Hereford United’s playing squad continues diminish in size in the close season, with defender John McCombe and striker Trevor Benjamin the first high profile departures from Edgar Street.
The pair are also joined on their way out of the club by reserve goalkeeper Ryan Esson and youngsters Jordan Fitzpatrick and Marcus Palmer, both of whom have failed to break into the Bulls’ starting eleven.
Third-choice central defender at Edgar Street at the start of the season, McCombe filled in admirably for the injured Dean Beckwith but was unable to break back into the side once the former Gillingham man had renewed his formidable partnership at the back with skipper Karl Broadhurst.
Meanwhile, journeyman Benjamin will begin the search for his 17th club after failing to command a regular spot up front for the Bulls.
Director of football Graham Turner has confirmed he has offered deals to Wayne Brown, Richard Rose and Sam Gwynne and will keep faith with injured midfielder Luke Webb.
The Bulls boss also made it clear that he will be seeking to hold on to the Watford loan pairing of Toumani Diagouraga and Theo Robinson for next season’s campaign in League One.
He told the club website : “We’re in the process of talking to players from other clubs and their agents. There is an impressive list so far coming round.
“We’ve had a policy at the club of living within our means and that will continue. Whatever happens we will not jeopardise the long term future of the club for some instant results. If we miss out on one or two players then so be it.”
Turner said that improvements to stands at Edgar Street was already under way, with work also being undertaken on the playing surface – although he was adamant that success next season must not spell financial disaster.
Meanwhile officials from the proposed Edgar Street Grid development have hailed United’s success was a “positive step” towards the city’s regeneration.
Chief executive of the project Johnathan Bretherton said: “United’s well-deserved promotion will give a huge boost to the local economy, attracting many extra thousands of supporters travelling with their own clubs to Hereford.
“The football stadium has always been considered an important element of the city centre redevelopment project, and the club’s new improved status in the football league enhances this role.”
