The appointment of former Premier League goalkeeper Kelvin Davis at National League outfit Eastleigh on Monday has certainly received a mixed reaction.
The Spitfires parted company with Richard Hill immediately after Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Ebbsfleet United, a result that left the Hampshire side on a run of nine games without a victory. Eastleigh fans haven’t seen their side win a league game since the 23rd of December and they sit just four points above the relegation zone after the loss at the weekend.
The non-league club are now also onto their third incumbent in the managerial hot seat with owner Stewart Donald hoping Davis can provide a change in fortunes.
Eastleigh were expected to be among this season’s promotion contenders and having dispensed with the services of Lee Bradbury back in September, Hill had worked the club back up the table and into contention.
However, since the FA Cup defeat to Newport County in mid-January, Eastleigh have tumbled down the table with Hill unable to arrest the slide prompting Donald to make a change and go for a bold appointment in Davis.
The new man comes in from his first team coach role at Southampton and will be viewed by some as a risky appointment. Davis lacks experience at National League level and, as has seen in the past at other clubs, knowledge of this division is key to retaining your place among the 24 clubs.
Getting set for tomorrow! 💪 pic.twitter.com/Kue18ZuRd1
— Eastleigh FC (@EastleighFC) February 19, 2024
It’s an unforgiving, relentless league and with the likes of AFC Fylde and Kidderminster starting to put good runs together, Davis has very little time to get to know his squad. Suddenly, what should have been a playoff contention season has now turned into a relegation survival battle.
What should be applauded is – like Woking a few weeks ago with Michael Doyle coming in – Eastleigh haven’t gone for a safe name in order to survive. There would have undoubtedly been plenty of interest on Saturday evening but with such a swift announcement made within 48 hours, it’s clear that Donald had his man in mind.
The Spitfires squad isn’t lacking in quality. They boast the division’s top scorer in Paul McCallum who has 23 league goals to his name and 26 overall.
Moreover, Chris Maguire and Scott Quigley have chipped in with ten and nine respectively to show they know where the net is. Joe McDonnell is also one of the better keepers in the division, but in between those two is where the problem lies.
Only Oxford City have conceded more goals than the Spitfires so far this season. Clean sheets win you championships and with sides underneath them starting to pick up some form, Davis has to hit the ground running.
The appointment of Danny Butterfield as Davis’ number two brings a sense of familiarity for the new manager, with the pair having worked together at the St Mary’s Stadium and a sprinkling of non-league work at Macclesfield.
However, what could prove even more crucial is retaining Jason Bristow and Vince Bartrum on the coaching staff to provide some continuity.
Davis’s reign starts with a trip to bottom side Oxford City, followed by a TV broadcasted encounter with playoff-chasing Bromley, and then a visit from an Oldham Athletic side also keen to cement a place in the top seven.
A nine-point first week is possible, but will the new-look Spitfires hit the ground running or will they show to their new boss how much work is ahead of him?
To many on the outside, the appointment of Davis does represent something of a gamble. His contact book might be very helpful as he navigates the final two months of the season, but as seen with David Unsworth before at Oldham, that doesn’t always translate into a good manager.
However, the fact that they’ve steered away from going safe and are prepared to give someone different a chance is a positive. There are many who don’t get the opportunity to have a crack at being a number one.
But, Davis will be well aware that there is no honeymoon period at Eastleigh and results will dictate whether he sinks or swims.
