Clarke joined Salisbury in 2007 from Hartlepool

Salisbury City midfielder Darrell Clarke feels the players should be proud after battling financial problems to remain in the Blue Square Premier.

After topping the table earlier in the campaign, the Whites then lost several key names because of budget cutbacks and were around the relegation zone.

Salisbury ended the season in 16th position after a draw at Ebbsfleet.

"It feels better than some promotions. Full credit to the boys who stayed around," Clarke told BBC Wiltshire.

"For us to survive it feels just as good as a promotion.

"You have to stick together. I've been with players who would have chucked in the towel."

Salisbury are up for sale with chairman Neville Beal set to depart soon. Clarke believes with the right sort of owners they can finish even higher next season.

"It's a great little club and we can establish ourselves as a top-10 team."

The Whites started their second season in the Blue Square Premier well and went top early on before poor form coincided with players being sold or loaned out to save money.

In January they dropped into the bottom four but the following month went on an 11-game unbeaten run.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version