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Next Game: Banbury Away On Friday March 29th Kick-Off 3.00pm

Friday, July 21, 2006

Turner breaths easier after promotion

Graham Turner has given the following interview to the Four Four Two magazine.

My Promotion - Graham Turner

Hereford United's boss is breathing easier after making it third time lucky

Having finished second for the past three seasons, Hereford United finally overcame their play-off jitters to beat Halifax in the final, Graham Turners stylish approach deserving of a place in the league after a nine-year absence for the Bulls.

"It's nice to get the plaudits for the way we play, but Hereford have always liked to get the ball down and play. Last season, we had to face some direct sides but there are a number of Nationwide Conference clubs who play the game the right way and all four sides who made the play-offs fall into that category.

"Having finished second for three seasons in a row, there was always a worry that failure could again be on the cards. That concern was heightended by the fact that there was very little to choose between all four play-off sides but for once lady luck shone on us.

"There were moments when we could have gone out in the semi's against Morecambe and indeed in the final against Halifax, but we stood firm and when that final whistle went at the Walkers Stadium, it was one of the proudest moments of my managerial career.

"Now we look ahead to the new season. There's a perception that the difference in quality between League Two and the Nationwide Conference is minimal, but there is a gulf over the course of 46 games and we need to be ready. The nucleus of last years squad will still be here, our promising youngsters should thrive in their new surroundings, while we also hope to bring in six or seven new players.

"The close season has been hectic. League players look down on the Conference and dont want to drop down. Now, we're inundated with calls from decent players wanting to play for us. We're also in a position to enter a joint venture to redevelop both ends of the stadium and having made £300,000 profit in each of the last two years, hopefully we can boost that figure next time by improved commercial activity.

"While the pundits will tip us to struggle, we have hope and ambition. Carlisle, Doncaster and Yeovil are an inspiration to us. They built on the momentum of their promotions to take League Two by storm.

"Success whets the appetite for more as the players and staff from those clubs have discovered. If the scenes that greeted our play-off victory are anything to go by, the Hereford players and officials will be keen to follow suit."