MATT Tubbs always believed he could make the grade as a professional footballer.

But the former Bolton Wanderers and AFC Bournemouth apprentice has to admit he never thought it would be with his home town club!

The Salisbury-born striker this week capped a remarkable season by signing a three-year contract to become the Whites' first full-time player.

"I couldn't have believed I'd do it this route," he said.

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

The 22-year-old has certainly come of age this season.

Another 30-goal haul helped City secure back-to-back promotions - his own stock rising further with crucial goals in televised matches, first against Nottingham Forest which forced an FA Cup replay against the former European champions, and in the promotion play-off final against Braintree Town which booked City's berth in the newly-named Blue Square Premier.

The club revealed this week that Tubbs won't be the only full-time player on their books as they look to make their mark in the top flight of the non-league game.

"Although we're still a Conference side, we'll have a number of professional footballers in our ranks, which will stand us in good stead for next season," said the former leisure attendant.

Like many supporters, Tubbs still has to pinch himself at Salisbury's progress.

He joined the Old Sarum outfit in October 2003 from Dorchester Town, and although he regularly found the net in his opening 12 months with the club, there was little to suggest he and the Whites would soon be on an upward curve that would take them to within touching distance of the Football League.

Tubbs recalled a dismal time in the middle of the 2004/05 season when City, having lost six Ryman Premier League games on the bounce, were drifting in the wrong direction.

"There were some horrible days, when we weren't winning and we'd be going to really manky places on a Tuesday night and it would be raining."

The arrival of Tommy Widdrington from Port Vale turned that season around and Tubbs admits the club's player/coach, along with manager Nick Holmes and assistant boss Barry Blankley, have proved a massive influence on and off the field at the Ray Mac.

"Things have changed so much and Tommy's done really well for the club.

"They've encouraged me a lot. Nick, Tommy and Barry have stood by me a couple of times when I've been really down and they've always given me encouragement and confidence."

Although this season ended on a high, Tubbs is acutely aware that his four red cards, which meant the games he missed through suspension ran into double figures, could have cost the club the chance of promotion.

With some City supporters turning against him, believing his dismissals against Eastleigh, Eastbourne Borough, Havant & Waterlooville and Dorchester Town had wrecked any hope they had of winning the Conference South, the striker now admits he was close to turning his back on the game.

"I was two days away from jumping on a plane and going to Australia when I got that red card against Dorchester.

"It was actually my best mate in football, Luke Prince who talked to me, backed me out of it and said: "Look, keep your head up and just keep going."

"I did that and it's all come out right."

Tubbs accepts those City fans had the right to make their feelings known and has no ill-feelings towards them.

"The experience has definitely made me a better player and a better person.

"I've said before that the fans are always entitled to their own opinions and I was an enemy to a lot of them at one time.

"But criticism is good in a way, as long as you use it to bounce back stronger."

With Tubbs serving a six-match ban at a crucial stage of the campaign, City's goals suddenly dried up and for the first time all season, a play-off place was beginning to look beyond them.

Tubbs worked even harder behind the scenes, determined to do his bit to ensure Whites would still be involved in the end of season promotion scramble.

Seven goals in the final 12 games, including the winner in the play-off final, completed his redemption.

As well as scoring crucial goals, his work-rate was beyond reproach and while still sharing in his team mates' joy at winning promotion, a call up to the National Game XI elevated him to the international stage.

The villain was a hero again.

A goal against the Republic of Ireland on his England debut brought further headlines, and was the icing on the cake of a memorable season.

But Tubbs insists no-one at the Ray Mac will be resting on their laurels as the 2007/08 season approaches.

The carrot being dangled in front of him and his colleagues of a place in the Football League only serves to inspire them further.

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

"I believe that in three years time we could be pushing for league football."

City insist they are not looking to just make up the numbers in the Blue Square Premier and although some players may be on their way out of Old Sarum, the club will be strengthening its squad in time for the big kick off.

"I know they're planning on bringing a few players in.

"It's sad to see Alex (Haddow) and Declan (McGregor) leave, but we're going to bring some really good players into the squad now who will bring strength and depth.

"They'll also have experience, which means there's no reason not think that in a few years' time we'll be pushing on towards the top of the table.

"I talked to Tom and went through the contract and he told me about his ambitions for this club and Nick and Barry's ambitions and it's looking bright.

"That's why I signed."

Tubbs, who will turn 23 next month, said once he'd got his head around what was being offered, he didn't hesitate in putting pen to paper, ending speculation that he was about to jump ship.

Rumours linking him to Championship side Leicester City found their way into the press following his successful England debut.

A frank conversation with club chairman Neville Beal, also helped convince him his future lay with the Whites.

"It took me a while to think it all through. My family are actually on holiday at the moment, so I couldn't really discuss it with them.

"I spoke to Nev a couple of weeks ago when there was quite a lot of speculation and all that.

"As a 22-year-old, of course you want to play at the highest standard possible and I believe that Salisbury will get there in the end.

"Since I've been here, they've always made a point of keeping the best players.

"People like Paul Sales, who I think is one of the best players at the club - it's good that we've kept him on as well."

Tubbs will now leave his job as a leisure attendant, take a short holiday and then begin preparations for the new campaign.

So, any regrets about swapping the lifeguard role for that of a professional footballer?

"No, of course not.

"People at work are pleased for me. They're probably glad to get rid of me to be honest - they'll probably get a better worker in!"

Tubbs has scored freely at every level of the game he has played at and will be looking to add to the 88 goals he has netted for the club in less than 160 appearances in the hope of bringing more success to the Ray Mac and furthering his own international career.

"My target last season was just to get in double figures and if I can get in double figures in my first season in the Conference, that would be really good.

"Another reason why I did sign is that it gives me the opportunity to play for my country again.

"Provided everything goes well and I can put in some good performances, they've said that they're going to keep an eye on me, so it's a good opportunity to continue my career for my country."