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Air of optimism for next term
As the season draws to a close, the best Hereford United can hope for is a sixth-placed finish but the foundations put in place since last summer will give the club a superb opportunity for next season.
The Bulls' slim hopes of making the play-offs this season were ended when they lost 1-0 at Halifax Town on Saturday, but it will be fine-tuning in the summer rather than a complete overhaul that will propel United onto bigger and better things next term.
Last May, Hereford had just six players left after Graham Turner wielded his axe to chop the squad down; Paul Parry, Matt Baker, Matt Clarke, Ian Wright, Tony James and Scott Voice were the only players who remained from the team which finished seventeenth and narrowly avoided relegation.
This term, an almost-new squad graced Edgar Street and although they took some time to get to know each other, it is clear that they are a talented bunch and some small changes will make United a force to be reckoned with next term.
Michael Rose's contract extension means he joins Matt Baker, Andy Tretton, Tony James, Rob Sawyers and Paul Parry in the squad for next season. Most other players are expected to be offered new deals within the next few weeks.