A HIGH-PROFILE bid to take over the running of Salisbury City Football Club, by a consortium including England World Cup-winning hero Alan Ball, has been kicked into touch.

Local businessman William Harrison-Allan put together what he believed was a great deal to help turn round the fortunes of the cash-strapped club, which currently lies at the bottom of the Dr Martens Premier Division.

The 45-year-old sports enthusiast, who was brought up in the Wylye Valley, had teamed up with the former Everton, Arsenal and Southampton player, along with football-mad singer-comedian Richard Digance and Capital Gold radio presenter Mike Osman. They came up with a package they believed would lift the club out of the doldrums and set a template for future development.

The four planned a number of initiatives which they were confident would spark investment and renewed interest in the side, which has won just one out of 26 games this season and is facing relegation.

"I can't discuss the financial aspects - they must remain confidential," said Mr Harrison-Allan. "But this was a great deal for Salisbury City and it would have been great for the community."

Mr Harrison-Allan, chief executive of the Country Gentlemen's Association, has cried foul against those running the club for rejecting his bid. "I'm absolutely gutted that they've turned us down," he said.