EX-SAINT Nicky Banger has taken up a full-time post with non-League Eastleigh.

The 33-year-old former Oldham and Oxford United striker, pictured, is helping to bolster the Sparshatts Stadium coffers as corporate manager.

Banger's appointment, working alongside commercial manager Pat Mallon, is further proof that the success of the Dr Martens Eastern Division outfit is built on more than just the financial input of one man.

Although many believe the club will stand and fall on the continuing involvement of their enthusiastic manager, Paul Doswell, chairman Roger Sherwood clarified: "Eastleigh is one of the old school. We're one of few clubs who have always been self-maintained. We've never relied on one person to come in and spend loads of money.

"I could name you at least half a dozen clubs locally who have gone backwards because the fella with the money has walked away. That won't happen at Eastleigh. We're in a position where if someone walks away we're sound. We don't owe money to anyone. I'm really proud of the fact that we're a committee-run club and that we're doing all these things without having to go and borrow money from the bank."

If Eastleigh win tonight's crunch showdown at Histon, they will leap to fourth in the Eastern Division table, giving themselves a realistic chance of winning the title.

It's remarkable progress for the one-time 'sleeping giants' who, in two inspired years under Doswell, have won the Wessex League title at the first attempt and become a Southern League force.

Acknowledging Doswell's contribution as the driving force behind the club, Sherwood said: "With Paul on board, we've progressed a lot quicker. Things were moving in the right direction before he got here, but it's really taken off since Paul joined us."

The chairman added: "Appointing Nicky Banger is another step in the right direction. He's working five days a week selling things and bringing in sponsors etc. It's a really important role because the club needs funds all the time.

"Nicky's been a huge success both on and off the field. He's very passionate about everything he does."

Eastleigh will again be without injured duo Chris Collins and Ryan Ashford tonight, but ex-Saint David Hughes could be back after sore ribs.

All three of the Eastern Division's top sides - including Histon - lost on Saturday and suddenly both Eastleigh and Salisbury are right back in the title frame.