CONFERENCE Premier club Salisbury City have announced the appointment of Mikey Harris as their new manager.

The board of directors trawled through more than 50 applications, many from high-profile names in the game, but have decided to put their faith in Harris, their assistant manager for the last four years.

A club statement said: "The board apologises for the slight delay in making this announcement but this has been due to the fact that 55 applications were received for the manager’s job. Amongst those were some very interesting prospects from current managers, ex-Premiership players etc. and therefore a lot of effort had to go into the decision making process.

"Mikey was assistant manager at a very young age for Tommy Widdrington and then took over as assistant manager for Darrell Clarke which resulted in two promotions and the first visit to the third round of the FA Cup for Salisbury City.

"The board hopes that the fans will agree Mikey has deserved his chance after six years as coach and assistant manager. We hope the fans will get behind Mikey and the team for what will be an exciting return to the Conference Premier."

Harris said: “I am honoured to be given the opportunity to manage the club that I love. I have spent the best part of a decade at the Ray Mac in various roles and to get the top job is a dream come true.

"I know that a huge number of great football people applied and the fact the board has selected me to take the club forward makes it even more special.

"The hard work starts now and I can assure everyone associated with Salisbury City FC that I will be giving 100 per cent to make sure that the 2013/14 is another successful one for the club."