BEN Strevens insists there is "lots more hard work ahead" after penning a new contract extension as Eastleigh boss.

Strevens, who took the reins at the Spitfires in 2018, today signed a deal which keeps him at Silverlake Stadium until the summer of 2023.

Eastleigh are currently battling for a play-off spot in the National League with eight games to play, starting at home against Sutton United on Saturday.

Discussing his new deal, Strevens told the Eastleigh website: “I’m delighted. We’ve been speaking for a few weeks about everything so it’s good to get it all agreed.

"It’s not been a case of me wanting to stay or not, but more that we’ve all been speaking about the plan for the club moving forward.

"We’re all happy with the outcome and now there is lots more hard work ahead."

Spitfires director of football Mick Budny added: "We are delighted to reach an agreement with Ben to sign an extension to his contract as first team manager. Since becoming permanent manager he has done an excellent job, especially under the current circumstances.

"As a club we have a clear vision to gain promotion to the Football League, and to do this within our financial constraints we must have both a medium and long-term vision and project.

"Ben has absolutely bought into the club’s ethos of developing and recruiting energetic, talented young players whilst maintaining a solid spine of experience within the squad – as a group the board and coaching team are fully as one with this approach.

"I look forward to continuing to work with Ben and his team. They all have a great passion and desire to give everything for Eastleigh Football Club, and we have every faith in them to achieve our goals."