Eastleigh Football Club are delighted to announce that we have completed the loan signing of Ben Close until the end of the season!

Eight years on from his first loan stint at the club, Ben Close returns to the Spitfires on a loan deal from League Two side, Doncaster Rovers.

The attacking midfielder joins up with Kelvin Davis’ squad ahead of this afternoon’s Isuzu FA Trophy clash with Altrincham.

Throughout his youth career, Close was with Portsmouth FC. The 28-year-old made his first appearance for them in 2014, coming on for former Spitfire, Nigel Atangana, during a 3-1 away victory over Yeovil Town.

During his time with Portsmouth, Close made just shy of 200 appearances, and scored 18 times for the fellow Hampshire side.

A highlight of his time in Portsmouth would be his involvement in their 2018/19 Football League Trophy win. He started in the final at Wembley, as they beat Sunderland via penalties.

At the beginning of the 2021/22 season, Close joined Doncaster Rovers. During his four seasons in South Yorkshire, he has made 93 appearances.

Last time Close was in Eastleigh, he made nine appearances during the 2016/17 National League campaign. He will be looking to add plenty more appearances to that tally, upon his return to Hampshire.