Latest News
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Spitfires take the Bridle path...
Following approval from the Eastleigh Football Club board and shareholders we are delighted to announce the Directors of Bridle Insurance have aquired the majority shareholding at Eastleigh Football Club.
There will be a fans forum to be held at the clubhouse on Thursday the 9th February at 7pm.
We hope as many of you as possible will be able to attend where the new Directors will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Hants Senior Cup semi-final draw
Winchester City will host Eastleigh in the Hampshire Senior Cup semi-finals.
The Sydenhams Wessex Premier leaders will take on Ian Baird Spitfires on March 13th.
February Fixtures
Eastleigh Football Club Fixture List February 2012
FIRST XI
Saturday 4th - away to Salisbury City - Blue Square Bet South, 3pm
Tuesday 7th - Home to Havant & Waterlooville - Blue Square Bet South, 7.45pm
Saturday 11th - Home to Tonbridge Angels - Blue Square Bet South, 3pm
Tuesday 14th - away to Staines Town - Blue Square Bet South, 7.45pm
Saturday 18th - away to Hampton & Richmond Borough - Blue Square Bet South, 3pm
Saturday 25th - Home to Truro City - Blue Square Bet South, 3pm
RESERVES (Suburban League side)
Saturday 4th - Home to Tooting & Mitcham United Reserves - Suburban League Premier Division, 3pm
Saturday 11th - away to Tonbridge Angels Reserves - Suburban League Premier Division, 3pm
Saturday 18th - Home to Tonbridge Angels Reserves - Suburban League Cup, 3pm
Saturday 25th - away to Hemel Hempstead Town Reserves - Suburban League Premier Division, 3pm
RESERVES (Wyvern League side)
Saturday 11th - away to Fleet Town Reserves - Wyvern League Premier Division, 3pm
Wednesday 15th - away to Moneyfields Reserves - Wyvern League Premier Division, 7.45pm
Monday 20th - Home to Sholing Reserves - Wyvern League Premier Division, 7.45pm
Saturday 25th - away to A F C Totton Reserves - Wyvern League Premier Division, 7.45pm
Monday 27th - Home to Bashley Reserves - Wyvern League Premier Division
YOUTH TEAM (Football Conference Youth)
Wednesday 1st - Home to Boreham Wood Whites - Conference Youth Alliance, 2pm
Wednesday 8th - away to Wingate & Finchley - Conference Youth Alliance, 2pm
Wednesday 22nd - away to JMA Reading - Conference Youth Alliance, 2pm
Wednesday 29th - Home to Leatherhead - Conference Youth Alliance, 2pmMarathon by Ray Murphy
Ray Murphy has gained an entry for the 2012 London Marathon on Sunday 22nd April. This is his second entry into the field of fun runners and again only the second time that he will have attempted to do such a feat.
Although delighted to have completed his first marathon back in 2008 the finishing time of six hours was a disappointment. Remembering the day well Ray can recollect how his hamstrings caused concern from the midway point of the course though he was determined to finish he would have taken twice as long as long as he got to the finish line. Again the ambition is to finish obviously but also the goal is to take an hour off his time in 2012.
The 2012 run will also see two charities benefiting from his run. As previously Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital, which is where one of his twin boys, Ian Murphy, (now aged 29) spent the first few weeks of his life in an incubator recovering from a split intestine weighing less than three pounds having arrived some six weeks early, will be a recipient. This is just some way of being able to repay the tremendous work the hospital carried out during those weeks.
Having gained an entry into the Marathon on a ballot Ray is allowed to nominate two charities that can have donations made too. The other Charity that Ray is hoping to complete the 26-mile course for is Saint Francis Hospice whom cared for both his parents who passed away in 2011 in a six-week period between July and August. Of the hospice Ray mentions that although he had obviously been aware of the cancer disease, this was really the first time that he had been close to the effects of the disease and was comforted by the excellent work that the Hospice carried out for his parents.
Donations can be made on Rays Virgin Money page at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RayMurphy

Eastleigh 4-0 Sutton United
EASTLEIGH 4-0 SUTTON UNITED
SATURDAY 28th JANUARY 2012Blue Square Bet South
Match Report by Jamie Montigue
Match Pictures courtesy of Graeme Horobin
EASTLEIGH: Jack Dovey, Andy Forbes, Michael Green, Scott Rogers, Tom Jordan (c), Mitchell Nelson, Philip Appiah (Danny Smith 7), Bradley Bubb (Graeme Montgomery), Jamie Slabber (Jamie Slabber 69), Damian Scannell, Daryl McMahon. Subs (not used): Gareth Barfoot, Gary Elphick.
Goals: Eastleigh - Bradley Bubb (32, 50, 62), Damian Scannell (82).
Attendance: 859
Eastleigh brushed past Sutton United with a finishing master class from outstanding hat trick hero Bradley Bubb.
The on-loan striker from Aldershot Town was in lethal form in front of goal in a man of the match winning display with three clinical finishes firing Ian Baird's Spitfires into a 3-0 lead.
Damian Scannell rounded off a convincing and dominant win for Eastleigh by scoring a fourth goal eight minutes from time.

Guard of Honour launch
Youngsters from our flourishing academy will launch the Spitfires guard of honour this Saturday for the eagerly anticipated home fixture against high flying Sutton United.
The lucky boys and girls will form the guard of honour as the players emerge for the clash with the U’s, before taking their seats to cheer the blues to victory.
The U’s are managed by ex-Eastleigh manager, Paul Doswell, who will no doubt receive a ‘warm’ reception and a victory for Eastleigh will see them close the gap on Doswell’s team who currently sit in the final playoff spot.
We are awaiting confirmation from Sutton to see if their lucky mascot, Jenny the Giraffe will be attending or not – let’s hope she’s not so lucky Saturday and the Spitfires fly to victory.
We are also delighted to announce this Saturday’s Matchday Mascots will be Scarlett Jewell (ten) and Freddie Fox (six). Scarlett and Freddie will be receiving the full VIP treatment with a tour of the ground and meeting players and manager Ian Baird before the game. Dressed in full replica kit Scarlett and Freddie will then have that all important job of leading the players out onto the pitch and photographed with the match officials and captains.
Now the Spitfires are offering the chance for local youth football teams to take part in both of these once in a lifetime experiences in the run in to the end of the season. For more information on the matchday experiences please email Shauna at admin@eastleigh-fc.co.uk or telephone her on 02380 613361.
Xmas Draw Winners
EASTLEIGH FOOTBALL CLUB CHRISTMAS DRAW 2011 PRIZE WINNERS
(Drawn on Tuesday 24th January after match against Salisbury City)
PRIZE WINNER TICKET NO
£1,000.00 CASH AMANDA 5874SONY TV STEVE BECK 5075
I.O.W. HOLIDAY IAN STEPHENS 6407
EXECUTIVE CLUB MEMBERSHIP ELLIOTT TRODD 3458
2 EFC SEASON TICKETS SELINA 3192
£250.00 CASH JEFF FENNA 5528
DELICIOUS DINING VOUCHER RICH PRICE 5527
VERY MANY THANKS TO ALL PARTICIPANTSEastleigh 1-1 Salisbury City
EASTLEIGH 1-1 SALISBURY CITY
TUESDAY 24th JANUARY 2012Blue Square Bet South
Match Report by Jamie Montigue
Match Pictures courtesy of Graeme Horobin
EASTLEIGH: Jack Dovey, Andy Forbes, Michael Green, Jamie Brown (Graeme Montgomery 80), Tom Jordan (c), Mitchell Nelson, Philip Appiah (Chris Flood 69), Scott Rogers, Bradley Bubb, Damian Scannell, Daryl McMahon. Subs (not used): Danny Smith, Gareth Barfoot, Gary Elphick.
Goals: Salisbury City - Robbie Matthews (16). Eastleigh - Graeme Montgomery (86).
Attendance: 903
Eastleigh's first home game of 2012 resulted in an enthralling 1-1 draw against rivals Salisbury City as the hosts had to fight back from a goal behind to salvage a point.
Ian Baird's side had a new look to it with a host of new signings on show this evening. Philip Appiah and Bradley Bubb both made their Silverlake Stadium debuts as did the Spitfires’ most recent signing Daryl McMahon. Defender Gary Elphick was amongst the substitutes.
The only change to the starting eleven from the side defeated by Basingstoke at the weekend saw Chris Flood make way for talented midfield playmaker Daryl McMahon, who joined the club yesterday from Boreham Wood.
McMahon joins Eastleigh
Eastleigh FC are thrilled to announce the signing of midfielder Daryl McMahon from Boreham Wood on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
Dublin born McMahon goes straight into the squad and is available for selection against local rivals Salisbury City on Tuesday.
The 28-year-old has had an impressive career to date starting as a trainee at West Ham United, turning professional in Auguast 2002. After being released by the Hammers, Daryl signed for Leyton Orient playing 72 times including 33 games in the O's promotion winning campaign of 2005-06. Following a loan spell at Notts County Daryl then joined then conference side Stevenage making 74 appearance and scoring 7 goals.
Following a short spell at Cambridge United Daryl then moved to Farnborough making almost 100 appearances before a summer move to Boreham Wood.
First team manager Ian Baird said "We are delighted to have secured Daryl's signature. The lad has undoubted quality and I know Boreham Wood were extremely reluctant to let him go. He is a good professional and at 28 will add some experience and quality to the squad. His attitude is first class and is very keen to be part of what we are trying to achieve here."

Elphick signs for Spitfires
Eastleigh are delighted to announce the signing of Eastbourne Borough defender Gary Elphick for an undisclosed fee.
Gary started his career at Brighton & Hove Albion where he made a couple of league appearances along with loan spells at Eastbourne Borough, Aldershot Town and St Albans City. Indeed, whilst at St Albans he played for the England National Game XI.
In the 2005-06 season he was released by Brighton and signed for newly-promoted Conference side St Albans City where he made 84 appearances scoring 7 goals. Gary then opted to leave in December 2007 joining local rivals Havant & Waterlooville.
Elphick went on to sign for Conference National side Eastbourne Borough in 2009 where he has made around 80 appearances scoring 7 goals.
Eastleigh director of football Dave Malone confirmed the signing of Gary Elphick for the Spitfires saying: "We are delighted to welcome Gary to the club, he is a player with a good pedigree and we had to fight off stiff competition to attract his signature.
"The fact Gary chose to commit to Eastleigh for less money than he has previously been offered elsewhere is a great endorsement of how we are going about things here and is really positive news for the football club."
Gary has initially signed for the remainder of this season and next.

Press Release
In a busy day at Eastleigh Football Club we can advise of the following:
The arrival of centre back Gary Elphick has been confirmed from Eastbourne Borough and is available for selection at Basingstoke Town tomorrow. 26-year-old Brighton born Gary has also made two appearances for his home town club as well as having experience with St Albans City, Aldershot Town and Havant & Waterlooville.
It has been confirmed that the semi final draw for the Hampshire Senior Cup will be made on the Radio Solent Non League show on Saturday 28th January, the show starting at 6pm. With Eastleigh and fellow Quarter Final victors Winchester City, the other two semi finalists will be decided during next midweek when A F C Totton entertain A F C Portchester and also Havant & Waterlooville entertain Sholing. The semi finals are scheduled to be played during week commencing 13th March.Leaving the club today was Ali Fuseini. The former Millwall and Lincoln City midfielder who only made one appearance for the club away at Eastleigh in December has linked up with fellow Blue Square Bet South side Bromley.
It was hoped that a second player would complete a transfer in today to enable him to be available at Basingstoke Town tomorrow but negotiations are still to be completed, but it is hoped that the deal will be complete on Monday when an announcement of the players identity will be revealed.
Will Sturgess has left the club to join AFC Totton. The youngster made one first team appearance as a substitute in a pre-season match at Romsey, but has failed to figure in the first team since (though has been included in the reserve squads).Earlier in the week, Joe Maxwell signed for Winchester City. Joe featured for the reserves earlier in the season but in previous years had appeared eleven times in the first team netting three goals.
HSC: Eastleigh through to semi-final
Hants Senior Cup Quarter Final - Tuesday 17th January 2012
EASTLEIGH: Gareth Barfoot, Andy Forbes, Michael Green, Scott Rogers, Mitchell Nelson, Ian Herring (c), Chris Flood, Danny Smith, Richard Gillespie (Sam Wilson 61), Damian Scannell (Jamie Brown 61), Graeme Montgomery (Jordace Holder-Spooner 61). Subs (Not used): Billy Tsovolos, Ben Wilson.
Romsey Town: Matt Brown, Richard Hayter, Jake Long, Luke Dempsey, Ryan Gregory (c), Jamie Thoroughgood, Macs Sampays, Gareth Batchelor, Simon De'ath, Chris Hall, Ryan Long. Subs: Chris Morris, Shane Flooks, Sam Melin, Steve Hollick.
Eastleigh Goalscorer(s): Chris Flood, Jamie Brown, Mitchell Nelson
Romsey Town Goalscorer(s): Ryan Long 2Attendance: 201
Eastleigh are through to the semi-final of the Hampshire Senior Cup after a 3-2 win over Romsey Town at the Silverlake Stadium.
The Spitfires opened the scoring through Chris Flood early in the second half after a goalless opening 45 minutes.
Ryan Long hit back for the visitors with an equaliser, before goals from Jamie Brown and Mitchell Nelson (his first for the club) looked to have put the tie out of reach for the visitors at 3-1.
Eastleigh, who played a large part of the second half with ten men having lost Jordace Holder-Spooner to an injury; with three substitutions already used, conceded a second goal deep into injury time when Ryan Long grabbed his and Romsey's second of the night.
HALF TIME: Eastleigh 0-0 Romsey Town
FULL TIME: Eastleigh 3-2 Romsey Town
Ex-player news
Monday, 16 January 2012
A quick round up of former Eastleigh players that have linked up with clubs recently that you may not be aware of:
Staforde Palmer - Had two brief spells at the club first in season 2009/10 on loan from Hayes & Yeading United when Staforde netted two goals from three league games. Staforde returned to Hayes & Yeading but then linked up with Eastleigh again for the pre season of 2010/11 playing in friendlies and the South West Joma Cup and the first two league games of the season before being injured and drifting away from the Club having made a grand total of twelve appearances scoring five goals. Staforde spent this pre season with Farnborough but has now signed for Ryman League Division One side Metropolitan Police.
Carl Wilson-Denis - Staforde's strike partner at Metropolitan is Carl Wilson Denis. Carl joined Eastleigh back in December 2006 and made 23 appearances for the Club all in league fixtures though thirteen as a substitute from his appearances Carl netted three goals. Carl has since been with Maidenhead United and Kingstonian before moving on to Met Police.
Matt Armstrong-Ford - Goalkeeper who made a second half appearance for Eastleigh in the pre season friendly at Weymouth having been released by Exeter City, linked up with Ryman League side Horsham after trialling with The Spitfires, but has now moved on to Ryman League Premier Division side Hastings United.
Steve Cook - Steve played twelve games for the Club in season 2009/10 on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion has now signed for A F C Bournemouth after further loan spells at Eastbourne Borough and Mansfield Town.
Jordan Rose - Jordan made two appearances in our pre season build up and then was a used substitute in our first league game of the season at home to Basingstoke Town, Jordan then moved on to Hereford United where he picked up an injury, has now signed for Hayes & Yeading United in the Conference Premier Division.
Youseff Bamba - Made one first team appearance as a used substitute in a Hampshire Senior Cup tie in 2008/9 having been a graduate from our youth system, then moved on to Laverstock & Ford in the Wessex League has now signed for Southern League Hungerford Town.
Frankie Raymond - Midfielder who made six appearances for Eastleigh earlier this season on loan from Reading has also been on loan to Hungerford Town though has now returned to Reading, whilst another former Eastleigh favourite David Asker was with Hungerford but has now signed for Wessex League Whitchurch United. Hungerford Town also have former Eastleigh defender Matt Day still in their ranks after he made six appearances for Eastleigh in season 2009/10.
Warren McBean - Striker who made nine appearances for the Club scoring four goals in 2007/8 has recently departed Bromley and joined another Blue Square Bet South side Welling United.
Jefferson Louis - Striker Louis signed for Eastleigh just prior to the start of the 2006/7 season but moved on after making nine appearances scoring two goals. Louis who has been with fellow Blue Square Bet South side Maidenhead United has now moved to Southern League Premier Division side Brackley Town.
Charlie Mann - Former Crystal Palace goalkeeper who played in our first pre season game at Winchester City moved on to join Croydon Athletic but has now moved to his home town club Harlow Town in the Ryman League Division One.
Warren Goodhind - The likeable Warren Goodhind who originally joined Eastleigh in November 2007 and has since had a couple of spells to make up his 110 appearances for the Club departed in the summer to joined Ryman League Premier Division Hemel Hempstead Town. Warren though has recently returned to the Blue Square Bet South by signing for Thurrock.
Mike Green - The goalkeeper who played five pre season matches and the first league game of the season went on to join Gloucester City in the Blue Square Bet North has recently had a spell on loan at Southern League Cirencester Town.
Havant match re-arranged
As the date chosen for the league match against Havant & Waterlooville is outside of the League's requested 42 days to rearrange, they have instructed that this fixture will now be played on Tuesday 7th February 2012 at 7.45pm.
Junior Spitfire Club
BECOME A JUNIOR SPITFIRE & GET YOUR CHANCE TO BE THE OFFICIAL MATCHDAY MASCOT
It's time to join the club everyone is talking about and become a Junior Spitfire member and enjoy the benefits of being part of the coolest group in town!
For just £15 you will receive:
* Exclusive entry into our ‘Matchday Mascot draw'
* A Junior Spitfire membership pack featuring some fantastic Eastleigh FC goodies, including drinks bottle, key ring, Bridle bag and more.
* 10% discount on all school holiday soccer courses.
* Reduction on official replica shirts.
* Membership card.
* Two tickets to attend a match around your birthday, one for you and one for an accompanying adult!
* Spitfire Birthday and Christmas cards.
* And much more!
So, what is the Official Matchday Mascot I hear you ask....
Get involved and call us on 02380 645526 or email fic@eastleigh-fc.co.uk for an application form.
Probably the save of the season
We are delighted to announce an exciting new venture with main club sponsors, Bridle Insurance.
Simply arrange your insurance with Bridle and the revenue generated will be split equally between Eastleigh Football Club and Bridle.
Bridle have excellent facilities and special insurance rates for Eastleigh FC fans, players and staff!
Bridle can offer all forms of insurance, both personal and commercial. For fans that are already paying insurance premiums it is a way of supporting the club without spending any more money than they would normally do.
Please contact Bridle on 0845 034 9648 for more information, or for that all important money saving quotation.
Dave Malone, Director of Football emphasises that this is a superb way of raising revenue. He says please support the scheme whenever you can. Bridle have committed to being a long term partner of Eastleigh Football Club and this is a way the fans can really help raise vital money for the club.
Eastleigh score 7 more times!
We are delighted to announce 7 (yes seven) additional sponsors, with hopefully more to follow.
Following yesterday's announcement that Lawshield UK Limited will appear on the players shorts, with help from Bridle Insurance we have been very busy trying to generate that all important revenue and are delighted to announce the arrival of 7 additional sponsors.
A beaming Director of Football Dave Malone said "Our main sponsors Bridle Insurance are really getting behind the club and are making an immediate impact helping to secure an additional eight sponsors (including Lawshield yesterday) with lots more irons in the fire. We are all very excited and can't remember the last time we scored eight times in a day! "
Darren Nangle of Bridle Insurance says on their website "We are very keen for other local businesses to get involved to either sponsor or advertise with Eastleigh FC no matter how large or small. We have been very encouraged by the response we have received so far, especially given the difficult economic climate, which further demonstrates the Eastleigh community embracing the upcoming Bridle era".
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the following new sponsors:
911uk.com - visit them at: http://www.911uk.com/
Bridle Vehicle Leasing - visit them at: http://www.bridleinsurance.co.uk/vehicle-leasing.html
Draper Tools - visit them at: http://www.draper.co.uk/
Funtime Bouncy Castles - visit them at: http://www.funtimebounce.co.uk/
Jamesons Accountants - visit them at: http://www.jamesons.co.uk/
Kyriakides & Braier - visit them at: http://www.kblaw.co.uk/
Metabo Power Tools - visit them at: http://www.metabo.co.uk/If you would like to become involved and advertise at Eastleigh Football Club please contact Eastleigh Football Club on 02380 613361.
Lawshield follow the Spitfires
Eastleigh Football Club are thrilled to announce that Lawshield UK Limited, have agreed to become sponsors of the club and Lawshield will appear on the players shorts.
Director of Football, Dave Malone said "The last few weeks have been very exciting for all those involved with the club and Lawshield agreeing to sponsor the shorts is just further confirmation of the exciting times ahead. It would be fair to say this Lawshield support would not have been possible without the Bridle Insurance involvement and our thanks go out to both Lawshield and Bridle".
Lawshield specialise in providing quality insurance products which are underwritten by leading insurers. Their products and services offer comprehensive cover and a seamless integrated service solution to Insurers, Brokers, Fleet Managers and Affinities. They provide a one stop shop offering outsourced claims assistance solutions for household insurance and personal/commercial motor insurance which includes access to replacement vehicles, vehicle repair and legal services.
Please spend a moment to visit Lawshield website at http://www.lawshieldcorporate.com
Player News
Eastleigh FC can confirm the signing of Bradley Bubb on loan from Aldershot, until the end of the season.Bradley is an exciting forward, and was a key player for Farnborough last season - prior to joining Aldershot. Bubb has most recently been on loan with Blue Square Bet South neighbours Basingstoke Town.
Bubb boasts an outstanding scoring record in a career that has taken him from the Spartan South Midlands League with Chalfont St Peter to the npower League Two.
He netted 38 times in two years for Chalfont before banging in 35 goals in a single season with Beaconsfield SYCOB in the Southern One South & West.
A move to Farnborough followed where he scored 40 times in 88 games over two seasons and was a member of the side that finished runners-up in the BSB South last term.
That clinched him a full-time contract at Aldershot, but Bubb, who represented Grenada in the CONCACAF Cup in the USA during the summer, has found opportunities limited at the Recreation Ground.
Manager Ian Baird commented: "We needed to add a few more guns up front, someone with experience and a good scoring record who will give us genuine pace. Bradley fits that category."
Bradley joins fellow new signing Philip Appiah at the Silverlake Stadium. The 22-year-old completed his switch from Farnborough ahead of the weekend defeat against Dover Athletic, where the midfielder made his Spitfires debut.
Baird said: "At 22, Philip's the right age for us. He fits in with what we are trying to do in the short and long term.
"I've tried to sign him before but haven't been able to get him for some reason.
"I saw quite a bit of him at Hayes & Yeading. When he played against us for Farnborough earlier this season I felt he was the best player in their side. He's a similar sort of player to (ex-Spitfire) Anthony Riviere.
"We haven't paid a fee for him, he was non-contract at Farnborough."
The club can also confirm that Ross Bottomley has left the Club, and is expected to join AFC Totton. Thanks for all your efforts Ross, and all the best for the future.
Richard Gillespie has completed his loan spell at Bashley, having scored 5 goals, and returns to training tomorrow.






















Michael Green has joined Eastleigh on a permanent basis after being released from his contract at Port Vale.
Following much discussion, we are pleased to confirm that Shaun Wilkinson has accepted our offer to join our Management team, as Player/Coach.
Eastleigh Football Club believe that the way for us to continue our progress is to alter our football strategy, and to channel significant efforts towards bringing in and helping to develop talented younger players. We intend to achieve this by offering them a full time professional environment within which to work. This is part of our medium term plan to both achieve promotion and to change the ethos and culture of the Club. To achieve this we also recognise that we will need to retain a nucleus of senior players to support our aims. Therefore, in the short to medium term ,we will be operating a combination of part time senior and full time young players. Our First Team Manager Ian Baird will become a full time employee supported by a complete Coaching and Management team. 
