EASTLEIGH have announced that star striker Paul McCallum has signed a new two-year contract, keeping at the club until 2026.

McCallum, 31, has scored 74 goals in his 116 appearances for the club across two spells - a figure which tells you all that you need to know about the striker.

He first joined the Spitfires back in 2017 and spent two seasons at the club. He helped fire them to the National League play-offs in the 2018/19 campaign.

He returned to SO50 last season and scored an impressive 35 goals across all competitions. His 31 strikes in the league earned him the 2023/24 National League top goalscorer award.

After penning his new deal to remain at Eastleigh, McCallum said: "I think me and the club have got a good history. I have always scored a lot of goals here.

"I enjoy my time here, it's my second home. Even though it's a long drive down from London every day, I enjoy being here. It's a club where I play my best football."

In the FA Cup, McCallum scored a brace against League One side, Reading. His goals helped Eastleigh to earn a historic win in front of a sold-out Silverlake Stadium.

The Daily Echo understands Eastleigh rejected approaches from National League rivals Forest Green Rovers to keep McCallum this summer - before offering him a new deal.

Upon the news of McCallum signing a new contract, manager Kelvin Davis said: "From the moment myself and Danny Butterfield came to the club, Macca has been a massive influence on the squad in a positive way.

"It was obvious from our first few games that he was a player that we wanted to keep in our plans. Macca has shown every sign that he wants to be here.

"He wants to keep scoring goals for Eastleigh. To get to the beginning of September and have him sign a new contract is great news for him and great news for the club."

Eastleigh are second in the National League after six matches, with four wins, a draw and just one loss under their belt.

They were beaten in the longest away trip of the season by league-leaders Gateshead last time out, thanks to Louis Storey's 90th-minute winner.

McCallum is just one shy of three players at the top of the league scoring charts so far this campaign and has four goals in five matches. McCallum's previous deal was due to expire at the end of this season.