Following a three-one defeat at the hands of fellow National League strugglers Braintree Town, Eastleigh made the decision to sack manager Kelvin Davis.
If reports are to be believed, then the Spitfires are already taking measures to secure his replacement by attempting to sign the manager of a fellow National League club.
Eastleigh Make Approach For Brackley Town’s Gavin Cowan
According to Pete O’Rourke, Eastleigh have made an approach to sign Brackley Town manager Gavin Cowan.
The 44-year-old took charge of the Saints in the summer of 2023. Under their previous manager, they had built a reputation as a talented sixth-tier side who were unable to handle the pressure of the National League playoff system.
After guiding them to a third-placed finish in his first season at the helm, Cowan coached his side to the league title last campaign.
Brackley beat the likes of Scunthorpe United as they scored 92 points in their 46 league games, handing them the National League North title by just two points. The 44-year-old was named the National League North manager of the season.
Additionally, they have started life in the fifth tier very well. The Saints sit 10th after their first nine games, having picked up 13 points in that time.
In what is perhaps their most notable victory of the season, they beat Rochdale by two goals to one in the fourth game of the season.
Cowan’s overall record at St. James Park is very impressive. He has won 66 and lost just 30 of his 117 games at the helm, giving him a win percentage of 56 and an impressive 1.9 points per game ratio.
Eastleigh’s Poor Start To The Season
Unlike last campaign, which saw them fighting at the top of the National League table in the early weeks, Eastleigh have started this campaign relatively poorly.
The Spitfires currently occupy 16th place, having picked up a rather average 10 points in nine league games. This is especially disappointing when considering that the club opted against playing in the National League Cup, so they have enjoyed a less congested fixture schedule than many.
The Spitfires’ main problem thus far has been goalscoring. They have found the net just 10 times this season, meaning they rank 19th for goals per game.
Four of these strikes have come from Aaron Blair, who has stepped up to the fifth tier well following three increasingly impressive campaigns in the National League South. However, his teammates have failed to support him.
Paul McCallum, who is one of the most dangerous strikers in National League history, has been thoroughly unimpressive this season and is yet to open his account. In fact, his goalscoring returns got steadily worse under the tutelage of Davis.
Will Cowan Actually End Up With Eastleigh?
Purely from a footballing standpoint, there is no way that Brackley should be accepting Eastleigh’s approach for Cowan. The Saints have spent years toiling and experiencing heartbreak in the sixth tier, and losing the manager who has won them promotion and given them a good start in the fifth tier would be a monumental blow.
However, cash is king in football. If the Spitfires are willing to pay a significant amount in compensation, the Saints’ higher-ups may be forced to accept the approach.
From Cowan’s perspective, a move to Eastleigh would surely be desirable. The club are in a relatively okay state on the pitch, they are well-backed financially, and they are also full-time.
If the 44-year-old could get Blair and McCallum working well together, they could become one of the most dangerous strike partnerships in the National League.
However, his style of football may displease Eastleigh fans.
