Eastleigh have agreed terms to sign newly released AFC Bournemouth defender Joe Partington on a two-year deal.

Partington, who impressed during a loan spell at the Silverlake Stadium in the Vanarama Conference last season, now returns to manager Richard Hill's fold on a permanent basis. 

The 25-year-old made 19 apperances for Eastleigh as they completed a remarkable top four play-off finish in their first season in the Conference.

Partington found opportunities restricted at the Cherries, playing 52 games since moving to Dorset from Portsmouth in the summer of 2006.

The defender, who was deployed at centre-back and right-back for the Spitfires, also had loan spells at Aldershot Town and Eastbourne Borough, and will rejoin the Stoneham Lane outfit on July 1. 

It means that all seven of the players who were offered contracts last month have now signed.

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe recently spoke about Partington and striker Josh McQuiod after reluctantly deciding to release the pair.

“Both Josh and Joe have been associated with the club for a long time and it is always very difficult to lose players who have come through from the youth team to play a big part in our recent history," Howe said.

“Joe has also given the club a great length of service. He is a player who has displayed a magnificent attitude in the time I have worked with him and someone who is desperate for success.

"It was a real shame that the early part of his career with us was hampered by injury and various setbacks. But he has gone on loan and done very well with Eastleigh and, hopefully, that is just the start for Joe.

“We would like nothing more than to see both Joe and Josh forge long and successful careers in the game and wish them every success.”