GRAHAM Turner has warned his Hereford United players of a possible backlash from midweek opponents Northwich Victoria following their appointment of new manager Alvin McDonald.

The former Vauxhall Motors boss takes over at the Wincham Park strugglers following the resignation of Steve Davis and the Bulls will be his first opponents on Tuesday night. Davis reverted to his previous job of youth development and community officer after only one win in 11 games this season, with former manager Jimmy Quinn having left to take over at Shrewsbury Town in the summer. Turner is wary of the pitfalls involved of playing a side under new management and is demanding his players match the Vics for effort and commitment.

"Alvin gets his sides working very hard and we will have to make sure we don't suffer a backlash which can often happen when a club gets a new manager," said Turner.

Northwich is the second of two difficult away games for the Bulls starting with Woking today which will Hereford's creaking defences under the spotlight.

The Conference leaders have conceded nine goals in their last three matches and Turner is hoping for a swift return to their miserly defending display at the start of the season where Matt Baker was only beaten on seven occasions in seven matches.

Turner admits it's a case of balancing his side's undoubted attacking ability with more defensive responsibility.

"Perhaps we were being caught a little bit on the front foot and I want us to rediscover that solid look that we had at the start of the season," added Turner.

Meanwhile the Edgar Street boss has warned supporters that despite needing to strengthen his squad it is not as straightforward due to budgeting regulations brought in by the Conference.