TOM Whelan has said, following the new penned deal at Salisbury FC, “There was only one place I was putting pen to paper.”

The midfield was among ten players who stayed on from last season, and said the club’s goal is to go up automatically, having only narrowly missed out promotion last season.

Whelan is hoping Salisbury can emulate what Hereford did last season and lead from the front, adding that if they had started the season last year better, the title would have been a lot closer.

He told JournalSport about why he wanted to stay at Salisbury and said: “I think Salisbury is a club that is only on the rise and I want to play a part in that journey.

“Also, after last season not gaining promotion I thought I needed to play my part in making it right for the fans and the club.”

“I spoke to a few clubs but once I had a chat with Steve, there was only one place I was putting pen to paper.”

He also heaped praise on the fans, saying they have helped the players in tough games and said: “We have the best fans in the league.

“We owe them a lot for their support.”

The 21-year-old scored eight goals last season, but has targeted himself to get ten this season, and said: “Obviously promotion is the number one goal.

“However, I would like to score more goals this season and have set my target at ten.”

With the arrival of plenty of new faces, there will be lots competition for places within the team and Whelan said: “Competition for places is always a good thing.

“It keeps players on their toes, knowing if they don’t perform there will be a player there waiting to take their place.”

Having narrowly missed out on promotion last year, Whelan believes that the same clubs will be fighting it out with Salisbury near the top. He said: “Most likely it’s going to be Taunton, having seen the quality they have added to their squad.

“But also Evesham and you can’t forget the new comers Cinderford and Cirencester.”