COACH Richard O'Kelly admits it will be a massive disappointment if Hereford United fail to make the Conference play-offs.

But if the Bulls do miss out he believes his young squad will be better equipped to deal with a challenge next season.

"If we don't make it, it will be a massive disappointment because we were in a great position but we're still there and other teams have still to play us and each other," he said

O'Kelly is full of praise for Hereford's largely young squad and singled out their enthusiasm and willingness to learn as particular qualities.

"As the season has progressed the group of players as a whole has improved," he said.

"What has impressed me most is the desire and enthusiasm to improve their skills.

"They are desperately disappointed they have not picked something up in the last few games but they are not throwing in the towel yet."

O'Kelly has thrived in his dual role of coach and physiotherapist, insisting he was glad United boss Graham Turner persuaded him to come to Edgar Street.

"It's been brilliant. Graham persuaded me to come and said I would enjoy it and I have learned so much. He has such a wealth of knowledge and has always been there for advice and encouragement."

The former Walsall, Grimsby and Port Vale striker had a number of other job offers at the start of the season but has enjoyed his spell at the Conference outfit even if the whole experience was new to him when the season kicked off.

"I didn't know by Yeovils from my Scarboroughs," said O'Kelly.

"I knew there was some good players because I'd seen them in the Football League but what surprised me was the quality of the players as a whole.

"I didn't know what to expect but once it settled down and some positive results started to happen I could see the belief start to come in the squad and things dropped into place."