STEVE Guinan admits that prior to the season he didn't have a clue as to how his new team would fare in the Conference.

After eight games though the former Nottingham Forest and Shrewsbury striker claims he will be disappointed if Hereford United are not in the chasing pack come the end of the season.

"I didn't know what to expect when I came here because I'd never played at Conference level," he said.

"In pre-season we had some good results and some indifferent ones so I didn't know whether we had a good or bad team.

"However, after the first couple of games I can't see any reason why we can't be challenging, especially after the position we are in after the first seven or eight games.

"We haven't got a big squad but the quality is high."

Guinan is only 26 and started his career at Forest under the inimitable Brian Clough.

He also played under Stuart Pierce, Frank Clark and David Platt while at the City Ground, making his debut under Clark at Wimbledon.

Other highlights include playing at Highbury in front of 40,000 spectators with a Dennis Bergkamp double winning the match for Arsenal.

"I was an apprentice under Clough and didn't have too much to do with him. He was a man of few words but when he did speak you listened," recalls Guinan.

When David Platt took control at Forest he made it clear that the forward was not part of his plans.

"Forest was a big club but though the reserve standard is good you have to have a cut off point and I needed first team football," he added.

"Last season I was at Shrewsbury and was in the same position as everyone else in trying to find a club. When Hereford came along I jumped at the chance and I'm really enjoying it."

Guinan and striker partner John Grant, with one goal between them are still waiting to score with regularity but the partnership is blossoming.

"We haven't played that many matches together because John missed the start of the season but it's starting to gel," said Guinan.

If they do hit it off Guinan could well be right in his predcition that the Bulls will in the chasing pack come April.