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Fulham defender
Rob Atkinson |
Eastleigh Football Club has confirmed the signing of Rob Atkinson from Fulham FC.
A left footed central defender, Atkinson signed for Fulham from Basingstoke Town.
Last season he represented Braintree on loan in the Vanarama National League, making fifteen appearances.
Atkinson played under Eastleigh Assistant manager Jason Bristow when Bristow was previously the First Team Manager at Basingstoke Town.
Atkinson played the full 90 minutes at the Silverlake last season as Braintree frustrated the Spitfires during the second half of the home side’s 2-1 win.
Eastleigh fans will be hopeful of similarly stern performances during the forthcoming campaign.
First Team Manager Ben Strevens commented:
“Rob’s a lad that Jason knows very well.
He worked with him at Basingstoke, left sided centre half, very comfortable on the ball, drives out from the back.
Jason actually sold him when he was Basingstoke manager to Fulham for £30k.
He had a couple of years at Fulham and it’s a testament to the lad that he just wants to play men’s football.
He had a taste of it really young and he just wants to get back to it.
He doesn’t like under 21’s or under 23’s football.
He went on loan to Braintree last season for the last fifteen games and did really well.
I had a lot of good reports about him, there was a little bit of other interest as well, so he was one I was keen to get done.
He’ll be good for us next year.
With the other centre halves we have already here it’s going to make him fight for his place, but he’s up for that challenge and he’s certainly shown he is good enough for this level.”
Atkinson said of the deal:
“I’m delighted, I’ve been wanting to get it done and over the line for a while now and yeah I’m delighted to finally have it done and to join Eastleigh.
I worked with Jason (Bristow) at Basingstoke two years ago before I moved to Fulham.
I enjoyed working with him, he’s a good coach.
I’m looking forward to meeting him and getting started.”