STEVE Claridge has been busy shopping for players, having captured his first signings as Salisbury FC manager.

Well-known Sam Roberts, a product of the youth academy, has returned to his old stomping ground after a season at Gosport Borough and match time at Lymington.

The quick-acting midfielder has penned a deal along with ex-Bristol Rovers striker Lamar Powell.

Powell, 21, spent 2014/15 at Taunton Town, who he helped reach the Southern League South and West Division One play-offs.

“These are two good acquisitions,” said Claridge, “and there will be more to come after Friday’s game.

“I will be looking at six or seven potential new players that I think will excite our supporters and I will be looking to make some signings before the weekend.”

Both players are likely to appear in Claridge's fledgling team tonight when they take on a Forest Green Rovers' XI (7.30pm).

Scott Bartlett, who made more than 400 appearances for the Whites in a nine-year period, will be joined in the dug out by old Whites' faces - Portsmouth marksman Matt Tubbs and Forest Green attacker Robbie Sinclair, whose elder brother Stuart will return to Old Sarum with promotion-winning Bristol Rovers on July 11.

“It will be nice for fans to see some club legends returning,” added Claridge.

“We’ll introduce them on the pitch so everyone can say thanks to them both for coming down and for what they did for the club.”

Entry will again be pay what you want and the club is hoping for another bumper crowd as fans show their support in financing the new club.

Meanwhile, the board say they are meeting today to discuss admission prices for under-16s and a statement will follow later.