GRAHAM Turner is one man who has certainly had a merry Christmas and is poised for a happy New Year.

The Hereford United boss capped a fine festive period in which they netted 10 out of a possible 12 points by being named Nationwide Conference manager of the month.

It's been a remarkable transformation who endued a nightmare November losing four games on the bounce before a 4-0 win against Barnet at the end of the month signalled a change in their fortunes.

Five wins out of six have restored the Edgar Street firmly in the top six and with no game today Turner's players are enjoying a hard-earned rest.

"Ten points out of 12 is a good return but we've worked hard for it," he said."

Turner admitted that during the New Year's Day clash at home to Telford United the run of games had finally caught up with his players.

"I thought that it started to take its toll in that game," he added. "I thought one or two players just began to look a little bit jaded, a little bit tired but they didn't half work hard.

"It's the busiest Matt Baker's been and he had an outstanding game. We have done well to take the three points.

Turner was pleased with the quality of goals which saw John Grant his second goal in as many games. "Paul Parry had a terrific run and made a great cross for John Grant to score and the timing of Ben Smith's run was first-class and the strike was terrific."

"We didn't as well as we can do although we had a lot of chances. The players can now have a break as the next game is Yeovil in the Trophy next Saturday.

"Richard Teesdale who replaced Matt Clarke is a good young player. He's got plenty of composure. Probably not his best position but he will do for the moment."

Telford boss Jake King felt his side were unluckly especially with the first Hereford goal. "Hereford have got the video. You'll see he's punched it in the net. We were on top of the game at that time, we needed to score."