DANNY Smith penned a permanent deal with ambitious Bashley and then swiftly set his sights on promotion back into Conference football.

The former Cherries midfielder enjoyed a successful three-month loan spell at the Recreation Ground and, after a string of fine performances, Bash boss Steve Riley moved fast to strike a free transfer deal with Eastleigh last night.

Bash won the race for the 25-year-old's signature, despite rumoured interest from Conference South side Bognor.

And Smith was pleased to finally seal the deal.

He said: "It was a long process and took longer than normal, but I think everyone is happy, none more so than me.

"I'm looking forward to the next eight or 10 games to push for that final play-off spot.

"From the start the lads made me feel welcome. We've been winning and performing well as a team.

"There's the potential for us to make the play-offs and hopefully progress to the next league."

Bash have long been aiming for a Southern Premier Division play-off place, but their recent form has led to talk of a second consecutive championship.

But the New Forest side's chances were hit by a 1-0 defeat at high-flying Team Bath last weekend.

Energetic midfielder Smith is keen to help the team get back on track tomorrow when they host struggling Bromsgrove Rovers (3pm).

"We want to get back to winning ways after Saturday's disappointing result," he told the Daily Echo. "If we can take six points from the two games over Easter it would put pressure on the teams around us.

"And the teams at the top might look over their shoulders a bit."

Bash manager Riley was delighted to acquire Smith's services on a permanent basis.

He said: "We've shown ambition by signing him and it shows what the club wants to do.

"If we want to progress and make the side better, when Danny Smith became available, we had to try to sign him."

Meanwhile, former Bashley player-manager Dave Wakefield, who is now playing for fellow Foresters Brockenhurst, has backed his old club's promotion credentials.

He said: "I'm 100 per cent positive they'll make the play-offs. It's in Bashley's hands and I definitely think they'll do it.

"Given the serious injuries they've had this year, Steve Riley has managed to get players in to cover and the lads who have come in have been superb."

He added: "I really hope they make it."

Riley has named an unchanged squad for the Easter double against Bromsgrove tomorrow and away at Swindon Super-marine on Monday (both 3pm).

Bashley: (from) Elm, Gazzard, Ferrett, Castle, Middleton, Smith, Knowles, Davis, Keeler, Moss, Gillespie, Town, Tarr, Sainsbury, Burch, Harper.