Eastleigh FC, Hampshire’s Spitfires, are poised for a thrilling 2025-26 National League campaign after a mid-table 2024-25. Under manager Kelvin Davis, they’re targeting a top-seven finish, kicking off with their opener at newly promoted Brackley Town on August 9. With a dynamic pre-season, nine new signings, and a major squad overhaul, Eastleigh are set to take flight at Silverlake Stadium.
The 2024-25 Season: A Flicker of Promise
Eastleigh’s 2024-25 season ended 13th with 59 points (14 wins, 17 draws, 15 losses). Their attack, led by striker Paul McCallum as the leading scorer and Jake Taylor’s wing play, notched 58 goals, but a shaky defence conceded 61, with only one win in their final 11 games.
The Silverlake faithful, averaging 2,234 home attendees, including over 3,000 at matches against Hartlepool and Southend, now back a revamped squad to reignite the promotion push.
Pre-Season 2025-26: Testing the Wings
Eastleigh’s six pre-season friendlies (2 wins, 4 losses) showed attacking spark and defensive work-in-progress, scoring 9 and conceding 10 goals:
- July 12: Eastleigh 1-2 Southampton (H) – A defeat against The Championship team after almost leading the whole first half.
- July 19: Bournemouth Academy 0-1 Eastleigh (A) – A sharp win, likely led by McCallum.
- July 22: Salisbury 1-3 Eastleigh (A) – A confident victory against non-league opposition.
- July 26: Eastleigh 2-3 Swindon Town (H) – A narrow loss to League Two’s Swindon exposed defensive gaps.
- July 29: Maidenhead United 2-1 Eastleigh (A) – A defeat to National League rivals highlighted resilience needs.
- August 2: Farnborough 2-1 Eastleigh (A) – A final loss to non-league Farnborough underscored defensive priorities.
Stats Snapshot:
2W-0D-4L, 9 goals scored, 10 conceded.
The attack looks potent, but conceding 10 goals mirrors last season’s 61-goal defensive struggle. Davis must tighten the backline to fuel promotion hopes.
Squad Changes: A Tactical Overhaul
Eastleigh added nine players to address last season’s defensive woes and boost their attack, while 14 departures cleared space for fresh talent. Key Arrivals:
- Nick Townsend (GK, 30, ex-Newport County): A steady League Two keeper to anchor the goal.
- Aaron Pierre & Temi Eweka (CBs, 32 & 25, ex-Shrewsbury & Maidstone): Veteran Pierre and physical Eweka aim to fix the 61 goals conceded.
- Jordan Cousins (CM, 31, ex-Cambridge United): A gritty midfielder to add leadership.
- Kieron Evans (AM, 23, ex-Cardiff City): A creative spark for a potential 4-2-3-1 shift.
- Aaron Blair (CF, 25, ex-Maidstone): A prolific striker to pair with McCallum.
Key Departures: Veterans like Chris Maguire (RW, 36), Scott Quigley (CF, 32), and Tyrese Shade (RW, to Burton Albion) left, alongside defenders Ludwig Francillette and Corey Panter, thinning the old guard but opening doors for new blood.
The Road Ahead: Soaring to the Playoffs?
With Pierre and Eweka bolstering the defence and Evans adding midfield flair, Eastleigh aim for a top-seven spot. The August 9 opener at Brackley Town, a compact promoted side, tests their new-look backline.
Home clashes with Gateshead and Boston United in August offer early momentum..
Stay Connected
Track Eastleigh’s flight on their official website for news, tickets, and shop updates, or visit the National League site for fixtures and results. Tune into BBC Radio Solent for local coverage. Follow the Spitfires on social media for live updates:
X, Facebook, and Instagram. With Davis’s leadership, a revamped squad, and Silverlake’s roar, the Spitfires are set to soar in 2025-26!
