MARTIN Foyle has called on the fans of Hereford United to come out in force to help get the season off to a winning start.
The Bulls welcome Braintree Town tomorrow (3pm) bidding to begin their Skrill Premier campaign with three points.
Edgar Street was not a happy hunting ground for United last season with only nine wins from their 23 fixtures on home soil.
They have also lost all four home matches during pre-season, albeit against higher-ranked clubs such as Premier League new boys Cardiff City.
But Foyle, who has overhauled his squad during the summer, says that counts for nothing and wants supporters to play their part in a fresh start for the club.
“What do you get for winning in pre-season? Absolutely nothing,” he said.
“Our hard work begins tomorrow and I can’t wait to get started.
“Now we just need the supporters to come out in force and get behind the lads.”
There will be a raft of new signings taking to the field for the curtain-opener.
Strikers Michael Rankine and Dan Walker, winger Jon Brown, centre-half Dominic Collins and midfielders Danny Pilkington, Frankie Artus and player-coach Rob Purdie are among those hoping to be in the frame.
Rhys Evans looks set to get the nod in goal having featured in the latter pre-season friendlies, including the 2-0 defeat to Cardiff.
Daniel Lloyd-Weston, Hereford’s other keeper, was part of a predominantly youthful Bulls side who drew 1-1 at Calor Southern League Division One South and West side Taunton Town last Tuesday.
Braintree, who finished ninth last season, four points behind Hereford, have endured a mixed pre-season with four wins, two draws and two defeats.
A minute’s applause will be held nine minutes into tomorrow’s match in memory of former Bulls number nine Adam Stansfield who lost his battle with bowel cancer three years ago.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here