THE Simon Davey era dawns for Hereford United tomorrow as they kick-off their npower League Two campaign at Crewe Alexandra (3pm).

It has been a summer of radical change at Edgar Street following the departure of chairman Graham Turner after 15 years at the helm and the arrival of new chief David Keyte and deputy Tim Russon.

Davey was appointed in June and has spent the ensuing weeks assembling a new-look squad for the 2010/11 season.

In have come the likes of strikers Stuart Fleetwood and Sean Canham, defenders Michael Townsend and O’Neil Thompson and midfielder Daniel Stratford.

Trailist Samba Kanoute, 19, yesterday agreed a one-year deal subject to international clearance after the former French youth international defender’s release from Auxerre.

Another close-season signing, Hungarian centre-half Janos Kovacs, is the new skipper, taking over from goalkeeper Adam Bartlett.

Bartlett is among several players who have remained at the club, along with central midfielder Kenny Lunt and full-backs Ryan Valentine and Ryan Green.

Davey, whose only injury doubt for the trip is striker Mathieu Manset (ankle), revealed tomorrow’s line-up to his players on Tuesday.

The former Barnsley boss is relishing the challenge and cannot wait to get started against Dario Gradi’s men at Gresty Road.

He said: “You are always looking for a good start. Crewe are a good footballing side and it’s going to be tough but we have to compete against that.

“I am confident with the group we have that we can compete and come away with the right result.

“We want to win every football match and see where it takes us. We are trying to create a winning mentality within the club and if that takes us to the top of the table then brilliant.

“If it is to the play-offs, that’s fantastic and if we are mid-table we will need to improve on that.

“We have done our preparations and come through pre-season with no injuries which is good.

“I know it means nothing and you earn your money from the league programme but, from a fitness point of view, it’s been perfect and the results have been good. We have beaten the teams we should have.”