OPPOSITION FOCUS | Salisbury (A)

The Key Info

Founded: 2014

Nickname: The Whites

Manager: Brian Dutton

Stadium: The Raymond McEnhill Stadium

Capacity: 5000

The History

Formed just 11 years ago in 2014, Salisbury FC was formed following a consortium of five people who were tasked with creating the club from scratch. Their first competitive season saw the Whites become champions of the Wessex League Premier in 2015/16, finishing the season with a fantastic 105 points. Whilst the challenge of a new division could have proved tough for Salisbury, they did not show signs of slowing down with back-to-back promotions after finishing 2nd in the Southern League Premier Division.

After five seasons in the Southern Premier League division, promotion to the National League South was eventually earned after winning on penalties in the Playoff Final against AFC Totton.

The Manager: Brian Dutton

Having been appointed as manager of Salisbury during the 2022/23 campaign, Brian Dutton was quick to make an impact as manager, helping the Whites to promotion in his first season. Dutton has previous experience within his coaching, working alongside the setups at Bristol Rovers and Walsall. In Salisbury’s first time at Step 2, they finished 20th which narrowly avoided relegation.

The Skipper: Josh Sommerton

Josh Sommerton is a player who has shown a great amount of loyalty to Salisbury having made his debut for the club at just 17 years of age during the 2017/18 season. Operating as part of Salisbury’s backline, Sommerton has been a regular feature for the Whites as he has been described as a strong and technically gifted player. This season, he has featured in all of Salisbury’s league fixtures, highlighting his importance to the team.

FORM GUIDE:

Salisbury’s recent form has been one of mixed fortunes with some fantastic results alongside some poor defeats in their last five fixtures. Despite an exit in the FA Trophy to Plymouth Parkway, a 3-0 victory at home to Chelmsford City is a result to be highlighted upon. However, just three days difference saw Salisbury suffer a heavy 0-6 defeat at home to Maidenhead United, which they will look to respond in their next home fixture against the Tudors.

🔴 LOSS AWAY 1-0 vs Maidstone United

🔴 LOSS HOME 0-6 vs Maidenhead

🟢 WIN HOME 3-0 vs Chelmsford City

🔴 LOSS AWAY 4-3 vs Plymouth Parkway (FA Trophy)

🟢 WIN AWAY 1-2 vs Enfield Town

ONES TO WATCH:

Name: Josh Hedges

Joined: August 2025

Position: Attacking Midfield

Having announced his return to Salisbury after failing to settle at Chelmsford City in the summer, Josh Hedges has proved himself to be a key asset to Salisbury in his previous spells at the club. Hedges was a key feature for the Whites last season, scoring 10 goals and assisting 9 in just 30 appearances which was vital to Salisbury staying up on the final day.

Name: Noah Coppin

Joined: July 2023

Position: Attacking Midfield

Signing from the Whites in the summer of 2023, Noah Coppin has also been a key asset to Salisbury over the last 2 years. Having worked his way up the non league pyramid, Coppin has started to be a consistent player within Step 2, having previously represented Chippenham at this level. Having played over 1000 minutes of football this season, Coppin is sure to be a key player for the Whites this season.

Name: Matt Briggs

Joined: June 2025

Position: Right Winger

Joining from Dorking Wanderers ahead of this season, Matt Briggs has made an excellent first impression for Salisbury, showing his creative abilities as a right winger. Having only played for Dorking before joining the Whites, Briggs has appeared in over 100 games for the Wanderers before featuring in 19 league appearances for Salisbury. Briggs has a good turn of pace and is a player who looks to create chances, which will be something for Hemel’s defence to keep their eye on.