EASTLEIGH believe young goalkeeper Mark Childs has a “real good career” ahead of him, even though they have taken the difficult decision to let him go.

Childs, whose progress with the Spitfires was hampered by a long-term knee injury, has signed for Gosport Borough in the Evo-Stik South Premier.

It was while Childs was out on loan at Gosport that he was badly injured within 20 minutes of his home debut against Dartford in February 2017.

Eastleigh announced in May that the former England Schools' U18 international would not be offered a contract, but they invited him back for pre-season with a view to earning one.

However, with experienced duo Graham Stack and (goalkeeper coach) Ross Flitney on the books, the Spitfires decided he would be better served getting games elsewhere.

“We tried our hardest to do the right thing and find a way of keeping him,” said assistant boss Ben Strevens.

“But we’re also mindful of the fact that he hasn’t played a lot of football.

“He’s gone to play for (ex-Eastleigh striker/coach) Craig McAllister at Gosport. Craig will look after him and we can keep an eye on him down there.

“I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go on and have a real good career.”

Childs tweeted: “Can’t thank the club enough for the opportunities they’ve given me & the support I’ve had over the years from players, staff & fans even when times were tough! Wish the club all the best! Time for a new challenge.”

With the new Vanarama National League season just over a week away, the Spitfires plan to send a young squad to Winchester City on Saturday (3pm).

“With a week to go, we don’t want to pick up injuries,” Strevens explained. “It’ll be a chance for the young pros to play rather than the established first-team players.”

The Spitfires already have one concern ahead of the season’s opener at home to Solihull Moors on August 4 (3pm). New signing Joey Jones from Woking has picked up an Achilles problem.

Jones went on as a second-half sub against Gillingham on Tuesday, but had to come off again.

“That’s a bit of a downer because Joey’s come to us off the back off a good season for Woking,” said Strevens.

Goalkeeping No2 Flitney missed Tuesday’s game with a thigh strain.

Vanarama National League opening day fixtures -

Saturday, August 4
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE
Premier: AFC Fylde v Bromley, Aldershot v Barnet, Barrow v Havant & Waterlooville, Boreham Wood v Dagenham & Redbridge, Braintree v FC Halifax, Dover v Wrexham, Eastleigh v Solihull Moors, Ebbsfleet v Chesterfield, Harrogate v Sutton, Maidenhead v Hartlepool, Salford City v Leyton Orient (BT Sport, 12.30).