This article first appeared earlier today on the Football League website. It was written by Tony Leighton.
Hereford United are one of The Football League's smaller clubs but, says manager Graham Turner, that's no reason why the Bulls should not look forward to a successful future after acquitting themselves well in their first season back in the League following nine years of Conference football.
After being promoted to Coca-Cola League 2 via last season's Conference Play-Offs, Turner's team fared so well in the first three-quarters of the current campaign that a second successive promotion looked a possibility until a sequence of poor results began at the tail end of February.
A run of nine games without a win has since seen them fall from ninth in the table to 17th, but Turner is far from dismayed with his side's achievements in a big season for the Bulls.
"The majority of our squad were playing Conference football last year," notes the manager, "and they've got to be pleased with their first season in The League.
"When we were ninth in the table and enjoying a good run we felt optimistic about the way the season would finish for us, but when you then get a lean spell like the one we've been having you start looking down the table. But the players have now tested the water, they know what it's about in League 2 and we'll aim to push on next season."
Despite a comparative lack of financial punch Turner and his players will push on next season with the aim of making a more concerted challenge for promotion. And the Bulls will take as their inspiration the example of teams who over the last season or two have belied their generally recognised status as 'small clubs.'
"If you categorise the clubs in League 2," says Turner, "we are in the bottom six in terms of resources. There are some big clubs in League 2, especially compared to some of the ones we've been playing against in recent years, so it's nice to be amongst big clubs again and nice to have that challenge.
"When the new season comes around we'll certainly go into it with optimism. We'll work hard to strengthen things and we'll take heart from the likes of Colchester and Southend and the achievements they've had - they've been flying the flag for the smaller club and we can do the same."
Text at top (next game etc)
Next Game: Scarborough In The League At Edgar Street On Tuesday 19th November At 7.45pm