EASTLEIGH’S Ryan Hill has hailed the atmosphere and determination in Ben Strevens’ squad despite a difficult opening three results, insisting: “Some of the goals we have conceded he wasn’t happy about, but he knows we’re all rowing the same boat.”

The Spitfires succumbed to two defeats in their opening weekend before letting a comfortable lead slip at home to King’s Lynn in their most recent fixture, picking up just a point to start the new National League season.

But the side have seen considerable change in personnel during the off-season, with a huge number of players going out and coming back in the door – perhaps just needing time to gel before they get going.

The versatile Hill has come out of the traps looking lively, though, after his unrelenting press forced King’s Lynn and ex-Eastleigh defender Pierce Bird to put through his own net in terrific style in the opening minute of the 3-3 draw.

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Hill has reassured fans that the squad are working to see improvements and want to see results soon, starting with the visit to league strugglers Barnet tomorrow (3pm kick-off).

The 23-year-old told the Daily Echo: “Obviously we’ve been disappointed that in the first two games we weren’t able to score, and then the third game that we were two up at half-time and it slipped.

“But the gaffer’s great, he backs all of us and he’s there for all of us. It’s all been positive, we just need to keep our head down, he saw how much it meant to us at the weekend and he can see the effort.

“He’s obviously said that some of the goals we conceded he wasn’t happy about, but he knows we’re all rowing the same boat.

Daily Echo: Ryan Hill has played in Premier League 2 while at Stoke's academy (Pic: Tom Mulholland)Ryan Hill has played in Premier League 2 while at Stoke's academy (Pic: Tom Mulholland)

“Last season they (Barnet) didn’t have a great season for whatever reason that was, definitely we’re all going into the game Saturday with a positive mindset.

“But whoever we play it’s the same, we’re not going into a game thinking ‘corr, there’s no way we’re going to win this.’ Every game is a tough game, just because it’s Barnet we don’t go into it any different, and we always want three points no matter who we play against.”

Including both incomings and outgoings, there have been over 20 personnel changes within the Spitfires’ squad this summer – and they’ll be boosted again by the arrival of ex-Bristol City left-back Vince Harper, announced Thursday.

Hill added: “I think the group is perfect, honestly.

“We train together every day and everyone gets on, it’s the first club I’ve been at where, and obviously there is disagreements on the pitch, but off the pitch there’s never an argument, everyone gets on with everyone and pushes in the same direction.

“If one player makes a mistake, you can count on your teammate to get you out of trouble.”