WHEN it comes to good news, Eastleigh’s cup runneth over this week.

Planning permission has been granted for a two-story clubhouse complex at the Silverlake Stadium, a women’s team, Eastleigh Ladies, has been relaunched and skipper Joe Partington has renegotiated his contact, meaning he will remain a Spitfire for a further two seasons.

Throw Tuesday’s 3-2 friendly win over League Two Barnet into the equation and it all bodes well for the new Vanarama National League campaign.

“There’s so much happening,” smiled manager Chris Todd.

“Getting planning permission for the new building is amazing. It’s always been Stew’s (chairman Stewart Donald's) plan to take the club forward and this will be a big part of taking us to the next level.

“It’ll make life a lot easier with new offices, function rooms and so on. We’re delighted.

“The club’s developed so much since I’ve been here and this is another stepping stone.

“It’s great to have the ladies’ team around too. It’s all part of the club growing.”

Defender Partington, a highly popular choice as new skipper, would have been in the last year of his contract this coming season.

That has now been ripped up in favour of a new two-year deal.

“Joe’s a great asset for Eastleigh and to have a player of his calibre commit to the club is another big positive and shows we’re heading in the right direction,” said Todd.

Having won six of their seven pre-season games, Eastleigh face a huge test on Saturday (3pm) when Northampton Town visit the Silverlake Stadium.

Utility man Luke Coulson has taken a knock on the ankle and won’t feature, but Todd should have an otherwise full squad available to face the League One new boys.

“Since day dot, we’ve been building up the games with the standard of players we come up against,” said Todd. “Northampton are coming to us having just won the Second Division. It’ll be a tough test for us.”

The re-formed Eastleigh Ladies have been elected into top tier of the Hampshire Women’s League. They continue their build-up on Sunday (July 31, 2pm) at home to AFC Bournemouth Ladies.

On Monday (August 1, 7.45pm), Todd will take a mixed men’s squad to Gosport Borough for a final friendly designed to give some of the fringe players a run-out.

"The young lads like Jack Smith, Jack Masterton, Tony Lee and James Granger have all grown in stature," said Todd. "They're getting close to the first team."