EX-SAINTS, Havant and Eastleigh defender Brett Poate has left National League South outfit Gosport Borough by mutual consent.

The 33-year-old had given six exceptional years' service to Borough – a sparkling spell which included promotions from the Southern One South & West and Southern Premier Division plus a 2014 FA Trophy final appearance at Wembley.

He is one in a long line of established players to have left the financially stricken club, who also lost assistant manager Mick Catlin last week.

Poate tweeted: “Gutted to be leaving @GosportBoroFC had 6 great years! Hopefully club can get back to where it belongs on and off the field - all the best.”

Four new players have been recruited, including young striker Tony Lee from Eastleigh and Saints Academy graduate Joseph Lea, who arrives on loan from League Two side Yeovil Town until the end of the season.

Lee is already known to Borough, having spent a brief loan spell there last term.

With goalkeeper Nick Jordan injured, Borough boss Alex Pike has brought in ex-AFC Bournemouth youngster Dan Thomas who recently left Weymouth by mutual consent.

Pike's final signing is Tamille Roache, a 20-year-old, 6ft defender released from contract at Basingstoke Town.

Gosport, teetering just two points above the NLS drop zone, entertain East Thurrock United tomorrow (Tuesday, 7.45pm).

Urging fans to get behind the club, player-coach Danny Thompson said: “With nine home games left to go, let’s try and see as many people as possible down at the Aerial Direct Stadium to support the lads.

"Let’s all pull together to try and keep National South football in the town.”