EASTLEIGH have confirmed their new manager, bringing in former AFC Bournemouth and Havant & Waterlooville boss Lee Bradbury.

After beginning his managerial career with League One Bournemouth, Bradbury’s most notable stint was with the Spitfires’ local rivals Havant. In a seven-year spell at the Hampshire club, he led the Hawks to non-league’s top tier in 2017/18.

Since 2019 Bradbury had been assistant manager at Crawley Town, following a short stint as manager at Eastbourne Borough.

In a statement, the club said: “Eastleigh Football Club are delighted to announce the appointment of Lee Bradbury as the club's new First Team Manager.”

Bradbury himself commented: "I'm really pleased, it's been a tough decision to leave Crawley but it's one I'm pleased that I've done and I'm looking forward to the challenge.

"I felt like I was ready for a new challenge as a manager again and it was exciting to come to a club like this to get that opportunity.

"Eastleigh has always been a club on the up over previous years, as I know from my time at Havant. Even though the clubs have been local rivals I knew that Eastleigh were always looking up and I believe that is still the case, which was a big attraction for me.

"There's a good fanbase and good club here, and things have really improved behind the scenes around the ground too. I've been really impressed with what I've seen so far.

"In terms of what I want to bring to the table, it will be organisation, hopefully excitement for the fans, and I want to let the players play with freedom. I want us to play aggressive, attacking football - working hard high up the pitch but not forgetting those vital clean sheets that good teams are built on.

"There are good people here behind the scenes and I think the whole club is set up ready to move up the divisions, and I hope I can be the one to give them that in the near future."

It has also been confirmed that Eastleigh favourite Jason Bristow, who had led the Spitfies since the departure of previous manager Ben Strevens, will remain apart of the first team coaching set-up.