Eastleigh manager Martin Allen has appointed James Russell as his assistant on his first day in charge at the Silverlake Stadium.

A sports science expert, Russell has worked regularly with Allen over the last five years and helped him win the 2012-13 League Two title with Gillingham.

Allen said: “James has joined this morning, he has a Masters degree in sports science and has worked with me at Notts County, Gillingham and Barnet.

"He was a champion at Gillngham so he’s got that gold medal and has been with me at Barnet since the beginning of season.

“He is here to help, support and look after me and the players. James knows how I work, what I want and my attention to detail.

“He’s a very good acquisition.”

Allen’s first game in charge is Sunday’s FA Cup second-round tie against FC Halifax Town.

He already knows Bondz N’Gala, who he sold to Eastleigh for a club record £60,000 ten days ago, but met the other players for the first time this morning.

“I’ve just had a long chat with them, most of this morning was done inside,” he said.

“I asked them how we can improve, what they all want from me and how I can help them collectively.

“Then I went through the same questions individually. What needs to improve? How can we make it better? How can I help you as a person and as a player?

“I tried to get underneath and find out from the players what it is they need.

"Now it’s about getting the best team out on the training pitch tomorrow morning and putting it in place for Sunday.”