CLASSY midfielder Andy Drury has signed a new two-year deal for Eastleigh.

The former Ipswich and Luton man was one of four members of last season’s squad, not already under contract, to be offered fresh terms.

He and player/assistant manager Ben Strevens have re-signed and manager Chris Todd is confident of defender Jamie Turley and forward Yemi Odubade following suit later this week.

Drury, 32, proved a big hit in his first season as a Spitfire and it was a pity that a niggling injury held him back just when they needed him most.

Along with top scorer James Constable and record signing Luke Coulson, he missed some key games towards the end of the campaign as Eastleigh fell just short of their National League play-off ambitions.

“It was disappointing to lose those guys and have to patch ourselves up to get through games, but it happens,” said Todd.

“I’m pleased Dukes (Drury) has signed for another two years. He’s got a lot of ability and he’s the type of player you build a team around.

"He's a high-profile player for this football club.

“Strevs has re-signed until the end of next season as player/assistant manager, Yemi’s nearly sorted and hopefully Turley will sign this week.”

No mention was made of ex-Saints and Portsmouth goalkeeper Michael Poke when Eastleigh released their retained list earlier this week, but it’s highly likely he will leave the Silverlake having failed to dislodge Ross Flitney as No1.

“We’re in talks but it’s difficult because he was looking to get the No1 position, but it never came,” said Todd. “He had his chance, but the team never got going and Ross came back in and kept his place.

"He's been unlucky and I'm sure he'll find somewhere as first-choice No1. He's too good to sit on the bench."

On the future of Portsmouth loanee striker Matt Tubbs, Todd said: “He’ll go back and we’ll see what happens.

"Tubbsy's a good player but he doesn't feature in Portsmouth's plans.

"We’ ve got options to maybe get him back and it would silly to rule it out. We’ll see how it goes.”