THE waiting is over and the start of a new football season is finally here.

Salisbury City have endured a summer without charismatic manager Nick Holmes, detained at his Florida home because of business commitments. However, their pre-season preparations have still gone as smoothly as could be expected.

That's largely due to former Ireland international Mark Kelly, newly promoted to assistant manager following Tommy Killick's departure to Poole Town, who has stepped into Holmes' shoes with the least amount of fuss.

With Holmes likely to be absent for some time, Kelly has taken on his mantle proclaiming it's business as usual for the Old Sarum club.

"We've worked very hard in training," said the 34-year-old. "The players have responded superbly, just like everyone else at the club."

Kelly's first real test arrives in the shape of Folkestone Invicta who visit Old Sarum on Saturday.

"The proof of the pudding will be in the eating," added Kelly.

"We've worked on a number of things in the friendlies, but we'll have to see how we apply them in a game that counts."

The caretaker boss says he already has a good idea of what his starting eleven will be, but was keeping his selection close to his chest.

"I shall leave it until the last moment before I make a final decision," he said.

Kelly hopes City's faithful will turn out in their droves to cheer them on in their opening encounter with a side they twice drew with last season.

"I know Nick enjoyed a good rapport with the supporters. It'd be nice to see a good crowd get behind us."

He also outlined his hopes for the season ahead - City's debut in the Ryman League.

"We want to be as successful as we can. I want us to play football in the right way, but we also want to win."

Whites then head to Staines on Tuesday evening.