FORMER Saint Jake Hesketh joins National League side Eastleigh on a permanent basis.

Stockport-born Hesketh made four first team appearances for Saints and had loan spells with Burton Albion, MK Dons, Lincoln City and Crawley, before being released this summer.

The 25-year-old recently trialled with League One Portsmouth but didn’t receive a contract offer and has now turned his attention to Ben Strevens’ local non-league outfit.

Hesketh becomes the second signing of the day for the Spitfires, after former Bradford City midfielder Harry Pritchard, 28, joined permanently too.

Daily Echo: Harry Pritchard also joins the Spitfires (Picture: Tom Mulholland)Harry Pritchard also joins the Spitfires (Picture: Tom Mulholland)

The Daily Echo understands both players have been trialling with Strevens’ side, featuring and scoring in recent pre-season friendlies, ahead of their National League season beginning at the end of August.

Following the departure of star man and top goalscorer Joe Tomlinson, much needed depth has been added – although the Spitfires are still a name or two short in defence.