RICHARD HILL has taken the reins at Conference South club Eastleigh.
Hill replaces Ian Baird, who left Silverlake earlier this week, and will take charge of the Spitfires for the first time against high-fliers Maidenhead United.
The 49-year-old has previously managed at Stevenage Borough (between 1998 and 2000) and has held assistant manager positions at Wycombe Wanderers, QPR, Aston Villa, Gillingham, Tranmere Rovers and Northampton Town.
A statement announcing his arrival at Eastleigh said: “It is a new era for the football club and we feel that in appointing Richard we have made the right choice.
“We are confident that he has all the attributes necessary to ensure the football club continues to develop and move forward in the correct manner.”
Spitfires chief executive Stewart Donald commented: “I am delighted that we have been able to appoint Richard so quickly. He is exactly the calibre of manager I wanted.
“Like all managers that inherit a team, there will be a transitional period while he familiarises himself with the players.
“I am sure that once this happens the team will go from strength to strength. I know the fans will give him a warm welcome on Saturday as we look to return to winning ways.”
Easleigh lie in 16th in the league after seven games of the season.
