SALISBURY FC are retaining 10 players who helped the side secure a second place finish last season.

But boss Steve Claridge is ruing the loss of 51-goal scoring Tommy Wright who is returning to his parent club Sutton.

Among the players who have signed on again are captain Kane O’Keefe, supporters’ player of the season Lewis Benson, Tom Whelan,Nathan Ball, Brandon Mundy, Sam Roberts, defenders George Colson, Callum Hart, Elliot Wheeler and Claudio Herbert.

The club will be without the strike partnership of Tommy Wright and Justin Bennet who scored 93 goals between them last season, with Bennett signing from Oxford City and Wright going back to Sutton.

Claridge spoke about Bennett’s departure saying: “We couldn’t have done anymore, he was offered a fantastic deal.

“He was offered more money and he said he wanted to have a go at Conference South again.”

The Salisbury boss also said regarding Wright: “We’ve been in conversations but I’m not sure we are in a good position.

“If he wants to come back we would welcome him with open arms.”

Wright has recently taken to Twitter to say: “Great season, thank you to Salisbury FC, loved my time here and sad to leave! Hope the club get back to where they belong soon”.

Eddie Perrett has yet to sign a new deal, but is currently considering the offer the club have given him and Taurean Roberts who is actively looking for a club closer to his London home.

Alex Bass has also returned back to his parent club Portsmouth and Claridge has said: “I would love him back but I don’t think that it’s feasible.

“I think Portsmouth will have other ideas, I think they want him to play at a higher level.”

The Salisbury boss also said if the club gained promotion more players would be available to sign.

He said: “There is always a stigma about each level, this level has meant that we have more players available than last year.

“Then if you go up a level there becomes more players available.”

He added: “There are one or two areas that I need to address, but if we get the one or two in that I’m looking to get in then we will be okay.

“I’m in for other players and then we are actively looking for one other, once we’ve got this one player I’m in talks with we will be one player short.

Additionally, Danny Young and defender Calum Brockway, who missed most of last season with long term injuries will both play in pre-season games with a view of signing new contracts following this.

Salisbury kick of their pre-season friendlies against newly-promoted League One side Portsmouth on Saturday July, 1.