EASTLEIGH have signed emerging young trio Jack Smith, Harrison Weekes and Tony Lee on permanent deals.

All three players joined the club’s scholarship scheme last year and were brought to manager Richard Hill's attention by the Spitfires' head of youth Lee Peacock.

Peacock said: “The boys have done fantastically well since joining the club and now have a fantastic platform when training with the first-team squad to learn from the manager and their teammates in order to showcase their abilities.

"This is the next step and the hardest step in trying to earn a contract with Eastleigh”

The trio have been included in Hill's pre-season campaign as the Conference South champions prepare for their maiden voyage into the newly-named Vanarama Conference Premier.

Hill said: “I have been impressed with all three players this pre-season and it shows that if young players are willing to work hard in the club's scholarship scheme there is the opportunity to progress to the first team squad.

"They have all worked hard, but now the hard work starts for our first game against Nuneaton Town (away, August 9)”.