EASTLEIGH manager Chris Todd believes that new defensive signing Adam Dugdale brings important experience as the Spitfires eye promotion to the Football League next season.

The Vanarama National League outfit sealed their fourth summer signing on Thursday with former Crewe Alexandra central defender Dugdale arriving from Morecambe on a two-year contract.

The 28-year-old joined the League Two outfit last season after he was released from Tranmere following their relegation to the National League.

He made 26 appearances last term as the Shrimps finished 21st in the fourth tier.

After his contract expired at the Globe Arena, Todd made his move for the towering 6ft3inch defender and has nailed down Dugdale’s services for two years.

“I’m really pleased to bring Adam in, he is an experienced imposing centre-half,” Todd mused. “He’s showed great ambition to join the club and he wants to help guide us to success.

“Hopefully together we can achieve our goal of reaching the Football League.”

Dugdale further bolsters Eastleigh’s defence, with yet more Football League quality arriving in the form of Richard Duffy last week from League One side Port Vale.

Duffy followed fellow Welshman, the right-sided midfielder or full-back, David Pipe as well as ex-Luton Town defender/midfielder Jake Howells in to the Silverlake Stadium over the past few weeks.

What Dugdale adds is experience of promotion, having helped Crewe to League Two play-off triumph in 2011/12.

In that run to victory at Wembley, he netted in the semi-final win against Southend United.

He also knows what it takes when the chips are down in a relegation scrap.

The Liverpudlian netted on the final of day of the 2013/14 campaign to help Crewe avoid the drop in League One.

Dugdale has played for the Spitfires’ National League rivals Tranmere and Southport as well as having spells at AFC Telford United, Barrow, Droylsden and Accrington Stanley.

Eastleigh have also announced the arrival of fitness coach Ross Cracknell, who has previously worked at Saints' academy and Salisbury City.

The strength and conditioning specialist said: "My role will be to work with the players on their conditioning, from fitness, strength and nutrition to making sure they are performing to their full potential.

"I will also be assisting the physio as I am a sports massage therapist."

Todd said: "Ross will be instrumental in ensuring that all of our players are fit and ready for a huge National League campaign for Eastleigh."