HEREFORD United manager Martin Foyle has started his squad building for next season by snapping up two of the club's FA Youth Cup stars.

Striker Cory Williams and midfielder Billy Murphy have both signed professional deals at Edgar Street.

The pair, who were both part of the Bulls' run to the FA Youth Cup fourth round, have been around the first-team squad this season but Foyle is looking to the future.

He has made his move with the club's youth system facing closure if funding of £65,000 cannot be secured by Monday.

Foyle, whose side travel to Luton Town in the Skrill Premier today (3pm), said: “Cory and Billy have got something about them but they have a long way to go in terms of making the step-up to men’s football.

“The two have not yet started their careers and there’s a big step-up, but they are off to a good start.

“They both have good composure on the ball and that’s the type of level of player which we can afford next year.”

Foyle has also appealed to the business community to help save Hereford's youth set-up, which could produce more players in the future for the cash-strapped Bulls.

The United boss said: “A youth set-up is very important to a club like Hereford United.

“Since I have been at the club there has been a lot of talk of people putting money in, that they're going to do this and they’re going to do that, but it hasn’t materialised.

“Perhaps the sponsorship money for the youth set-up could be financed by a group of people or several businesses.

“If people want to, the money could be put into the club and ringfenced for the youth set-up if they are not happy putting money directly into the club.”