EASTLEIGH have bid a fond farewell to one of the shining lights of their rise to the Vanarama National League.

Midfielder Ben Strevens has had his contract cancelled by mutual consent and is leaving the Silverlake Stadium after more than three years with the club.

Former Barnet and Wycombe Wanderers man Strevens joined the Spitfires in the summer of 2013 following his release from Dagenham & Redbridge.

He celebrated the Conference South title in his first season and his experience proved invaluable as Eastleigh quickly found their feet at national level.

When Richard Hill, the manager who had brought him to the club, resigned last September, Strevens was appointed player/assistant manager to Hill’s successor Chris Todd.

He has not featured as a player this season but took caretaker charge of Eastleigh’s 0-0 draw at Wrexham on August 20 after Todd had been sacked and Ronnie Moore named as his replacement.

With new boss Moore bringing in Kevin Watson as his right-hand man, it seemed only a matter of time before 'Strevs' moved on.

Paying tribute to the 36-year-old, chairman Stewart Donald said: “Ben has been a superb servant and ambassador of the football club since arriving.

“He was an instrumental part of our championship-winning side that secured promotion from the Conference South.

“I am sure all our fans would agree when I extend our thanks to Ben and wish him every success for the future.

“We thank Ben for everything he has done in his time at the club.”

Eastleigh today retweeted a message from Strevens saying that the great memories of three-and-a-bit years as a Spitfire would stay with him forever.

He added: “I’m sad it’s coming to an end, but that’s football.

“Thank you to Stewart Donald … I have no doubt you will take the club into the Football League and you deserve it!”

Strevens is expected to be reunited with Hill at his new club Whitehawk later on this afternoon.