EASTLEIGH have added another defender to their ranks.

Connor Essam, most recently with Leyton Orient, last night became the Spitfires’ seventh summer signing, of whom three play at the back.

The 23-year-old centre-back, who featured on loan for National League rivals Dover Athletic last season, has been signed on a one-year deal.

Born in Chatham, Kent, Essam progessed through the Gillingham youth ranks and went on to play for Crawley Town and Dover before signing for Orient last summer after a successful trial.

He was released by the League Two outfit when his one-year contract expired.

Eastleigh chairman Stewart Donald said: “We’re delighted to add Connor to the team.

"He is an experienced, young defender who comes to us with great pedigree.

"We’ve once again added quality to the strength and depth of our squad and the competition for places is definitely exciting!”

Defensively the Spitfires have strengthened with the experienced Richard Duffy from Port Vale and 6ft 4in Adam Dugdale from Morecambe.

Also new in at the Silverlake Stadium are midfielders David Pipe (Forest Green) and Jake Howells (Luton Town), winger Adam Dawson (Nuneaton) and exciting, young forward Scott Wilson from Weston-super-Mare.