Hereford United's director of football Graham Turner expects to make two new signings by the weekend ahead of the first friendly fixture at Ludlow Town on Monday evening.

The Bulls boss is in the final stages of negotiations with a goalkeeper and a midfield player but has already added to his defensive options with the signing of former West Bromwich Albion youngster Tamika Mkandawire.

The central defender is well known to Hereford fans after spending three months on loan at Edgar Street during last season.

He created a very favourable impression when making 18 club appearances, scoring his only goal in the 4-1 reverse at Shrewsbury in November, United's last away Conference defeat.

Turner reports a good start to pre-season training with the only absentee being midfielder Jamie Pitman who is undergoing rehabilitation at Lilleshall after a hernia operation.

"We hope that he will be fit for the start of the season," said Turner.

The Bulls have, meanwhile, pencilled in a visit to Evesham United on July 27 as part of their pre-season programme.

Bristol City cancelled their scheduled trip to Edgar Street on that night and, with all league clubs contacted having confirmed their pre-season programmes, Turner's squad will now make the short journey into Worcestershire.

Two pre-seasons ago, John Grant's goal gave the Bulls a 1-0 win on their last visit to Common Road.