HEREFORD United boss Graham Turner will have been drawing on his 30 years of managerial experience to raise spirits at Edgar Street for tomorrow’s visit of Crewe Alexandra.

Last weekend’s 6-1 reverse at Bristol Rovers left the Bulls at the foot of the Coca-Cola League One table, still without a point three matches into the new campaign.

Turner has added a new face to the squad ahead of the Crewe clash with the signing of former Luton Town midfielder Stephen O’Leary on a one-year deal.

The 23-year-old made more than 50 appearances and scored three goals for the Hatters, whom he joined as a trainee, either in a central or right-sided midfield position.

A Republic of Ireland Under 19 international, O’Leary was offered a contract by Luton, who were relegated to League Two, at the end of last season but declined in a bid to find higher-graded football.

He also enjoyed a loan spell with Tranmere Rovers in 2005/06, scoring three goals in 22 games.

“He is a neat passer of the ball who can get forward,” said Turner. “We have had a look at him in a couple of games here.”

Turner’s bid to bring in another loanee was dashed, however.

“We had everything agreed to bring a player in but, over the weekend, he had a chance to join quite a good Scottish Premier League side and he took that,” said Turner.

With the transfer window closing on Monday night, Turner is still working on adding to his squad.

He continued: “The deadline has been extended until Monday for permanent transfers and then, seven days after that, we can start emergency loans should the need arise.

“We need strengthening and obviously need the boost in confidence that new faces can sometimes bring to those around them.”

Crewe have won on five of their 15 visits to Edgar Street but that includes a run of four straight successes in Hereford, ending with their last trip in January 1994.

The Railwaymen spent heavily on strikers during the close season, splashing cash on the familiar figure of Anthony Elding and former Tranmere forward Calvin Zola.

They, have, however, won just one of their three League One games to date, conceding seven goals in the process.

But Turner added: “Crewe were very impressive in beating Bristol City in the Carling Cup on Tuesday. They could have been three or four goals up. We have got a tough task.”