Salisbury City officials say they are bitterly disappointed to have lost their appeal against the Football Conference’s decision to demote them.

However, the club’s new board insist that the future of the club is secure and they will immediately begin work on attempting to climb back up the non-league ladder.

A spokesman for the club’s three-man board said that the FA’s decision to reject their appeal was a very bitter pill to swallow and reiterated that everything that could have been done to comply with the Conference’s and the FA’s rules was done.

“We moved heaven and earth to help get the club back on an even keel. We inherited all kinds of problems that were clearly not of our making, but with the help of our supporters, sponsors and the local community at large, we ensured that the club has now been stabilised and has a very important role to play in Salisbury life.

“We are bitterly disappointed for our manager Tommy Widdrington and his team who despite all the obstacles placed before them last season, defied the odds and still finished so high up the league table. We are confident he would have continued to develop a team capable of finishing even higher.

“Of course we also share the disappointment of all our members of staff here at the club who have also worked tirelessly on its behalf.

“To punish the club again seems particularly harsh and we know from the level of support we received from people in all walks of the game, many feel the same way. We are heartened by their comments and good wishes and know we have many friends in the football community.

“Naturally the impact of being demoted will have an impact on how we run things. There will now need to be a complete review of all budgets.

“Difficult decisions will have to be made, but we are in this for the long haul and will do everything possible to make sure Salisbury City can compete with the best our new league has to offer.

“But one thing is certain and that is we will be back.

“It’s a very sad day in this club’s and football’s proud history, but we must now go about our business with a new vigour and prove that such a patently unjust decision will not stop us.

“Season tickets will go on sale immediately for the forthcoming season which is now just nine weeks away.

“The fixture list will be out shortly and we look forward to both visiting new places and reacquainting ourselves with old friends.

“We know many supporters will be at the ground this weekend helping us to prepare the stadium for the new campaign. We thank them in advance for their efforts and to all our supporters we say: thank you for sticking by us and we look forward to welcoming you back at the Ray Mac next season.”