OF the eight players released by Eastleigh this week, the departure of Will Evans provoked the strongest reaction from the fans.

The midfielder-turned-defender won over the Spitfires faithful during his three seasons at the Silverlake Stadium and some feel it was a mistake to let him go.

They argue that, at 24, the ex-Swindon and Hereford man still had plenty of scope for improvement.

But manager Chris Todd, who also made the tough call to part company 25-year-old former Woking midfielder Josh Payne, is standing by his decision.

He said: “It’s nothing personal. I want to go a different way and the lads who have been released have just fallen short.

“Will’s young, but he’s on experienced pro’s wages.

“It wasn't a question of youth, mostly it was inconsistency.

“Will had some great games for us, but the consistency of the team let us down towards the end of the season.”

Evans was a versatile squad member, but that ultimately went against him as Todd dealt with the fall-out of missing the Vanarama National League play-offs.

“Will never really had a position,” said the boss.

“We turned him into a centre-half, but when he came to the club he was a midfielder.

“He needs to find his feet and decide where he’s going to play.

“Will did nothing wrong, but it just didn’t feel right to keep him at the club.”

Skipper Paul Reid, Lee Cook, Jack Midson, Matty Fanimo, Kaid Mohamed and young goalkeeper Lewis Noice were also released and Todd said: “We’ve got to give these boys credit, they’ve all done well for Eastleigh.

"There’s not a bad one among them and I thank them for their efforts.

“I’ve had some big calls to make. Hopefully it’ll be for the right reasons.”

Meanwhile Todd, who this week signed experienced midfielder Andy Drury on a new two-year deal, has cleared up any confusion over his position.

The 34-year-old Welshman, who succeeded Richard Hill last September, clarified: “I’ve got a rolling contract and I’m staying. That’s why I’m making these big calls with the players.

“Stew (chairman Stewart Donald) has given me his full backing.”