Rotherham United And Notts County Promotion Winner Makes National League Switch

Former Rotherham United defender Richard Brindley has been unveiled as National League outfit Eastleigh’s latest signing.

A well-recognised name in the lower tiers of the EFL as well as the National League, Brindley brings a plethora of experience at a very good level to the Spitfires. He joins the club on a free transfer following his release from Notts County, and could prove a very good addition to their defensive ranks.

Having spent the last five seasons with the Magpies, and being a part of the promotion-winning squad during the 2022/23 season, the drop back down to the National League represents a new challenge for the now-31-year-old. He has plenty of experience already at the level, turning out 145 times for both Notts County as well as Bromley in England’s fifth tier.

To add to those National League appearances, Brindley also has 153 EFL appearances to his name and has played in all three of the divisions which make up the Football League. He’d be a part of the Rotherham side who gained promotion to the second tier via the play-offs in the 2013/14 season. Despite making 16 appearances during the regular season, he’d play a part in the final as a substitute, where the Millers went on to beat Leyton Orient on penalties.

He’d however make just two Championship appearances the following season, and would end up dropping down to League Two the summer after to join Colchester United.

Speaking to club media after joining the Spitfires, Brindley said:

“I want to win, I’m very hungry to win. That’s something you could say I bring out of my teammates in terms of a winning mentality and doing the right thing both on and off of the pitch.

“Over the years I’ve obviously learnt a lot from some of the best players in the Premier League and Championship. I’ve been able to take a lot of those qualities, especially the mental side, which I think is one of the biggest factors and the intelligence and being able to integrate that with the experience I now have.”

“I’m really happy. I’m glad to get the deal sorted and I’m looking forward to it!”

Writer’s View

This looks to be an excellent signing by Eastleigh on paper. Brindley may have not had his best season last year with Notts County but then again, that same statement applies to the whole of their defensive cohort. His experience in both the National League as well as the EFL will serve him extremely well next term and he should also be able to help a few of the younger players in the squad.

At 31, he is perhaps now past his prime but ultimately still has plenty left to offer, especially at the level. It’s unknown what Eastleigh will be targeting next term, but a place in the play-offs is not out of question.

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