JOSH Hare has gone in the opposite direction to Joe Partington, leaving Eastleigh after a year at the Silverlake Stadium.

Defender Hare joins League One Bristol Rovers while winger Mark Yeates has also followed Oscar Gobern, Joey Jones, Chris Zebroski and James Constable through the exit door after signing for National League rivals AFC Fylde.

Hare, 24, was named in the National League’s Team of the Season for his performances for Eastleigh after joining from Maidstone United last year.

Bristol Rovers manager Graham Coughlan said: “Josh has made real progress over the last three years in his development and climbing up the football pyramid.

“He had a great season with Eastleigh, reaching the play-off semi-finals and being named in the National League Team of the Year.

“We are confident he is ready to take the step into the Football League.”

Daily Echo:

Mark Yeates (left) in action for Eastleigh

Yeates played for Watford, Sheffield United and Colchester United before joining Eastleigh two years ago.

He scored nine goals in 91 appearances for the Spitfires and contributed 26 assists as the club reached the play-offs last season.

The 34 year-old said: “My two years at Eastleigh have been very productive, but with the signings that have been made at Fylde I’d like to think I can help people put the ball in the back of the net.

“I think from playing against [Fylde] the way they try and play football, and the whole set up, it’s a club going in the right direction, and this all made me want to sign.”