HEREFORD'S head of football Tim Harris has welcomed the arrival of experienced centre-back Josh Gowling as being 'just what we need'.

The former Gillingham and Bournemouth defender will be familiar to many Bulls followers as he spent a loan period at Edgar Street 10 seasons ago under Graham Turner during Hereford United's spell in League 1.

"Josh has been there and done it," said Harris. "He is just what we need and has got quality.

"We need that calming influence at the back to see games out and we're delighted to sign him."

Gowling is set to go straight into the Bulls side for the FA Trophy first round tie with Billericay at Edgar Street on Saturday when Harris hopes that another new arrival, midfielder James Wesolowski will have recovered from a hamstring niggle and be able to make his debut.

"It should be a good game and will be a challenge," said Harris. "Billericay have quality in their squad but we are going into the game on the back of two wins.

"We need to keep our momentum going."

While it will be Billericay's first visit to Edgar Street, many fans of the former Hereford United will remember an ill-fated trip to Essex in the same competition back in January 2000.

Back then, the old Bulls, as a Conference side who had just taken Premier Division Leicester City to a replay in the FA Cup third round, were hot favourites to beat the then Ryman Leaguers, only to be overturned 3-1 despite Robin Elmes' late goal.