OWNER Stewart Donald believes Eastleigh can compete for promotion to League Two if they get a few more signings over the line.

The Spitfires, managed by Saints legend Kelvin Davis, have already flexed their muscle in the transfer market by signing experienced EFL players and non-league standouts.

Midfielder Jordan Cousins, who has 235 Championship appearances to his name, is the latest eye-catching addition at the Silverlake Stadium.

While keen to add standout quality to the squad, Donald also wants to sign players with the right mentality to get Eastleigh into the Football League.

Davis, in an interview with the Daily Echo, admitted the club are behind on their recruitment plans, and Donald has explained why things have been slower than desired.

“The negotiations have been a bit long, which tends to be the case when the players have got other options and you are trying to build quality in the team," he told BBC Radio Solent.

“Kelvin was really pleased to get the signings over the line, and he was pushing me hard. We have got to make sure it is all right.

“We’ve talked about the mentality, and that was a big thing when we got out of the Conference South. People were signing with the ambition to get promoted.

“They had a real desire to get out of the league. That was our most successful period because we had a group with the right mentality and level of talent.

“That is what we are trying to do again now. We need characters and people who are coming here to get us out of this league and into the Football League.

“The players we have signed, including the ones from before this week, have shown us that they are committed to that task.

“We need a few more like that. We are talking to (players), and if we can get them over the line, we are going to really challenge this year.”