THE new owners of Salisbury City are to be named today, the Journal can exclusively reveal.

Two separate bids were launched to the in-charge administrators before last Friday’s deadline, both of which have been reviewed.

One group hoping to save the Whites includes TV pundit and former professional footballer Steve Claridge, Jeremy Harwood, David Phillips, Graeme Mundy and Ian Ridley.

The other consortium is yet to be identified – rumours that Jim Fallon is the other party have been scotched by Fallon himself.

Director of Portland Business Support and Advice Mike Fortune said: “I can confirm that a deadline was given for offers for the business and assets of the club of 5.30pm on Friday.

“By that deadline I had received two offers. I have been evaluating the offers both in terms of value and how they are structured in order to decide on which offer to proceed with.

“I would expect confirmation of the decision to be made today.”

Ex-Weymouth chairman Ridley, who is acting as the group’s advisor, says they have a business model in place to transform Salisbury and get football back at the Ray Mac.

He said: “We are hopeful that our offer will be accepted.

“We have put the necessary finances in place and formulated a business plan so we are ready to get the club going again if we are successful.

“As we understand it, the administrator still has one or two legal issues to address.

“After that, we should know the answer. If that happens, we will move quickly on talking to the trustees with a view to getting the Ray Mac re-opened and will seek a decent quality league to play in next season.”

In addition, Ridley plans to hold a fans’ forum.

He added: “We hope very quickly to hold a fans' forum to explain everything and make sure supporters are involved but we can't do anything until things are settled with the administrator.”

Keep checking our website and Twitter to find out who the new owner is.