PHIL Robinson's brief reign as Hereford United's first team boss is over.

The Edgar Street club are today set to release the player/coach who succeeded Graham Turner earlier in the season.

The former Wolves and Notts County star was unavailable for comment today, as he and club captain Ian Wright prepared to undergo surgery in Manchester for hernia injuries.

Robinson enjoyed mixed fortunes during his spell in charge including a famous FA Cup win against Wrexham live on Match of the Day and a 4-3 victory over Nationwide Conference champions Boston United.

However, a run of poor form after Christmas left Hereford flirting with relegation and they only secured their Conference status with a win over Dagenham and Redbridge with just three games to go.

Turner described it as a disappointing season and is believed to have met Robinson last night.

Robinson has had little money to work with during his time in charge at the cash-strapped club and long-term in-juries to Scott Cooksey, Scott Voice and Steve Piearce have severely depleted the Bulls's squad.

Club director Joan Fennessy said United were publishing a retained list later today and speculation still surrounds the future of young forward Gavin Williams who has so far turned down a two-year deal.

Turner and Fennessy, who threatened to resign at Hereford's board meeting last night, have delayed a final decision until next week.

The ex-Wolves boss, who has led the club for four years as chairman, had signalled his intention to step down when he told the club's phoneline: "I indicated to the board last week that I intended to resign from my position.

"I think it's been very difficult over the last three to three and a half years keeping the club alive. It's been a terrific strain making ends meet.

"There's a lot of supporters, quite wealthy ones, who might well be interested in coming and taking on board the problems that we've got."

Fennessy said today: "It has been agreed that Graham Turner and I should withhold our resignations pending further meetings next week.

"We are issuing the retained list of players who we are releasing later today."