FORMER Stevenage Borough boss Richard Hill has been named as Ian Baird's successor at Blue Square Bet South club Eastleigh.

The 48-year-old will be introduced to the players and staff at training tomorrow evening and take charge of his first match at home to Maidenhead United on Saturday.

A statement issued by the club this evening said: "Eastleigh FC are delighted to announce Richard Hill as their new first team manager with immediate effect.

"Richard is vastly experienced having managed Stevenage Borough and assisted John Gregory at both Wycombe and QPR, Brian Little at Aston Villa and also fulfilled the same roles at Gillingham, Tranmere Rovers and Northampton Town.

"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."

Club owner Stewart Donald added: "I am delighted 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.”