THE big news at Hereford United recently has been the sale, due to financial problems, of two of the club's biggest assets Chris Lane and Michael McIndoe, writes Andy Holmes.

Another of the potential departures could be goalkeeper Scott Cooksey, whose consistent displays earned a recall to the England semi-professional side, but the popular stopper, who recently made his 50th appearance for the club, is going nowhere at the moment.

"I've still got 18 months on my contract and I'm happy to stay", he said.

"There are players in the news who have left the club, but until Graham makes that decision, I'm a Hereford United player."

Cooksey, who signed on a free transfer from Shrewsbury Town last summer after a successful loan spell, echoed the concerns of supporters over the recent departures.

"It's not good that the club are selling players. It raises a big question over whether we want to achieve promotion or are happy just being in the top six. We've got to be aiming for a top three finish to be ready to progress next season."

Recent low attendances are also a worry.

"Fourteen hundred isn't good enough. We've been in the top four all season, our highest position for a long, long while. We started off with crowds of 2,500. People must think the league's over but if Yeovil and Rushden slip up, it's up to us to catch up."

Although gates have been low the supporters have helped Cooksey settle in easily.

"It's great, the fans have been fantastic. I had a good start and you just keep it going."

He also praised the way that less experienced players have come in recently following injuries to key men such as Ian Wright and Tony James.

"I think everybody realises that we miss them but James Wall and Matt Gardiner have come in and done exceptionally well, they're on their toes and doing their jobs."