GRAHAM Turner has praised the loyalty of Hereford United’s fans following their poor start to the League One season.

With nearly a quarter of the campaign gone, the Bulls are bottom of the table and four points from safety ahead of today’s match at Brighton (3pm). Hereford suffered their sixth league game without a win last Sunday when they were beaten 4-0 at third-placed Oldham Athletic.

However, the supporters are continuting to turn out with 334 making the journey up the M6 to Boundary Park last weekend.

Turner said: “It is tough going for everyone at the moment and I am sure supporters are not enjoying watching us play. We knew the four games we had against the sides at the top of the table — Scunthorpe, Leeds, Walsall and Oldham — would be a severe test. One point from the four games is not what I expected.

“However, I have got to say that the support from the 300 or so who travelled to Oldham was incredible. Despite the setbacks and being 3-0 down before half-time, they were a group who stayed very positive and loyal to the players and continued to get behind them.

“That was greatly appreciated. Now what we need to do is repay some of that support.”

Turner has also expressed his concerns at the lack of atmosphere expected at Brighton’s Withdean Stadium because the pitch is surrounded by a running track.

He added: “They are playing at a stadium where supporters are a long way from the pitch. We even talked about finding a pitch with an athletics track around it where we could go and train so we could acclimatise.”

Striker Nick Chadwick was on target as the reserves drew 1-1 against Coventry’s second string in a behind-closed-doors friendly.

Follow United’s match with Brighton online today at wor cesternews.co.uk/sport/hufc