Eastleigh`s Pre-Season Plans Rearranged

Due to circumstances beyond the club`s control, the fixture with Newport County scheduled for Saturday 22nd July has been cancelled.

Following the disruption with the pre-season schedule with the cancellation of Saturday`s fixture with AFC Wimbledon, the pre-season programme has been adapted as to suit the needs of the first-team squad so they are prepared for the opening league fixture away at Bromley.

For this reason, Eastleigh will now travel to Sydenhams Football League (Wessex) side Alton Town on the evening of Friday 21st July with a 7.45pm kick-off, to play on their recently laid synthetic surface, which will offer the side match practice for the Bromley fixture.

Following the concerns raised by AFC Wimbledon at the weekend, Portsmouth first-team manager Kenny Jackett requested to meet with the club yesterday.

Post this meeting both clubs have agreed that due to the extreme hot weather and the uncertainty regarding potential heavy thunder storms, in the coming days, it would be sensible to cancel the fixture as early as possible for the long term benefit of the Eastleigh playing surface and for the scheduling of both clubs pre-season`s preparation.

Eastleigh Chief Executive Mark Jewell commented on the situation: “Having had a last-minute fixture cancellation on Saturday the last thing the club wants is a repeat performance this weekend. The result of calling a game off last minute for a regular fixture is bad enough, so we feel that with the added burden of a huge police bill for this fixture and the fact that the weather is so uncertain at this point, due to the extreme heat and the threat of very heavy rain fall the exposure to the club is just too high.

“This is extremely disappointing for all concerned as, deep down, I feel the pitch will be in excellent condition on Saturday. However, it is crucial that both clubs leave nothing to chance in the run up to the new season. We are sorry for the inconvenience to both sets of fans but hope the long-term benefits will outweigh any potential short-term gains of playing this fixture".
We fully appreciate the disappointment for Eastleigh spectators but we do ask them to take an understanding view on the decision as we try to ensure the best possible playing surface for their side during the league season.