EASTLEIGH confirm the departure of first-team duo Tom Whelan and Josh Hare on permanent deals to National League rivals, for undisclosed fees.

Midfielder Whelan has left to rejoin former side Chesterfield, after the club agreed to let him pursue a move back up north.

Meanwhile, right-back Hare – who rejoined the Spitfires from Bristol Rovers in the summer – has departed for Dagenham & Redbridge.

On his move, Whelan explained: “First and foremost I want to thank the fans and everyone at the club for the support they’ve shown me.

“I’ve enjoyed my time here but unfortunately for personal reasons I need to head back closer to home.

"I’d like to thank the club for reluctantly allowing me to go as I know they could have stood in my way - I wish them the best going forward and for more success next season.”

Whelan made 31 appearances for the Spitfires this season, scoring five goals and registering five assists in that time.

Hare had played 24 matches in the National League, scoring once. He had helped take the team to the National League playoffs in 2018-19, but failed to recapture that form in his second spell at the Silverlake Stadium.