Hereford United skipper Tony James has put sleepless nights behind him as he gears up to lead the Bulls on another championship charge.

The proud 24-year-old may have put a fatherly arm around some of Hereford's youngsters after taking over the captain's armband two seasons ago but that did little to prepare him for the birth of his son earlier this summer.

"I was fortunate really that he was born in pre-season so there was plenty of time to get used to it," the softly-spoken Welshman joked. "And we are fortunate that we can take him to his grandparents the night before a game."

On the field, James can boast an impressive record. And he explains it is a role he relishes: "As a captain I'm not a shouter and a bawler - I just try and lead by example and hope players react to what I'm doing.

"I quite enjoy being captain - I've done it for two years now and I've not got a bad record."

It was almost the perfect record with the Bulls just missing out on promotion to the Football League via the play-offs.

And it has taken a while for the players to come to terms with having to play another season in the Nationwide Conference, especially after a dazzling end of season string of wins took them to within touching distance of eventual champions Chester City.

"To be so far ahead in second place and not go up was obviously a bit disappointment," James admitted. "It took a while to get over it - especially the manner at which it happened, going out on penalties to Aldershot - a team that finished 20 points behind you.

"The team has not changed an awful lot from last year so we all know that we can do it and be the top side in the league."

Of the few new players coming into Edgar Street, James is confident they will benefit the side both on and off the pitch.