SALISBURY boss Steve Claridge has ruled out any possibility of donning his boots again now that the Sydenhams Premier League title is safely in the bag.

Whites still have five league games remaining – starting at home to Moneyfields tomorrow (Tuesday) - but ex-pro Claridge, who has just turned 50, said: “I’ve got to let go.”

The former Pompey and Leicester City striker, who retired four years ago, insists he won’t be appearing out on the pitch again.

“I’m not registered and I’ve got to stop anyway as I’ve got problems with my stomach,” he said.

“It was never going to be a case of me playing. It’s been hard enough for me to let go as it is.

“I have to rein myself in a bit and give other people the opportunity and I’ve done that. And, up to a point, no one has let me down.”

Following Saturday’s 3-0 home win over Brockenhurst – their 21st straight victory - Whites are on 95 points and can finish with 110 if they keep their winning streak going.

Adam Kelly broke the deadlock on six minutes, Sam Wilson struck early in the second half and a late own goal from Brock’s Matt Casey polished things off.

It was the seventh win in a hectic fortnight for Claridge’s men, who gloriously wrapped up the league title last Thursday by beating Horndean 3-0.

“Everybody, to a man, has been fantastic,” smiled the boss.

“I don’t think anybody will walk away from this season and think I haven’t played my part.

“We’ve played some wonderful stuff on some dreadful pitches which aren’t fit for purpose.

“No matter what anyone says, when you go into a league and there’s only one up, there’s always pressure.

"To win seven games in ten days is unbelievable. Some of the football we've played in those games has been staggering."

With the Wessex title comes promotion - most likely to join the likes of AFC Totton and Wimborne Town in the Southern One South & West.

Pondering on his squad for next season, Claridge said: "I'm still learning about some of them (Salisbury's players).

"It's finding out about what we've got and who can go to the next level.

"At this stage, I think even if we stayed as we were, we would be a match for most people at the next level."