SPITFIRES HAVE HAD TIME TO REFOCUS
IT’S my third season at Eastleigh – and I’m hoping it’s going to be third time lucky.
We have underachieved as a group and failed to produce consistent performances in the National League over the course of the last two seasons.
Under new ownership and the guidance of gaffer Andy Hessenthaler, I believe the club has been given a chance to refocus with a fresh approach but ultimately the same goal as previous owner Stewart Donald.
Ex-chairman Donald invested millions during his time here on players and the club’s infrastructure.
He was extremely committed to getting the Spitfires into the Football League, but was unsuccessful and clearly became frustrated.
I believe he felt it was the right time to start a new challenge at Sunderland and hand the club over to the right people with the same commitment and passion as he had.
Last December, Richard Hill moved from manager to director of football, leaving assistant Hessenthaler to take the reins, with Ben Strevens.
This meant a change in playing style and philosophy with new ideas being installed. This normally takes time, but the transition was seamless and the change had an immediate impact with the team going eight unbeaten.
I believe with key players back fit, and the excellent signings of both ex-Southampton midfielder Oscar Gobern and 23-year-old defender Josh Hare from Maidstone, it makes us a stronger team.
We certainly won’t be talked about as contenders and that’s absolutely fine. We’ll be happy letting the bigger teams enjoy the pressure while we go about our business under the radar – and hopefully surprise a few along the way!