SALISBURY FC’s new signing Jake Wannell said once he spoke to boss Steve Claridge he knew this was the right club for him.

The 23-year-old who signed from Weymouth said despite having offers from higher level clubs, he believes that Salisbury is heading the direction he wants to go in.

He told JournalSport: “I had quite a few offers this year - which was a good problem to have.

“But when I spoke to Steve on the phone he made me want to sign.

“Obviously everyone wants to play in the highest league possible.

“I felt this club was going to be there soon, and I’m 23 so I want to be part of something to get to that place.”

Wannell, who has played the majority of Salisbury’s pre-season fixtures, including fixtures against football league opposition, has said that he is still getting to grips with playing alongside his new teammates, but admitted that playing against top teams always helps improve you as a player.

He said: “Pre season was a good test for us, the first three games were a little false not having the ball for very long, but always a good test to play against some top players in good teams.”

He added that the Whites’ fans will play a big part in this season’s potential success.

Wannell said: “The fans are what helps players on the pitch.

“I don’t think they realise how much it does push us on with a healthy crowd behind us.”

Salisbury have had some good crowds throughout their pre-season fixtures and Wannell is hoping for the same during the season.

He said: “Hopefully we can repay them, by entertaining them with some good football.”

Wannell is one of many new faces that have arrived at the Ray Mac this summer and said that competition is a good thing: “Competition for places is always healthy.

“But Steve seems very honest and will play you when you’ve earned the right to play.”

Wannell also spoke about how the club has the structure to perform at a higher level and said: “Walking into the ground for the first time I thought ‘wow, this club needs to be playing a lot higher and without a doubt they have the structure to play a lot higher.’”