Salisbury’s rise from being 100/1 outsiders to now being priced at 25/1 speaks volumes about the summer they've had, and it’s clear they’re being taken seriously as contenders this season. While they only just managed to avoid relegation last year—finishing just a point above the drop zone—the investment from their Kuwaiti owners and some impressive recruitment suggest they’ll be aiming higher this time around.
The departure of Josh Hedges to Chelmsford is a tough blow, especially given his incredible output of 18 goal contributions in 30 appearances last season. However, despite that loss, Brian Dutton has done a fantastic job of rebuilding his squad. They’re still in a strong position to challenge near the top, rather than worrying about relegation.
Key players like Noah Coppin and Owen Dore are sticking around, with Coppin re-signing after his solid season and Dore coming in at just 20 years old. Dore is a versatile player capable of playing both in defence and midfield, giving Dutton options across the park.
The rest of their summer signings are equally impressive, especially considering they’re a part-time team from the South West.Tom Cove (19), Evander Grubb and Tommy-Lee Higgs (both 20) are smart acquisitions from lower divisions. Grubb arrives from Bristol Manor Farm and has impressed in pre-season, while Higgs was one of the standout performers for Bognor Regis last year—despite their relegation—scoring 19 goals. Cove is an attacking left back and a product of the famous Southampton academy, while also shining at Aylesbury in recent seasons.
With Joshua Keeya, Dominic Revan, and Mike Atkinson all signing from Hampton & Richmond, Salisbury are adding much-needed depth to their midfield and defence. Keeya and Atkinson were standout performers in the centre of the park for The Beavers last season, so bringing them in alongside Coppin forms a strong midfield trio.
The signing of Dominic Revan, a highly-rated 24-year-old defender, is particularly notable. He was linked with higher-profile clubs, so his arrival represents a real statement of intent for Salisbury. He will partner Jordan Ngalo, a 26-year-old centre-back who brings power and composure to the backline, making Salisbury much harder to break down than they were last season.
Tranmere’s captain of the last three years, Tom Davies, has also signed—showing just how ambitious The Whites are. His leadership and experience at EFL level could prove vital in guiding a relatively young squad through a demanding National League South campaign.
On the attacking front, Ollie Bray is another young player with something to prove, although he might be a backup option for Matty Taylor. The 35-year-old striker is a real coup for Salisbury, joining from League Two side Cheltenham. He has had prolific spells at League One, League Two, and National League levels, and should be a major cut above most forwards in the division.
Adding Tommy Willard from Worthing and Matty Briggs from Dorking gives them two experienced wingers with bags of pace and creativity. Both are in their prime—at 24 and 26 years old respectively—and their National League South experience will help them hit the ground running.
In all, the fact that Salisbury were initially considered the rank outsiders by the bookies looks like a major oversight. Although going from narrowly avoiding relegation to winning the title would be a massive leap, the improvements made by Dutton in the summer have set them up for a much stronger campaign than last year.
This is a team mixed with exciting young talent and experienced pros from the EFL. They are no longer looking over their shoulder—they’re ready to challenge for the top spots.
Prediction: 6th
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