Hereford United have lost another important member of staff in the wake of their failure to secure promotion from the Nationwide Conference.

Coach Richard O'Kelly has accepted the post of assistant manager at Second Division Bournemouth and joins players Steve Guinan (Cheltenham), Michael Rose (Yeovil) and Ben Smith (Shrewsbury) in leaving the club.

"We did everything we could to retain Richard's services," said Bulls chairman and director of football Graham Turner. "But at 47 he didn't feel he could wait any longer. The attraction of coaching at league level was the crucial factor - we often talk about players' ambition to progress to a higher level and it's no different with coaching staff.

"We've already had contact with a number of people who might take over from Richard but it may mean that we also have to take on a part- or even full-time physiotherapist."

Turner has, however, made his first addition to the playing-staff with the signing of midfielder Craig Stanley who played for Telford last season.

The 21-year-old, who became a free agent when the Bucks went into liquidation last month, began his career at Walsall and also had an extended spell on loan with Scottish Division 1 side Raith Rovers.

"I'm not in a great rush to get the squad settled as there are still a lot of good quality players out there," said Turner.

United, who have now received settlement from Chester City of the outstanding sum relating to ticket sales as reported in last week's Hereford Times, are optimistic that their longstanding CVA will be settled before the start of the new season.

"The taxman and the VAT office have indicated that they will accept our offer and there is just a query with the Inland Revenue over some debts from six years ago," said Turner. "But we are optimistic that they don't exist."

The United boss also reported highly successful season ticket sales with many fans buying a ticket for the first-time. Reduced prices are available until June 15.