Last Season
An uncomfortable solitary season in the third tier for the Bulls, who were relegated without too much of a fight in Graham Turner's last season as manager at Edgar Street. Without the plethora of excellent loanees that had lead them to promotion the year before Hereford struggled to build a squad with anything like the depth or quality to compete in League One and in truth they never looked like making a real fist of staying in the division. Turner announced his decision to retire as manager at the end of the season and concentrate on being the club's chairman, allowing coach John Trewick to step up to the plate and become the boss.
Turner did use his extensive knowledge of the reserves of higher league club to bring in a few more loan starlets and there were some shining lights in the Bulls' season, such as a 5-1 home demolition of Oldham Athletic. However, they never got a proper run going and were relegated with a couple of games to spare, sealing an instant return to League Two. There have been a few pre-season issues with Edgar Street's capacity being cut due to safety fears, and further inspections planned. Turner hopes to keep the capacity of the ground above the required 5,000 whilst plans are in place to build a new stand on the site of the condemned Blackfriars Terrace.
The Manager
John Trewick is the man charged with filling the sizeable boots of Graham Turner, a man who spent 14 years as manager of the Bulls prior to his resignation at the end of last season. Trewich has been working under Turner as first team coach since 2004 so will be familiar with the players who remain at Edgar Street from last season and is also well known the club's fans, so far it has seemed to be a smooth transition with Trewick stamping his mark on the squad with his own signings whilst retaining some of Turner's places of previous seasons.
He had a short spell as West Brom caretaker manager in 2007, but other than that the former Oxford United player has no managerial experience so this season should prove to be a sharp learning curve for Trewick. However, he can take comfort from the fact that he has overseeing him a man called Graham Turner, who's guidance and, crucially, phonebook is on hand if Trewick needs it during the season.
The Squad
Has been rebuilt during the summer, which has pretty much become par for the course at Hereford in recent seasons. In goal Adam Bartlett, the best 'keeper in non-league, has been snapped up from Kidderminster Harriers in an impressive coup. Keith Lowe has also joined from Harriers in defence alongside another Blue Square swalwart, Darren Jones of Forest Green Rovers. Full back Ryan Valentine, formerly of Darlington and Wrexham, is one of the most solid left backs you could hope for at this level whilst Richard Rose has over 100 appearances at the club at right back Ryan Green signs having spent a few successful years at Bristol Rovers after leaving Hereford the first time.
In midfield Trewick has also been busy, the loss of anchorman Toumani Diagouraga to Peterborough United for around £200,000 is a massive one for the Bulls, but in Kenny Lunt they have replaced a man who's has far too much quality for League Two, providing they can keep him interested. Jamie Tolley has also signed from Macclesfield Town as has Glen Southam from Dagenham, whilst youth team prospect Sam Gwynne remains at the club, more cover will be needed centrally if the Bulls are to maintain a play-off push however. Out wide young left winger Matty Done is not the finished article but has the pace and raw skill to terrify League Two defences, whilst right winger Marc Pugh, signed from Shrewsbury, is one of the more talented players you'll find at this level, again providing you keep him interested and motivated. Upfront the Bulls really do need more strengthening, but Leon Constantine could refind his goalscoring form from Port Vale a division lower whilst, as long as he stays fit, Lee Morris has the talent to succeed at this level.
Prediction
More bodies are needed, particularly in midfield and upfront, if Hereford are to sustain any sort of play-off challenge, but we have faith in Trewick to get a couple of players in and use the loan market, with Turner's help, if necessary throughout the season. Keeping Lunt, Pugh and Constantine motivated and up for it will be a huge test for Trewick, but if he succeeds then he has the core of a squad that can emulate the Bulls' promotion of 2007/08.
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