Spitfires In Safe Hands As The Club's Sale Is Completed

Vanarama National League Eastleigh were put up for sale buy insurance tycoon Stewart Donald.

The businessman has purchased Sunderland - so had to relinquish control at the Silverlake to take over at the Stadium of Light.

But Eastleigh’s future is now secured after Jewell and other board members agreed to buy the club.

Confirmed this afternoon is Hessenthaler, who puts pen to paper to manage the club next season after steering the club in 2017-18.

They have also today confirmed director of football and former manager Richard Hill has left the club.

A statement read: “We are pleased to confirm details of the ownership changes due to outgoing chairman Stewart Donald’s purchase of Sunderland AFC.

“The club is now in possession of the relevant Football Association ownership and directors’ test approvals for: Kenny Amor, Tom Coffey and Joanne Sprigg.

"We are, therefore, now able to confirm that an agreement has been made for the above trio and current Chief Executive Officer Mark Jewell to purchase a controlling interest of the football club from Stewart Donald and his family.

“Joanne Sprigg will join the company as Financial Director and Company Secretary, she has for many years operated as the Financial Manager of the club. Tom Coffey will take up the role of Operations Director with Kenny Amor (current General Manager) taking over the role of Chief Executive Officer from Mark Jewell. Mark will be replacing Stewart Donald as chairman.

“The new owners are due to be formally introduced to the National League’s executive board during the National Conference at the Celtic Manor on Saturday 9th June. However, they have immediately taken control of the day to day running of the club.

“We appreciate the fans’ patience during this transition period as we understand you have been eager for updates surrounding the future of the club. Further updates regarding club developments will follow when we are in a position to disclose the relevant information.”