EXPERIENCED defender Ben Martin is NOT joining Salisbury FC.

The 34-year-old was set to sign for the Whites on the Southern League's transfer deadline day on Thursday.

But, following an administrative error with paperwork forms, the signing wasn't completed in time.

It means Steve Claridge's men will miss out on the player's services in their remaining five games as they aim to join rivals Hereford in the Southern Premier next season.

Nicknamed 'Big Ben' as he's 6ft 7inchs tall, Martin was going to sign on dual registration with Vanarama South outfit Welling United and the two clubs would share his services until the end of the season.

He began his career at Swindon Town on a one-year deal but, after loan spells at Lincoln City and Farnborough Town, he settled for a long spell at his home town club, St Albans City.

A Salisbury spokesman said: "The club regret to announce that the signing of Ben Martin will not be going ahead, currently.

"This is due to an anomaly in the registration of the player that the club is currently investigating internally and which we are discussing with the Southern League.

"We will update supporters with more information when we have it and it is appropriate to do so."

Centre-back Brian Dutton, who has been nursing a leg injury, is hoping to return on Saturday for the trip to Shortwood United (3pm), while Jesse Waller-Lassen is still suspended.