EASTLEIGH are believed to be on the brink of signing midfielder Danny Hollands from Crewe Alexandra.
The 31-year-old ex-Cherries and Portsmouth player held talks with Crewe boss Dave Artell last night and is believed to be looking for a return down south.
Hollands joined Crewe on a five-month contract in August last year and the deal was later extended to the end of the season.
Artell wanted to retain Hollands who had overcome a torn tendon injury and declared himself fit for the final game of the League Two season against Barnet.
But the Crewe boss told the club’s official website: “I spoke to Danny last night and he informed me that he has been offered by a club closer to home.
"I respect that and he was apologetic on the phone because I know he enjoyed his time with us.
“He has a young family and it was difficult.
"I told him that we didn’t have the resources to re-locate his family and I appreciate that his family have to come first.
"He is a top professional and he goes with our best wishes.
Artell added: “I wanted to keep him because he is the type of character I want at the club, but I also respect that he wants the best for his family.”
Hollands made 219 appearances for the Cherries in a five-year spell between 2006 and 2011.
After 94 appearances for Pompey, he left Fratton Park last summer, having turned down the offer of a fresh contract.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here