HEREFORD FC manager Pete Beadle says he is still looking to add to his squad as the Bulls started pre-season training this week.

Wembley may only seem like yesterday for many fans, but it will only be five weeks until the new campaign kicks off, with Hereford's first friendly against Pegasus Juniors in two weeks' time.

This past week saw experienced defender Chris Barker join the party, meaning Beadle now has a 20-man squad for the assault on Southern Football League Division One South & West.

The Bulls boss confirmed that a couple of new players were due to train with the squad on Tuesday, but have not yet signed.

"We're always on the look out for players who we think can make us stronger and we're almost where we want to be," said Beadle.

Hereford have another training session tonight before linking up again this Saturday.

Barker, who has more than 500 Football League appearances under his belt, is a former caretaker manager of Aldershot Town and was part of the Shots team that memorably lost to Hereford United on the final day of the Conference Premier season in 2014.

"First and foremost, he's coming in as a player, but he wants to continue with his coaching and plans on doing his A licence," explained Beadle.

"So bringing in Chris' experience on the coaching side will really benefit us.

"He didn't play as many games last season, but to come down to our level with us is a real bonus.

"He will be working on our defending and be a huge help to the young players this season.

"He ticks a lot of boxes and is the perfect match."

Barker can play anywhere along the back four, but for the last two seasons, played as a left-back for Aldershot.

"He brings that versatility to the group," added Beadle.

"Ryan [Green] can obviously play right-back and Purds [Rob Purdie] can also play full-back, but I want to keep him in the middle of the park.

"So what he gives us is versatility so we can mix it up if we want to.

"He adds to the depth of the squad."

Beadle admits this pre-season will be more settled than the last campaign when a number of trialists were on board.

"Last season, it was difficult to be settled because players were coming and going," said Beadle.

"We will now have a more settled pre-season, which will hopefully stand us in good stead for the season, although it will still be tough."

Hereford have a total of six friendlies, but only the last one [versus Merthyr Town on July 30] will be at Edgar Street due to maintenance work taking place on the pitch.

The first league game will be on Saturday, August 6, with the fixtures coming out on Friday, July 15 at 9am.