Hereford United have been handed a surprise call-up into the LDV Vans Trophy.

The Bulls are one of 12 teams from the Nationwide Conference who will join Nationwide Division 2 and Division 3 clubs in the competition, formerly known as the Auto Windscreens Shield

United finished in a lowly 17th position last term but have been included in the competition because five clubs which finished in the qualifying positions were discounted because their grounds failed to meet Football League requirements.

Hereford's last appearance in the competition was in the 2000/2001 season when they hammered Yeovil 4-0 in the first round before losing 2-1 to Reading at Edgar Street in the second stage.

United director and company secretary Joan Fennessy said: "The news has come as a bit of a surprise and, as you can imagine, we are very pleased. The competition can be very lucrative for clubs and it includes a very attractive final."

Hereford boss Graham Turner is still speaking to potential signings but has yet to add to the eight-man squad he has already assembled.

Turner has offered deals to a number of players and was expected to meet three for further talks yesterday afternoon.

He said: "At the moment players from the Football League have a great reluctance to make a decision because they are still being paid by their clubs and they are trying to find the best deals.

"But I am quite confident that things will be sorted out in the next two to three weeks."

Turner has offered a contract to striker John Grant, formerly with Crewe Alexandra, but although the player has verbally agreed to sign, he has not sent back the contract. The United boss has also invited three goalkeepers to pre-season training, which begins this Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Hereford have arranged another pre-season friendly away to Evesham United on Saturday, August 10 and the club are hoping that supporters will turn out in force this Saturday for a painting day at their Edgar Street headquarters from 10am.

Painting, strimming and general maintenance around the ground are among the jobs to be carried out.