JUST when you thought Eastleigh’s summer signing spree was over, another class act has stepped into the Silverlake arrivals lounge.

The Spitfires have completed the signing of Reda Johnson, an imposing 6ft 3in former Football League defender who can play at left-back or as a left-sided centre half.

The powerfully-built 28-year-old, who was born in France, was one of ten players released by Coventry City in May, along with ex-Saints and Eastleigh defender Aaron Martin.

Manager Tony Mowbray decided it was the end of the road for the former Plymouth Argyle and Sheffield Wednesday man after he had been ruled out by a season-long hamstring injury.

Sky Blues fans begged their manager to give him a second chance, but Mowbray decided there was no going back after Johnson’s contract had expired. He did, however, allow him to stay around the club to finish his rehabilitation with the Coventry medical staff.

Johnson has signed a contract with Eastleigh for the rest of this season with an option for a further year.

“He played at League level for a long time and his pedigree is second to none. We’re lucky to get him,” said manager Chris Todd.

“He had a really bad injury at the beginning of last season and has been out quite a long time, but I’ve had that sort of injury myself and I know what it takes to get over it.

“Reda’s another big, strong boy and he brings a lot of calibre to the squad.

“We’re going to get him up and running and he’ll add real stiff competition.”

Eastleigh have had a solid start to the National League season, picking up four points out of six with a home win over Guiseley and Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Braintree.

On Saturday they face their toughest task to date away to title tips Tranmere Rovers who are flying high with two wins out of two.

Tranmere triumphed 2-0 at Bromley on the opening day with a brace from James Norwood and then saw off Barrow by an identical scoreline thanks to a Norwood penalty and summer signing Andy Cook.

Norwood netted 19 goals for the Prenton Park outfit last term, while Cook – signed from Barrow – bagged 24 for the Cumbrians.

“They’re the favourites to win the league, so it’s going to be tough, but every game is hard no matter who you play,” said Todd.

The Spitfires will be without skipper Joe Partington, who limped off at Braintree, but his injury is not as bad as first feared.

“It’s an Achilles problem,” confirmed Todd. “He won’t be available on Saturday, but he shouldn’t be out long.”

There are a couple of candidates to fill Partington’s right-back role, namely midfielder David Pipe and the versatile Luke Coulson who has recovered from an ankle injury.

Pipe and Connor Essam both took knocks at Braintree, but should be passed fit.