WAYNE Shaw, one of the biggest characters in the local non-League game, is back on board at ambitious Blue Square Bet South outfit Eastleigh.

The 41-year-old Totton-based stopper has been signed up as goalkeeping coach and number two to 19-year-old ex-Saint Jack Dovey by Spitfires boss Ian Baird.

Shaw was a popular figure at the Silverlake Stadium before moving to Sutton United with former Eastleigh boss Paul Doswell two-and- a-half years ago.

He was coach and cover goalkeeper to Kevin Scriven at Sutton and played as recently as the play-off semi-final second leg at Welling when Scriven was sus¬ pended, keeping a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw.

But though the big man enjoyed his time at Sutton he was unable to fit in with their new training times of Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

“It was excellent at Sutton, but it would have been difficult for me with all the travelling,”

said Shaw.

“But it’s great to be back at Eastleigh.

The club has always been close to my heart and it’s the only place to be.

“I was still involved when Bairdy first came to the club and I’m looking forward to working with him again.

“It all looks really exciting at Eastleigh for next season. Speaking to people around the club, they’re all behind what’s going on there.

“We’ve got to hit the ground running and go for it.”

Shaw enjoyed a testimonial match against an ex-Saints XI in July 2008 and is still a much-loved figure at the Silverlake.

“I’ve known Wayne a long time,” said Baird. “His vast experience makes him a non-League legend and I jumped at the opportunity to work with him again.

“He is a local lad who knows the club inside out. He was voted Eastleigh’s best ever goalkeeper and was recently involved in promotion and play-off seasons at Sutton.

“Primarily he is here to work with and help Jack Dovey’s development on a day-to-day basis, which will include matchdays, but he can still play and will provide useful cover.”