DAVE Malone, the man who introduced new owners Bridle Insurance to Eastleigh, has left the Blue Square Bet South club.

After six years at the Silverlake Stadium, the Spitfires’ director of football has stood down, clearing the way for new majority shareholders Bridle Insurance to take control.

It was Malone who introduced Bridle’s Stewart Donald and Neil Fox to the club’s board back in October and, along with chairman Paul Murray and finance director Alan Williams, worked for over three months to facilitate Bridle’s share purchase and subsequent acquisition of a majority interest in the club.

“I believe the time is right for me to stand aside and allow them to take this club forward in the manner they see fit,” said Malone.

“Since 2006 I have been actively involved in every aspect of the running of the club.

“During that period, we have weathered the departure of Paul Doswell, survived the on-going business recession and more recently attracted and sustained significant new investment in the club.

“I am proud to have played my part in establishing our place in the higher echelons of the non-League football.”

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