Former Dover skipper Connor Essam joins Eastleigh

FORMER Dover Athletic skipper Connor Essam has signed for ambitious Eastleigh after leaving League Two side Leyton Orient.

The ex-Gillingham youngster signed for Orient last summer after impressing for Dover during the 2014-15 campaign, much of which he spent as the Whites’ captain.

He made 26 appearances in League Two before falling out of favour with new boss Kevin Nolan and re-joined Dover on loan in late March.

Centre-back Essam went on to make nine appearances for Chris Kinnear’s men – including the first leg of the play-off semi-finals against Forest Green – as they narrowly missed out on a place in the National League promotion final.

He will be back in Non-League’s top flight next season after signing a one-year deal with an Eastleigh side who will have their eyes on promotion.

Spitfires chairman Stewart Donald said: “We’re delighted to add Connor to the team. He’s an experienced, young defender who comes to us with great pedigree.

“We’ve once again added quality to the strength and depth of our squad and the competition for places is definitely exciting.”

Boss Chris Todd has also added French-born striker Mikael Mandron, 21, who was released by Premier League side Sunderland.

He has signed a two-year deal with Eastleigh and Todd said: “I’m absolutely delighted to capture Mikael. He is another young talent, who has unbelievable potential and I’m positive he will become a firm favourite with the fans.”