THE founder of Eastleigh FC is backing the Spitfires to complete the club’s journey from Southampton Common to Wembley.

Derik Brooks, who founded the club as Swaythling Athletic back in 1946, is hoping its 70th anniversary will be spent in the Football League.

“From Southampton Common to this!” said the club’s Life President. “We used to play behind the Cowherds on pitches that were in a terrible state.

“We started in Southampton Junior Leagues One and Two, you couldn’t get much lower than that, so I feel like I’m walking on a cloud at the moment.

“It’s very difficult for me to take it all in. “Promotion to the Conference was amazing enough and it’s been another fantastic season whatever happens.

“But Wembley would be marvellous.” Eastleigh have to get past Grimsby Town first. “I think we’ve got a good chance,” continued the 91 year-old.

“I know we’ve lost twice to them but if we can take a two-goal lead up there for the second leg, I think we can do it.” Derik, who grew up supporting Dulwich Hamlet, formed Swaythling Athletic when his work team at Cunliffe-Owen Aircraft was disbanded.

He made seven first-team appearances before fulfilling the roles of club secretary (22 years), treasurer (13 years), and general secretary (25 years).

The club moved to Walnut Avenue in Westfield, where the changing room was an air raid shelter, midway through its first season.

In 1957 they eventually moved to farmland that they named Ten Acres - what is now the Silverlake Stadium – before being renamed Eastleigh FC in 1980.

“The local council objected to us purchasing ten acres of Farmer Brown’s land on Stoneham Lane as it was on the greenbelt, but they’re now on our side, which is marvellous,” says Derik, who was made a Citizen of Honour by Eastleigh Borough Council last year.

“It’s a special club which we’ve gradually built up. “I’ve got so many wonderful memories of good players we’ve had and the arguments we’ve had in committee!”

Derik lives in Bitterne Park with Marian, his wife of 69 years and another club stalwart. “I enjoy being a spectator these days,” he continues.

“I’ve been to all but one home game, which I missed at Christmas. “This is the first season I haven’t been to an away game, due to medical reasons, but I’ve been following events closely - and will be going to Wembley if we get there!”