HEREFORD United will be hoping that they do not fall victim to the ‘curse of the new manager’ for the second time in just over a month.

The Bulls were beaten at Huddersfield Town on December 20 in Lee Clark’s first match after taking over at the Galpharm Stadium.

And now United will face Walsall at Bescot Stadium on Saturday with the Saddlers under the guidance of new boss Chris Hutchings and his assistant Martin O’Connor for the first time.

“Whether the new man is good, bad or indifferent, it gives the dressing room a buzz to hear a new voice,” said Bulls chief Graham Turner.

“The players want to make an impression.

“But our confidence should be sky-high after our 5-0 win over Oldham Athletic last Saturday and we shall go to Walsall believing that we can get a win.”

Some of Hereford’s fringe-players got an outing when the Bulls’ Reserves travelled to South Wales to take on Cardiff City Reserves.

Sam Gwynne scored for United but the Hereford second-string were beaten 2-1.

Hereford have two doubts ahead of the trip to Walsall.

Matt Done has been suffering from a sickness bug while Sam Hewson has been suffering with a groin problem.

Done was, however, expected to join in training on Thursday while Hewson’s problem was attributed to last Saturday’s match being his first full appearance for some time.

Turner has some negotiating to do in the next few days with the loan deals of Lionel Ainsworth and Josh Gowling due to expire after Saturday’s clash.

The Bulls chief also now has just 10 days before the transfer window closes.

Hereford face a tough task next Tuesday when they entertain promotion-chasing Millwall at Edgar Street.

For this match, season-ticket holders are reminded that they will need to use voucher 14.

Voucher 12 will be used for the re-arranged Leeds United clash on February 17 for which all seats have now been sold.