IT’S a Christmas gift which will be cherished forever by heartbroken supporters – a new club.

When the Journal broke the news via social media that a newly-formed consortium had brought the club’s assets, Twitter went crazy.

After hearing journeyman Steve Claridge, who will manage the team, Jeremy Harwood, David Phillips, Graeme Mundy and Ian Ridley had agreed a deal with the administrator to buy the assets of the club, fans got in touch with @Saljournalsport.

Thom Belk tweeted “great news from much darkness, let’s keep things sustainable and remember what it’s all about, watching football with friends.”

The fiancée of former board member Mark Winter was overwhelmed with the news after a long summer.

Michaela Menzel said: “A little cry, happy tears for the future and sad tears for those who lost out or got hurt.”

Dedicated chairman of the Supporters’ Club Ross Martin welcomes a fresh start.

“After everything that has happened I don't think we could have got much better news. Looking forward to a new era of football.”

Others, including Ian Shelton, tweeted “great news that Salisbury are getting their club back.

“Can't wait to watch FC Salisbury City at the Ray Mac next year COYW and Stewart Hailstone added its “great news.”

NEW NAMES:

What do fans want the new club to be called?

They have been tweeting suggestions to @Saljournalsport:

szentpatrik @santpribojszki - Surely just Salisbury Football club. Simple. Says what we are.

Gavin Brumwell @GavinBrumwell - City of Salisbury football club

Michaela Menzel @Micha0611 - Salisbury FC - Simple, honest and unpretentious, like I hope the club has a chance to be now.

Suzie Iles @bankgirlwhite - Think it should be called FC Salisbury City. I’m deliriously happy that we have a team back...in whatever guise #coyw Ricky @ActualJaguar - Would love AFC Salisbury!!

Loosenuts @LoosenutsS - How about Salisbury and Sarum F.C. AKA SAS F.C.? A bond with military....no one messes with SAS!!

luke chitty @lukechitty - Sarum Athletic

Martin Cannings @Martin_Cannings - Sarum Athletic? New Sarum FC?

Ross Martin @Rossym7 - I would also like to go with the name ‘Salisbury FC’ for the new club.

Mel Kelly @Rustymel - FC Salisbury City

Sean Gallagher @seangallagher50 - Should definitely be Salisbury - Press Association never used the ‘City’ bit anyway...

Dominic Savage @DomerSavage - I like City of Salisbury FC

Ben Pike @bennyp213 - How about - Salisbury Athletic FC?