Six Whites depart the Ray Mac

Salisbury City manager Darrell Clarke has axed six players from his Blue Square Bet South promotion winning squad in preparation for the new season.

The Whites clinched their place in the top flight of non-league football after beating Brackley Town 3-2 in the play-off final on May 12.

However, Clarke has been left with the difficult decision of informing Mark Scott, Ugo Udoji, Matt Clark, Robbie Matthews, Rhys Baggridge and Cameron Hough that they will not be offered new contracts for the 2013/14 campaign.

He told the club’s official website: “All of these lads have played a massive part in this season’s success. And they leave the club with our utmost respect and thanks for their efforts.

“Any manager who enquires about one of these players will get a glowing reference from myself and Mikey.”

Clarke, though, is keen to keep Theo Lewis, Dan Fitchett, James Clarke, Brian Dutton, Callum Hart, Ryan Brett, Stuart Sinclair and Robbie Sinclair, with all eight players having been offered fresh terms to stay on at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium.

He added: “We’re hopeful these players will join the three we have already signed – Jamie White, Ricky Wellard and Chris McPhee.

“We’re also in discussions to bring in some new faces ahead of what is a hugely exciting time for Salisbury City.”

Clarke is still undecided on the futures Will Puddy and Charles Ademeno, although Chris Giles and Luke Ruddick have been given the chance to prove their fitness in pre-season following their respective injury concerns last term.

Posted: Wednesday, May 22, 2013