Eastleigh have parted company with ex-Saints midfielder Kevin Gibbens for what manager Paul Doswell describes as "lifestyle reasons."

Although the 24-year-old still possesses the skill that won him a handful of Premiership appearances, his fitness and appetite is not up to scratch for the Dr Martens Eastern Division title chasers.

Gibbens joined Eastleigh from Basingstoke Town last summer. The Ryman Premier club, for whom he played 53 times last term, rated him at £5,000, but a fee of £2,000 was eventually settled upon at an October tribunal.

He has been a regular in the Eastleigh side, scoring four goals in 29 appearances, but was dropped to the bench for last Saturday's 2-1 win at Erith & Belvedere and released from the club a couple of days later.

"We wanted Kevin to be more professional about things," explained Doswell. "From time to time he would tend to go out on a Friday night and it became a bit of an issue. We've got strict guidelines for the players and, although we don't say they can't go out, they're not allowed to drink.

"If they want to go to Ikon or Diva with their mates before a game, then they can go and play for someone else. We're not interested in that type of player."

Doswell told Gibbens a few home truths earlier in the season and, for a while, the midfielder picked up his game.

But Doswell said: "He's slipped back into his old ways and I'm not prepared to baby-sit people. We're all adults and players have got to have self-commitment and self-discipline.

"It's difficult because, as a lad, I love Kevin. He's a genuine person who's always got a smile on his face. It's far easier to say goodbye to players when you don't like them, but I've made this decision for the good of the team."

Doswell will be presented with the Eastern Division's December manager-of-the-month award ahead of tomorrow's Hampshire derby at home to struggling Fleet.

The north Hants visitors are second to bottom of the Eastern Division, having gone 13 games without a win, but there were signs of recovery in last Saturday's 1-1 draw at Ashford.

Manager Mick Catlin said: "I was pleased to pick up a point last week. Until Ashford scored in the last quarter, we looked comfortable and created plenty of chances to win.

"Despite our current league position, we have great team spirit and the overall performance should continue to improve over the next few weeks."

Fleet should be at full strength although they have slight doubts over midfielders Brian Wood and Jamie Proctor, who picked up injuries in the Christmas game against Burnham.

Paul Sales, Nicky Banger and Tyronne Bowers are all expected back for Eastleigh and Doswell hopes to have Havant & Waterlooville midfielder Neil Davis on board in time for the game.