KEY defender Ian Wright is tipping Hereford United to make a strong challenge to regain their Nationwide League status.

United's skipper agrees with United Director of Football Graham Turner's assertion that there's no outstanding side in the Nationwide Conference this season.

With Hereford lying sixth in the table, five points behind leaders Rushden and Diamonds - albeit having played a game more - Wright believes they are placed for a strong title push.

"Rushden are top and we murdered them here. That proves everything really," Wright insists. "Apparently, Yeovil weren't anything special" - Wright was concussed early in that game - "and Stevenage won here, but we should have beaten them in the first-half. There's no reason why we can't be up there challenging."

Wright admits United's form this season has been the complete opposite to last, when they were tight defensively but struggled to score.

This year they're the leading Conference goalscorers with 29 goals, although only lowly Welling have conceded more than the Bulls' 24.

"I think we've shown more character this year, particularly up front. Everybody's chipping in."

Eight-goal striker Paul Fewings, who played alongside Wright at Hull, comes in for particular praise: "He has waited for his chance and he's scoring goals for fun at the moment."

Lichfield-born Wright arrived at Edgar Street in the summer of 1998 via Stoke City, Bristol Rovers and Hull City, having made more than 100 Football League appearances.

The 27-year-old was linked with several clubs last season, but he decided to stay put.

"The way the club's going is the reason why I stayed," he says. "I can see better things here."

And his immediate ambitions are clear: "Either winning the league or getting back into the Football League with somebody coming and watching me. But I'd rather go back into the League with Hereford."