The Whites travel to West London for Season Opener

Friday, 8 August 2025 05:55

Salisbury get their season underway this weekend with a trip to west London to face Hampton & Richmond Borough in the Enterprise National League South.

It's been a busy pre-season for many managers at this level, but none more so than Brian Dutton, who has rebuilt his side following the narrow escape from relegation on the final day of the 2024/25 season.

Only Captain Josh Sommerton, Owen Dore, Noah Coppin, and Ryan Penny remain from last season. With targets set higher up the table this season, many of the players brought in over the summer have plenty of experience at a higher level.

Two prime examples of this are former Bristol Rovers and Cheltenham Town forward Matty Taylor and defender Tom Davies, who arrived after leaving Tranmere Rovers at the end of last season. Between them, they have hundreds of EFL appearances to their names, adding a considerable amount of experience and quality to Dutton's squad.

With no form guide to judge sides heading into the opening game of the season, it's always an exciting prospect with two sides meeting with a sense of the unknown.

Like Salisbury, Hampton & Richmond have made sweeping changes to their squad with some familiar faces appearing at the Beevree over the summer break.

Ronan Silva and Craig Fasanmade have both swapped Wiltshire for West London for the new season, joining former White, Luke Ruddick, who is part of the coaching team at Hampton.

Hampton & Richmond Borough have also brought in players with experience at a higher level, with Rohan Ince joining from Woking, Reece Grego-Cox from Dagenham & Redbridge and Alan Massey from Maidenhead United.

Both sides ended last season with a poor run of form and will be looking to start the new season in positive style.

Can't make the game?

You can follow the game and all league matches with us, here on Salisbury Radio Sport.

Live commentary with Ian, Andy and Toby all season for league matches - listen on the brand new Salisbury FC App or the Salisbury Radio App, website or by asking your Alexa to 'Play Salisbury Radio Sport'

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