HEREFORD United manager Jamie Pitman is looking forward to renewing old rivalries with Cheltenham Town.

The sides meet in a League Two clash at Whaddon Road today (3pm) — both bidding to return to winning ways after recent defeats.

It was honours even when the teams locked horns at Edgar Street on November 13, with Mathieu Manset’s goal being cancelled out by Jeff Goulding’s strike.

But Hereford have the upper hand when it comes to bragging rights having gone unbeaten in the five contests since the clubs joined the Football League.

Pitman will be hoping to extend that run to move the Bulls away from the relegation zone while also getting the better of Robins boss Mark Yates.

The pair played against each other as midfielders for Hereford and Kidderminster Harriers respectively during the clubs’ non-league days.

The Bulls manager is relishing the challenge but also recognises the job Yates and Neil Howarth have done in turning Cheltenham from relegation candidates to play-off chasers.

Pitman said. “I have played against him so there’s that to contend with and the rivalry of it being a local derby. But I have got the utmost respect for what they have done.”

Meanwhile, Bulls’ striker Sam Malsom has joined Gloucester City on a one-month loan deal.