Eastleigh boss Ian Baird admits he has taken “a bit of a gamble” by signing striker Jamie Slabber.

Slabber, 25, and Bath City centre-back Chris Holland are two summer signings unveiled at the Silverlake Stadium. But while Holland comes with rave reviews, having twice been named Bath’s player-of-the-season during five success-filled years at Twerton Park, ex-Tottenham youngster Slabber has it all to do to prove himself. At 6ft 2in and with proven ability demonstrated by England under-18 and under-19 caps, Baird believes Slabber “fits the bill for Eastleigh.”

But the Spitfires boss admits that, after years plagued by injury, this is a “make or break move” for the well-travelled former Grays, Stevenage and Havant & Waterlooville frontrunner, who made one Premier League appearance as a substitute for Spurs against Liverpool in March 2003, setting up a goal for Teddy Sheringham.

Full story in today's Daily Echo