EASTLEIGH are trying to track down as many former players as possible to coincide with the publication of a book chronicling the club’s 71-year history.

Entitled “The Story So Far" (Eastleigh FC 1946-2017), the book is due to be launched at the Spitfires’ new lounge bar and restaurant on Sunday, May 28.

Going hand in hand with the launch will be a club reunion and, with that in mind, Eastleigh are trying to contact as many ex-players and officials as possible that have represented the team since the mid-1940s.

Already some ‘old boys’ have been traced as far away as New Zealand, Australia and Thailand and work continues to find the other pieces of the Spitfires’ jig-saw.

Included on the ‘wanted list’ are ex-manager Sam Stevens and Keith Cooper, a wing-half who played from the late 1960s through to the 1980s.

Players of a more recent age, like goalkeeper Colin Matthews and striker David Laws, are also asked to get in touch.

Others the club are trying to track down include Malcolm Harris, Ray Light, Keith McGready, Dave Robinson, Paul Atkinson, Colin O’Brien… the list is exhaustive.

“We want to try and contact as many as possible and at least offer an invite to the reunion,” said a spokesman.

“We appreciate that some may have passed away, but even being made aware of that situation allows us to update our own databases.

“We are also trying to trace previous club officials, including Alan Smith who was with the club from 1987-1994. If anybody has any information, we would be delighted so we can track the people’s current whereabouts.”

Eastleigh’s soon-to-be-published book promises to be a ‘bible’ for Spitfires’ fans as well as a must-have for football club historians.

Written by Gary Day and current club secretary Ray Murphy, it covers all results from competitive fixtures, dating back to their very first game against Woolston Boys which ended in a 3-1 win in the Southampton League Junior Division One.

Those facts and figures are complemented with team photos, programme covers and all the relevant league tables.

The book, priced £15, also features a very special foreword from club founder and current president Derik Brooks.

Pre-orders are being taken and if you place your order before April 30, your name will be printed in the book as an original subscriber.

Murphy said: “It has been a few years in the preparation and compiling statistics. Gary has worked tirelessly in obtaining information.

“Hopefully it will be as precise as possible. Both myself and Gary try to be perfectionists, though on a project like this it is not always possible.

“As well as all the results and records, we have tried to include as many ex-club officials and players as possible, so hopefully there is something there for everyone."

With regards to the players' reunion, Murphy added: “Any information received will be greatly appreciated and will help in getting as many friendships rekindled as possible."

Please contact Ray Murphy on either rmurphy@eastleighfc.com or 07508 431451.