Eastleigh bring back Richard Hill as interim manager as the board outlines financial reality

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Eastleigh have appointed Richard Hill as interim manager until the end of the season as the club battles to retain its National League status.

Hill returns for a fourth spell in charge at the Silverlake Stadium with an immediate brief to steady the ship and secure the results required to avoid relegation, while the Spitfires begin the process of recruiting a permanent manager ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

The club sacked manager Scott Bartlett after a 4-0 drubbing by lowly Morecambe on Saturday left them 18th in the table and just six points above the relegation zone – despite having gone three games unbeaten beforehand

Vice-chairman Tom Coffey admitted the club have fallen short of expectations this season, despite operating with what he described as a competitive playing budget.

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Leadership

“First and foremost, I am delighted to welcome Richard back to the club on a short-term basis,” said Coffey in a club statement.

“He understands the football club and knows exactly what is required to deliver results. At a time when togetherness and calm leadership are essential, I am confident Richard will provide both.”

Eastleigh currently find themselves looking over their shoulder in the lower reaches of the National League table, a position the board believes does not reflect the level of investment made in recent seasons.

Coffey revealed that close to £4 million has been invested into the club over the past three years under chairman Stewart Donald, including significant upgrades to facilities aimed at long-term sustainability.

Financial backing

However, he acknowledged that results on the pitch have not matched the financial backing provided.

“The chairman has committed to a playing budget that should enable us to compete at the right end of the table, and we have not achieved that,” Coffey added. “Collectively, we all share responsibility for this – none more so than myself.

“Since Stewart returned to the football club nearly three years ago, he has provided the level of financial backing that is essential at this level.

“Without his support, we would likely be operating with a playing budget at the lower end of the National League South and with a part-time infrastructure.

“Over the past three years, close to £4 million has been invested into the football club, including significant improvements to facilities across the site to support sustainable growth.”

Sustainability

Stewart’s involvement has been limited by personal circumstances following the death of his wife, leaving him to raise four young children.

Despite that, Coffey stressed that the chairman’s financial support has not wavered, including making additional funds available to facilitate managerial changes and strengthen the squad.

But the wider picture painted by the club raises significant questions about sustainability.

“The football club is fully aware of the financial demands required to compete at this level – we are one of the longest-serving clubs in this league,” he said.

“However, those demands continue to increase year-on-year, particularly as larger and historically established clubs drop into the division.

“Over the past 12 months, I have actively explored opportunities for additional investment or a potential change of ownership in the best interests of the club, recognising that personal circumstances could necessitate a transition.

“It has become clear that there is currently no appetite from external parties to fund the club at anywhere near the level required to compete in the National League.”

Operational costs

Rising operational costs have compounded the challenge.

“In addition, the club has not been immune to the rise in minimum wage, increased living costs and salaries, changes to National Insurance regulations, and substantial increases in utility expenses,” Coffey explained.

“Utility costs alone have increased by more than £100,000 over the past five years. The cost of our utility bills now outweighs the income generated from season tickets.

“These combined pressures have created a substantial need for external funding. While our fanbase ranks mid-table in attendance, revenue generated from supporters remains among the lowest in the league.

“Our current chairman is happy to cover this financial shortfall for the benefit of our fans, ensuring there has been no reduction to the playing budget.

“This is clearly extremely unusual within the football pyramid and a benefit which we might not be able to continue without that support.”

Richard Hill pictured during a previous spell in charge of Eastleigh.

Objective

The board will now review its long-term direction before the end of the season, with structural changes possible if ownership funding does not continue at current levels.

A fans’ forum will be scheduled in the coming weeks to allow Donald to address supporters directly.

For now, the immediate focus remains survival. With 13 games left to play, Hill’s first task will be secure three points against fellow relegation battlers Truro City on Wednesday.

The longer-term future may still be uncertain, but the short-term objective is not. Stay up.

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READ MORE: Morecambe 4-0 Eastleigh: Spitfires part company with Scott Bartlett after Shrimps humbling