SALISBURY City's star striker Matt Tubbs has ended speculation about his immediate future by signing a three-year professional contract with the ambitious Wiltshire club.

Rumours were rife that Tubbs, who recently made his England debut for the National Game XI, was a possible transfer target of Championship side Leicester City.

However, the striker, who netted 30 goals last season to help the Whites secure promotion to the Blue Square Premier, agreed this week to become the club's first full-time professional player.

And he won't be the last.

The club confirmed this week that it has taken a giant step towards becoming a full-time outfit and will be offering a number of other players permanent deals.

Player-coach Tommy Widdrington said both he, manager Nick Holmes and assistant boss Barry Blankley, were delighted' by the board's decision and were currently talking to other players about turning pro in time for the start of the new campaign.

"The goalposts are shifting all the time and we've got to be mindful of that," said Widdrington.

"The people behind the club have been excellent in the way they're building it up from the bottom. And we on the coaching side have got to make sure we don't run before we walk.

"I think this progression into full-time by getting some of the current squad on board first and foremost and then doing some recruitment is the way to go.

"It's not the case that our lads who I think won't be interested in taking the gamble are on their way out.

"It's not like that at all.

"I still believe that a lot of the lads who have played nothing but non-league football have a big part to play for us."

Widdrington and first team boss Nick Holmes' long-term ambition remains to steer City into the Football League, however, back-to-back promotions mean they are now a year ahead of schedule, prompting an immediate overhaul of the club's set-up.

"It's happened a little bit quicker than we'd expected, but you don't turn down promotions when they come along and, now we're here, the football club has made it clear that we want to stay here, at least.

"Whether that shortens our longer term plan, I don't know, or maybe it just means we've got a year in hand!"

City director Peter Yeldon explained the decision was "a reflection of the ambition of the club," and that they were not about to start selling their star players.

"Financially we're very secure so no way are we going to let anyone take our best players.

"People should realise we're not going into the Blue Square Premier just to make up the numbers. Our ambition is to go on as far as we possibly can.

"We've got a strong management team at this club - one that wouldn't embarrass the Premiership.

"I'm delighted Matt has signed and there's a war chest to make sure we have a team of sufficient quality to continue to progress."

Tubbs' winning goal in last month's Conference South play-off final against Braintree Town ensured their promotion to the non-league game's top flight.

It was his 88th in just 158 appearances for the Whites, who he joined from Dorchester Town in October 2003.

The former Bolton Wanderers and AFC Bournemouth apprentice believes the Whites have got what it takes to become a Football League club.

Salisbury-born Tubbs said City's management had helped fuel his own ambitions.

"When I signed for Salisbury about four years ago, I never believed I'd be here to see us become a professional outfit.

"Tom told me about his ambitions for this club and Nick and Barry's ambitions and it's looking bright.

"That's why I've signed a three-year deal."