THE Whites have already started to bolster their squad ahead of the upcoming 25/26 season – which include one marquee signing.

The club has welcomed new wide man Matt Briggs, who joined from Dorking Wanderers and forward Tommy Willard from Worthing.

Briggs, 29, is expected to bring his pace and ability to the Ray Mac after having scored 82 goals in 291 appearances for Dorking.

The winger played in the National League South, winning promotion with the club in 2022 and then playing with the Surrey-based club in the National League.

Born in the Tyneside area, Briggs began his career at the hugely respected Wallsend Boys Club before moving south as an 18-year-old and joining Dorking Wanderers, with whom he has enjoyed multiple promotions.

Last season, he made 37 league appearances as Dorking once again made the play-offs, scoring six goals. Included in those appearances were two against Salisbury – he provided the assist for Dorking’s second goal in the 3-3 draw at Meadowbank and started in Dorking’s 2-0 win at the Ray Mac.

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On signing on at the Ray Mac, Matt Briggs said: “I’m really excited to be at Salisbury next season, the manager explained the project, and it’s really ambitious, and I can’t wait to help us try and achieve our goals.”

Brian Dutton feels that Briggs is a marquee signing for Salisbury.

He said: “Matt is a marquee signing for us and a statement of intent. He’s got a wealth of experience and is a proven winner at the level.

“He’s fairly local to us, so when I explained our vision for this season, he jumped at the chance.

“I’m excited to be working with him, and I’m sure the fans will be delighted with the acquisition.”

Tommy Willard, 24, spent time at Southampton’s academy and Barnsley Under 18s and Under 23s before moving to Aldershot, where he clocked up more than 80 National League appearances for Aldershot.

He also spent time on loan at Farnborough and Worthing before making that a permanent move last summer, playing 35 times as Worthing progressed to the playoffs after finishing one point behind title winners Truro City.

Despite being offered a new deal at Woodside Road, Willard has chosen to sign with Salisbury at the Ray Mac.

Brian Dutton, who worked hard to get Willard in the door, said: “I’m delighted to get Tommy over the line. A lot of hard work has gone into landing Tommy this Summer, including schmoozing him on the golf course.

“For Tommy to turn down a top side like Worthing to join Salisbury highlights the trust he has in the project and vision we have for Salisbury next season.

“Tommy is a local lad from Andover and a great age with his best years ahead of him. I’m really happy to be developing his skills both on the football pitch and the golf course.”