FORMER Salisbury City favourite Simon Browne is back in training with the Wiltshire club.

Whites boss Nick Holmes is taking a good look at the 34-year-old defender, who was released by Weymouth in May, writes WENDY GEE.

Browne, pictured right (maroon top) is a well-liked figure among the Salisbury faithful having made 257 appearances for the cathdral city club during Geoff Butler's time in charge.

Holmes said: "Simon's been training with us and his attitude has been first class. We'll be giving him two or three games now to have a good look with a view to signing him.

"He's a left-sided defender and you can't have too many of those. If I had my way, I'd have a whole team of them!

"The good thing about Simon is that he can play as a central defender, left-back or on the left of midfield and we need cover in those positions."

Should he sign, Browne would become Salisbury's third summer arrival following Eastleigh striker Paul Sales and Bashley defender Chris Ferrett into the Raymond McEnhill Stadium.

On the debit side, Leigh Phillips (Poole Town) and Matt Davies (Windsor & Eton) have moved to pastures new, while Mark Lisk is toying with retiring and midfielder Glenn Howes has been training with Dorchester.

Phillips's loss is a particular source of sadness to Holmes, who has a great fondness for the former Lymington & New Milton striker.

He said: "Out of everyone, he was the lad I would like to have stayed, but I understand his reasons for going.

"Leigh genuinely enjoyed himself at Salisbury and I hope he considers himself a better player for having been here. Personally, I think he is."

Lisk may yet join Phillips at Poole if Dolphins boss Tommy Killick - Holmes's former number two at Salisbury - has his way.

Holmes said: "Mark's another excellent, honest lad who was great to have around. It wouldn't surprise me to see him sign for Tommy. He's still young enough and good enough."

l Salisbury were beaten 1-0 at home by Thurrock in Saturday's friendly.

The only goal came on 20 minutes when home keeper Simon Arthur was fouled in the build-up to Jimmy McFarlane's winner.

Arthur, an FA Vase-winning goalkeeper with Winchester City, has been awarded a contract.

Holmes confirmed: "We now have two excellent keepers in Kevin Sawyer and Simon, and they both know they have an equal chance of appearing in the first team.

"It's a very healthy situation for the club."