CHRIS Shephard has returned to the Raymond McEnhill Stadium as one of two early-summer signings for Salisbury.

The 28-year-old former Exeter City midfielder impressed in a couple of loan spells at the old Salisbury City club in 2009 and 2010.

Following his release by the Grecians, he had two seasons at Eastbourne Borough before joining Southern Premier outfit Weymouth where he has spent the last three years.

Salisbury’s other new arrival, defender Jake Wannell, has also winged his way in from Weymouth.

The versatile 23-year-old is another to have come through the Exeter youth system.

“I’m delighted with these signings,” said Salisbury boss Steve Claridge. "They will strengthen us and are coming here for the right money within our budget.

"I’ve known about Chris for a while, but I wasn’t sure if I would be able to get him, so it’s a coup for us.

"Jake caught my eye when I went to watch Weymouth a couple of times last season. This is why you get out to games, to see what’s out there.”

The less palatable news for Salisbury fans is that they could lose their dynamic frontline duo of Tommy Wright and Justin Bennett.

Young hotshot Wright, who finished top of the Southern One South & West goal charts, is likely to return to his National League parent club Sutton United.

The experienced Bennett, meanwhile, is considering offers from the National League South.

“I’d love to keep both of them,” said Claridge.

“I understand Tommy, at his age, wanting the chance to try and play higher, but I have been hoping that Justin would want to end his career with his home-town club.

“We’ve made him what is a fantastic offer for us, but we do have limits.

“I know other clubs can offer more but he’s thought of very highly, both within the club and by the fans, and we’d love him to stay.

“That said, we can’t break the bank. If he chooses to go, we’ll have to understand, albeit we’ll be very disappointed.

“But if he stays he’ll be on decent money and will be in the right place, in my opinion, both as a player and a person.”