Let’s use first win as springboard: Turner

9:00am Friday 5th September 2008

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HEREFORD United manager Graham Turner wants his players to use their first victory of the season as a catalyst for the rest of the League One campaign.

The Bulls had endured a torrid start to the season, losing their first three games and getting thrashed 6-1 at Bristol Rovers in the process.

“It was vital to get off the mark, it was an embarrassment to us all not to have any points on the board. I don’t think anybody enjoyed looking at the table.”

Graham Turner

However, they put on a good display to defeat Crewe Alexandra 2-0 at Edgar Street last Saturday, thanks to goals from new signing Stephen O’Leary and Bradley Hudson-Odoi, and registered their first points.

United entertain Swindon Town under the floodlights tonight (7.45) and Turner is hoping the Crewe result can spur his team on to a similar achievement against the 10th-placed Robins.

The Hereford chief said: “It was vital to get off the mark, it was an embarrassment to us all not to have any points on the board. I don’t think anybody enjoyed looking at the table. I hope that has set us up.

“I had seen Crewe play and thought they were a decent side so, to pick up all three points, I think the players can be proud.

“I think I was concerned how deeply the heavy defeat at Bristol Rovers would have affected us but we showed a lot of character and bounced back in style.

“We have got to use that as a springboard and not get carried away. It’s good to have another home game so quickly afterwards.”

New recruit Richard Jackson, who joined the club yesterday, is expected to go straight into the squad for the Swindon match but winger Matt Done is a doubt after tweaking his ankle in training. Former Derby and Luton full-back Jackson was a free agent and therefore not subject to the transfer window regulations.

The 28-year-old made more than 100 appearances for the Rams and Turner is delighted to have added him.

“I think he’s an experienced player and he’s got good ability and a footballing brain,” the Bulls boss said.

“He’s played at the top level even though he’s still 28. I think we have acquired a good defender.”