HEREFORD United need a swift return to form after finding themselves in an uncomfortably familiar position in the League 2 table.

With three games played, United are at the bottom of the Football League with no points and no goals.

And the Bulls are on the road for the next two Saturday league games – two tricky encounters with League newcomers Wimbledon and relegated Bristol Rovers.

There is also the small matter of a trip to Villa Park next Tuesday to take on Premier League giants Aston Villa in the Carling Cup.

Despite the disappointing start to a campaign which opened with much optimism after last season’s struggle, there is no panic around Edgar Street.

“We are only three matches into the Football League season,” said chairman David Keyte. “It is not until 10 or so matches have gone that you can really see positions settling down.”

“I shall be doing everything I can to put things right,” said manager Jamie Pitman. “And so will the players.

“I am dejected but I will pick myself up because I know I am doing the right things. I know that we are playing the right way but we have to be more ruthless in both penalty areas.

“We are like a bottle of lemonade at the moment – once it goes pop, we shall be very good. But we have to make it go pop.

“We have to do those little bits which take it above and beyond what is happening at the moment.”

Hereford will hope that Adam Bartlett, who missed Tuesday’s match with a thigh strain, and Joe Heath, who was withdrawn with injury early in proceedings, will be fit for the trip to Wimbledon.

While there is little room for manoeuvre with the squad budget, United have signed French centreback Benoit Dalibard and are awaiting international clearance for the former Guingamp defender.

Next Tuesday, a big following is expected to make the short journey to Birmingham for United’s second round Carling Cup tie with Aston Villa.

And the numbers will be swelled by United’s decision to offer free coach travel to any fans who wish to make the journey.

“We are aware that our regular 1,600 fans have had to put their hands in their pockets for three home games in a week,” said chairman Keyte.

“The Villa game is a pleasant distraction and a potentially great occasion.

“We have set up the free travel and I would like to see lots of families and youngsters going to a Premier League stadium to enjoy that occasion.”

Tickets for the match are £10 for adults and £5 for under-15s.

Tickets are available from the United club office but will also be available on the night.

Tickets for the free coach travel departing from Hereford should also be booked through the club office.

There is also free travel available from Ledbury, on a first-comefirst- served basis, leaving from the Market House at 5pm. Contact Jeremy Wolfe on 01531 634387 for details.