THE APPOINTMENT of Scott Bartlett from Weston-Super-Mare has given National League Club Eastleigh FC new hope for the rest of the campaign.
The Spitfires were down in 16th at the time of former boss Kelvin Davis’ sacking, far away from their target of a play-off finish.
Less than a month into Bartlett’s tenure, the club from Hampshire are already back up to 12th and within five points of the coveted top seven.
On top of that, preparations are well underway for their FA Cup First Round crunch tie against League Two leaders Walsall FC.
On-loan striker, Ciaran McGuckin, was positive for the future:
“Since Scotty [Bartlett] has come in, there’s been a real good energy in the group and I think you can see that from our last games.
“Against Boreham Wood we obviously slipped up a little bit, but we still showed what we’re about under the new gaffer, plenty of energy and plenty of runs, so if we keep that going then we’re in for a good rest of the season.”
Under Bartlett, the Spitfires have recorded two victories, two draws and just one defeat, a big improvement from the form seen in the first month of the season.
Fans I spoke to before their game against Scunthorpe United were also optimistic for the fortunes that lie ahead
One said:
“Confident, it will be a difficult one for the season but without injuries we should do well.”
Another was just as positive:
“I’m excited for the season, I think we’re gonna do well, but with a couple of players missing I think we’ll lose some points today [against Scunthorpe] but we should do well.”
They face a trip to Sutton United and a home clash with York City, following their tie with Walsall.
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