Striker Justin Bennett backs new club Salisbury to be the fittest in the league

After leaving Gosport Borough and holidaying in Thailand, the red-hot striker has linked up with hometown club Whites for pre-season, writes Joel Holt.

The hard work started a fortnight ago with Bennett and his teammates put through their paces by 50-year-old boss Claridge.

The ex-centre forward is setting the standard to ensure his troops are fit before they embark on their Southern One South & West journey on Saturday, August 6.

Bennett, 34, admitted: “Training has been tough.

"Steve runs with us and runs at a ridiculous pace and expects us all to keep up with that pace. Anyone who doesn't, which has been me the last couple of times, he'll pick you out and say he expects more.

"It's not a case of just training on nights we have training. We're expected to do our own bit outside. But we'll be fit, definitely.

"We'll certainly be the fittest and, from what I saw on Saturday (in a friendly against Bristol Rovers), we could be the best."

Bennett started out with Salisbury's reserves before moving on to Andover, Eastleigh and Gosport, where he spent nine years and became the club's all-time record goalscorer.

He sets himself a target of 30 goals a season but is currently Whites' only signed marksman.

Last season's golden boot winner Sam Wilson, who netted 40 goals, Ashley Jarvis and ex-Saint Jamie White have all exited the Ray Mac.

Former Bemerton Heath Harlequins' frontman Joe Sanger has registered but is yet to sign a permanent deal.

"I want to keep myself fit and play most games barring injury," Bennett added.

"He (Steve Claridge) will need other strikers, you need more than one in the squad.

"I'm sure he (Claridge) is out there working hard to bring someone else in. I'm here to do what I do and that's score goals and that's all I can do.

"The target is always 30 goals. If I get to Christmas and I get quite close to that then I might stretch it."