GRAHAM Turner says Hereford United's inaugural season in League Two has been a learning curve for the club.

The Bulls have reached the 50-point mark following 40 games in their first season back among the professional ranks.

And with safety virtually secured, Turner has had chance to reflect on the past eight months.

The United chief said: "Our first term back in the league has been one of learning - the standard has been better than we anticipated. There have been some highs. In the league probably the most spectacular and satisfying was the 4-1 victory at Lincoln City.

"In the cups, there were a couple of outstanding performances against Coventry in the Carling Cup and against Port Vale in the FA Cup."

But, with six games left, including the visit of Swindon Town tomorrow afternoon, Turner is beginning to focus his attention on the future "Plans are already being put into place for next season," he said. "We start our pre-season training and planning a lot earlier this year because we know where we are playing.

"Without a financial benefactor, we will continue to run within our means but the budget has to be stretched as far as it can to attract and keep the right sort of players."

Turner added: "It is a big league that we play in now. At Walsall, their banqueting and conference facilities had a £2.5m turnover. That is more than double ours for everything.

"But that does not stop us striving for the success that supporters want. Survival has been the most important thing this season."