Eastleigh moving in the right direction under Southampton legend Davis

Davis guided the Spitfires to a 13th-place finish in his first full season at the Silverlake Stadium, the same position they achieved last year.

Eastleigh's form was up and down throughout the campaign. They started with a run of five games without a defeat, before going on a run of nine games without a win.

That was immediately followed by another undefeated streak, but Eastleigh's inconsistency is what saw them miss out on a play-off spot.

And while they finished on 59 points for a second consecutive season, the retired goalkeeper has managed to drastically reduce the number of goals Eastleigh concede.

They leaked just 61 goals during the 2024/25 campaign, 26 fewer than the previous season, but former Wales international Taylor admitted they must aim higher.

Kelvin Davis signed a three-year contract at Eastleigh in April 2024. (Image: Graham Scambler) READ: Odds for next Saints manager slashed after 'flurry of bets'

“I’ve enjoyed this season. I love coming into training every day. We have a fantastic group of boys. The gaffer put on a montage for us ahead of the last game against York," he explained.

“He showed us some of our best moments, and it was good to look back at some really positive moments.

"We are still building, and we want to aim to finish higher. There are lots of foundations to build on this season.”

Taylor, who remains in discussions with Eastleigh over a new contract, won the Manager's Player of the Season award after his impressive campaign.

The 33 year old found the back of the net six times in 42 appearances from midfield, and played the third most minutes of any outfield player at the club.

Kelvin Davis made 301 appearances for Southampton. On winning the praise from his manager, Taylor added: “It’s obviously great, I appreciate the award. There are so many players in that dressing room who have done well this season.

“As the captain of the club, it’s important to help as many people as possible. I don’t want to count anyone out; there have been a lot of good, individual performances this year.

“The manager has come in having played at the highest level, and he’s brought the professionalism and standards on and off the pitch.

“We are definitely moving in the right direction. It’s important that the club keeps building. We want to be at the top end of the table.

“We have more than enough potential at the club and around the club to do that. I’m looking forward to switching off for a little bit.

"I've got a holiday booked. I’m looking forward to spending time with the family, seeing some friends, having a rest and then getting back to work."