GOALKEEPER Charlie Searle has returned to Salisbury on a season-long loan from Havant & Waterlooville.

He replaces fellow loanee keeper Alex Bass, who has gone back to parent club Portsmouth.

Searle is a popular figure at Old Sarum, having excelled in the reborn Wiltshire club’s inaugural season of 2015/16.

His strong displays in goal helped them to the Sydenhams Wessex League title and the semi-finals of the FA Vase.

Whites' boss Steve Claridge had hoped the 21-year-old would return last term, but the Hawks wanted Searle available for cup games should the need arise.

Instead, he spent 93 days on loan at Salisbury’s Southern One South & West rivals AFC Totton before returning to Havant at the end of February.

Under this latest loan arrangement with Salisbury, the Hawks have agreed that Searle will be available to the Whites for all cup games.

“We never wanted Charlie to leave so it is great to welcome him back,” said Claridge.

“He is a good, young goalkeeper available at the right price and we’ll be looking for him to perform as he did for us the season before last.”

Searle will join up with the Whites when they begin pre-season training on Tuesday ahead of the first pre-season match at home to League One new boys Portsmouth on Saturday (July 1, 3pm).

It will be Pompey's first game under the tenure of new boss Kenny Jackett.