Hereford United launch their eagerly-awaited Nationwide Conference campaign with an intriguing trip to newly-promoted Staffordshire outfit Tamworth at the Lamb on Saturday.

Hereford manager Graham Turner knows the Bulls face a tricky assignment against the reigning Dr Martens League champions making their Conference debut.

Part-time Tamworth, managed by Darron Gee, also reached the final of the FA Trophy last season and have just re-signed Mark Turner, the son of United manager, Graham.

The former United defender is expected to miss the opener through injury, however, but full-back Rob Warner, another ex-Hereford man, is likely to feature.

United will then turn their attention to the visit to Edgar Street on Tuesday of Forest Green Rovers and former Hereford manager Colin Addison.

Rovers finished ninth in the league last season but have lost strikers Alex Meechan and Kayode Odejayi.

Of Tamworth, Turner said: "To be honest, we could not be having a much tougher opener. Tamworth had a terrific season last year and will be going all out to leave their mark."

Turner is expected to recruit 19-year-old Sheffield United goalkeeper Ben Scott on a month's loan ahead of the match with a view to a permanent move to Edgar Street.

Jordan King has been suffering with a throat infection this week, while Turner and coach Richard O'Kelly will be monitoring the fitness of striker David Brown (broken collarbone).

Turner said: "It's about handling the situation well on Saturday. We are expecting a crowd of around 4,000 with about 1,000 travelling from Hereford.

"There's always going to be a bit of nerves and a bit of pressure on the opening day because players are desperate to get off to a good start. The players are desperate to start the season and a winning start would set up the game on Tuesday."

Meanwhile, Peter Durham, the director of sport at the University of Gloucestershire, has paid tribute to the attitude, professionalism and efforts of the United squad who have undergone a series of fitness tests at the School of Sport & Leisure.

Durham said: "It's been a pleasure to have worked with such a smashing bunch of lads who are a credit to the city. We have just completed the readings of the latest tests and there were some exceptional results."

Danny Carey-Bertram achieved the fastest time over 10 and 30 metres while Rob Purdie, who was second fastest, had the most impressive endurance readings.