NICK Holmes has describ-ed the appointment of former Republic of Ireland international Mark Kelly as Salisbury City's new reserve team coach as "absolutely brilliant," writes Mike Turner.

Kelly joins the Whites from AFC Bournemouth where he earned plaudits as coach of their highly promising under 17s team.

Holmes told Journal Sport: "Mark is probably the most respected coach of youngsters in this area.

"I'm delighted he's coming to us. The development of young players will be crucial to the future success of our club."

Kelly represented his country at all levels and won four full international caps between 1988 and 1990 before injury cut short his playing career at the age of 23.

The Portsmouth player was determined to stay in the game and after attaining his UEFA coaching licences, joined the Cherries.

Holmes added: "It's absolutely brilliant for us. He's highly respected throughout the game and I know he'll do a great job for us."

Kelly will meet up with City's squad tonight at their latest training session and will help Holmes with the club's busy pre-season schedule.

Holmes said that the generosity of one of the club's sponsors, B&M Windows, had helped the club secure his services.

Because of the concert by pop group Mis-Teeq at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium on the eve of the new season, City's first league game - at home to Burgess Hill Town - has been put back 24 hours to Sunday, August 17.

Commenting on the opening fixture, Holmes, who is now back at work at Old Sarum following a trip home to the USA, said: "It doesn't really matter who you play first. You've got to play them all at some point.

"Normally, you don't want to face any of the newly promoted sides first, but by the time the game comes around I expect us to be firing on all cylinders."

A trip to Burnham then awaits City (Tuesday, 19) before the busy August Bank Holiday weekend which sees them away at Banbury United on Satur-day and home to near-neighbours Bashley on Monday.

Holmes has appealed for supporters to help get the club's Old Sarum stadium back in shape following the forthcoming concert by Mis-Teeq.

"We'll need a small army of helpers the next day to help us do things like pick up litter and clear the debris," said Holmes.

"It'd be great if supporters turned up at the ground on the Saturday to help us get things ready for Sunday's game."