MARTIN Foyle has been appointed as the new manager of Hereford United.

The 49-year-old former York City and Port Vale boss takes over from Richard O’Kelly following the Bulls' relegation from the Football League earlier this month.

Foyle saw off competiton from more than 40 applicants for the Edgar Street job and will be tasked with attempting to secure promotion from the Blue Square Bet Premier at the first attempt.

Chairman David Keyte said: “We had been strongly advised by many people to appoint a manager who has Conference experience.

“Martin certainly has a wealth of experience as a player, coach, assistant manager and, most importantly, as manager.

“We’ll be looking for him to draw on his experience and his contacts within the game to assemble a squad capable of challenging for promotion.”

Foyle led York to the FA Trophy final at Wembley in 2009 and to the Conference play-off final in 2010.

He has also been assistant manager and caretaker at Wrexham, first-team coach at Bristol Rovers and, most recently, guided Northwich Victoria to runners-up in the Evo-Stik Northern League Premier Division.