BOSS Steve Claridge wants experienced striker Robbie Matthews to pen a new deal at Salisbury.

Matthews, 34, is currently weighing up his career options but has agreed to join the Whites for pre-season.

He was involved in their 4-0 win over Downton last Thursday in which Steve Walker grabbed a brace and Amesbury Town trialists Cameron Roach and Tyler Brockway found the target.

"I like Robbie," said Claridge, who brought the 6ft 4in former Salisbury City, Eastleigh and Kidderminster striker - nicknamed Mooncat - back to the Ray Mac at the beginning of last season.

"He's been thinking about what he wants to do, but I hope he decides to come back permanently.

"He had some injury problems last season, but if we can manage things with him, he definitely gives us something different up front and is also good cover at the back.

"He's got a demanding full-time job and I know how difficult it can be for players with the standards and commitment I ask of them, but it would be good if he could be part of things."

Meanwhile, three players have decided they are unable to commit to the Whites' forthcoming Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South & West campaign, which starts at home to Evesham United on Saturday week (August 6, 3pm).

Josh Warren, formerly with AFC Portchester, and Joe Sanger and Seb Dawes, both of Bemerton Heath Harlequins, have withdrawn from Salisbury's pre-season programme.

Whites have a home friendly tonight against League Two outfit Yeovil Town (Tuesday, 7.30pm).

A former non-League club, Yeovil have done magnificently to sustain a place in the Football League.

"They are the benchmark for a club like us," said Claridge.  "They are a similar sized place and area and have shown what can be achieved."

Salisbury have several players sidelined with injury. Skipper Kane O'Keefe (ankle) and Callum Hart (shoulder) are both out and Calum Brockway is unlikely to play until September after undergoing shoulder surgery.

Brandon Mundy has joined the casualty list after sustaining ankle ligament damage at Moneyfields on Saturday.

Several trialists are still in the fold including Liam Angel and Dafydd Jones from Newport County, Adam Brice from Gosport Borough and Danny Finnigan from Amesbury Town.

"I've still got a few places left in the squad," said Claridge. "I'm particularly looking at wide players but we've lost out on a few because we're not paying the money people might think we do."