DANNY Smith has parted company with Eastleigh - both as a player and in his capacity as football in the community and academy manager.

The 29-year-old midfielder, transfer-listed earlier this summer, is expected to join Gosport Borough as they prepare for their first season back in the Southern Premier Division.

A former AFC Bournemouth player, Smith first joined the Spitfires after captaining Winchester City to FA Vase glory in 2004 .

He went on to become a full-time club employee and was influential in building the current junior and youth structure.

He continued to work for Eastleigh even when he left to play for Bognor Regis Town for two seasons and eventually returned for a second spell at the Silverlake in June 2009.

He has made 312 competitive appearances for the Spitfires, scoring 28 goals.

Saluting Smith’s time at the club, Eastleigh boss Ian Baird said: “He has been a tremendous player for Eastleigh, always giving 100 per cent, but I felt the time was right for us to go our separate ways.

“We wish him well.”