A SPECIAL pre-season programme is in the pipeline for Sydenhams Wessex Premier champions Salisbury FC.

Steve Claridge's men are hoping to attract four prestigious clubs in the summer ahead of embarking on a new chapter in the Southern League.

Like last year, Premier League big guns AFC Bournemouth are on the list alongside three Sky Bet League Two outfits.

Two of which - Bristol Rovers and Portsmouth - are both in the play-off spots as they bid for promotion to League One and could face each other.

Rovers are managed by former City manager Darrell Clarke while Paul Cooke is in charge of Pompey, a team Claridge played and managed for.

Newport County, also coached by a former White in ex-Northern Ireland international Warren Feeney, is the fourth team.

"Potentially, and it's a probability rather than a possibility, we'll hopefully start off with Bristol Rovers again," said Claridge at Saturday's fans' forum.

"I've been promised Portsmouth, a first team Portsmouth side."

"Hopefully, Eddie Howe will reciprocate the favour he did for us last year and bring a Bournemouth side down. And I think Callum [Hart] has spoken to Newport and I think that will be one to finish off against, Feen's Newport.

"Those four should be about right for us at home."