Turner defends his loans policy

Graham Turner has welcomed a possible extension of the loan scheme

Hereford United manager Graham Turner has defended his policy over the club's widespread use of loan players.

Turner, who currently has seven players on loan, feels the Bulls have only been criticised as they were among the first clubs to take advantage of the system.

"There has been the suggestion that we not quite cheated our way to promotion, but that it was not far off," Turner told BBC Hereford & Worcester.

"We've worked it totally within the rules. Other clubs are catching up."

United were the surprise package in last season's League Two promotion race when they took the third automatic place.

Loan signings such as Theo Robinson and Toumani Diagouraga from Watford, Sherjil MacDonald from West Bromwich Albion and Gary Hooper from Southend all played key parts.

Not only are they looking at loaning out experienced players, but they are now looking at extending it to youth players up to the age of 21

Graham Turner

Turner says the criticism of the Bulls started last season, but there are many other clubs employing the same system.

"I watched Leicester City on the television against Yeovil Town," he said. "They had two Liverpool players, two from Manchester United and one from Wolves, so they're all doing it.

"I think it is just the statement from Gary Peters from when we beat Shrewsbury last year that we've been saddled with being a skint club using the loan scheme to almost cheating proportions.

"That is just not true. Everybody's entitled to do it."

The Bulls currently have seven players on loan.

Midfielder Sam Hewson and striker Fabien Brandy are on loan from Manchester United, while goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi and centre-half Godwin Antwi have been loaned by Liverpool.

Strikers Jennison Myrie-Williams and Andy Williams have come from the two Bristol clubs and defender Josh Gowling is also spending a spell at Edgar Street after struggling to command a regular place at League One rivals Carlisle United.

But Turner says that, far from showing any signs of reducing the amount of loans available, the authorities are actually prepared to extend the system.

"Not only are they looking at loaning out experienced players, but they are now looking at extending it to youth players up to the age of 21," he said.

"The Football League are looking at trying to bring that in, which would give young players experience of coming out on loan to a club like this.

"So the Football League are actually looking to extend it and we're pleased about that."