Eastleigh to take second look at Ex-Saint

By Wendy Gee -

EASTLEIGH boss Ian Baird wants to take another look at ex-Saint Jordace Holder-Spooner to tomorrow's final pre-season friendly at Worthing.

The 18-year-old right winger was a surprise inclusion in the Spitfires side which tore a Saints XI apart 4-1 at the Silverlake Stadium on Wednesday.

Since being released from St Mary's at the end of last season, the pacy Reading-based teenager has been on trial with AFC Bournemouth.

Baird liked what he saw of him during a 60-minute run-out against Saints and, all being well, will include Holder-Spooner in his travelling party to face Ryman Division One South outfit Worthing.

"We got the nod before the Saints game to play Holder-Spooner and he did well," said Baird. "I'd like to see him again.

"But whether we've got the funds to offer him a deal, I don't know."

With striker Andrew White, goalkeeper Mike Green, winger Ryan O'Hara and on-loan Reading midfielder/left back Frankie Raymond now on board, Eastleigh have little room for manoeuvre budget-wise.

Director of football Dave Malone said: "We'd like to take another look at Holder-Spooner, but I don't know how much he'd cost.

"If he's cheap and Bairdy likes him, we'll quite possibly take him.

"But players come out of pro clubs with different valuations of their own worth. Some are realistic and some aren't.

"If Bairdy's keen, we'll do our best to get him, but it has to be within the financial constraints we've got.

"The budget is being stretched to its limit and we've got to be prudent. The lad's got ability, but we won't bust the bank to get him."