HEREFORD United skipper Ian Wright believes the Nationwide Conference will be even tougher to win this season.

The inspirational central defender, about to start his third season with the Bulls, points to the spending power of some clubs -- something Hereford are unable to match.

But he believes Hereford have what it takes to get into the shake-up.

He said: "Rushden and Diamonds will be stronger again. They have bought a couple of decent forwards which they were looking for.

"Scarborough and Doncaster have been spending money, Yeovil have gone full-time and so have Telford -- the list goes on.

"But we showed what we can do last season -- we drew twice with Kidderminster and took four points off Rushden and we could have won all four.

"When we play well I don't think there is anybody as good as us, but we need more consistency particularly against the lesser teams.

"We need to be a bit tougher mentally."

Wright has been particularly impressed with United's summer recruits, especially Halesowen defender Matt Gardiner who has partnered him in the centre in several of the pre-season friendlies.

"He has played in the League, knows what he is doing and we have picked up a good understanding straight away which is important.

"Michael McIndoe (the new midfielder from Luton) is a very confident lad on and off the pitch. He is very comfortable on the ball and looks to be a good player."

Wright, an avid Wolves fan, is naturally delighted to see one of his idols, Steve Bull, now at Edgar Street in a coaching role.

"He is a legend. We have struggled to score in the last couple of seasons so hopefully he can solve that problem with the forwards if nothing else."