RICHARD HILL has returned to Eastleigh as director of football and caretaker boss following the departure of Martin Allen on Wednesday.
Allen left the Spitfires after less than three months in charge following Tuesday night's home defeat to Macclesfield which left the club 15th in the National League.
The former Barnet boss, who replaced Ronnie Moore at the start of December, won just two of his games in charge following a large turnover of players.
The Spitfires moved quickly to bring Hill back to the club and announced his return on Wednesday evening.
Hill took charge of Eastleigh in September 2012, and guided the club to the Conference South title in 2013-14 before leading them to the Conference play-offs the season after.
He departed the club in September 2015 and took charge of National League South outfit Whitehawk 12 months later.
He's now back in Non-League with Eastleigh as director of football and will also serve as manager in the short-term, being assisted by Craig McAllister, Ben Strevens and Lee Peacock.
Hill will “evaluate and manage all footballing aspects of the club including selecting a replacement manager” as the Spitfires look to turn their fortunes around.
Owner Stewart Donald said: “I can only unreservedly apologise for what I have put our fans, players and staff through this season. I genuinely thought all decisions made were right at the time but it is clear I have got this wrong.
“It has affected everyone's enjoyment, none more than myself. I am hopeful that by bringing Richard in he will stabilise the club and then help push us on again.
“He did a fantastic job when he was here last time. He would walk to the club to come back he loves it so much and I feel this passion coupled with his football knowledge will help us get things right and be vital in ensuring we, or to be clearer and more accurate me, from continuing to make mistakes in such a fundamental area.”
