FORMER Eastleigh boss Paul Doswell has taken charge of Havant & Waterlooville.

Doswell, who recently left his role at Sutton United, has signed a three-year contract to become the Hawks' new manager.

Speaking to the club's official website, Doswell said: "I’m really pleased. The goal is to get us back into the National League.

"The hard work has started. I’m looking forward to it. My job is to put smiles back on people’s faces and I’ll be involved with that whole aspect in and around the club."

The Hawks were relegated from the National League this season, which cost ex-boss Lee Bradbury his job.

Former Saint Ian Baird, who was also his assistant at Sutton United, will join Doswell at Westleigh Park. 

Doswell masterminded the Spitfires’ meteoric rise from the Sydenhams Wessex League to the Conference South, before leaving for Sutton in 2008.

He spent 11 years with the Us, where he guided them to an FA Cup fifth round tie against Arsenal back in 2017.