NEW backers are urgently needed to secure the future of Salisbury City Football Club.

It has been announced buyers are being sought and the club has narrowed the search to two interested parties, but fans are alarmed by the time it is taking to strike a deal that will ensure the club can continue competing at its current level.

William Harrison-Allan, who formed a consortium board with Chris Bramall and Jeff Hooper to bail the club out of administration in 2010 when the team suffered a double demotion, has made it clear he is looking for new investment.

It is understood interest has been shown by the former AFC Bournemouth chairman and entrepreneur Eddie Mitchell, as well as an un-named consortium.

Mr Mitchell, who was at the Ray Mac for City’s clash in the first round of the FA Cup with Dartford back in November, told the Journal he is interested in the club but no deal has yet been made.

“I visited the club last week and met William Harrison-Allan,” he said.

“It’s a lovely little club which needs to be carefully looked at.

I’ve had discussions but I will not be investing at this point and won’t be buying it by the end of the week.”

Mr Mitchell, who owns The Seven’s Boatshed restaurant in Poole as well being involved with Poole Town FC, added: “However, I’m always interested in exploring different avenues.”

After helping the club climb back into the top level of non-league following promotion from Conference South last year, Mr Harrison-Allan told the Journal he couldn’t secure the club’s finances single-handedly and his businesses - The Dove Inn, CGA and Ask Eric – were his main priorities.

Lower than expected gates have had an impact on the club’s finances over the past season, coming on top of the loss of vital training facilities in the previous year, when the club’s nearby training pitches were sold by the MoD to Persimmon Homes for development.