More Impressive Business by Baird

A busy Ian Baird, manager of Blue Square Bet South club Eastleigh, has announces the permanent addition of.....

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Published 2nd June 2012

Lee Peacock

....19-year-old talented goalkeeper Jack Dovey.

Former Southampton professional Dovey is said to be thrilled to have finally concluded negotiations that will see him at the Silverlake for the next two years.

Baird said: “Jack did well for us last year and if he continues to apply himself will no doubt have a big future in the game."

Baird’s proven record selling players to the professional game was a major factor on securing his signature. He continued: “Negotiations have been going on for some time to say the least but ultimately he was always desperate to sign for us and we were desperate for him to sign.

“In the end I’m pleased he has taken my advice and trusts me, showing maturity beyond his years and sees Eastleigh as the platform to get back into the professional game.”

Dovey was born in Southampton, growing up in Totton and signing for the Saints in 2003 after being scouted at schoolboy level.

A lifelong fan of his local club he was a permanent fixture in the promising Southampton under-18’s side for two seasons before progressing into the under-21’s squad. Dovey made his first appearance in the senior squad when he appeared on the bench for the first team in a Carling Cup last sixteen clash against Crystal Palace in October 2011.

With a glowing Southampton reference he joined Eastleigh on loan at the end of October 2011 initially for a month which was then extended until the end of the season. He made his league debut in a 3-1 victory at Thurrock, where the young shot-stopper saved a penalty.

Dovey featured regularly for the first-team for the remainder of the season, displacing Gareth Barfoot between the sticks.

Dovey was recently released by Southampton and fans and officials alike will be delighted to see the talented keeper return to the Silverlake.

Baird also confirmed that former Manchester City, Bristol City and Swindon Town striker Lee Peacock has put pen-to-paper on a contract extension.

The one-year deal will see 35-year-old Peacock remain at the Silverlake until the summer of 2013.

Baird said: “Lee contributed well for us last season and has seen it and done it all before. Obviously players like Jack Dovey and alike are the long-term future of the club but Lee’s role could be vital in our promotion quest.

“He is a senior pro who leads well and is a real credit to himself.”

Peacock, was born in Scotland in 1976 and progressed through the youth system at Carlisle United before making his debut for the Blues in 1994.

He went on to play seventy-six times for the club, scoring eleven times. In September 1997 he joined Mansfield Town for £50,000 before signing for Joe Royle’s Manchester City in October 1999 for £500,000.

He went on to have long spells at Bristol City, Sheffield Wednesday, Swindon and Grimsby Town.

In 2011 he joined local rivals Havant & Waterlooville before switching to Eastleigh in March this year.

Eastleigh continue to do their business early in preparation for next season as Baird strives for the successful balance between youth and experience.

When asked about an attempt to sign last year’s loan star Bradley Bubb, Baird said: “Bradley Bubb is not going to happen and I understand he has sorted himself out. We are still looking for a striker and have plenty on the bubble but nothing concrete yet.”