TONY James believes Hereford United can be a force in the Nationwide Conference if they can reach a level of consistency.

The star defender blames inconsistency for the Edgar Street club's poor showing last year but is optimistic of a change in fortunes ahead of the coming season.

For James, last year's campaign was a personal success with a string of man-of-the-match displays earning him the Evening News/Ray Mercer Memorial Trophy.

However the non-league Welsh international is looking for his team-mates to reach a similar level of performance to pitch the Bulls into the play-off reckonings.

"As a team last year we didn't perform as we should have," admitted James, who missed just two games last year.

"But it was a hard season and the gaffer had to whittle the squad down because of finances.

"Although we did have some good performances the inconsistency factor stopped us getting into contention early on."

Manager Graham Turner has since added several younger players to the squad including the latest signings Robert Purdie, and Richard Teesdale and James thinks the team has the potential to do well.

"The gaffer has added some younger players and we are all getting on pretty well and I think there is enough ability in the squad to do something if we can steer clear of injury," he added.

Turner's presence back in charge has been another boost, according to James, who says the former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss has got huge respect in the dressing room.

"He's back doing what he does best and he's got respect from the players which is what all managers need," he added.

With 145 appearances to his name and having established himself as one of the best defenders in the Conference it is perhaps surprising that League clubs have not come in for him.

However James remains unphased and as he enters his fifth season he remains as committed as ever to the Edgar Street club and will look to carry on the form that won him the Ray Mercer Trophy.

"I thought I played to quite a good level last season but there hasn't been any interest in me and that doesn't bother me," he said.

"As long as I keep playing every week that is the most important thing."