Eastleigh confirm the departure of manager Ben Strevens by mutual consent

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Ben Strevens has this afternoon left the club by mutual consent and with immediate effect after last night’s dire outing at lowly Dover Athletic.

Results in recent times have left the club reeling. Having suffered three defeats on the bounce, the 1-0 loss to struggling Dover Athletic last night was the final nail in the coffin and the Eastleigh board felt the time was right for change.

After taking over as caretaker manager for Andy Hessenthaler back in October 2018, the 41-year-old, who played over 100 times for the Spitfires in his playing career, will be remembered for all the work he has done on and off the pitch since. 

Rather ironically, it was Hessenthaler who dealt the unlikely hammer blow to Strevens’ tenure, with his predecessor leading Dover to their first victory this season. This comes after the Whites had picked up just four points all season prior to this, with off-field issues condemning them to a season of misery.

Relegation to the National League South is all but academic for the Kent side and an uncertain future still lies ahead for them, however, last night’s victory will have been some comfort to the fans and everyone involved. 

Handing a Dover side lacking any real quality their first win of the season was too much for Eastleigh Chairman Mark Jewell and Chief Executive Kenny Amor to comprehend. A decision was found between the board and Strevens himself, ending his tenure at the club after over three years in charge.

During his time on the touchline, Strevens guided the club to the National League play-offs in his first season. After a remarkable run in the second half of the 2018/2019 season, he was able to guide the Spitfires to seventh place, where they would go on to face Wrexham in the play-off quarter-finals.

Against all odds, Eastleigh emerged victorious after arguably the most famous goal the club has ever scored, with an extra-time Danny Hollands volley sending them through. In the semi-finals, the Spitfires were penalties away from progressing to Wembley as they lost out to Salford City, who would eventually prevail in the final. 

As well as this, Strevens guided Eastleigh to the FA Cup Second Round Proper in 2019/2020, in which the Spitfires earned a replay against Crewe Alexandra.

Moreover, it is also worth noting he gave young players such as Joe Tomlinson and Ben House a chance, with the pair now plying their trade in the EFL with Peterborough United and Lincoln City respectively.

Furthermore, Rob Atkinson played under his stewardship, before moving on to Oxford United and then Bristol City, and Josh Hare also had a stint in League One playing for Bristol Rovers after playing under Strevens, before making his eventual return to the club. 

As such, it is clear that Strevens did plenty of positive work during his time in charge, and many fans will have fond memories of his tenure, particularly in his first two seasons. However, football is a cruel game, and whilst Eastleigh are in no immediate danger, a mediocre standing in the National League paired with the defeat to Dover were enough to call time.

Jason Bristow will take charge with immediate effect heading into their game against Chesterfield on Saturday as they look to get their season back on track following a disappointing run. 

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