FANS have chosen Salisbury FC to be the new name of the city's phoenix club.

In an announcement at The Vestry Bar on Milford Street, attended by more than 100 fans, chairman David Phillips revealed that the new club will return to a name used for a short time after the original team was founded in 1947.

Almost 1,000 fans took part in the vote, with close to 50 per cent opting for the winning choice, which was a long way ahead of runner-up FC Salisbury City.

Phillips said: “Under regulations, we had to make a change from the old Salisbury City FC as it is a completely new club.

“The name of their football club is one of the most fundamental issues for supporters and we wanted to put the decision in their hands.

“We want and need them to be part of a new era and a new future in the new year and I hope now they feel they have an emotional investment in the club.”

The board of directors are trying to strike a deal with the McEnhill Trust so football can be played at the Ray Mac next season.

In addition, the club is preparing an application to join the Wiltshire FA and then submit a formal application to the FA to return to the national pyramid.

Vice-chairman Ian Ridley, who is advising the club, said: “We have lots of plans and fundraising ideas involving supporters which we will be putting forward as soon as is feasible at a fans' forum where they can meet and question us and Steve.”

“First of all, we need to get back into the Ray Mac stadium and we hope the trustees will look kindly upon us with a new lease early in the new year."

Fans reacted positively to the news and expressed confidence in the new management saying that they hope to see football return to Salisbury in August.

The organiser of the event Thom Belk thanked fans for the turnout and is now looking forward to the future.

He said: “I would like to thank everyone that attended and helped organise and run the event, there very much is still a need for football in the city.”

Vote in full:

Salisbury FC 443; FC Salisbury City 160; City of Salisbury FC 135; AFC Salisbury 106; Salisbury Corinthians 80; Salisbury AFC 25