IF anyone knows anything about the Midland Football League, it is Andy Morris.

The Westfields chief executive has seen his team play in the division for the past 12 years, which has included two consecutive runners-up spots.

However, it finished a disappointing eight last year which, according to Mr Morris, shows how competitive the league is.

"We had a good team, but you need to be consistent," he said.

"I cannot emphasise enough how hard the league is and anyone can beat anyone on their day.

"In the year we finished runner-up to Gresley, we had Richard Kear and Daryl Addis up front.

"That was the most disappointing season in my 49 years at the club especially when we lost 3-2 to Gresley."

Mr Morris believes Westfields' important players are former Hereford United players Craig Jones and Marcus Palmer and captain Jamie Cuss.

He also thinks having Phil Glover at the back will prove invaluable to the team.

"Craig Jones is a very influential player, when he plays well we play well," said Mr Morris.

"Jamie works so hard for the team and provides so many goalscoring opportunities.

"We have a lot of faith in him and Marcus, who we are hoping will be a 30-goal-a-season man."

Westfields do not pay any of their staff, which Mr Morris believes is vital for teams in the Midland League.

"We cannot pay massive amounts of money to pay a secretary or chairman, they have got to do it for the right reasons," he said.

"Hereford are also engaging with volunteers and that is what is needed at this level."

Hereford's main shirt sponsors are Jewson, but it also has Furniture Importers' name on the back of its shirts, something Mr Morris has now used to Westfields' advantage.

"Allpay have been fantastic sponsors to us but this year I noticed that Jewson sponsored the front of Hereford's shirts and they also had a sponsor for the back," said Mr Morris.

"I thought that we could do the same and contacted Tudors, who jumped at the chance."

Mr Morris has tipped Hereford to win the league, but also thinks Highgate United, Alvechurch and Long Eaton will do well.

"Stratford won our league by a point three years ago and they're now in the Southern Premier League, so it shows what can be achieved," said Mr Morris.

"We have seen what has happened to Telford, Aldershot and Chester, but I think Hereford is bigger than all of them.

"They have got a wonderful opportunity to go through the leagues with their fan base and they've certainly got the players to win the league."