye netted his second goal in as many games as the Spitfires responded to going a goal behind. Footage from BT Sport 🎥 Watch the goals from @EastleighFC 's 1-1 draw at home v @GatesheadFC . Footage from BT Sport https://t.co/e0YrxhtUhH pic.twitter.com/QibhyTE79u — Jamie Montigue (@jamiemontigue) March 26, 2017

Ayo Obileye's post-match reaction after Eastleigh's 1-1 draw at home against Gateshead. Obileye netted his second goal in as many games for the Spitfires: "It's a good performance from us. Obviously we wanted to win, we wanted to keep a clean sheet also, but going down 1-0 and getting back into it to get the draw is good for us." "The boys have been working hard. There's a lot of character in the team now." "For me getting the goal is good for me personally. I've been looking to get clean sheets as well. It's been good." "Getting goals is a good thing for a defender but keeping clean sheets is the best. If a defender can defend and score goals it's good. If I can do that then that will be good." "With three at the back, there's a lot of covering and you get to play out from the back. As a two it's pretty much simple but as a three, it's sometimes better and sometimes it isn't. Teams can w

Richard Hill shares his post-match thoughts after Eastleigh's 1-1 draw at the Silverlake Stadium with Gateshead. “We need to be better with the ball, but we look more organised than we did six weeks ago. “We looked a bit leggy in the last ten to 15 minutes, the formation we play is asking a lot of the three midfielders. “But it was a good response to going behind. Credit to the lads, they deserved that.” VERDICT | Richard Hill has his say on today's 1-1 draw with @GatesheadFC 🎙 #Spitfires 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/U1bTC1o8CR — Eastleigh FC (@EastleighFC) March 25, 2017

Eastleigh share a point with Gateshead as Ayo Obileye nets his second goal in as many games for the Spitfires in a 1-1 draw. Eastleigh: Stack, Hoyte, Reid, Obileye; Odoffin, Burge (Stearn 80), Togwell, Matthews, Green; Constable (McAllister 67), Tubbs (Wilson 67). Subs not used: Dugdale, Cole. Gateshead: Montgomery, M Smith, Hogan, Fyfield, Brundle, Mafuta, McLaughlin, G Smith (Bolton 65); York, Johnson, Burrow. Subs not used: Hanford, Ajala, Bell, Green. Attendance: 2,393 Here's how the action unfolded: . @EastleighFC 1-1 Gateshead https://t.co/fTTwIqpbFD Ayo Obileye nets his second goal in as many games for the #Spitfires who share a point — Jamie Montigue (@jamiemontigue) March 25, 2017 Eastleigh 1-1 Gateshead: Obileye rescues a point with second goal in as many games Eastleigh 1 Gateshead 1 Eastleigh extended their unbeaten run to four matches with this draw against one of the National League's form teams. After a dire first half, the Spitf

Richard Hill reacts to Eastleigh's 3-2 away win at Torquay where the Spitfires made it three wins in a row. 📹 REACTION | Richard Hill gives his thoughts after tonight's @TheNationalLge victory. #Spitfires 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/H2i8sjAOH9 — Eastleigh FC (@EastleighFC) March 21, 2017

Sam Matthews reflects on Eastleigh's 3-2 away win at Torquay where the midfielder's two goals helped the Spitfires to a third straight win.

The Spitfires make it three wins in a row thanks to two goals from Sam Matthews and one for Ayo Obileye. Catch up on a 3rd straight win for the #Spitfires Torquay 2-3 @EastleighFC : https://t.co/xC39L3Y55G — Jamie Montigue (@jamiemontigue) March 21, 2017

Eastleigh set to make changes for Torquay trip EASTLEIGH boss Richard Hill is considering ringing the changes for tomorrow's (Tuesday, 7.45pm) Vanarama National League trip to Torquay. The Spitfires have a few tired bodies after back-to-back victories over Barrow and Chester which have all but banished fears of falling into the drop zone.

🎥 Chester 0-1 Eastleigh - Watch Scott @ScottWilson93 's last minute winning goal for the #Spitfires here - footage from BT Sport pic.twitter.com/Cbi9gMAzhR — Jamie Montigue (@jamiemontigue) March 19, 2017

Reluctant hero Hill heaps credit on Eastleigh's players after vital win IN little more than three weeks back in charge at Eastleigh, Richard Hill has worked miracles. He took over a side that hadn't won in 2017 - and now, all of a sudden, they have pulled off back-to-back victories to raise themselves to a more comfortable looking 12th in the National League.

Scott Wilson reflects on Eastleigh's 1-0 away win at Chester. Wilson came off the bench to net a last-minute winner for the Spitfires: "We're delighted to get the win away from home last minute. That's what we came here for." "Since the gaffer has come in we've been working on starting with a solid base at the back trying to keep clean sheets. And like you've seen in the last few games, we got one at a home and one away. Clean sheets win you games and that's what happened the last two weeks." "The gaffer said try to get in behind them and cause them a few problems, win some free kicks and get some corners if you can - and that's where the goal has come from - a corner." "The fans are brilliant coming all the way up here. It's difficult obviously but for them to come up here it's brilliant and all the players appreciate it and we hope that they can continue to keep on following us."

Ben Strevens shares his post-match thoughts after Eastleigh won 1-0 away at Chester to secure back-to-back wins: "I thought last week there were massive positives in the way that we played and in the way the shape of the team looked. We changed it up slightly, we went three at the back and today we stayed in the game for long periods." "I thought we played pretty well first half without really creating too much. I thought we were the better side and then nothing beats getting a last minute goal as well. Clean sheet - most importantly and then to get a last minute goal was brilliant." "Last week we were solid from the get-go. We’ve talked about the game at York where we gave ourselves so much to do after the first 10-15 minutes being 2-0 down. The last couple of games we’ve been solid, in the game and then as the game goes on we’re going to get chances. We’ve got plenty of players that can score goals." "It’s just about being a little bit more

Eastleigh secured back-to-back wins and clean sheets thanks to a late late winner at Chester from Scott Wilson. As it happened: Back-to-back wins and clean sheets for the #Spitfires Chester 0-1 @EastleighFC https://t.co/MlXptYSzG8 — Jamie Montigue (@jamiemontigue) March 18, 2017 📈 Back-to-back wins ✅ Back-to-back clean sheets ✅ Incredible away support ✅ Enjoyable journey home ✅ #Spitfires 🔵⚪ — Eastleigh FC (@EastleighFC) March 18, 2017 📸➡📸➡📸➡📸 Go on, @ScottWilson93 ! 👍💪✊ #Spitfires 🔵⚪ pic.twitter.com/zs8WpdnZaT — Eastleigh FC (@EastleighFC) March 18, 2017 FULL-TIME | @ChesterFC 0-1 #Spitfires . Smash and grab stuff! 👍🏻 pic.twitter.com/ES7yAAXAIN — Eastleigh FC (@EastleighFC) March 18, 2017 Great Scott! It's back-to-back wins for Eastleigh EASTLEIGH can begin to breathe easily again after racking up back-to-back victories under the caretaker leadership of Richard Hill.

By Wendy Gee (To read the full article click the link below)  Bringing back familiar faces from a bygone era is not always the recipe for footballing success. But targetman Craig McAllister reckons that, in Eastleigh’s case, the tactic is paying off. The return of defender Paul Reid and striker Matt Tubbs worked a treat last weekend as the Spitfires despatched Barrow 2-0 for a long overdue first win of 2017. It puts them level on points with Saturday's National League hosts Chester, who have themselves been having a rough time of it, losing seven of their last ten league games. McAllister: Bringing back old faces was just the tonic Eastleigh needed BRINGING back familiar faces from a bygone era is not always the recipe for footballing success. But targetman Craig McAllister reckons that, in Eastleigh 's case, the tactic is paying off. The return of defender Paul Reid and striker Matt Tubbs worked a treat last weekend as the Spitfires despatched Barrow 2-0 for a long overd

Watch highlights as Eastleigh beat Barrow 2-0 at home with goals from Sam Togwell and Matt Tubbs helping to secure a well-earned three points for the Spitfires. 🎥. @EastleighFC 2-0 Barrow - Highlights from BT Sport #Spitfires Full Vanarama National League Highlights show here: https://t.co/SeSnvdTMTw pic.twitter.com/H6HseIwOh0 — Jamie Montigue (@jamiemontigue) March 12, 2017

By Wendy Gee (To read the full article click the link below)  RICHARD Hill’s instincts rarely let him down during his first successful stint as Eastleigh manager. That’s ancient history now, but his team selection for Saturday’s crucially important 2-0 National League win over Barrow proved his judgement remains spot on. Having had door after door slammed in his face in his efforts to strengthen a struggling side, Hill turned to two familiar faces to help the club out in a time of need. Hand on heart, not every Spitfires fan was happy to see Eastleigh retracing old steps by bringing back 35-year-old central defender and former captain Paul Reid from Whitehawk. And as for inviting striker Matt Tubbs to re-join the club after his underwhelming loan spell from Portsmouth last season, it had the potential to leave Eastleigh's new director of football/caretaker manager with egg on his face. Typically of Hill, though, he proved the doubters wrong with both Reid and Tubbs outstandi

Richard Hill reacts to Eastleigh's 2-0 win over Barrow: Matt Tubbs shares his thoughts after getting on the scoresheet on his return to Eastleigh:

Post-match reaction from Richard Hill and goalscorer Matt Tubbs who were speaking to BBC Radio Solent following Eastleigh's 2-0 home win over Barrow. Richard Hill: Perfect week "It’s a good weeks work for the boys. It really is a good, good weeks work. From the hard work they’ve done this week, we’ve worked on things all week from Monday and that’s just capped off a perfect week as far as I’m concerned." Strengthening the squad "I felt I needed to strengthen this squad when I came in. I think it was pretty apparent to everybody that this squad needed strengthening.  "In the last two weeks I’ve been on the phone enquiring about twenty different players and that’s no exaggeration by the way. Not twenty players to come to the club, but enquiring about bringing perhaps two or three of them to the club. I’ve tried fourth choice central defenders at League Two and League One clubs, who won’t let them out. I’ve tried fourth choice forwards – they won’

A wonder-strike from captain Sam Togwell and an early second-half goal from the returning Matt Tubbs saw Eastleigh get back to winning ways to pick up a well-earned three points for the first time in 2017. It was the Spitfires first home win since 25th October and a welcome boost for Richard Hill and his players. Eastleigh: Graham Stack, Gavin Hoyte, Michael Green, Paul Reid, Reda Johnson, Ryan Burge (Ben Strevens, 64), Ben Close, Sam Togwell, Craig McAllister, Matt Tubbs (Scott Wilson, 65), Hakeem Odoffin. Subs (not used): James Constable, Ayo Obileye, Ryan Clarke. Attendance: 2,039 As it happened: Eastleigh 2-0 Barrow https://t.co/3WLbmCPe8D #Spitfires secure a well-earned win to pick up first 3 points of 2017 — Jamie Montigue (@jamiemontigue) March 11, 2017 🎥l What a strike from Sam Togwell to open the scoring today! 🔥 #Spitfires ⚪️🔵 pic.twitter.com/nmYo6SlRA3 — Eastleigh FC (@EastleighFC) March 11, 2017 "That winning feeling!" Head to our Insta

Defender Paul Reid and striker Matt Tubbs have made a return to the Silverlake Stadium on contracts until the end of the season. Both players will be available for selection for the game against Barrow at the Silverlake Stadium on Saturday. Richard Hill explained how the deals came about: "Reidy contacted me just talking about the current state at the club and said if there was anything he could do to help he would be more than pleased to do so. "Having been looking in the market for players I had no hesitation in offering him a contract until the end of the season as I know he cares about this football club and will do whatever he can to change our current run of form."  Paul Reid Reid has signed from Whitehawk where he has also had a spell in the managerial role this season as well as his normal central defensive duties. Speaking about Tubbs re-joining Eastleigh, Hill commented: "I appreciate Matt Tubbs was not the most popular player with s

Richard Hill looks ahead to Eastleigh's home game v Barrow. Here are his pre-match thoughts: “We just need to try and get back on track and we need to try to pick something up from the game. The lads have been brilliant this week in training. Let’s not spoil a good week’s work by not finishing it off at the end of the week. “It’s important, the crowd are important to us. We need the crowd to come. They are not happy. They are not happy with one or two things and they are frustrated with things I’m sure. They are important to us. “I’d like them to put the differences aside with some of the players they aren’t particularly happy with or what’s gone on. “I used an example of my team Leicester City when they were bottom of the Premier League and managed to win I think it was seven or eight out of ten games to stay in the Premier League. The crowd made a massive difference to that. I’d like our crowd to come along for the rest of the season for the home games and just support th

A Spit of bother: Hill of a task facing Eastleigh manager Eastleigh tomorrow aim to end a shocking home run that has contributed to fears of a possible relegation battle. The club, now under their fifth manager of a shambolic campaign, have not won in front of their own fans since October 25 - 136 days ago.

'Footy for a quid' at Eastleigh EASTLEIGH are offering 'Footy for a quid' to all youth clubs for their Vanarama National League showdown with Gateshead on Saturday, March 25. The youth club purchasing the most £1 tickets will win either a brand new kit or equipment from the Spitfires.

Quotes from Martin Allen's Mail Online column regarding his departure from Eastleigh: “Getting sacked, as I did at Eastleigh last month, is always upsetting and disappointing. “My life was non-stop telephone calls with agents, the club secretary, finance director, chairman, assistant manager, senior players, physio and local media - then all of a sudden with one conversation at Newbury Services it all just ceases. “It feels weird, but it is something I'm getting used to now. The results were not good enough, as the results were not good enough for the previous manager or the previous manager before him. “Eastleigh is a good club with lots of good people and a very patient, loyal fan-base. It's just a shame I did not get more time to build my own team to get it ready to challenge next season. But hey-ho, the chairman makes the decisions and I have left on good terms.” Sacked Eastleigh boss says he should have had more time SACKED boss Martin Allen believes he should h

Richard Hill shares his post-match thoughts after a 3-1 defeat at York City: “You can’t start a game of football and give away two goals in the first fifteen minutes and expect to win a game of football, home or away.” “I think we probably just edged the last fifteen minutes of the first half, we played the better football but didn’t threaten the goal as much. And in the second half, for the first half hour, I thought we were decent.” “We moved the ball around well. Young Tyler’s shot at goal – how has that stayed out? I don’t know. It’s hit the inside of a round post and gone out. If that goes in, we’re in the ascendancy and who knows. But we looked very nervous every time the ball goes near our goal, we look nervous every time the ball goes in our half. That’s difficult for me to take as a manager.” “When you’re a defender, it is your job to defend. Not be nervous about it. That’s tough to take today. I’m not saying we were worthy of three points, not by any stretch of the

Eastleigh suffered a 3-1 defeat away at York City. Two goals from Jon Parkin put the hosts 2-0 ahead after just 13 minutes leaving Eastleigh with a lot of work to do to recover. Ross Stearn pulled a goal back for the Spitfires in the 16th minute as his free kick was misjudged by York keeper Kyle Lethern. Vadaine Oliver added a third for York ten minutes from time to seal a 3-1 victory leaving Eastleigh still searching for a win in 2017. York City 3-1 Eastleigh https://t.co/WrK6JL8WZO #Spitfires — Jamie Montigue (@jamiemontigue) March 4, 2017 Eastleigh come a cropper at lowly York EASTLEIGH crashed 3-1 at lowly York City this afternoon and remain without a win in 2017. The Minstermen propelled themselves off the foot of the Natioanl League table after taking charge with two Jon Parkin goals in the first 13 minutes.

Quotes from Eastleigh caretaker boss Richard Hill regarding Mekhi Leacock McLeod leaving Eastleigh to sign for Billericay:  "His agent suggested the new manager’s style of play wouldn’t suit his player and that it might be in his best interests to leave. “I spoke to the agent about 1.30pm on Monday and, by 4pm, Mekhi had signed for Billericay who had obviously found a money tree at the bottom of the garden. “To be fair to the lad, he was on contract until the end of the season and walked away without any compensation. He’s been able to go to another club where, financially, he’ll probably be in a better position - otherwise you don’t leave Eastleigh FC to sign for a club two leagues below. “To make it clear, it was Mekhi’s choice to walk away. “But we run a tight ship here now and we only want players who want to be here and play for the team. If they’re not in the team, we want players who are going to fight for a place.” Looking ahead to Saturday's game away at York