FORMER fans' favourite Jamie White has signed for Salisbury FC - and boss Steve Claridge reckons he has the pedigree to get back to his best.

The 26-year-old was with the Salisbury City club from 2012 to 2014, scoring 38 goals in 76 appearances, including a sumptuous effort against Dover Athletic in the Conference South play-off final which led them to the top tier of non-league.

He joins the Whites on an initial three-month deal.

"I am pleased to have signed Jamie," said Claridge. "He has got a good pedigree and has the ability to be an exceptional striker.

"The issue for Jamie now will be all about his fitness and how much he wants this. He's had two years in the wilderness really and he's got to realise he's got work to do before he gets back to the level he was earlier in his career."

Southampton-born White was Saints' Academy Player of the Season in 2006/07 and made three first team appearances before moving to Eastleigh.

He then had a remarkable spell at Winchester City, scoring 51 goals in 32 games to finish just one goal shy of the Wessex League scoring record.

That brought him to the attention of Salisbury City and after his two seasons at the club, he joined former Whites manager Darrell Clarke at Bristol Rovers.

It proved a brief spell with 11 games, however, and in the last two seasons, White has been with Sutton United and Gosport, making appearances on loan this season for Poole Town and Farnborough.

"Some people might wonder how much this is costing the club but I can assure them this is a no-brainer," Claridge added. "His wages will be in line with what everybody else at the club is getting.

"With Robbie Matthews struggling to get fit and games coming thick and fast, we are a bit short up front and this is a chance for Jamie to play somewhere for three months at a place where he was appreciated by the fans.

"Hopefully he will take that chance. If he does, we will have a real asset and it will do him and his career good too."