GRAHAM Turner believes he has the nucleus of a side that can challenge in the Conference next season.

The Hereford United manager will sit down over the next few weeks to map out his plans for the following season but will have many more pros than cons on his list.

In a football world where money is increasingly tight, Turner has proved himself a shrewd operator exploiting his vast knowledge to assemble a small, but perfectly formed squad. If, as looks likely the Bulls fail to make the play-offs, Turner still has a few aces up his sleeve for next year.

"I don't know exactly what is going to happen but with a small squad we've done extremely well and I think we've got the nucleus of a good side," he said.

Turner boldly broke up last season's squad retaining the services just six players, add-ing the likes of Michael Rose, Danny Williams, Steve Guinan, Andy Tretton, John Grant and Ben Smith to established players such as Tony James, Paul Parry and Matt Clarke. It has worked better than Turner could have hoped though the season will be tinged with disappointment if they fail to make the play-offs.

Guinan is keen to stay at Edgar Street next season and has reportedly had provisional talks with Turner.

"I would be more than happy to stay for next season because I have enjoyed my time here," he said. "The lads are great and so, too, are the coach and manager.

"If we don't make the playoffs this season, the club can go for it next season and hopefully I will still be part of it."

Guinan, with 14 goals to his name this season, is reasonably satisfied with his return but admits he could have had more.

"Fourteen goals is a decent record at this stage but I have also hit the woodwork about four times and missed a few."