With Jason Matthews out injured for three weeks during pre-season ahead of the 2010/11 season, Ian Baird was in need of goalkeeping cover and turned to former AFC Totton keeper Gareth Barfoot.

Gareth, 6" tall, had been a regular for Totton in previous years and came close to gaining promotion to the Southern League Premier Division on a couple of occasions during his time at Testwood Park.

Despite Barfoot being a popular player at his former club, Totton manager Stuart Ritchie brought in another goalkeeper in the close season ahead of the 2010/11 campaign in the form of Jason Harvell.

Barfoot provided healthy competition for the number 1 jersey in his first season at the club battling it out with the more experienced Jason Matthews.

Gareth has always made a good impression in his time at Eastleigh FC displaying quality when called upon, in particular distribution of the ball from the back as well as smart shot-stopping. In the 2010/11 season, Barfoot made 23 appearances keeping seven clean sheets along the way.

With Jason Matthews one of several first team players to leave the Silverlake Stadium at the close of the 2010/11 season, Barfoot will have the opportunity to hold down a place between the sticks more regularly.