CHRIS Todd admitted on Saturday that he has “big decisions to make” this season with such a strong Eastleigh squad at his disposal.

But already stiff competition for places has led to one player exiting the club.

Former Luton striker Ross Lafayette left earlier today by mutual consent after just one season with the Silverlake outfit, including a loan spell at Aldershot Town.

Another, young defender Jack Smith, is signing for Truro City on a three-month loan.

Including the pick of their young guns, Eastleigh lined up with 24 players when their official team photo was taken last week.

But that was before the arrival of the two Ryans – Messrs Cresswell and Bird – who were signed in the build-up to Saturday’s triumphant 2-1 home opener against Guiseley.

Five of Todd’s 11 summer signings – Connor Essam, Cresswell, Jake Howells, David Pipe and Mikael Mandron – started that game, while a further five – Ryan Huddart, Adam Dugdale, Adam Dawson, Scott Wilson and Ryan Bird – were named on the bench.

The unlucky one to have missed out was central defensive giant Ayo Obileye who, just a week earlier, had played a colossal role in the 4-1 pre-season dismantling of League One new boys Northampton Town.

So hot was the competition that Obileye didn’t even make the opening-day 16 and neither did forwards Yemi Odubade and Lafayette.

Todd, who leads his side to Braintree Town tomorrow evening (Tuesday, 7.45pm) in search of another three Vanarama National League points, said after the Guiseley win: “Ayo wasn’t injured, he just wasn’t in the squad today.

“There were players left out who are actually very good footballers, but that’s the nature of it.

“I’ve got some big decisions to make.”

Marvelling at Eastleigh's treasure trove of talent, skipper and right-back Joe Partington said: “It’s astounding the quality of the lads who were not involved today.

“But it’s a long season and everyone will have the opportunity to play a positive part.

“I’d like to say how good the attitude was from the players not involved against Guiseley.

“They didn’t sulk or hide, they supported the team well.

“It’s important everyone's going in the same direction.”

Todd will face an even bigger selection dilemma tomorrow if utility man Luke Coulson returns from the ankle injury which sidelined him on Saturday.

Braintree were play-off semi-finalists last term under the leadership of new Lincoln boss Danny Cowley.

Now managed by Jamie Day, the Iron have made wholesale signings during the summer - among them ex-Saints striker Lee Barnard and former Eastleigh forward Jack Midson.

But despite dominating the second half at newly-promoted North Ferriby United on Saturday, they had to settle for a 0-0 draw.

Like Eastleigh, Braintree are still in the ‘getting to know you’ phase.

“We’re all new players and it will take time, but there’s no reason why we can’t do as well as the side did last season,” said Iron skipper Jon Ashton.

“We'll take each game as it comes and I know we will continue to grow stronger as a unit."