NL 2025/26 Preview: Eastleigh

7th August 2025 10:55 am

Eastleigh FC: 2025/26 Season Preview – Reboot or Repeat?

Eastleigh enter the 2025/26 season at a crossroads. Last year’s mid-table finish (13th), coupled with early cup exits and turgid football, left many fans feeling flat. And now, with star forward Tyrese Shade sold to Burton Albion for a club-record fee, the Spitfires face the challenge of reinventing their attack without their brightest spark.

Manager Kelvin Davis remains at the helm, but with pressure mounting and expectations recalibrated, the question lingers: is this squad now primed to push forward—or destined to plateau?

Last Season in Review

League Position: 13th (National League)
Average Attendance: 2,234 (11th highest)
FA Cup: 4th Qualifying Round – Lost 0-1 vs Southend (H)
FA Trophy: 5th Round – Lost 0-1 vs Altrincham (A)
Top Scorer: Tyrese Shade (14 goals)
Key Player: Tyrese Shade (14 goals, 8 assists)

Despite Shade’s individual brilliance, the team struggled to assert itself. A risk-averse tactical approach saw Eastleigh routinely surrender momentum, particularly after taking the lead. Fans were frustrated by a lack of ambition, limited attacking variety, and a sense that the squad was capable of more than the final league table suggested.

Squad Overview: Post-Shade Era

With Shade gone to League One, replacing his output and presence becomes the biggest challenge. But it’s not all gloom—Eastleigh have been busy in the market, signing 11 new players to rebalance the squad and inject fresh impetus.

In Goal:
Nick Townsend arrives with over 200 games for Newport County and will be the new No.1 (shirt number 1). Backing him up is 21-year-old Josh McNamara (#22), signed from Southampton with a solid development pedigree at both Saints and Manchester City.

Defence:
Temi Eweka (#6) and Louie Holzman (#23) join to strengthen central defence, alongside experienced Grenada international Aaron Pierre (#16). All three bring athleticism and leadership to a backline that lacked authority last season. Sonnie Davis (#21), son of manager Kelvin, arrives on loan from Southampton to provide full-back depth.

Midfield:
The engine room has been overhauled. Jordan Cousins (#24), formerly of Charlton, QPR, and Stoke, adds serious EFL experience. Josh Lundstram (#17), once National League Player of the Season at Altrincham, brings box-to-box drive. Kieron Evans (#7) provides creative flair after a strong stint at Gateshead, while Archie Harris (#27, on loan from Bournemouth) is one to watch.

Attack:
The burden of replacing Shade falls on Aaron Blair (#11), who impressed at Maidstone and Braintree with his pace and directness. He’ll need to hit the ground running, with Paul McCallum’s physicality still useful but mobility fading.

Summer business

New signings: Nick Townsend (GK – Newport County), Temi Eweka (CB – Maidstone United), Kieron Evans (AM – Cardiff City), Aaron Blair (FW – Maidstone United), Aaron Pierre (CB – Shrewsbury Town), Josh Lundstram (CM – Oldham Athletic), Sonnie Davis (RB – Southampton, loan), Josh McNamara (GK – Southampton), Louie Holzman (CB – Reading), Jordan Cousins (CM – Cambridge United), Archie Harris (CM – AFC Bournemouth, loan)
Retained: Jake Taylor (captain), Luis Fernandez, Paul McCallum, Richard Brindley, Niall Maher, Llyod Humphries, Jake Vokins, Angel Waruih, Connor Underhill
Departures: Tyrese Shade (Burton Albion – club-record sale), Lee Hodson, Chris Maguire, Joe McDonnell, Solomon Nwabuokei, Corey Panter, Scott Quigley, Nathan Rogers, Jai Semenyo, Tommy Scott, Deji Sotona, Malachi Dotse
Loans returned: Noa Boutin, Ben Close, Rekeil Pyke

Fan Sentiment: The Patience is Thin

🗣️ “We had a squad good enough for the playoffs, but the manager held them back. I’m calling 11th or 12th again.” – usspitfire
🗣️ “Unless something radical happens, it’ll be mid-table again. York and Southend are better resourced.” – hantslondoner
🗣️ “If we play like the last six games—6 points from 6—we’re on a relegation path.” – back4more
🗣️ “Davis doesn’t communicate decisions well. It annoys fans. We need consistency in form and fitness.” – unknownquantity
🗣️ “When we chased games, we got points. When we led and sat back, we lost them. That’s the crux of the issue.” – usspitfire

Shade’s sale has split opinion—undeniably good business, but fans are wary of losing ambition. The pressure is now squarely on Davis to prove his new-look squad can thrive without their former talisman.

Prediction: 12th–15th (Mid-Table Rebuild)

Strengths:

Extensive summer rebuild with EFL pedigree
Defence has more depth and leadership
Midfield additions offer energy and experience
Townsend a reliable upgrade in goal

Weaknesses:

No proven goalscorer to replace Shade
Still light in creative options up top
Tactical conservatism remains a concern
Lack of width and full-back depth

Prediction

This is a very different Eastleigh squad to the one that finished 13th—but whether it’s a better one is still unclear. The additions of Pierre, Cousins, and Lundstram bring much-needed steel and know-how. Evans and Blair offer attacking promise. But the glaring hole left by Tyrese Shade’s exit casts a long shadow.

Unless someone steps up to fill that void—and Davis ditches his cautious instincts—Eastleigh may again find themselves safely mid-table, neither threatening the playoffs nor in real danger. 15th – More balanced, but missing a spark.