IF, God forbid, Hereford United find themselves in a relegation scrap this season, then new signing Andy Tretton will prove to be a useful man in the trenches.

During a four year spell with Shrewsbury Town Tretton was part of a side that won at Exeter City two years ago on the final day to preserve their Football League status.

It was the original great escape as Derby-born Tretton, who skippered the side, admits but he has no plans of repeating his experiences at Edgar Street.

Instead he will be hoping for a repeat of last year's campaign with Kevin Ratcliffe's Shrewsbury side where they challenged for promotion.

"We did quite well and should have made the play offs because we were in those positions most of the year but we just dropped out in the last couple of games which was disappointing," said Tretton.

When his contract was not renewed during the summer Tretton was more than happy to come to Edgar Street and play for Graham Turner.

Tretton looks poised to form a central defensive partnership with Tony James and captain Ian Wright and he is approaching the new season with renewed enthusiasm.

"I've been here a month now and I'm really looking forward to it," he said.

"The manager has been experimenting with three at the back and it's working quite well so far.

"Looking at the players we have got in and those already here I don't see why we shouldn't challenge near the top.

"It's hard to make predictions but if we can keep everybody fit and add a couple more signings then we could be in with a shout."

Either way after sampling life at both ends of the table, Tretton is well-equipped to deal with the season ahead.