HEREFORD United boss Graham Turner has stepped up his attempt to rebuild the squad for the coming season.

Indeed, the Edgar Street chief was holding talks with nine players yesterday and is aiming to assemble an 18-man squad altogether.

United director and company secretary Joan Fennessy said: "There seems to be a feeling of optimism among the supporters and it's important now that we start signing some players.

"A lot of players have been released by clubs and are on the market. Now that Graham is back from his holidays, he is very busy striving to put together a competitive squad."

At present United have only eight players - Matt Baker, Ian Wright, Tony James, Paul Parry, Scott Voice, Matt Clarke, and recent acquisitions Ben Smith and Jamie Pitman - contracted for next season, plus physiotherapist/coach Richard O'Kelly.

Turner will be wanting to give his new-look squad sufficient time to gel before the Bulls open their Nationwide Conference campaign at home to Farnborough Town, who recently added the veteran former Boston and Dagenham striker Ken Charlery to their squad, on Saturday, August 17 (see right).

Speaking of the fixture list Fennessy commented: "We have got some very difficult games early on but there are no easy matches anyway. It's nice to be starting the season at Edgar Street but we are a little disappointed at having to travel again on Boxing Day, and to Southport on Easter Monday."

Meanwhile, tickets are available for the third Ultimate Tribute Show at Edgar Street on Saturday, July 13 from 6pm.

'Britney Spears', 'Abba', 'Rod Stewart', 'Robbie Williams', 'Tina Turner' and 'Kylie Minogue' are among the stars lined up by organiser and United director Grenville Smith to perform at the popular live show to raise money for United.

Tickets are available from the club office on 01432 276666 and the Classic Gold Shop in Broad Street.