MATT Bishop says coaching Hereford FC will be a great challenge that he will relish.

The former Newport County and Aldershot Town assistant manager is well respected in the game and will be assisting first team manager Peter Beadle.

"Peter phoned me about six weeks ago saying he was interested in the Hereford job and asked if I would be interested in working with him," said Bishop.

"I had been to Edgar Street with Aldershot a couple of times and I always thought it was an old fashioned ground, but a ground that has a good atmosphere.

"When he said he was interested, I thought it would be a blank project that reminds me a bit of Newport.

"It is a very interesting project but an exciting one.

"It will be great to get the club back on the map and have a bit of success, but we know there will be a lot of hard work ahead."

Bishop, who is a Uefa Pro A licence holder, is currently a national coach educator with the Football Association, which will remain his full-time job.

He is currently based in Aberystwyth, but says he is used to travelling.

"It is a part-time role at Hereford, with my priority being with the FA," said Bishop, who has also coached the England Under-20 team.

"I am home based with work, but am used to travelling, so it won't be a problem.

"It is a good club to work for and the fans are very passionate.

"It is a shame when Hereford United folded, but there are some good people behind the scenes who are passionate supporters who want to bring the club back and reform it."

Beadle and Bishop have already added to the club's backroom staff, with former Hereford United physio Jonny Evans and kitman Roger Lloyd returning to Edgar Street.

The duo had worked with Westfields last season.

"I know Roger and Jonny well and was very keen to bring them back here," said Beadle.

"Clearly they know all about Edgar Street which is a huge advantage, but they are also really good men who are excellent at their jobs."

Bishop confirmed that the duo are also looking at brining in a goalkeeping coach and Beadle is constantly looking at players to bring in.

"It is a challenge for us because we have no players and don't know what league we are in, bt it is an interesting challenge that we're looking forward to."

The FA could announce what league the club will be placed in next week following a meeting with Hereford FC representatives last week.

The likely scenario will be step five of the non-league pyramid, although the high season ticket sales could result in them being placed higher.

The club, meanwhile, have signed a two-year kit deal with Italian manufacturers Macron.

The firm currently supply kits for a number of clubs, including Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Napoli, Lazio and Real Betis.

Once produced, the strip will be available to buy at the club shop and online.