HEREFORD United manager Martin Foyle is looking forward to trying to get the best out of new striker Tom Nichols.

The 18-year-old, a youth team product at Exeter City, has agreed a one-month loan deal at the Blue Square Bet Premier outfit.

Nichols caught Foyle’s eye in scoring twice for the Grecians against Chippenham in a friendly, and has been drafted in to bolster the Bulls’ attacking options. He hit eight goals in 12 games on loan for Dorchester in Blue Square Bet South last season.

Foyle said: “I’m looking forward to working with him. I’m pleased we’ve managed to bring in Tom, he impressed me on Tuesday and has a lot of promising attributes.”

Meanwhile, chairman David Keyte is quietly confident of Hereford making a play-off push.

There have been plenty of changes at Edgar Street since the Bulls’ relegation from the Football League.

As well as the appointment of Foyle, the squad has been trimmed to 19 players amid financial restraints.

An optimistic Keyte said: “Quietly, I see us as being a top eight or nine club. We seem to have a fine group of players together who have worked hard in pre-season playing some good football.

“If we can come out with a little bit of luck and a few wins, then the play-offs are not out of the question.”