DAVID Hughes has "no regrets" about stepping down as Eastleigh manager back in the autumn.

The former Dell midfielder resigned after just a few months as Spitfires boss with Ian Baird making the controversial short journey from Havant & Waterlooville to replace him.

Under Baird, Eastleigh have continued to improve and find themselves going to Thurrock tomorrow knowing a win would guarantee them a place in the Blue Square South play-offs.

In other words, Eastleigh would be just three games away from potentially joining the likes of Salisbury, Weymouth, Stevenage, York and Wrexham in the top flight of non league football.

It is also a "very sobering thought" for Hughes that Eastleigh could find themselves just two divisions below Saints in 2008/09 should the worst happen at St Mary's in Saints' last two games.

All a far cry from April 2003 when Eastleigh were still playing Wessex League football and Saints were preparing for an FA Cup final date with Arsenal.

Hughes took over as Eastleigh boss last July after Jason Dodd left to coach Saints.

But the desire to continue his playing days helped him decide to quit the role.

"I've no regrets," he said.

Full story in today's Daily Echo