Manager Brian Dutton “only expects” sensational Salisbury FC to get better

Salisbury FC manager Brian Dutton “only expects” his side to get better as the campaign continues, signalling his high ambition as his team currently sit fourth and in the play-off places.

Dutton’s Salisbury have won 18 points in eight league games so far – in comparison; the Whites only picked up five points in Dutton’s first eight fixtures in charge back in 2022.

Progress is being made, and Dutton wants to aim even higher, saying: “I don’t think I can have too much to grumble about so far; it’s a fantastic start. Unbeaten, great home record.

“It’s very much a new group, and I only expect them to get better as the season goes on due to cohesion and connections being made between people over time. We’ve had to suffer for a while, but it was probably the best thing to happen so that we could recognise and recruit potential players.”

Salisbury announced the signing of Scottish under-18s international Josh Squires on a month-long work experience loan from Southampton this week, with the midfielder making a short appearance in stoppage time against Tiverton Town.

When asked why Squires was a good fit for his side, Dutton said: “Josh is a very technical footballer, and I think he can do the other side of the game as well.” 

“He can break up play and put his foot in. I’ve got a strong relationship with the guys at Southampton. Josh is a player I’ve watched, and I had absolutely no hesitation in bringing him to Salisbury.”

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Salisbury have been struck with a wave of injuries already this season, with James Harding, Thomas Bragg, Theo Lewis and Devon Arnold amongst the names who have had to take time off.

A tight-lipped Dutton refused to reveal if any of these players could return to action tomorrow but hinted that there might be some room for rotation, saying: “It’s going to be one where we need a bit of freshness.

“It’s a small squad. My strategy was to go with quality over quantity, so we might be able to give it a bit of a freshening up, but we can’t do too much because our hands are tied (with injuries).”

Listen to the full interview below, where Dutton also covers transfer news, his relationship with Southampton FC and team news ahead of this weekend’s Mousehole fixture.

Feature Image: Andrew Palk