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No regrets for Hughes

8:00am Friday 25th April 2008

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DAVID Hughes has "no regrets" about stepping down as Eastleigh manager back in the autumn.

The former Dell midfielder resigned after just a few months as Spitfires boss with Ian Baird making the controversial short journey from Havant & Waterlooville to replace him.

Under Baird, Eastleigh have continued to improve and find themselves going to Thurrock tomorrow knowing a win would guarantee them a place in the Blue Square South play-offs.

In other words, Eastleigh would be just three games away from potentially joining the likes of Salisbury, Weymouth, Stevenage, York and Wrexham in the top flight of non league football.

It is also a "very sobering thought" for Hughes that Eastleigh could find themselves just two divisions below Saints in 2008/09 should the worst happen at St Mary's in Saints' last two games.

All a far cry from April 2003 when Eastleigh were still playing Wessex League football and Saints were preparing for an FA Cup final date with Arsenal.

Hughes took over as Eastleigh boss last July after Jason Dodd left to coach Saints.

But the desire to continue his playing days helped him decide to quit the role.

"I've no regrets," he said.

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JOS EFC, says...
9:44am Fri 25 Apr 08

A top man and a great player who has played a massive part in Eastleighs climb up the ladder on and off the the field.Whilst he was still playing it was the correct decision and look where we are now. Hughesy always put Eastleigh interest 1st and his own 2nd.
IN MY OPPINION EASTLEIGH BEST EVER

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mark the hawk, hawksville says...
12:19pm Fri 25 Apr 08

well done Jos, just the one spelling mistake !!!!!!!!!!!!!

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JOS EFC, says...
3:22pm Fri 25 Apr 08

I am trying Mark.
I realy hope to see you at our ground on Tuesday.

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mark the hawk, here says...
3:48pm Fri 25 Apr 08

why whats REALLY happening Jos?

is there a spelling test ?

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JOS EFC, says...
4:04pm Fri 25 Apr 08

As i've said before mark we can't all be as clever as yourself.but then what else have you got going for you.xxx

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mark the hawk, hawksville says...
4:16pm Fri 25 Apr 08

well for starters i'm younger than you (just!!!!) and i'm from Eastleigh!!!!!

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JOS EFC, says...
12:26am Sat 26 Apr 08

you certainly have had a hard life so far then.
And if your from Eastleigh what are you doing supporting the looville.and not your local team ?

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Loud & Proud EFC, On the way to Thurrock says...
8:03am Sat 26 Apr 08

Absolute Legend is Hughsey.
Mark we all know you will be looking out for our result today.
Everyone looks out for their home town team :0)

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Tony, Sholing says...
9:32pm Sat 26 Apr 08

Well, i guess by now we all know the result at Thurrock didn't go too well to say the least!! The promotions have come thick and fast lately. Maybe we could do with a year to prepare the team and the ground. I doubt if any fans will agree with me though?

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Loud & Proud EFC, Bishopstoke says...
10:58am Sun 27 Apr 08

Tony wrote:
Well, i guess by now we all know the result at Thurrock didn't go too well to say the least!! The promotions have come thick and fast lately. Maybe we could do with a year to prepare the team and the ground. I doubt if any fans will agree with me though?
I think you are right Tony.
Would have been nice to have played in the play offs.
But we threw it away :o(

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Laughing, Laughterville says...
5:28pm Sun 27 Apr 08

Not going up Eastleigh????
Thank you for making me laugh out loud.

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Broadside, Lordswood says...
8:14pm Sun 27 Apr 08

All that money that Doswell has poured in and all the butt licking they have done to Wendy Gee and the whole season flushed down the drain by a pathetic performance for their last game. If you can't beat Thurrock, then you deserve to stay in Blue Square South. Try not to lie so much about your attendance figures and people might start to go to your games. I went to one and your figures were about 500 too heavy. Better luck next year.

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RendelFC, Soton says...
9:57pm Sun 27 Apr 08

Its a shame there are so many idiots who make negative posts about Eastleigh but these sort of brainless morons probably having nothing better to do - I doubt they are actually into nonleague (or any) football at all.

We do deserve to stay in the BSS, in the end we weren't quite good enough for a top 5 place.
Still our best ever season and I think we'll do better next year too. Its been a fun year overall and I'm looking forward to next..

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Tony, Sholing says...
11:58pm Sun 27 Apr 08

Being a newcomer to this area i only recently discovered the local non league scene and attended several Eastleigh games and was impressed with the passion of the fans even when losing unexpectedly at St Albans. We are lucky to have teams like Eastleigh and VT FC nearby and i wish them both promotion next season. Whilst not wanting to wish the summer away i will really miss the football. And i'm sure most of you will join me in wishing the Saints the best of luck in avoiding the drop.

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mark the hawk, hawksville says...
9:04am Mon 28 Apr 08

JOS EFC wrote:
I am trying Mark. I realy hope to see you at our ground on Tuesday.
i'll pick you from there then Jos , we can go to Bath to watch Bashley in the play offs

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