Eastleigh are closing in on permanent deals to sign duo Aaron Blair and Temi Eweka from National League South play-off finalists Maidstone United.
The duo were recently confirmed to be leaving Maidstone, following their failure to gain promotion back to the National League after losing in the play-off final against Boreham Wood.
Their positive seasons in the sixth-tier have led to a growing amount of interest from clubs within the National League and now it has been revealed that one side in particular are set to secure both individuals on contracts ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Eastleigh to land duo
After their exits were confirmed via social media on Monday morning, it appears as though Blair and Eweka won’t be ‘free agents’ for much longer.
That’s because National League side Eastleigh are set to sign both players for free, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
It has been revealed that both players have set their sights on trying to test themselves in a higher division next season.
Maidstone aren’t expected to gain any financial gain from the deals due to both players being 25-years-old and out of contract this summer.
How did the duo fare last season?
Following relegation from the National League, Maidstone immediately set their sights on trying to make a swift return to the division at the second attempt after falling short in the season prior.
However, Maidstone were left broken hearted when a 47th minute strike from Charles Clayden sealed Boreham Wood’s promotion instead.
Defender Temi Eweka made 44 league appearances for the Stones last season, contributing to seven goals in the process including a goal on his debut against St. Albans City.
Meanwhile, Aaron Blair made 48 appearances across all competitions for Maidstone. During that time he contributed to 24 goals, including three goals in his final three league games and scored in their play-off semi-final victory against Eastbourne Borough.
Both players were vital assets to Maidstone United last season and their exits from the club will certainly be missed.
Can they adapt to the National League?
Fortunately, both players have prior experience in the National League and should be more than capable of making a smooth transition into the division with Eastleigh.
Eastleigh were a well-balanced team last season but didn’t really challenge at the top end of the table, whilst also managing to be a safe distance away from any relegation trouble at the same time.
Next season, Eastleigh are likely to want to push on and try to reach the play-off picture and adding quality in both boxes is certainly a good way of doing that.
How successful either signing will be remains to be seen, but both players have thoroughly deserved their promotion into the National League – even if their previous club didn’t get themselves over the line in the end.
