Jason Dodd is aiming to create more leaders at Saints.

The 36-year-old former captain yesterday took charge of his first training sessions with the squad since being appointed George Burley's new first team coach.

And the man with 16 years of committed, whole hearted service to the club is hoping his motivational tactics can inspire those around him.

He said: "People know what I was like as a player - when I was out on the pitch I was a leader.

"People said last season maybe we were a wee bit too quiet and there weren't enough leaders on the park.

"I tend to get into people, to suss people out and know what their strengths are and try and get the best out of them.

"I've explained to the manager that's what I'm about.

"I've got things to learn - I've only been at Eastleigh six or seven months - but people know when I was a player I worked very hard and that's exactly what I'm going to bring onto the coaching side.

"I'm going to work very hard, get to know the players and get the best out of them.

"And if we do that we've got more chance of winning games."

The chance to return to Saints came out of the blue for Dodd, who only took over as Eastleigh boss last December.

But the Silverlake Stadium club didn't stand in his way and when Burley got the opportunity to speak to Dodd he was won over by what he heard.

"I was away and George phoned up and said could we have a chat," explained Dodd.

"I thought it was about some players we could nick for Eastleigh, but he explained the situation and that there was an opportunity of a role here.

"It came a lot sooner than I thought it would, but I spoke to a lot of people I knew and a lot of people in the game and they said it's a fantastic opportunity and you've got to take it'.

"I went in and told George what I was about and what my strengths were and he said he'd like to get me on board, which was fantastic."

Dodd only left Saints as a player in May 2005 having made 399 Premiership appearances for the club. So to be back in such a senior position so soon is a remarkable achievement.

"I didn't think I'd be back like this two years ago because when I left I still wanted to play.

"You're in the playing mode rather than concentrating on getting into coaching or management, but things turn around.

"When I went to Eastleigh I was concentrating on playing, then I had an operation and they said do some coaching and by Christmas I was manager.

"Everything has strangely fallen into place. I'm not saying I'm not happy because I am - you couldn't have planned it any better.

"From my point of view there's a lot of hard work to do.

"The manager knows what my qualities are and what I can bring to his staff and his team.

"I'm hoping to put that into practice as soon as I can."