Eastleigh’s current crest, introduced in 2020 and designed by Christopher Payne (also behind Yeovil Town’s new badge), reflects the club’s nickname — The Spitfires. The name, chosen by fans some years earlier, pays tribute to the town’s aviation heritage: the iconic aircraft was designed and built in the town, and was first flown from Eastleigh Aerodrome (now Southampton Airport). The badge also features the club’s custom typeface, Eastleigh Sans.

https://tssc-eastleighfc.proboards.com/

Eastleigh FC Forum – Spitfires Unofficial

Eastleigh’s Silverlake Stadium

Eastleigh finished 13th in the National League for the second year running in 2024/25, ending the campaign with 59 points and 14 wins. Manager Kelvin Davis was busy over the summer, refreshing the squad with several new arrivals. Among them were goalkeeper Nick Townsend (from Newport County), defenders Temi Eweka (Maidstone Utd), Aaron Pierre (Shrewsbury Town) and Archie Harris (on loan from AFC Bournemouth), midfielders Jordan Cousins (Cambridge Utd), Josh Lundstram (Oldham Athletic) and Kieron Evans (Cardiff City), plus striker Aaron Blair (Maidstone Utd).

The Spitfires have had a mixed start to the season, losing 1-0 on opening day to newly promoted Brackley Town, and losing 2-0 a week later to Gateshead. Their third match, against Aldershot Town, brought the first victory of the season (3-2), but at the expense of striker Paul McCallum getting a red card.

Kelvin Davis began his career as a goalkeeper with Luton Town, before going on to play for Wimbledon, Ipswich Town, Sunderland, and finally Southampton, where he became club captain after joining in 2006. He skippered the Saints from 2009 to 2012 and made over 300 appearances for the club.

After retiring, Davis moved into coaching at Southampton, initially as Football Development Executive in 2016. He later became senior first-team coach and briefly took caretaker charge following Mark Hughes’ departure in 2018. He left the club in 2022 after a reshuffle.

Davis was appointed Eastleigh manager in February 2024 and, after a solid end to the season, signed a new three-year deal that summer.

Eastleigh FC was founded in 1946 by Derik Brooks and a group of friends at the Fleming Arms pub in Swaythling, Southampton.

The club’s rise began with promotion to the Hampshire League in 1950 after two seasons in the Southampton Senior League (West). Just a year later, they topped Division Three (West) and lifted the Hampshire Intermediate Cup.

By the 1955/56 season, the then-named Swaythling were competing in Hampshire League Division One. In 1957, they moved from Southampton Common to Ten Acres — now known as the Silverlake Stadium. After a brief spell in lower divisions, they returned to Division One in 1970 as Division Two champions.

In 1980, the club changed its name to Eastleigh FC, and six years later became founder members of the Wessex League. Success followed in 2002/03 when they won the Wessex League and earned promotion to Division One East of the Southern League. A rapid rise continued through the Isthmian League and eventually to the Conference South.

During nine seasons at that level, Eastleigh twice came close to promotion to non-league’s top tier but narrowly missed out. They also won the Hampshire Senior Cup in 2011–12. Their breakthrough came in 2014 when they claimed the Conference South (then Skrill South) title and moved up to the National League.

Now in their 12th season at that level, Eastleigh have built a reputation for punching above their weight, enjoying several strong FA Cup runs — reaching the third round proper three times in the last decade, and taking Bolton Wanderers and Newport County to replays in 2015/16 and 2023/24.

Promotion to the National League in 2014.

Where It All Began – The Fleming Arms, Southampton

The Spitfires last visited Nailsworth in February, when Jamie Robson secured a 90th minute winning goal, keeping Rovers in second place in the table.

Parking is available in the adjacent school car park, just a short walk from the stadium. Spaces cost £15 per car and must be booked in advance by calling 0333 123 1889 (weekdays 9am–3pm, excluding Wednesdays) or by emailing reception@fgr.co.uk.

Alternatively, you can use the Park and Ride service from Renishaw (Bath Road, Nailsworth, Stroud, GL5 5EY). It opens at 12:30pm on matchdays and costs £5 per car (card only).

If parking on surrounding streets, please be considerate of local residents.

The Green Man bar and Fan Zone will be open pre-match for food, drink, and live music, with bands performing before each game. Both will also be open at half-time, while the Green Man stays open after the final whistle, showing live Sky Sports games. This season, the Gym Bar also returns for East Stand ticket-holders.

The New Lawn is a cashless stadium.

Hospitality details and offers:

The FGR Shop will be open in the Fan Zone, East Stand concourse, and the Carol Embrey Suite.

A free digital matchday programme will be available online before each home game. Keep an eye on the club’s social media channels for the download link ahead of kick-off.