The Blackfriars terrace is to be completely demolished

Hereford United chairman Graham Turner says the proposed rebuilding of the Blackfriars terrace will not affect manager John Trewick's playing budget.

"The development will not impact at all on wage levels for this coming season," he told BBC Hereford & Worcester.

"We have already signed one or two exciting players and I would expect more before the start of the season."

A recent safety inspection at Edgar Street ruled the crush barriers on the Blackfriars terracing were not safe.

"The frustrating part for me now will be waiting to get some action," Turner said.

"Planning applications can take up to 13 weeks, although with the cooperation of the council I am sure we can get that down.

"Grant applications to the Football Foundation can take up to 20 weeks and that is after detailed planning consent.

"I will be delighted when we see that first bulldozer and crane go in there to start the demolition job as the state of the ground has been an embarrassment for a long time," he added.

Turner is hopeful there will be significant grants available to help pay for the new 2,000-capacity covered terrace.

"If we been in the Football League five years ago then we would have been entitled to up to £2 million but, because we have been promoted since then, we are only allowed three-quarters of a million," he said.

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