EASTLEIGH have confirmed Danny Hollands as their second summer signing.

The experienced former Portsmouth and AFC Bournemouth midfielder will be linking up with the National League club once his contract with Crewe Alexandra expires.

Hollands joined Crewe on a five-month deal in August last year which was later extended to the end of the season.

Crewe boss Dave Artell had been keen to keep Hollands at the League Two club, but the Ashford-born 31-year-old wanted to move back down to the south coast.

With his wife, Natalie, and a set of five-year-old triplet girls – Sofia, Annabella and Mia – to look after, the former Charlton Athletic man must put his family first.

Conceding defeat in his attempt to persuade Hollands to stay at Crewe, Artell said: “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.

“He's moving back close to his Portsmouth home. But that's football. It means I've got to look for another midfielder now."

Hollands started his career at Hampton & Richmond Borough before moving on to Chelsea where he captained the youth team.

He then put down roots at AFC Bournemouth, making 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.

Hollands follows Leyton Orient striker Paul McCallum into the Silverlake  as the Eastleigh management team of Richard Hill and Andy Hessenthaler begin building for the new National League campaign.