MANAGER Ben Strevens has departed Eastleigh FC, with the decision taken by mutual consent and coming into immediate effect.

Assistant manager Jason Bristow will take over on an interim basis.

Strevens was appointed as manager of the Spitfires in November 2018, following a spell as caretaker boss, and lead the club to the playoff semi-final.

Eastleigh missed out on the playoffs last season after a final day defeat at Solihull Moors. The 41-year-old also played over 150 competitive matches for Eastleigh as a player.

An Eastleigh statement read: “The Board would like to thank Ben for his commitment to the club as a player and during his three years and three months tenure as manager.

“The club are grateful for the successes Ben has had as manager, guiding us to the play-offs in his first season as well as working under tight budgets to create an exciting recruitment strategy of young, hungry players that have developed here and progressed up the leagues.

“Ben has also done a great job navigating the club through an extremely difficult period during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has helped the club to remain financially sound by managing on a budget and generating funds through player development and sales.

“However, after holding meetings in light of recent results and performances, both parties have come to an agreement that a change is required to move forward as a football club.

“As a Spitfires legend on and off the pitch, Ben will always be welcomed back to the club.”