MIKEY Harris says he hopes a solid Salisbury City performance against Southend United on Friday night will have helped his and Darrell Clarke’s claim for getting the manager’s job on a permanent basis. 

The duo, handed a caretaker’s role after the departure of first team boss Tommy Widdrington to Southend  are among those to have applied for the job at the Ray Mac. 

“We’ve been working hard trying to do what’s right for the club – having a look at players in training and then in match situations and we’re fairly pleased with how things have gone so far. 

“The boys look fit. Training’s been sharp and the boys have been lively throughout. They’ve all bought in to what we’re trying to do here. 

“We’re trying to get a squad together and hopefully we’ll be given the opportunity to take it from there, which is obviously what Darrell and I want. 

“We feel we can be successful and it’d be nice if most of the players we saw out there against Southend can play their part in that success.” 

City drew 1-1 with the Npower League Two side but could and should have won the match, arranged as part of the deal that enabled Widdrington to depart the Ray Mac for Roots Hall earlier this month. 

Ben Adelsbury put Salisbury in front only for a late equaliser to deny the home side a win in front of a crowd of more than 500. 

“I think that in the first half especially we played some good stuff at times,” said Harris. 

“We created chances and I thought we had them on the hop a little bit. 

“We were disappointed to concede a sloppy goal, but it is pre-season and hopefully we can iron out mistakes like those so they don’t happen when it matters in the league. 

“I think we can be slightly disappointed with the result. But when you’ve got a club from League Two coming down with what is their strongest team available at the moment – to come away disappointed with a 1-1 shows the standard we’re setting. 

“Our shape was good, the tempo was good. We were at them from the start, so that was pleasing and to be fair, we haven’t done a lot of work on our shape and our set pieces yet but I thought we looked good.” 

Harris was again impressed by triallist Tommy Smith and recent signing Ryan Pryce, who have both been in fine form between the sticks in City’s friendlies to date. 

“I thought both ‘keepers did well. It’ll be good to have competition for the number one shirt. But from one through to 11, I thought everyone played their part. I don’t think anyone had an off day.” 

Harris admitted it was strange to see his former boss in the away team’s dug out but was pleased the crowd welcomed him back. 

“It was strange seeing him there having been alongside him for the past year. 

“I’ve learned a huge amount from Tommy and I can’t stress enough what he’s done for me and for what he did at the club. 

“He’s thoroughly professional and he’s been fantastic and I think the crowd recognised that with the reception they gave him. 

“I’m sure he’ll go away with a wry smile on his face knowing that some of the success we had tonight against his new team was down to what he created here.” 

Harris and Clarke’s side are back in action on Thursday evening when they make the short trip to Downton to take on a Robins outfit likely to be among the Sydenhams Wessex League Division One high-flyers. 

“We’ve not got a game until Thursday now which gives us a few days to get back on the training ground and work on a few things,” added Harris. 

“Although the lads look fit, we’re going to get some more fitness into them.Hopefully, we can get a few more of them signed up in the next few days.” 

City are then at home to Andover on Saturday, and complete their pre-season friendlies on Saturday, August 7 with the visit of Basingstoke Town. 

Stourbridge head to the Ray Mac on Saturday, August 14 for the club’s opening Zamaretto Southern League Premier Division match of the 2010/11 campaign.

Photo: DENIS MURPHY/Sport4Salisbury