SALISBURY FC’s new signing Aaron Dawson says he was “desperate to sign” after speaking to boss Steve Claridge.

The 25-year-old has joined from Gosport Borough having been released by the Evo-Stik Premier club, as it made financial sense.

Dawson made his debut on Saturday in the Whites 0-0 draw against Bishops Cleeve and told JournalSport: “I choose to join Salisbury because it’s a club that excites me, after speaking to the gaffer and hearing about the how the club is run I was desperate to sign.”

Adding: “I believe it’s a club on the rise again, I know I’m not alone when I say I’m not here to be playing in this division for a long time.”

The former Exeter City man believes that the club should be playing at a higher level and said: “This club should be in my opinion at least two divisions above and everyone at the club is working hard to achieve this.”

Despite only playing one game for the Whites he has said he has settled in well and said: “It’s a good group of lads here so it hasn’t been difficult to settle in.

“It’s more of a case of getting to know how certain players play and building partnerships.”

The midfielder said he was pleased with his performance against Bishops Cleeve but disappointed with the overall performance but added: “There’s definitely more to come from me.”

The Salisbury side as of late have lacked creativity in important games and Dawson has said that he can bring organisation to the side, energy and a bit of bite.

With manager Steve Claridge agreeing with this he told the club website: “He’s a good all-round player, a winner and an organiser - what we’ve been looking for. He’s got a great attitude.

“Whenever I’ve watched him, he’s never given less than 100 per cent under difficult circumstances at Gosport. That’s the type of player I want.”