Hereford United

Odds: 25/1

Last Five Seasons
2005/06 - 2 (Conference, Promoted), 2004/05 - 2 (Conference), 2003/04 - 2 (Conference), 2002/03 - 6 (Conference), 2001/02 - 17 (Conference).

Cup Progress 2005/06
FA Cup Round Two vs Stockport County (h) - lost 2-0.
FA Trophy Round Three vs Grays Athletic (h) - lost 1-0.
Football League Trophy Northern Section Semi Final vs Macclesfield Town (a) - lost 2-0.

Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: Andrew Williams (striker) - 12 goals.

Players In
Wayne Brown (Chester City - Free), Glyn Thompson (Shrewsbury Town - Free), Richard Rose (Gillingham - Free), John Wallis (Gillingham - Free), Gareth Sheldon (Kidderminster Harriers - Free), Tim Sills (Oxford United - Free).

Players Out
Ryan Green (Bristol Rovers - Free), Craig Mawson (Halifax Town - Free), Adam Stansfield (Exeter City - Free), Daniel Carey-Bertram (Cambridge United - Free).

Hereford United made a return to the Football League after finishing as Conference runners up for the last three seasons in a row. The Bulls finished 11 points behind Conference champions Accrington Stanley and defeated Halifax Town 3-2 after extra time to take up the final available spot in League Two.

Manager Graham Turner will be confident about his side's prospects next season after beating several league clubs on the way to the Football League Trophy semi final where they eventually lost to Macclesfield Town. Both Mansfield Town and Scunthorpe United were beaten inside 90 minutes while extra time was required to dispatch of Port Vale.

The club has been given a boost ahead of the new season by Tamika Mkandawire's decision to sign a new deal at Edgar Street. The former West Bromwich Albion youngster, named as player of the year last season and with over 100 Hereford appearances to his name, has agreed a 12 month contract and is expected to be named as the club's new captain.

Turner has made a number of news signings to strengthen the squad and made Kidderminster Harriers winger Gareth Sheldon the first new arrival. The former Exeter City and Scunthorpe United winger has signed a 12 month deal.

Former Aldershot striker Tim Sills arrived on a free transfer from relegated Oxford United while Turner also snapped up goalkeeper Glyn Thompson, released by Shrewsbury Town. Hereford United boss Graham Turner has unveiled a quartet of new signings. He also offered deals to released Gillingham duo Richard Rose, a defender and midfielder John Wallis.

Verdict
Barnet, Chester City and Shrewsbury Town have all found the step-up from Conference football to League Two a tough one even after dominating the division below. Avoiding relegation is a must and anything else will be a bonus for the newcomers.