SALISBURY City lost one of their most influential players this week when Martin Shepherd announced his immediate departure from the club.

The much-respected player has moved to Norwich because of work commitments which now require him to work on Saturdays.

Shepherd joined the Whites from Dorchester Town in 1999 and notched up an impressive tally of 30 goals from a century of appearances as both a striker and midfielder.

His sudden departure leaves player-manager Steve Richardson with an under-strength team for Saturday's visit to the Raymond McEnhill stadium of Chelmsford City for a Dr Martens Premier Division fixture.