Eastleigh FC are searching for a nickname for the team - and we're asking Chronicle readers to make some suggestions.

The club, formerly known as Swaything Athletic, has been without a popular nickname since becoming Eastleigh in the 1980s.

With their unprecedented run of success over the past three seasons, supporters have been anxious to have something other than just 'Eastleigh' to chant on matchdays.

"It'll be good for the club to have a nickname which can become part of the club's fabric," said chairman, Roger Sherwood.

"Now we've reached Conference level it makes comercial sense as well as being great for everyone involved with the club."

Names already put forward include 'the Railmen' and 'the Spitfires' because of Eastleigh's historic links with the railways and the nearby airport.

But any suggestions will be considered and we're inviting you to send us your suggestion.

Send them to 'Nickname', Sports Desk, Hampshire Chronicle, Staple House, Staple Gardens, Winchester SO23 8SR, or by fax or email to the addresses at the top of this page.

There's no deadline, but they should be received by mid-June.

If your nickname is adopted by the club, you'll receive a season ticket for home games at the Sparshatts Stadium next season in the Conference South.

Friendly fixtures

Eastleigh have already arranged a series of attractive pre-season friendly matches.

They begin with a trip to Wimborne on Weds July 20 (7.45pm), followed by a home game against AFC Bournemouth on Tuesday 26th.

The Hampshire Chronicle Cup will be contested at Winchester City on Sunday 31st (3pm) and is followed by home games against Woking (Tues Aug 2, 7.45pm) and Salisbury (Sat Aug 6, 3pm).

The date for an away game against Aldershot has yet to be finalised.

Junior coaching course

Eastleigh are staging a 'Soccer Fun Week' for youngsters during the forthcoming half term.

Nicky Banger and Mark Dennis will be coaching children between the ages of 7 and 15 each day from Monday May 30 to Friday June 3.

Matt Le Tissier will also be at the final day at the Sparshatts Stadium.

Boys and girls of any ability will be very welcome and further details can be obtained from the club on 023 8061 3361.