SKIPPER Ian Wright still has his sights fixed on promotion despite Hereford United's indifferent start to the season which sees them currently hovering in mid table.

The defender has seen his side rally under caretaker boss Phil Robinson after a poor run of form which saw them win just once in nine matches.

Wright said Graham Turner's decision to step down from first team events came as a bolt out of the blue but said the players felt partly responsible.

"We seem to have responded well and it has shown in the results and performances under Phil," he said. "But it was a bit of a shock when Graham went but we just had to get on with it. We all felt partly to blame for Graham going and it was up to us to turn things round which I think we have.

"We had a couple of defeats but they both involved dubious sending offs and we could have got something out of both games. There is still plenty to play for and we are only six points off fourth place so it is still pretty close and our aim is still to finish top of the league."

Wright, who started his career with Stoke City in 1989 before moving on to Bristol Rovers and later to Hull City, has seen the standard of the Conference improve year by year.

"I'm in my fourth season at the club and the teams are getting better each season.

"I don't know if that's because more clubs are turning full time or whether it is because the influx of foreigners has pushed better players down the leagues, but the standard is certainly better."

Wright, who scored six goals last season, already has two to his name in the current campaign and has set himself the target of beating the eight goals he scored in his first season at Edgar Street.

The Bulls' injury list shows signs of improving with John Shirley moving closer to a first team comeback after completing a practice game along with player/coach Phil Robinson.