SALISBURY City’s demotion from the Blue Square Premier means manager Tommy Widdrington has had to re-schedule one of his side’s pre-season friendlies.

Whites were due to head to Chippenham Town on July 24. However, as they will both now clash in the Zamaretto Southern League Premier Division, the visit to the Bluebirds’ Hardenhuish Park has been scrapped.

Instead, Salisbury will now entertain Blue Square Bet South outfit Dorchester Town.

The City boss has also confirmed that another Blue Square Bet South side, Basingstoke Town, will visit the Raymond McEnhill Stadium on August 7 – just seven days before the new campaign kicks off.

Whites will also stage an open day at the ground on Saturday, July 31.

Meanwhile, Widdrington has been busy securing the signatures of some of his out of contract players, ensuring they remain part of the club’s plans to attempt to win promotion at the first attempt.

Striker Bradley Gray and utility player Ben Adelsbury have both agreed new deals meaning they join the already contracted Stuart Anderson, Darrell Clarke, Chris Flood, Ryan Pryce, Matt Tubbs and Jamie Turley.

Widdrington said he remained hopeful of retaining other members of last season’s squad.

However, heading out of the Ray Mac is goalkeeper James Bittner, who will be reunited with former City skipper Mike Fowler at Forest Green Rovers, while Luke Ruddick is to link up with Dan Webb at Bath City. Rob Sinclair departed the club earlier this month to join Football League newcomers Stevenage Borough.

The Whites held a highly successful sponsors’ evening last week attended by a number of local companies who have pledged to continue supporting the club. A number of new sponsors have also been confirmed for the forthcoming season.

The fixtures for the new campaign will not be published for another couple of weeks, but the club is already reporting that it is encouraged by sales of season tickets.

City are offering a special discount on all season tickets purchased by June 30, working out at three free games.

For more details contact the club on 01722 776655 or visit www.salisburycity-fc.co.uk

City’s pre-season friendlies (updated)

JULY

Tuesday 13 Alton Town (a)

Wednesday 14 Hamworthy United (a)

Tuesday 20 Aldershot Town (h)

Saturday 24 Dorchester Town (h)

Saturday 31 Open Day at the Ray Mac

AUGUST

Sunday 1 Andover (a)

Saturday 7 Basingstoke Town (h)