Eastleigh fans have finally had their minds put at ease after rumours of political wranglings at the Sparshatts Stadium.

Supporters will be delighted to hear that inspirational manager Paul Doswell has signed a two-year rolling contract following a fortnight of fraught negotiations with chairman Roger Sherwood, president Clive Wilson and the club's management committee.

"It's taken two weeks to resolve certain issues for both sides, but I'm pleased it's all been concluded," said Doswell who, in three whirlwind seasons, has hoisted the Stoneham Lane club from Wessex League mediocrity to the Nationwide Conference South.

With their ground and team blossoming, Eastleigh have been hailed as a role model for aspiring non-League clubs, so it came as some surprise when an eerie silence descended in the wake of last month's Ryman Premier play-off success.

But chairman Sherwood assured puzzled fans: "What with holidays, it's taken a few weeks to sort things out, but everything's settled now and we can go on from here.

"Paul has signed a much-improved two-year contract which he fully deserves for the success he has brought the club. If it wasn't for Paul, we wouldn't be where we are today.

"The budgets have been agreed and we're all looking forward to another exciting season."

Eastleigh have at long last confirmed the signings of striker Neville Roach and goalkeeper Scott Tarr from Basingstoke Town, plus Billericay midfielder Steve Forbes.

Although Doswell released the trio's names last month, the deals were not firmed up until earlier this week.

As Sherwood explained: "It's no good signing players if you're in a situation where the manager walks away. I don't think there was any danger of Paul going, but the trouble with the success we've had is that it's brought a lot more pressure for everyone, including Paul. There have been so many things to organise and discuss and, after a hectic season, it takes a bit of time to sort out.

"There are budgets to agree and you have to decide whether the priority is putting money into the ground or the team. It's a fine balance and we needed to talk about where the club was going."

There is no question in Sherwood's mind that Doswell is the man to lead Eastleigh forward. "If we didn't have him on contract, I'm sure he'd be head-hunted," he said. "If I was chairman of another club and I saw what's happening at Eastleigh with Paul as manager, I'd be the first to call him."