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Attacker to make Tamworth opener
Steve Guinan was Hereford's top scorer last season but has overcome knee surgery in the summer to be on the road to full fitness for the big kick-off against Tamworth.
"I got a few more minutes than I thought I would do at Bromyard," Guinan told HU-FC.co.uk. "It's nice to be involved and out there kicking a ball.
"In the last six weeks of the season, I was really struggling with it every game. I saw the specialist in the close season and he thought an injection was the way to go. That wasn't successful, so I had to have knee surgery and thankfully, it seems to have sorted out the problem.
"At the moment, I'm playing catch-up with the boys fitness-wise but I managed almost a half at Saturday, maybe more Thursday night and perhaps a full game against Kidderminster. I think by the time the ninth comes, I'll be not far off full fitness."
Last season, Guinan played in attack with various strikers, including John Grant and short-term signings Albano Correia and Chukki Eribenne. However, with the signings of David Brown and Danny Bertram, some stability should be brought to the United attack.
Guinan commented: "That can only benefit the club really. If me or John Grant were not performing well, then there were no other options but now, there are three forwards that will be battling for a place and that will keep everyone on their toes."
Another new signing is Jordan King, who was released by Telford at the end of last season. Despite his young age, he has had a trial with Everton and Guinan claims he will be a useful acquisition: "He's a good player, different to what we had last season but he likes to put his foot in. He's nice and steady on the ball and has chipped in with a few goals already this pre-season."
With players moving down the leagues, the Conference will be a stronger competition, explained Guinan. "There are a lot of players who I have played with in the Football League who are struggling to find a club now, and are looking at the Conference. The Conference will be the strongest it's ever been, and is almost level with the third division."
However, while other clubs also appear to be strengthening their squads, Guinan is adamant that United will improve on last season's final placing of sixth. "We've got to aim higher than last season. We've got to aim for play-offs, or above."
Meanwhile, our condolences go to the family of Dolly Davies, who has passed away at the age of eighty-five. Dolly was a committed Hereford supporter, watching the Bulls from the Len Weston Stand.