Hereford United midfielder Jamie Pitman remains optimistic for the coming season despite the loss of several key figures at the club.

Star striker Steve Guinan plus midfield playmaker Ben Smith, left back Michael Rose and coach Richard O'Kelly have all left Edgar Street but Pitman is confident the Bulls will still be a force in the Conference next season.

"We've still got a big core of the side we had," said Pitman.

"Hopefully we won't concede as many goals as we did early and we can look as solid as we did last year, especially at the end of the season.

"If we play the way we were playing, still create the chances and bring someone in to take them like Steve Guinan did, we can do well."

According to Pitman, it was just a matter of time before other clubs raided Hereford for its gems, following their impressive campaign which saw them miss out on the title by just one point to champions Chester City.

"With us doing so well it was inevitable that players will go," said Pitman.

"If perhaps we had gone up then possibly I think they would have stayed but you can't begrudge them wanting to progress their careers - good luck to them.

"Especially with the way we played and the football we produced we were always going to attract other clubs. You expect players to go, that's the way it is in football."

Pitman conceded that O'Kelly's departure to Second Division Bournemouth would prove the biggest gap to plug.

Massive

"Richard was probably the biggest loss out of everyone with his whole impact on everything that has been going on at the club.

"He will be a massive loss to us. But again it is another thing for him. There are not many opportunities come around when you are coaching and he deserves it for all the good work he's done with us.

"His whole enthusiasm for coaching and just everything he did helped create a big bond between players and management."