SALISBURY FC have beaten Havant and Waterlooville in the race to get the signature of top gun striker Justin Bennett.

The sought-after hitman was also a transfer target of new National South clubs Hungerford Town and Poole Town after terminating his contract at financially-stricken Gosport Borough.

Bennett, 33, who is Borough's all-time record goal scorer with 263 in nine seasons, had talks with all four clubs but plumped for a move to the Ray Mac to play for his hometown club.

He is Steve Claridge's first summer coup of the season as the Sydenhams Wessex Premier champions prepare for life in Evo-Stick Southern League Division One South and West.

"Although I spoke to Poole, Hungerford and a couple of other National league South clubs, it was actually between Havant and Salisbury in the end. Despite Havant being the better option financially, the lure of playing for my hometown club was just too much," the Bishopdown resident revealed to JournalSport.

"It's exciting times at the club, they are in a false position in the South and West division and, in my opinion, having been to a few games recently, it's clear to see they are run like a club that should be at least National League South level, so for me I don't see it as a step down."

Bennett had spells at Andover and Eastleigh before joining Alex Pike's Gosport in 2007.

At that time, the Privett Park outfit were in the same division Whites will be in next season.

Despite signing a new deal at Borough at the end of last year which would have seen him stay there until 2017, he terminated his contract.

Issues off the pitch saw him announce his departure last month as he also wanted to concentrate on exams for his job at Chestergate Financial Planning on Crane Street, where he is a paraplanner.

Bennett, who is jet-setting to Thailand next week for a holiday, will return for pre-season with Whites, who face big guns Bristol Rovers and Portsmouth in July friendlies.

He added: "I am just eager to meet my new teammates and get started now."

  • TONIGHT sees Whites celebrate their first year as a re-born club with a Party on the Pitch.

Tickets cost £40 and entertainment at the Ray Mac starts at 7pm.

To book, contact the club on 01722 776655.