WHILE Town’s current squad prepare for tomorrow’s opening pre-season match up at AFC Emley, old boy John McCombe is getting ready for his first Hereford United appearance.

The 22-year-old centre-back was the last of the six senior players released by the Galpharm club to get himself fixed up for the new campaign.

But McCombe, who received a number of offers from clubs in the Conference, is happy he held out for another shot at league football.

“It’s no disrespect to the Conference, because it’s very competitive and contains some ambitious and well-run clubs,” he said.

“Hereford were there not that long ago, and two clubs come up every season, so you might not be out of the league for too long.

“But I was keen to keep playing at as high a level as possible, and I was delighted when Hereford got in touch.”

The Edgar Street side, victors over Halifax in last year’s Conference play-off final, finished 11th on their return to League II.

Boss Graham Turner is reshaping his squad, and McCombe, signed at the same time as fellow defender Karl Broadhurst (from Bournemouth) and one-time Manchester United striker Kris Taylor (Walsall), is optimistic about a promotion push.

“Last time around was about consolidation, but I know the gaffer is keen to make progress this time,” he added.

“I think there will be more signings to come, and we’ve got quite a few players in on trial at the moment.”

Turner has said McCombe, Broadhurst and Taylor will all figure in tomorrow’s work-out at nearby non-league side Pegasus Juniors.

And McCombe, whose elder brother Jamie was central to Bristol City’s promotion to the Championship last season, is keen to ensure it’s the first of many outings.

“I loved my time at Town, and being released was disappointing, but not unexpected,” explained the Academy product from South Elmsall who was restricted to just 20 senior appearances.

“I need to be playing first-team football regularly, and this move will provide that opportunity. I just have to take it.

“It’s a new club and a new challenge, not just on the football field, but off it as well, because I’ve had to move away from home.

“I suppose at my age, it’s time that happened, and I’m determined to make a success of the move in every aspect.”

The switch to Hereford could lead to reunions with three other players released by Town boss Andy Ritchie at the end of last season.

Midfielder Mark Hudson has joined Rotherham, opening-day visitors to Hereford on August 11.

And defender Martin McIntosh and striker John McAliskey both joined another League II club, Mansfield.

Rotherham have a run-out at Burton Albion tomorrow before hosting Barnsley on Saturday while Mansfield, Town’s destination for a friendly on August 4, have their first warm-up match at Leicester on Friday.

Ex-Town midfielder Adnan Ahmed, who has joined League I rivals Tranmere, figured in Saturday’s 6-0 friendly win at non-league Cammell Lairds.