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.

Before his arrival at Eastleigh in May of this year, Matt Gray had previously managed two clubs, with very different outcomes at each of them. In 2025 he was in charge of National League South team Eastbourne Borough, but left having failed to gain any wins from among the team’s first 10 games under his charge. However, the four years he spent at Sutton United  including getting them promoted into the EFL; the remained with them until December of their third (and so far final) season there. As a player, Gray’s career came to a premature halt through injury aged 25; he played as a centre-back for Barnet, Hayes and Havant & Waterlooville.

The Fleming Arms pub in Swaythling, where the club began

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

Eastleigh FC Forum – Spitfires Unofficial

After a blistering start in the fifth tier – back in 2014/15, when they finished 4th in the table, the Spitfires have been a bit less fully charged in recent years. While making the play-offs on two occasions (2015/16 and 2018/19), Eastleigh have, in general, finished the season in mid-table positions more often than not, with last season’s 17th-placed finish a bit more disappointing than most. In an attempt to turn things round, in February 2026 Scott Bartlett – formerly of this parish – was sacked, and initially replaced, as acting Manager, by Richard Hill, who had managed to club on three previous occasions, including their promotion to the Conference, as the National League then was. However, in May, Matt Gray took charge.

Eastleigh made a number of signings over the summer, with quite a few coming from EFL clubs. These include right-back Nick Akoto from Burton Albion, centre-forward Max Dickov from Mansfield Town, and centre-forward Oli Hawkins from Barnet. There were a number of loans from EFL and Premier League clubs, too – among them midfielders Harry Sidwell from AFC Wimbledon and Nelson Khumbeni from Gillingham.

Eastleigh have made a reasonable start to the season, currently sitting 15th after playing 14 games, with 18 points and 18 goals scored. Holding high-flying Boreham Wood to a 1-1 draw might be the most impressive result of the season for the Spitfires so far, while their match against Southend Utd ended with the same scoreline. The low spot so far is the 4-1 defeat by Harrogate Town.

The most recent visit of the Spitfires to The New Lawn, in August 2025, was a tightly fought game that was still at 0-0 after 90 minutes. An injury-time goal from Tom Knowles grabbed three points for Rovers.

The return fixture, played in Hampshire in March 2026 was a goal-fest, with Rovers coming back from being 2-0 down at half-time, to win 4-2, with goals from D’Mani Mellor, Kyle McAllister (with both a penalty and goal from open play) and, in injury time, from Nick Haughton.

Forest Green Rovers F.C. – The New Lawn, Another Way, Nailsworth, Stroud, GL6 0FG

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 (Monday, Thursday and Friday at 11am to 2pm) or by emailing reception@fgr.co.uk.

The Park and Ride service does not run for evening matches.

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

Rovers Raffle – organised by the Supporters Club to subsidise away travel, ground improvements, Academy teams etc. Tickets cost £1 each (cash or card accepted) with winners announced at half time or check winning numbers here – Raffle Results – Forest Green Rovers Supporters Club

Fan Zone – Not open for this game.

The Green Man  – Open to home and away supporters for this fixture,  serves food and drink.

Gym Bar – Open in the East Stand, and open to other home supporters after the match.

Club Shop – TNL is a cashless stadium. To find out about hospitality and events, please email hospitality@fgr.co.uk.