SALISBURY City have suffered an unexpected setback in the wake of promotion to the Nationwide Conference South.

Director Peter Yeldon, whose financial input was instrumental in Whites' march to the Southern Premier Division title, has resigned from the board, citing "extensive business commitments" as the reason behind his departure.

City director Neville Beal, right, admitted it was "a blow" for the Wiltshire club, but insisted he fully understood Yeldon's decision.

"Pete has been brilliant for this club and we thank him for everything he's done for us," he said. "These things happen in football and you've just got to carry on."

Wealthy businessman Yeldon is a fanatical Salisbury fan who joined the club's board in October 2004.

Fans are worried that his departure could undermine Whites' progress, but Beal played down those fears.

Salisbury are easily the best supported side on the local non-League scene with an average league crowd of 902 last season.

"Pete's helped us to reach the next stage. He leaves with the club on a much sounder footing," said Beal. "We're certainly in a healthier position, but he's a seriously busy man and has extensive business commitments and feels he can no longer play an active part on the board.

"It's all amicable. There's been no falling out, but of course it's a blow."

Writing on the fans' forum, Yeldon said: "As far as I am concerned there is no more to say except the remaining board members and I are still friends.

"The club is in a much better financial position than when I joined the board. I wish the club every success."

Salisbury, meanwhile, have lined up a pre-season friendly against Saints on Saturday, July 15 the same day as another Saints XI visit their Conference South rivals Eastleigh.

It is expected that George Burley will include a sprinkling of first-team squad members in both games, supplemented by reserves.

Other Salisbury friendlies: Poole Town (away, July 19), Woking (home, July 22), Downton and Lymington & New Milton (split fixture, away, July 26), Amesbury Town (away, August 4) and Hitchin Town (home, August 5).