SEAN Edwards says Hereford FC will have to spend big if they are placed in the Midland Football League Premier Division.

Edwards has been involved with Westfields throughout their 12-year stay in the league, and achieved back-to-back runner-up spots twice, in 2012 and 2013.

But with only one promotion place available, and a lot of travelling involved, Edwards believes Hereford may have to appoint a full-time manager if they want to go up at the first attempt.

“I’ve heard a whisper of who the guy is,” said Edwards. “If it is who I think, he won our league without losing a game and has a lot of contacts in the Midlands.

“Having good contacts in non-league football is key. There are many games of intense football and if Hereford think they’re just going to play their way out of the league, it won't happen.

“What Hereford have to do is almost get a full-time team that they can work with every day, because only having them on a Tuesday and Thursday means you’re only working on fitness.

“What they also have to come to terms with is the quality of available players locally, which means they may have to go outside the county.”

Hereford FC chairman Jon Hale said the club will still have a cautious budget despite selling more than 300 season tickets in three days.

“What’s really pleasing is we’ve now reached the number of sales we had included in our cautious business plan,” said Hale.

“That is really reassuring, but I would emphasise this doesn’t mean we’re going to start changing plans because sustainability and prudence remain crucial.”

Edwards believes, if Hereford are placed in the Midland League, they may have a weekly budget of £2,000 if attendances top 1,000 which would put them in a strong position.

And Westfields chief executive Andy Morris echoed Edwards’ views.

“I think everybody would expect Hereford to fast-track their way through the system with their support,” he added. "Teams like Gresley and Stratford in the past have won it with big budgets and Basford are going to win this year, who also have a massive budget.

“Former Aston Villa and England player Lee Hendrie is there so Hereford will have to set their stall out, and if they want to win it, will have to go in big.”