Shrewsbury Town boss Graham Turner has played down his first reunion with former club Hereford United tonight by declaring: “It’s all about us getting three points.”

Turner’s first battle against the club where he spent 15 years – the vast majority of that time in a dual role as chairman and manager – provides an intriguing backdrop to the A49 derby at the Greenhous Meadow.

Only last month, Turner received the freedom of Hereford as recognition for his service and achievements with the Bulls.

But, despite the fact his old club are currently propping up League Two, Turner insists he is solely focussed on keeping fifth placed Town amongst the promotion contenders.

“I have played against former clubs before,” said Turner, who became Town boss for the second time after cutting his ties at Edgar Street earlier in the summer.

“It is other people that make it a bigger issue than it really is.

“I’m obviously aware of a few players at Hereford that we left there that are apparently doing okay despite their League position.

“But as far as I’m concerned, there is only one thing on the agenda and that is getting a win for Shrewsbury Town and furthering our promotion cause.

“I was there for 15 years and I don’t like to see them struggle – there are a lot of good people there.

“You want the teams in the locality to be League sides.

“The club spent long enough in the Conference so I wouldn’t like to condemn them to that again but the only thing that concerns me is what we do and how we get on tonight.”

Despite Hereford’s strugglers, Turner is braced for a tough battle tonight and is aware of the importance of a victory after being forced to settle for a point against Southend on Saturday.

“The three points at stake are vital to the cause but we haven’t got to get anxious,” added the Town boss.

Full back David Raven and striker Kris Bright are both back in training but defender Exodus Geohaghon remains a doubt with a knee problem and tonight is likely to come too soon for Lionel Ainsworth to line up against his old club.

By JAMES GARRISON