Eastleigh have dipped back into the transfer market to sign former AFC Bournemouth midfielder Michael Dean on a free transfer from Weymouth.

The 24-year-old links up with two old teammates at Ten Acres - ex-Saints and Cherries defender Christer Warren and former Terras hitman David Laws.

"Weymouth told Michael a week or so ago that he could have a free transfer and it's ideal for us because it means we can take a look at him between now and the end of the season," said Eastleigh boss Paul Doswell.

"At 24, he's the right age for us and, hopefully, he'll be just what we're looking for. He lives in Bournemouth and can travel up with Christer, Lawsy and Danny Woods."

Having seen Eastleigh's Jewson Wessex leadership trimmed to just three points by Gosport Borough this week, Southern League-chasing Doswell is determined not to fall at the final hurdle because of lack of cover in his squad.

He explained: "I know I said some time ago that I wouldn't make any more signings, but we've got more or less two games a week between now and the end of April and quite a few suspensions coming up for Woodsy, Jimmy Anderson, Sam Carter and Robbie Matthews.

"I want to make sure I've got a big enough squad to see us through."

Weymouth-born Dean signed schoolboy forms for Bournemouth in 1994 after being spotted playing in the Dorset Youth League.

He went on to make 48 first-team appearances for the Dean Court club before being snapped up by former Weymouth manager Andy Mason in the summer of 2000.

Mason's successor, Geoff Butler, said: "I told Michael that he didn't figure in my plans and that I felt his future lay elsewhere. He's not been involved for a long time because of injuries and a loss of form, so it was probably better for both parties that he left.

"All I can say is good luck to the lad. Michael's a smashing guy with a great deal of talent but, unfortunately, it hasn't worked out for him this season.

"But he's got a great chance to resurrect things at Eastleigh and I hope everything works out for him up there."

Eastleigh's out-of-favour midfielder Kevin Reacord is in talks with JWL rivals Andover.