Hereford manager Josh Gowling is to write columns for the Guardian throughout the coming season. His first column has been published this morning.
In it he talks about 'recruitment and trying to get ahead of rivals'.
He says he starts by asking potential signings "Why" would they be right for Hereford.
"We cannot afford to get too many decisions wrong as a sixth-tier club, playing in the National League North, on a tight budget and amid competition that gets tougher by the year.
"Every penny counts towards staying alive but, at the same time, this club has a historic name and a sizeable fanbase so our aims need to be bigger."
Gowling has hired 12 undergraduates to help him decide if a player is suitable.
"I like to think I’m a pretty good judge of character but you can’t guarantee, from an interview, whether somebody will perform.
"Bringing in quality players who fit the budget and are happy to be part‑time is a juggling act.
"We train in the Midlands, at Aston University, as it gives us access to a wider talent pool and most of our players are based in the area."
Gowling is keen to take the club forward.
"This time it is about “Elevation”. We want to take last season’s work to another level, starting when we host Farsley Celtic on Saturday."
To finish Gowling says that as Hereford is a massive club, it should be in the football league.
"But we have big outgoings and that means we have to be smarter in everything we do.
"Recruitment is a fundamental part of that and it is my job, through the new approach, to ensure we can steal a march on the rest."