LOCAL law firm Trethowans recently completed the commercial transfer of the assets and operations of Salisbury City Football Club to its new owners, in a successful bid to save the club.

Local supporters David Harrold and Neville Beal came to the club's rescue when it was nearly forced to withdraw from the league altogether earlier this year. After evaluating several proposals the club's Board considered those received from David and Neville would best safeguard the future of the club and allow it to prosper. This decision has certainly paid dividends as the club has since progressed to the top of its league.

Following the signing of the contract with the winning consortium Wilsco 395 Trethowans worked free-of-charge to oversee the grant of a lease of the ground by the outgoing owners while ensuring it contained favourable terms to help safeguard the future of the club. For example, if the ground-owning company wished to redevelop the site

in the future, they would be obliged

to provide an alternative location for the club.

Under the terms of the deal, the new company Salisbury City Football Club, will endeavour to ensure the club remains a member of the Doctor Martens League and plays all fixtures in this Division during the 2002-03 season. The former Southampton FC player Nick Holmes has recently been appointed as club manager responsible for all commercial and team affairs. Nick returned from the USA after accepting the position.

Joint director Mr Beal said, "We would like to thank Trethowans for this fantastic gesture and wonderful response to the club's situation. John Fletcher of Trethowans and a fellow Salisbury supporter, has been a tremendous help from the outset, both initiating and overlooking the complex legalities involved in the transaction."

Fellow director Mr Harrold added: "This is the best thing that has happened to the club in a long time.

Not only has it boosted the players' and fans' morale to know that their club is being run by supporters, but the team is currently working its way up the league into fourth and fifth position. We hope to continue to work with Trethowans in the future on the legal aspects of our business."

John Fletcher, commercial property specialist at Trethowans, said: "We were pleased to play a part in rescuing the club and felt it was a cause worthy of community support. We have a strong and experienced commercial property team who were able to provide advice and support during this ongoing process."