CRAIG McAllister has become the second member of Eastleigh’s Conference Premier play-off semi-final squad to join Sutton United.

The 34-year-old targetman, who doubled up as assistant manager to Spitfires boss Richard Hill last term, has been reunited with former Eastleigh bosses Paul Doswell (manager) and Ian Baird (first-team coach) at Gander Green Lane.

His move comes hot on the heels of centre-back Dean Beckwith’s move to the ambitious National League (Conference) South club who are anxious to improve on a disappointing 15th-placed finish last term.

McAllister, who grew up in Bitterne Park, began his Eastleigh career during their Wessex League days and went on to play for Basingstoke, Stevenage, Woking, Exeter, Crawley, Newport County and Luton (loan) before moving back to the Silverlake Stadium in the summer of 2012.

He was one of seven players released by the Spitfires in the wake of their play-off semi-final defeat at Grimsby and has been replaced as Hill’s right-hand man by defender/coach Chris Todd.

Sutton boss Paul Doswell said: “I’ve known Craig for a long time and am really pleased to get him.

“He’s done well for Eastleigh and will be the targetman we need.”