HEREFORD Rugby Club skipper Jason Lewis is convinced new coach Andy Douthwaite can lead his side into a comfortable mid-table spot this season despite their awful start.

Douthwaite, who has had previous stints as Hereford coach, has taken over from Chris Johnson who resigned last week.

And Lewis believes he is the man to lead the Belvadere Lane from the depths of Midland One as they prepare for a must-win clash at Stoke on Trent on Saturday.

Lewis said: "He has made a big impact since he came in and we have had a big shake-up.

"Everything is a lot more positive now and there is a good spirit in the camp.

"Andy commands respect from the lads. I don't think we were working to our strengths earlier on in the season but you can sense a big shift since he came in."

Hereford have lost five out of their opening seven matches and lie 10th in the league - just one place above Stoke. And with both sides perilously close to the drop zone, Lewis knows the game has added significance.

He said: "It is definitely a four-pointer! We could do with going there and winning because we need to pick up points away from home.

"Our away record has been poor so far this season but we are not firing on all cylinders yet.

"I think there is a lot more to come from Hereford this season even if we are late starters."

He added: "We have actually only lost one game at home and have a number of home games coming up.

"So we are all quite positive we can finish mid-table because I think we will pick up quite a few points in the coming weeks at home.

"Certainly Andy taking over has made a big difference to everyone at the club."