HEREFORD United centre-back Phil Gulliver has joined the list of departures from Edgar Street after agreeing to return to Conference side Rushden & Diamonds.

The big defender had joined the Bulls on a two-year deal from the Northamptonshire club at the start of last season but struggled to establish a permanent place in the side.

He did enjoy a profitable spell in the team either side of Christmas when boss Graham Turner was utilising a three-man defensive formation but lost out when United reverted to 4-4-2.

Gulliver made 26 Football League appearances for the Bulls, including two as a substitute. Overall, he figured on 34 occasions, scoring twice in cup matches.

Otherwise, there is no development on new arrivals or news from existing players offered terms.

"Players have until June 19 to decide on offers we have made them but we have as yet heard nothing from the likes of Rob Purdie, Dean Beckwith, Simon Travis or Alan Connell," said Turner.

"But we have actively been contacting, often through agents, a number of players, some of whom are out of the country on holiday at the moment."

United are, however, resigned to losing centre-back Tamika Mkandawire.

"We made him a big offer at Christmas time, probably as big as has been offered by this club, and it was obvious from then on that he was going to allow his contract to run out," said Turner.

"But if nothing suits him, the door is always open to have him back."

Newly-promoted Championship side Bristol City are among the clubs who will be visiting Hereford United for a pre-season friendly in the lead-up to the Bulls' second season back in League 2.

City will be at Edgar Street on Saturday, July 21.

Another Championship side, West Bromwich Albion, will also be visiting Hereford on the evening of Friday, July 27.

On the Saturday before the league season gets underway, August 4, Cheltenham Town will make the short journey to Edgar Street.

Bristol Rovers have also been invited to visit Edgar Street for a pre-season friendly and Turner is waiting for a date to be confirmed.