EASTLEIGH have made it a week to remember with the announcement of a third permanent signing in two days, with the welcoming of former Chesterfield midfielder Tom Whelan.

The 25-year-old only joined the Spireites towards the end of 2020 from fellow National League side, Dorset’s Weymouth, but has also played with Yeovil Town, Chippenham and Salisbury.

The Liverpool-born centre-mid played 34 times and netted eight goals in the Spitfires’ division last season as Chesterfield secured sixth-place and a play-off campaign – which only just evaded Ben Strevens’ side themselves.

Whelan had started his Chesterfield spell as one of the first choices but was limited to a bit-part role towards the end of the campaign, not making it off the bench during their 3-2 play-off defeat to Notts County.

He joins fellow signings Harry Pritchard and ex-Saint Jake Hesketh who were announced yesterday and provides more balance – with the other two offering even more creativity and attacking flair.

Daily Echo: Tom Whelan is unveiled at the Silverlake Stadium after joining Eastleigh FC (Picture: Tom Mulholland)Tom Whelan is unveiled at the Silverlake Stadium after joining Eastleigh FC (Picture: Tom Mulholland)

Strevens' men are in pre-season action tonight away to Chippenham Town (7:30pm).