HEREFORD manager Paul Caddis admitted that his side is down to its ‘bare bones’ heading into the opening league fixture of the season.

The Bulls head to last year’s runners-up King’s Lynn on Saturday and Caddis says he will be without six of his starting 11 due to injuries and suspensions.

Strikers Andy Williams and Jason Cowley are both out injured alongside defender Kyle Howkins. However, Caddis revealed that his side will also be missing Aaron Skinner and Lassana Mendes through suspension.

"We're down to the bare bones, I just wanted people to get through the game and I'm thankful they did,” said Caddis after Hereford’s 2-0 pre-season victory against Redditch United.

"Kyle (Howkins) is touch and go, he’s probably going to miss out. Aaron Skinner will miss out, he is suspended from a mistaken identity from last year. As it was a second yellow (card) we can't appeal it.

“I’ve seen the footage, Skinner was 40 yards away from it, but he had the same coloured hair as the lad and there was a bit of commotion. We can't do anything about it as it was second yellow.

"Lassana Mendes is out for three games. We were made aware by the FA after receiving an e-mail two days. Thanks to the FA for giving us loads of notice. He got a straight red card in a Welsh cup final at the end of last season.

"We've got six of the starting eleven missing for the start of the season. Such is life and we’ve just got to get on with it.”