Hereford United are being linked with interest in a clutch of the players Bristol Rovers released at the end of last season, writes Chris Swift.

The Bulls, building for a new campaign in League Two after suffering relegation last term, are understood to be keen on offering midfielder Craig Disley the chance of a move to Edgar Street, along with defenders Craig Hinton and Ryan Green.

Right-back Green had a previous spell at Hereford between 2003-06, scoring their extra-time winner in the Conference play-off final victory over Halifax which won them promotion back to the Football League.

But the Bulls could face competition from fellow relegation victims Cheltenham Town, who are also interested in Disley with Robins manager Martin Allen having held talks with the former Mansfield Town player.

"Craig is out of contract, he has scored 27 goals in four seasons from midfield and is a good, powerful, player so we have been in discussions with him," said Allen.

Meanwhile, Bristol Rovers sources have denied rumours linking the club with 21-year-old Hibs midfielder Ross Chisholm, who is out of contract at Easter Road this summer.

The Pirates have started pitch improvement work at the Memorial Stadium ahead of them next campaign.

The top surface of the playing area is being removed ahead of more drainage work being carried out, and 90 tons of sand will then be applied before the area is reseeded.

After major problems with the pitch in previous years, the surface won praise last season after extensive improvement work was carried out last summer.

Groundsman Pete Prior said: "The drainage work we carried out last summer made a huge difference and we are installing one more new drain this time.

"We were really pleased with the pitch last season and hope for similar results this time."