THE Football League beckons for a former Hereford United captain who lifted the Conference play-off trophy three years ago.

Tony James was a popular figure at Edgar Street, making 336 appearances and scoring 20 goals for the Bulls.

James and Tamika Mkandawire raised aloft the Conference play-off trophy on a memorable day at the Walkers Stadium.

But the former West Bromwich Albion trainee’s promotion champagne soon lost its sparkle when he was released within days of the triumph.

Now James, who lives in Hereford, has another chance to make his Football League debut.

The 30-year-old central-defender has just helped Burton Albion to the Blue Square Premier title and promotion to League 2.

“I have been involved with the play-offs four times and went up with Hereford,” he said.

“I have to admit that winning the league is a lot better than going up in the play-offs. I have always been envious of the teams that have won the league.

“It’s tough in the play-offs - a lot of work is put in throughout the season and then it comes down to a couple of games at the end when anything can happen.”

Burton lost 2-1 at Torquay United in their final league game but managed to clinch the title by two points from Cambridge United.

“We had built up a substantial lead at the top of the table and knew we had a tough last month with six or seven matches against teams around us,” he said.

“The last game was a difficult one to play in. We were being told the score at Cambridge so we knew they were goalless.

“There was a nasty injury in our game and we were running about 10 minutes behind the Cambridge match.

“We could tell we had been promoted by the reaction of our fans. So we knew we were promoted with about 10 minutes of our game to go.”

During his spell with Hereford, James was a figure of consistency and racked up a record 283 Conference appearances for Hereford.

He was probably the most outstanding player in the Conference for two years and gained recognition for the Wales semi-pro team.

James was on the bench for Hereford’s play-off final win over Halifax Town at the Walkers Stadium.

After leaving Hereford, he joined Weymouth before signing a two-year deal with the Brewers in the summer of 2007.

He made 30 appearances for Burton this season despite missing the first three months through injury.

“I have never played in the Football League,” said James. “I am confident of signing a new contract with Burton and I think we will be moving from part-time to full-time status.”

It would be ironic for the Hereford-based player if the Football League fixture computer pits the Bulls against Burton on the opening day of next season.

“I have always wanted to go back to play at Hereford,” said James.

“I still have friends involved at Hereford United and I know they are having some changes at the club.

“I wish Hereford all the best and hope they have a good season.”

But he added: “On the days that we play them, I hope that Hereford have a bit of a stinker.”