EASTLEIGH manager Ben Strevens says he’s “convinced we’ll have some good players joining us” and he wants to add “a few more” signings before the National League season starts.

The Spitfires finished three points outside of the play-offs last season as Strevens targets an improved finish and a second play-off campaign at the helm of the club.

They’ve already added three names in Football League lads right-back Josh Hare, left-back Michael Kelly and centre-back Tom Broadbent – but these are only direct replacements for outgoings.

As well as a handful of experienced players that have departed the Silverlake, a number of the club’s former scholars and young potential have too gone out the exit – including popular figure Tom Bearwish.

Strevens told the Daily Echo: “It’s pleasing to get the three lads in that we’ve got, they are all good ages and will fit right in but we want to back it up now and get a few more over the line.

“We’re being patient because we don’t want to do it for the sake of it but there’s a few we are talking to, and we are convinced we’re going to get some good players joining us in the next couple of weeks.

“We lost some of the younger boys because I had to be fair to them and let them go out there and play. Someone like Bearwish leaving was a horrible decision for me to make but it was right for Tom and I’m convinced he’s going to do well at Weymouth.”

Academy graduate and versatile attacker Bearwish, 21, scored two in the 2019-20 National League season, including a crucial last-gasp winner against Torquay, but failed to register in 10 appearances last term.

Centre-midfielder Jack Payne is another that has moved on from the club and joined League Two side Crawley Town, and after playing 41 of the 44 league fixtures last year leaves a sizeable hole.

Eastleigh can call it a success to keep hold much of the remaining squad though, with top performances from the likes of Joe Tomlinson and goalkeeper Joe McDonnell – the latter signing a new two-year deal this summer – potentially attracting interest.

Strevens added: “At the moment all it has been with the defenders coming in is replacing what we’ve lost. What we need to do now is get a couple of midfielders in to replace Paynie and probably a forward.

“But it’s about getting the right ones and assembling a good squad with balanced ages, having played at a good level but hungry as well.”