WITH Hereford United due to entertain Shrewsbury Town today, director of football Graham Turner admitted his side's pre-season build up has certainly been a challenging one.

"We've had a tough programme, today's game is our sixth in 12 days -- and some of the players are beginning to look tired," he said.

Turner, now in his sixth season in charge at Edgar Street, has used the games to look at potential new signings. A number of trialists have played as he continues to look for cover for first choice keeper Scott Cooksey and for extra striking options following the release of Paul Fewings and Leroy May.

Young stoppers Matt Baker, once of Hull City, and Richard Barnard, formerly of Millwall, have been training with the club and played a part in the midweek victory over Chasetown. Former Bridgnorth forward Carl Tranter was also given a run out.

"The keepers did what they had to do competently -- it's always a worthwhile exercise to look at players in this way".

The strenuous build-up to the forthcoming campaign has also given Turner the chance to run the rule over youngsters Matt Pitt and Matthew Beale.

"Pitt had a long injury so we've extended his YTS contract for a few more weeks and Beale has been given a three month trial so we can have a good look at him"

United's injury situation is improving and Turner has some good news on talented winger Paul Parry whose ankle injury looked set to ruin United's Conference chances.

"There's a good chance that he'll be fit for Southport on the opening day," Turner said of the striker injured in the opening friendly. "He's doing a fair amount of running and I expect him to start training towards the end of next week."