Eastleigh boss Kelvin Davis on facing Southampton in pre-season

Saints legend Davis will take on his former club on Friday, July 19 at the Silverlake Stadium as both clubs look to build fitness ahead of the 2024/25 season.

The game will be Southampton's first outing of pre-season ahead of their first campaign back in the Premier League after one season away.

Davis is hopeful the game can help strengthen the relationship between the two neighbouring clubs for years to come.

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He told the Spitfires media team: “We will approach that game as a part of our pre-season plan. Of course, it’s Southampton and they are a massive club.

“It will be a great occasion. For both sides, the relationship between the two clubs is more important.

"Whether I’m here or Russell is here in a few years time, it’s knowing that relationship can last a lot longer.

Saints legend Kelvin Davis is now in charge at National League Eastleigh (Image: Graham Scambler)

“These are big games for us at this level. They help us with a lot of what we want to do with our progression. We are grateful for them giving us the opportunity to play this game.

“We will look after them, but once that whistle goes, we will play the game. We have got a style we want to implement, they have a style that they want to implement.

“It will hopefully be a game that we can enjoy and get our work done. With it being a Friday game, our week will be shorter.

"Every session is planned out. We know what we have got on every day going into the game. That won't change."

Davis, who played 301 times for Southampton during his playing career, has signed a three-year deal as Eastleigh manager after a successful stint as interim boss last term.

The retired goalkeeper's relationship with Saints saw the Spitfires sign academy players Jake Vokins and Will Merry on loan last season.