DEFENDERS Adam Dugdale and Chinua Cole have left Eastleigh by mutual consent.

The pair have been paid up, having signed two-and-a-half-year contracts for the National League club.

Experienced centre-back Dugdale arrived in Stoneham Lane this time last year having been out of contract with League Two outfit Morecambe.

Eastleigh was the first venture south for the 29-year-old Liverpudlian, who had previously played for Crewe Alexandra, Tranmere Rovers, Barrow and Southport.

In a farewell message to Spitfires fans, Dugdale said travelling had been a factor in his departure.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 12 months and know the club is heading in the right direction," he wrote.

“Unfortunately for myself, the distance from home and my young family was too much.

“I’d like to thank all the staff, chairman and fans for making me feel welcome during my time here and wish you all the best moving forward.”

Dugdale made 20 league and cup appearances for the Spitfires in a rollercoaster season that saw four different managers – Chris Todd, Ronnie Moore, Martin Allen and Richard Hill – in charge of team affairs.

Left-back Cole, 23, was signed from Staines Town in January towards the end of Allen’s disastrous 84-day reign. He exits after making just six first-team appearances.

The former Barnet youngster said: “It’s with mutual consent that I gracefully depart from a club that’s got bundles of potential and potential that I hope sees the club challenge for the title next season.

“My time at the club was short-lived, but I certainly enjoyed every single minute of it, from the staff to the players and, most importantly, the fans.

“I look forward to see what the game has in store for me as I enter a new chapter.”