INJURY plagued Hereford United striker Steve Piearce is anxious to erase a nightmare two year spell at Edgar Street by getting back to full fitness in time for next season, writes ANDREW HOLMES.

Piearce has again missed a large chunk of the season and when he replaced Paul Parry against Scarborough last week it was only his third appearance of a campaign that saw him, at one stage, banished from the club by Director of Football Graham Turner.

"Everyone wants to play football and that's all I want to do," he said, "Hopefully my injuries are behind me and it's nice to get on again."

"It's just gone from one thing to another and the last two years have been an absolute nightmare. I just need to keep fit and try and get some games."

With a year of his three-year contract still to run, Piearce knows it's time for him to produce the goods especially as he has missed the club's two big cup runs.

"Without a doubt, last year I missed out on the FA Cup and this year we've had the Trophy. The sooner I can get back to my best, the better."

He also knows the value of a good start when the squad return for training in July.

"I want to come back flying in pre-season and hopefully produce the goods next year."

The make-up of the side could be significantly different for the new season and this could be down to a number of factors.

"There are a lot of good players who are out of contract but it's up to the gaffer to decide who stays and who goes. There'll be some financial restrictions so it'll be interesting to see what happens."

Whatever the squad for next season Piearce is confident that United can do well.

"I don't see why not, we'll hopefully be bringing in some quality players, and we showed against Rushden what we can do, so we'll see."