Further Squad Boost - Fitz Follows Baird plus Tardif Provides Cover for Pullen

Following Ian Baird to Eastleigh is former Manchester City and Portsmouth midfield stalwart, Fitzroy Simpson.

The 37-year old has joined up with the man who managed him for two seasons whilst at Havant and Waterlooville becoming the second man to join from our local rivals.

This, following the arrival of Matt Gray who has taken up a coaching role here at the Silverlake Stadium.

Speaking to the Echo, Ian Baird spoke highly of Simpson. In particular of his character and what he can bring to the Spitfires both on and off the pitch.

Daily Echo Article by Wendy Gee

FORMER Manchester City and Portsmouth midfielder/defender Fitzroy Simpson is set to follow manager Ian Baird from Havant & Waterlooville to Blue Square South rivals Eastleigh.

Depending how negotiations fare between the clubs, the 37-year-old Jamaica international may feature in tonight's (7.45) Setanta Shield first round trip to Dorchester Town.

Although Simpson made only 25 starts for Havant & Waterlooville after joining them in January 2006 following a spell in Spain, Baird rates him as valuable off the pitch as he is on it.

"Fitzy's been with me for nearly two years and he's been there, seen it and done it in professional football," said ex-Saint Baird.

"Although he didn't play a lot for me at Havant, he was just as supportive off the pitch as he was on it and, whenever he played, he never let me down.

"He's a tremendous character and you always need those sort of people around.

"We had to use him sparingly at Havant, but he was a very big part of what I was doing there."

Having started out at Swindon Town, Simpson made a £500,000 move to Manchester City in 1992, playing 81 games in three seasons.

He went on to make more than 150 appearances in four seasons with Portsmouth and also played for Hearts, Walsall and Telford.

"I need a winning mentality around me and Fitzy's certainly got that," said Baird.

"I've known him since back in my days playing for Bristol City when he came to us on loan."

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TARDIF BROUGHT IN AS COVER FOR PULLEN

In a very busy opening to October, Eastleigh have also secured the services of former Portsmouth goalkeeper Chris Tardif who has joined the club as cover for Pullen.

The 28-year-old recently left full-time Blue Square Premier outfit Oxford United by mutual consent looking for a return to part-time football.