HEREFORD FC's management have been reminded about the need to be 'on target' by Christmas as they prepare to get their pre-season matches underway this weekend.

Hereford Chairman Andrew Graham said that Head Coach Marc Richards and Head of Football Tim Harris had put together an 'exciting squad' but reminded them that it was a 'results-based business'.

“Everyone can see that Tim and Marc are putting together a squad that we can get excited about," said Graham

“I am extremely optimistic about what stands before us. Tim (Harris) is the first to admit that this is a results-based business and it is important that we are where we need to be by Christmas.”

Hereford, who began pre-season training last Thursday, now have 17 players signed for the coming season including Tommy O'Sullivan.

Harris said that a squad of 20 would be 'the ideal' number.

“We have been working on our summer recruitment for the last six or seven months,” said Harris.

“There has been a lot of analysis and research gone into the signings that we have made. Over the last seven months we have looked at 200 players.

“We have brought in a nice blend of experienced heads and young lads who have the hunger and desire to succeed. We’re still looking to bring in one or two more to get to where we want to be.

“We’ve got 17 signed up at the moment and one more who has agreed to come in, which will be revealed soon."

Keyon Reffell is also back from injury and training with the squad.

Meanwhile Eliot Richards, Lance Smith and Danny Greenslade all require operations and will be assessed on their return to training.

Harris added that last season the loan market was utilised as the club had to 'get over the line' confirming their National League North safety.

He said that this year's football budget was 'nowhere near' the rumoured £700,000.

He added: "There is an increase in our budget from last year, but it is certainly not one of the top budgets in the league and nowhere near some of the figures that have been quoted.

“Last year the budget wasn't competitive. The budget now will make us competitive at this level. I am excited by what we have been able to bring in and the balance we have in the squad to take us forward.”