IT only seems five minutes ago that I was stood in the Meadow End, disconsolate at having seen Hereford United get relegated from the Football League.

Yes, it didn't come as a shock and I always knew that it would be a tall order for the Bulls to stay up, but it was still sad when it did happen, especially after the team put in such a great performance to beat Torquay.

But that was then, this is now.

Hereford now has a new manager, some new players and a fresh start, beginning tomorrow night against Macclesfield at Edgar Street.

Chairman David Keyte thinks that Martin Foyle's team could be dark horses in the promotion battle, but realistically, I think that that between eighth and twelfth is about right for where Hereford will finish next season.

The Conference is much more competitive than when Hereford last got relegated out of the Football League in 1997, with many big clubs in it.

Even Forest Green are pumping in some money and look a good shout for the play-off's, so I think that Hereford just need to take stock of everything and try and be as solid as they can.

Saying that though, new strikers Ryan Bowman and Marlon Jackson have looked lively in some of the friendlies, so if they strike up a good partnership, then who knows where that can take the Bulls.

What I do know is that it's going to be a long season, with a lot of midweek games, but if Hereford can be competitive, then may be they can achieve a good season.

You can follow Hereford's game against Macclesfield via my tweets @HTnewsroom with team news and half-time and full-time match reports at herefordtimes.com

Kick-off is 7.30pm.