Eastleigh manager Paul Doswell is still pinching himself after securing the signature of classy midfielder Martin Thomas on a free transfer from Exeter City.

The 30-year-old former Southampton trainee brings with him a wealth of Football League experience from spells with Leyton Orient, Fulham, Swansea, Brighton and Oxford United and represents a dream signing for the Isthmian Premier new boys.

Although Thomas was offered another two-year contract by cash-strapped Conference outfit Exeter, it was on reduced terms.

Instead, he has opted to return to his Southampton roots and combine part-time football with a day job.

Doswell explained: "Martin's decided to move away from a full-time football environment and go into a plumbing job with his brother-in-law.

"It's great news for us to get someone with that much experience on a free transfer.

"Nicky Banger (ex-Saint) recommended him last season when we were talking about the need to get a midfielder who gets his head above the parapet when the going gets tough.

"Martin's that kind of player and he's very fit for a 30-year-old.

"All the time he's been away he's always retained a flat in Bassett and now he's looking to sell that and re-buy in Chandler's Ford.

"What impresses me about him is that he's very motivated to finish his career on a high with us.

"He's looked around our ground and seen the new stand going up and listened to what we're trying to achieve.

"He must have spent about 45 minutes talking about football and only five talking about money."

Lymington-born Thomas began his career as a trainee with Southampton, earning a full contract in June, 1992.

However he had to wait until joining Leyton Orient in March 1994 to make his Football League debut.

From there he featured in promotion-winning sides with both Fulham and Swansea and was signed by Exeter on a free transfer from Oxford United in May 2002.

"He's probably the missing piece of our jig-saw," smiled Doswell.

Fellow ex-Saint Phil Warner could be on his way out of the Sparshatts Stadium club. The defender is on a two-week trial with Conference outfit Aldershot Town and Doswell admitted: "Mentally, I think he needs to play at a higher level."

Centre-back Lee Bright will not be going to Aldershot, however. Shots boss Terry Brown had agreed a five-figure fee with Eastleigh, but the former Saints trialist prefers to stay where he is.

"Doswell said: "I encouraged Lee to go because I thought it would be a good move for him, but he feels he can achieve all he wants with Eastleigh."