SALISBURY FC will launch their competitive comeback in the Wessex League, it has been announced by the FA.

Bosses decided to place the new Whites into step five of the National League System for the 2015/16 season after meeting at Wembley headquarters earlier today.

The verdict means the Ray Mac outfit will pit their wits against the likes of neighbours Bemerton Heath Harlequins, Winchester City, Andover Town, Newport (IOW) and more.

The season launches on the weekend of August 8 - which would see league action return to Ray Mac for the first time in 16 months.

Manager and 20 per cent stakeholder of the club, Steve Claridge, says he's "hardly surprised" by the decision.

"It wasn't a difficult decision," he said.

"After going to the meeting at Wembley (a few weeks ago), I'm hardly surprised as it was the only division mentioned."

"The size of the club is irrelevant, it's all about where they can put you."

The club were hoping their slim chance of playing Southern League football would be granted, but after not appearing on the FA's step one to four list this afternoon, Wessex League football beckoned.

"We can argue as much as we did, but unfortunately this is where we've been put," added Claridge.

When asked by the Journal if the club would appeal the decision, he replied that they wouldn't.