THE use of sports psychologists within the world of football is becoming increasingly common — and Hereford United are no exception.

John Gardiner, who worked with England under Graham Taylor in the 1990s, has been brought in by the Bulls to work with the players over the past few months.

Gardiner, also employed by Graham Turner during the Hereford manager’s time at Wolves, spent time with the squad during their League Two promotion run-in and again during pre-season.

The squad had another session with him last week and Turner believes his team, currently bottom of League One, have found it beneficial.

The United chief said: “It was prior to training and was only expected to last 30 to 40 minutes. In fact, the session went on well over an hour which was a good sign from our point of view. It meant that there were plenty of topics being covered and there must have been plenty of contribution from the players.

“I have always been prepared to listed to players’ views on playing matters and, occasionally, in team meetings they do not say what they feel.

“So to have a third party such as a sports psychologist does open up avenues of good discussion on many of the issues that we face.”

Bulls boss Turner will be hoping Gardiner’s impact can go someway to helping Hereford secure their first away win of the season when they visit Oldham Athletic tomorrow.

It is also part of the Edgar Street club’s plans to adapt to their new surroundings and compete in League One.

Turner added: “I have always been prepared to move with the times.

“In addition to the psychologist we have a dietician and I am contemplating bringing in a sprint coach for the odd session.”