RICHARD Hill has set the record straight over Mekhi Leacock-McLeod’s Eastleigh departure, making it clear it was the player’s choice to walk away.

The pacy winger signed for Ryman Premier outfit Billericay Town on Monday, becoming the first player to part company with the Spitfires since Hill was brought in as director of football/caretaker manager following last week’s sacking of Martin Allen.

Of all the signings Allen made during his ill-fated 84-day reign, livewire ex-Wolves youngster McLeod was one of few to excite the fans in his short stay with the club.

Hill threw him on as a 75th-minute sub in last Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Dover Athletic but, two days later, the player’s agent set the wheels in motion for the Billericay move.

Hill explained: “His agent suggested the new manager’s (Hill’s) style of play wouldn’t suit his player and that it might be in his best interests to leave.

“I spoke to the agent about 1.30pm on Monday and, by 4pm, Mekhi had signed for Billericay who had obviously found a money tree at the bottom of the garden.

“To be fair to the lad, he was on contract until the end of the season and walked away without any compensation. He’s been able to go to another club where, financially, he’ll probably be in a better position - otherwise you don’t leave Eastleigh FC to sign for a club two leagues below.

“To make it clear, it was Mekhi’s choice to walk away.

“But we run a tight ship here now and we only want players who want to be here and play for the team. If they’re not in the team, we want players who are going to fight for a place.”

Eastleigh will need fighting spirit in abundance on Saturday away to the National League’s bottom club York City.

Although Tuesday's 1-1 home draw with Aldershot took them up one place to 14th, the Spitfires remain just eight points above the drop zone and are still seeking their first win of 2017.

Midweek goalscorer Craig McAllister is confident the tide will quickly turn under Hill.

He said: “The difference in the two games since he came in is massive. There’s an improvement already. Everyone knows their jobs. We have to stand up and be counted.”

York are nailed to the foot of the table with 29 points – eight from safety – with a dozen matches to play.

But after denying league leaders Lincoln City a ninth straight victory by drawing 1-1 at Sincil Bank on Tuesday, manager Gary Mills believes his team are capable of putting together a winning run.

He said: “The challenge became a bit tougher on Tuesday when other teams won their matches, but who’s to say we can’t win our remaining 12 games?

“People will say ‘Millsy is talking rubbish', but why not?”