Widdrington praises squad loyalty

Salisbury's players return for training on June 29

The majority of Salisbury City's out of contract players have agreed to return for pre-season training even though the club's future is still uncertain.

Training starts later this month and coach Tommy Widdrington has been impressed with the loyalty shown.

"A dozen are coming on the pretence there will hopefully be a contract for next season," he told BBC Wiltshire.

But, midfielders Ian Herring and Brian Dutton may leave for personal reasons and Sam Pearce has joined Havant.

"Brian Dutton's situation off the field is that he's likely to find a club nearer his home in the north and the only other one who hasn't expressed a definite answer is Ian Herring but there are other circumstances.

"Sam's got a good job and he feels its right to stay at that level and I can understand that."

Only four squad members were already under contract for the 2009-2010 season and Widdrington has invited several potential new players to join pre-season training though he does not think he needs to strengthen too much.

"Because of the size of the squad were looking to retain I don't need another dozen people to have a look at.

"I've invited a few. Some have been at league clubs, some have been at the level we're at and some have been at the level below."

The Whites cannot sign any player, existing or new, until a takeover is completed. Chairman Neville Beal has told BBC Wiltshire that discussions are continuing with potential buyers more than two months after the club was put up for sale.