Hereford United boss Graham Turner is set to deploy a new defensive strategy in tomorrow night's pre-season opener with Tranmere Rovers at Edgar Street and for Tuesday's visit of Swindon Town, writes Ian Morgan.

The Bulls chief is keeping his fingers crossed that skipper Ian Wright, Wales semi-pro international Tony James and newcomer Andy Tretton will forge a formidable new partnership at the heart of United's defence.

Turner fielded three central defenders when United reached the Third Division play-offs in 1996 and he is keen to establish a similar system for this season's Nationwide Conference campaign.

He said: "The arrival of Andy Tretton gives us an opportunity to play with three central defenders, allowing our full-backs to move forward.

"Although it's very early in our pre-season programme, the matches will allow us to assess problems which might arise from using a new system."

Goalkeeper Matt Baker will return to United's side for the visit of Tranmere after spending a trial with Third Division outfit Leyton Orient.

Baker impressed in Orient's 1-0 defeat to Grays Athletic on Monday and the former Hull goalkeeper has a clause allowing talks and trials with Football League clubs interested in signing him.

Former Aberystwyth Town winger Rod Giggs, the brother of Manchester United and Wales star Ryan Giggs, is also expected to line up for the Bulls as a trialist against Second Division Tranmere.

Meanwhile, three experienced players have rejected moves to Hereford, including former Republic of Ireland striker David Kelly and ex-Wrexham midfielder Wayne Phillips.

United have arranged a pre-season friendly at Bromyard Town on August 8 to officially open a stand in memory of former Vice Presidents' Club chairman Cyril Bouston, and a fund-raising match with a HUISA XI on August 12.