CAPTAIN Tony James admits he agonised over the prospect of leaving Hereford United.

James, 26, currently the Bulls' longest serving player with almost 250 games to his name, pondered a move away from Edgar Street before finally agreeing to sign a new 12-month deal.

Speculation mounted that the influential Welsh defender may end his love-affair with United to fulfil his wish of playing in the Football League.

But the Cardiff-born centre-half, who will now enter his eighth season at the club, insists he wants to finish off the job of guiding Hereford to promotion glory.

"I did take my time over the contract," admits James. "I did think long and hard about moving my family and going to another club. And one or two things did come my way but nothing concrete.

"But in the end, for the sake of signing another year's contract, I did not feel there was any need to move on. And at the end of the day, I believe we can get promoted and I want to lift the trophy with Hereford.

"I love playing for Hereford and having been here for as long that I have, and because my family are from here, it would have been really difficult for me to leave. It's a big decision.

"After the last two years, we've now got to be winning the league outright. I think that's got to be our priority.

"It's not the best finishing second because you feel you should go up and anything can happen in the play-offs. The players don't enjoy losing out in the play-offs."

United's director of football Graham Turner received further boosts as defender Tamika Mkandawire, midfielder Rob Purdie and goalkeeper Craig Mawson have also agreed new deals.

The re-signing of former West Brom trainee Mkandwire will come as a huge relief to supporters after a terrific last campaign in the heart of the Bulls' defence.

Only two players offered new terms, defender Andy Tretton and midfielder Craig Stanley, are yet to decide their futures.

Full-back Mark Robinson has now left for Coca-Cola League Two side Stockport County.