CHRIS Dillon’s former boss Graham Kemp is not surprised the defender has made the grade with ambitious Conference South outfit Eastleigh.

After training with the Spitfires since the start of pre- season, Dillon was officially signed prior to Friday’s friendly against Saints under-21s when he started in place of the absent Chris Todd.

He was introduced to Eastleigh boss Richard Hill by fellow ex-Christchurch youngster Michael Green, who has gone on to become a regular fixture in the Spitfires’ side.

Former Christchurch manager and now boss of Winchester City Kemp said: “Chris was part of the golden era at Christchurch when youth products like Greener, Adam Costello, Russell Cook and Tom Price came through and it’s no surprise to me that they’re all playing – or have played – at a higher level.

“Chris went off to do a scholarship in America and Canada for a couple of years and came back and played for Christchurch at the tail end of last season.

“He then went to Australia to play but I think he was disappointed in the standard out there. He came home, spoke to Greener and went to Eastleigh.”

The Spitfires are home to Woking tonight (Tuesday, 7.30) as they continue their build-up for new Conference South season and Kemp is confident Dillon can make the grade.

“I wanted him to come to Winchester, but he deserves to play higher,” he said.

“He’s a proper old-fashioned centre-half.

“Keep-ball in training was never his strength, but he’s great at tackling and heading and ideal if you want him to mark someone.”

Kemp, meanwhile, has signed Chris Flood following his release from Eastleigh in May.

The 23-year-old got his senior break with Winchester seven years ago and went on to play for Farnborough, Brentford, QPR, Salisbury and Dorchester.

He joined Eastleigh in November 2011, initially on loan, and finished last season on loan at Maidenhead.

“Chris has played one-and-a- half games for us and looks very sharp. He’s a clever player,” said Kemp.