New Manager appointed at Salisbury FC
He's a former player
Last updated 14th Oct 2022
Salisbury FC have appointed a new manager, following the departure of Steve Claridge yesterday (Thursday 13th October).
Former player Brian Dutton will take the reins from this weekend as The Whites travel to North Leigh.
Brian has worked as a coach at Bristol Rovers and Walsall, while also being a regular visitor to the Ray Mac.
He says he wants to work closely with the youth system here and create a pathway to give youngsters a chance to break into the first team:
"Well, what can I say, it’s great to be back at the Ray Mac taking over as the First Team Manager. Those who know me are aware I come from Yorkshire, but Wiltshire and Salisbury are my adopted home; a place where I’ve known the friendliest people and truly felt their warmth. My partner, Abi, gave birth to our first child in Salisbury just over fourteen months ago and I will be especially proud to bring him to the Ray Mac to witness his local team the mighty Whites in action with me as First Team Manager. Since finishing my playing career, I have gained a lot of coaching experience high up the pyramid working in roles such as Assistant Manager for both League 1 and 2 clubs. Going forward, this experience will serve me and Salisbury FC well. Since my last role as First Team Manager at Walsall FC, I have turned down several opportunities to return to football management at high levels, but I have turned them down in the hope that one day the Salisbury job would become available and when it did, I jumped at the opportunity.
"My long-term aim for Salisbury FC is to produce a football team that the fans can be proud of and connect with. I want to acquire the best local talent within Salisbury and the surrounding areas, developing players to become assets to our club. We must also enhance our community spirit and try to reinvigorate the next generation of Salisbury fans.
"Whilst we look to the future, it’s important to acknowledge the past and respect what has gone before. I take the reins of a football team that is in a healthy position in the league with some fantastic characters and talent within the squad. For this, I am thankful to Steve and his management team. Seven years is a long time in football management, and I hope Steve gets the reception he deserves should he ever return to the Ray Mac.
I want to conclude by giving thanks to the Chairman, Jeremy Harwood and everybody else who has played a role in my return to the club closest to my heart.
"We begin a journey together as staff, players and fans. There will be ups and downs along the way but if we stick together and show unity and determination, we will become an unstoppable force once more."
Chairman Ian Hammond said:
"In welcoming Brian to Salisbury FC, it would be wrong of me to not firstly record a huge vote of thanks to Steve for all his work for the club since its inception seven years ago, with two promotions and a current league position on the edge of the play-off places. He will be a hard act to follow but I am sure that Brian will be fully up to the challenges that lie ahead.
"In our discussions, he has impressed not only with his football knowledge and experience, but also his enthusiasm and drive to develop the Whites into a football club of which the city, the players and coaches, and most definitely the supporters can be proud. I look forward to working with him and am positive his plans for the future will be welcomed by all."