Hereford United boss Graham Turner has sprung a major shock with the release of the club's joint top scorer, Paul Fewings.

Experienced midfielder Mark Taylor, reserve keeper Andy Quy and youngster John Cotterill complete a quartet of players whose contracts have not be renewed.

However, 22-year-old Fewings, who notched 13 Nationwide Conference goals this season, is the most high profile name not to be retained.

Fewings was fined one week's wages after a touch-line bust-up with Turner over the young striker's substitution in the Bulls' Conference clash at Telford last month.

But Turner stressed that this matter was 'closed' and had not influenced his judgement in releasing one of the club's most exciting prospects.

"He has had a tough time with injuries over the past two years, which has been one of the reasons for the decision. It was always a consideration," said Turner.

"But I am hoping that Steve Piearce, who was brought in last year to get among the goals, is now fully fit and can do the business."

Former Hull City hit-man Fewings started in only 16 matches all season.

But his departure is sure to bring him to the attention of Conference clubs, and beyond, after shooting to national prominence with his FA Cup goal against Leicester City.

Ex-Shrewsbury player Taylor leaves after two seasons with United and in that time he made 91 appearances and scored three goals.

He is reportedly looking for a player-coach role, in the same week that former Bulls defender Steve Devine has vacated that position at Hednesford.

Turner remains keen to bring in a player-coach of his own and Stoke City's Phil Robinson is still in the frame.

Quy has found his way to the Hereford number one shirt blocked by Scott Cooksey and the reserve stopper has already been linked with Dr Marten's Premier Division side Burton Albion.

Midfielder Cotterill leaves Edgar Street after just one start for the Bulls and was very much on the fringe of United's first team this season, with only three appearances as a substitute.

Right-back Chris Lane has been offered a new contract, however, and has signed up for another 12 months, while part-timers John Snape and Robin Elmes will also be kept on.

A new contract will also be in place before the start of next season for journeyman midfielder Ian Rodgerson, who also shares the physiotherapy work at Edgar Street.

Turner is yet to negotiate with his six YTS players, while plans for a new youth set-up are at an embryonic stage.

Defender Tom White, on loan with the Bulls for three months earlier in the year, has been released by his club, Bristol Rovers, and Turner will be watching his situation closely.

United's boss has already begun talks with potential recruits and hopes to be closer to completing new signings within the next week.