LIFE without Michael McIndoe begins for Hereford United tomorrow when they entertain Nuneaton Borough in the Nationwide Conference (3pm).

The sale of the talented midfielder to leaders Yeovil Town for £25,000 will cast a shadow over proceedings for the Bulls, following defender Chris Lane's £12,500 move to Southport.

But Director of Football Graham Turner is not expecting a backlash from frustrated fans, saying that most of them realise the club has to sell players to survive.

He said: "I am sure they understand the position. Nobody wants to come in and invest in the club.

"We have taken about £500,000 in transfer fees and I have accepted this situation for the last five years. It is a question of keeping the club in business."

At least Turner's options with the rest of his squad are increasing.

Defender Paul Sturgess is back after a one-match suspension, which could mean Ian Rodgerson pushing forward to fill McIndoe's role or Jimmy Quiggin, who scored his first Conference goal in the 3-0 success at Hednesford last week, switching to the left flank.

Winger Paul Parry played for 20 minutes in the reserves in midweek and could return to the squad for the first time in several weeks after making a quicker than expected recovery from an ankle injury.

Central defenders Tony James and Ian Wright may also be involved, although James was denied a reserve team comeback when he turned an ankle in training.

With their FA Umbro Trophy fourth round replay at Leigh RMI on Monday, Turner admitted: "It is a testing weekend for us. A Trophy run is vital for us and we want to keep our league position going."

He believes Nuneaton will be tough opponents even though the Bulls won 2-1 at Manor Park back in September with goals from Ian Rodgerson and Kerry Giddings.

"They have had an indifferent season but they did very well in the FA Cup and have got two particularly good front men in Marc McGregor and Lee Charles. Those two will be a threat to any side."

Hereford's home game with Woking has been rearranged for Tuesday, March 6.

Hereford (from): Cooksey, Clarke, Rodgerson, Robinson, Gardiner, Wall, Quiggin, Snape, Elmes, Williams, Giddings, Baker, Shirley, Parry, Wright, Sturgess, James.