Salisbury Football Club, nicknamed “The Whites,” is a non-league football club based in Old Sarum, Wiltshire.
Established in 2014, they currently compete in the Vanarama National League South, which is part of the sixth tier of English football. The team calls Raymond McEnhill Stadium their home ground.
Founded as a phoenix club after the collapse of Salisbury City FC, with key figures including Steve Claridge, who also served as the first team manager. The consortium behind the club acquired the assets of Salisbury City FC and set about reviving football at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium, which had fallen into disrepair. After restoring the stadium and forming a new squad, Salisbury FC was admitted to the Sydenhams Wessex League Premier for the 2015/16 season. Their inaugural season was a resounding success, with the team achieving promotion after a dominant campaign marked by record-breaking attendance and impressive performances in both league and cup competitions.
In the years that followed, Salisbury FC steadily climbed the non-league pyramid, overcoming setbacks such as playoff heartbreaks and fluctuating form. Memorable achievements included strong FA Cup and FA Trophy runs, as well as securing promotion to the seventh tier in the 2017/18 season. However, challenges arose with the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted league campaigns and financial stability. Subsequent seasons saw mixed results on the pitch, culminating in Steve Claridge’s departure in 2022 after dwindling performances and fan discontent. Under new manager Brian Dutton, the team adopted a more dynamic playing style, achieving a playoff final in the 2023/24 season, where they secured promotion in a dramatic penalty shootout.
The new Salisbury FC carries the legacy of earlier clubs in the city, including the original Salisbury FC and Salisbury City FC, which had a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Salisbury City reached notable heights in non-league football, including competing in the Conference Premier and memorable FA Cup runs against top-tier teams. Despite financial collapses and reformation, Salisbury’s football tradition endures, with the new club building on the successes of its predecessors while aiming for future growth and sustainability.