A FOOTBALL coach who helped Hereford United in pre-season believes the team can turn around their fortunes despite not being able to watch them play.

Irfan Kawri was brought to the club by football consultant Mark Ellis, who is no longer involved, and helped coach the players as well as introduce sports science nutrition and recovery information.

His commitments as a scout for Wigan Athletic have meant Bolton-based Kawri has been unable to continue working at United, but he is hopeful he can return soon.

The Bulls head into today’s Southern League Premier Division home match against Biggleswade Town (3pm) looking for only their third win of the season.

“I have not had the chance to see any of the games or been into training lately, but what I will say is that Jon Taylor and Neil Phelps are working very hard and Jon has good experience of the league,” Kawri said.

“They have had a lot of challenges due to injuries and the unavailability of players due to players not getting international clearance.

“But after a great pre-season, what I can say is that the squad has a lot of ability and potential."

He added: “It is a very young squad and are in their infancy in terms of a group.

“Since the season started I have been very busy due to my work commitments for Wigan. I will be speaking to the manager and looking to get back in soon.”

Kawri, who is also a part-time physical education teacher at a secondary school, said the job Ellis did in assembling the squad was “outstanding”.

He added: “I have learnt a lot from working with him because he has a lot of experience in professional football.

“I got involved because it is great experience for myself and Hereford, for me, is a big club and should be in the Football League where it was a few years ago.”

Laura Phelps, who was acting as the club’s secretary and press officer, has also left the club.