Hereford United boss Graham Turner has bolstered his squad with the capture of three new players this week.

The United chief is delighted to have secured the services of former Shrewsbury Town captain Andy Tretton, ex-Crewe Alexandra striker John Grant and former Chester City left-back Michael Rose.

The trio, who bring the total of summer arrivals to five, were at Edgar Street yesterday for the start of the Bulls' pre-season training.

Turner said he hoped to be in a position to announce further signings in the next couple of weeks.

He added that Mark Benbow, who hails from Bromyard, had asked to join the Bulls for pre-season practise after returning from overseas.

Central defender Tretton made more than 100 Football League appearances in five years at Shrewsbury and should give Turner the option of playing with three centre-backs, alongside Tony James and captain Ian Wright.

The 25-year-old has also spent time with Derby County, as a trainee, Chesterfield and Gresley Rovers.

Shrewsbury manager Kevin Ratcliffe released the six-foot defender for financial reasons at the end of last season.

Tretton is joined at United by fellow defender Rose who made 34 Conference appearances for rivals Chester last term, scoring four goals.

The 19-year-old left-back started his career as a trainee at Manchester United and is renowned in the Conference as a free-kick specialist.

Rose, who joined the Blues last July, was the joint winner of Chester's Independent Supporters' Association's goal of the year award for his effort against Nuneaton Borough.

Twenty-year-old Grant featured against the Bulls towards the end of last season while on loan at Northwich Victoria.

The Manchester-born front-man snapped up three goals in 12 matches for Northwich, but was released by Crewe after making only one first-team appearance for the Gresty Road outfit.

Meanwhile, the Bulls have arranged a pre-season friendly away to League of Wales side Aberystwyth Town on Tuesday, August 6 (kick-off 7.45pm) and have received confirmation of their exemptions from the FA Cup until the fourth qualifying round and the FA Trophy until the third round.

United season tickets are on sale at Edgar Street at the same prices as last year, as well as tickets for the fund-raising Ultimate Tribute Show at Edgar Street on Saturday, July 13.

New signings at Edgar Street with the United boss, back row (left to right): Andy Tretton, manager Graham Turner, coach Richard O'Kelly, Michael Rose; front: Jamie Pitman, John Grant and Ben Smith. Hereford Times photoghraph by David Griffiths 022722-1