SALISBURY FC have secured the Ray Mac stadium for the next five years, the club have announced.

Salisbury City Football Club moved to the purpose built ground in Old Sarum in 1997, named after the then chairman Raymond McEnhill.

With the lease running out at the end of May this year it was a possibility that the Whites would have to find a new ground.

In a statement regarding the new lease the club said: “Salisbury Football Club would like to thank the trustees for their continuing support of the football club.”

A spokesperson from the club told JournalSport: “We’re delighted to have secured another lease at the Ray Mac, this longer term provides us with the foundations we need to further develop the club on and off the field.

“Naturally, there will always be questions about the future beyond that time and work continues to take place behind the scenes, looking in to all options.

“Fans took to social media to show their delight on the new deal being made, with most of them commenting that it was great news for the club moving forward.

“After a thrilling first two seasons for Salisbury FC, we look forward to another season of entertaining our supporters, buoyed by our immediate future being secure.”

Ricky Pyle said on the Salisbury FC Supporters page: “Amazing news. Well done and thank you to everyone involved in making it happen.”

And Ian Shelton said: “Best news in ages just need to win the league now and push on.”

But Neil Whitton said: “Whilst this is good news, it is still a financial millstone around the club’s neck.

“Hopefully the 5 years will allow us the time and find funds for a new stadium that can be an asset, not a drain on the club.”

In a meeting with the supporters club and the directors following the departure of Dave Phillips, the club said that the running cost of the Ray Mac including rent, rates, electric and water was around £2,000 per week, but it is unsure whether this figure has remained the same.