NEW Eastleigh assistant boss Brian Stock does not see his move to the Spitfires as a step down.

Stock, 40, has joined Eastleigh as number two to Lee Bradbury, his former manager for five seasons at Havant, following his exit from Weymouth.

Stock won just 17 of 69 games as Terras manager but feels the experience will stand him in good stead to offer Bradbury the best support possible.

Stock also told Echosport he is keen to further his knowledge of the game by being an assistant.

Asked if the move to Eastleigh could be seen as a step down, having previously managed a National League club, he said: “Not necessarily.

READ MORE: Brian Stock confirmed as Eastleigh assistant

“You look at the usual route of a manager, they normally go to an assistant’s role.

“You look at the path I took, maybe I skipped that part of the process.

“Although it was an opportunity I would never turn down, I can go into a full-time environment with the infrastructure, the facilities and really support Lee.

“I’m excited for the challenge with the way the club want to push on for next season. This club is almost like a sleeping giant in the league, I believe.”

Stock’s new job got off to a losing start in midweek as Dagenham claimed a 1-0 win over the Spitfires.

On Bradbury, Stock added: “I’ve got a lot of respect for Lee, I’ve played under him. I was his captain at Havant and we’ve built up a strong relationship.

“I’ve got the full trust in him and he’s trusting me coming in as assistant. That’s reciprocated in the opposite way.

“It’s a good partnership, in my opinion. We’ve got a lot of knowledge throughout every league.

“With the fact that I’ve experienced this league over the last 18 months, that will help as well.”

READ MORE: Brian Stock sacked as Weymouth boss

Stock will also be counting on “valuable lessons” learnt at Weymouth.

He said: “I can draw on my experience with Weymouth. I’ve got fond memories there.

“You’re judged on results but for my first managerial job I’ve learnt valuable lessons.

“I understand how I can support Lee and those experiences in coaching and at Bournemouth will stand me in good stead.

“I’m really excited by the opportunity. Although it’s not the same situation at Weymouth in terms of being the main man, I’m excited about bringing success to Eastleigh.”

Stock revealed his contract would kick in this summer – with the length of deal yet to be determined.

“We’ll take one step at a time,” he said.

“I wanted to come in from now until the end of the season. Realistically my contract will kick in from pre-season onwards.

“In terms of contract length, that’s still to be discussed. The opportunity outweighed everything else, in my opinion.

“Being a local lad who grew up in the area, a stone’s throw from the stadium, I’ve seen a massive improvement from when I used to go as a kid.

“It almost feels like home for me, I’m 10 minutes down the road. It ticks a lot of boxes and there’s something that could be really special at this club.”