Better than last year at this stage

Last night's friendly against West Bromwich Albion must have given hope both to the club and those who watched the game that Graham Turner is in the process of putting together a squad with much more potential than last seasons squad.

Whilst there are only 14 players signed on to date, and that includes several youngsters, the quality of the trialists on show gives hope that deals can be done with several of them.

Those signed up are: Wayne Brown, Trent McClenahan, Richard Rose, John McCombe, Karl Broadhurst, Ben Smith, Steve Guinan, Kris Taylor, Clint Easton, Sam Gwynne, Jordan Fitzpatrick, Marcus Palmer, Luke Webb and Dean Beckwith.

The principle trialists have been: Joey Hutchinson, Alistair John, Chris Zebroski, Lionel Ainsworth, Simon Johnson and, assuming he returns after his injury, Theo Robinson.

The squad still needs a reserve goalkeeper. Whether Turner will opt for youngster Karl Lewis remains to be seen. Lewis has worked with the squad for several seasons, but he might not be quite ready should Wayne Brown be unavailable for any reason. Last season both Brown and sub-goalie Thompson were both injured early in the season and Turner had to bring in several goalkeepers as cover.

Trent McClenhan, who usually plays right back, is expected to be missing for several games this autumn assuming he is called into the Australian squad for their Olympic matches. Cover is needed in this position and, of the players seen so far, it is difficult to see who that might be. Richard Rose has played at left back.

Whilst the squad has several players who can be central defenders, Beckwith, McCombe, Broadhurst and, should he sign, Hutchinson, and also midfielders, Smith, Taylor, even Sam Gwynne, Turner may still be pondering who to play in the left wing spot. Clint Easton played there in the first half and Luke Webb was tried there in the second period doubtless because he may be pushed out of a regular place in midfield. Easton looks the obvious choice although he could play left back instead of Rose if need be.

The right wing is uncertain as yet. Both Lionel Ainsworth and Alastair John played last night and should one, or better both, be available that position would easily be solved.

However it's in front of goal where although five trialist strikers have been tried, none has really stood out. Simon Johnson, who scored at Bath, and Chris Zebroski were given another chance last night. Steve Guinan needs a partner. The fact that Turner wants another look at Theo Robinson could mean that he's uncertain as to whom to offer a contract.

It wouldn't be a surprise if another couple of trialists appear at Edgar Street this coming week. Maybe they will play some part in procedings against Wolves on Wednesday evening.

Meanwhile the reseeded pitch at Edgar Street looked excellent last night. Last season there was criticism that the state of the pitch didn't help Hereford's style of play. That excuse probably won't be heard this time.

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