HEREFORD United have been hit by the loss of one defender and look set to lose another in the near future.

Phil Gulliver left Edgar Street this week, while contract taks with Tamika Mkandawire have broken down.

Gulliver has rejoined former club Rushden and Diamonds after United agreed to release him from his contract following an approach from Rushden manager Gary Hill.

The 24-year-old, who made 26 appearances for the Bulls, returns to the Nene Park club, who finished 12th in the Conference, just 10 months after joining Hereford in the wake of a protracted transfer saga.

Meanwhile, Mkandawire appears to be on the verge of leaving Hereford after three-and-a-half years with the club.

Talks over a new contract for the 23-year-old have stalled and United boss Graham Turner is resigned to losing the defender.

Turner thinks Mkandawire, who arrived at Edgar Street in October 2003, wants to join a new club on a Bosman-style transfer. But Turner has not ruled out a return to the League Two club in the future.

The Hereford chief said: "We're resigned to losing Tamika Mkandawire. We made him a big offer at Christmas time, probably as big as has been offered by this club, and it was obvious that from then on he was going to allow his contract to run out.

"But if nothing suits him, the door is always open to have him back."

Turner released five players earlier in the month as the club look for a better season in League Two.

Despite being on the brink of a play-off place at one stage, the club ended up finishing in 16th spot following a wretched end to the campaign.

The United manager added: "We've got to be in contention for a play-off place and therefore we need a strong squad.

"In order to bring in better players we had to make room for them."