Manager Jamie Pitman today urged Hereford United supporters to give Shrewsbury Town chief Graham Turner a warm reception on his first return to Edgar Street this weekend.

Turner spent 15 years with the Bulls as manager and chairman but will have his colours nailed firmly to the Shrewsbury mast when the teams go head-to-head in Saturday’s A49 derby.

It’s a huge encounter for both sides, with Town pushing for automatic promotion while Hereford still require one victory to secure their Football League status.

But Pitman, who today signed a new two-year contract at Edgar Street, is hoping his former boss – he played under Turner in two spells at Hereford – will receive recognition for his service at Hereford on Saturday.

“I just hope Graham gets the welcome he deserves,” said Pitman, who has been in the hot-seat since October.

“He did a magnificent job at this football club over a long period of time, not only as a manager but in his other roles as well.

“I’m sure there will be a few jeers around because that’s the nature of football but I hope people recognise what he did here.”

Pitman insists he is grateful for the role Turner has played in his career.

“I worked under him for two spells so he has had a big influence on me and I have the utmost respect for him,” he added.

After a run of four successive clean sheets, Pitman is hoping the Easter double header — they head to Morecambe on Monday — will be enough for them to secure their Football League status.

“I think 50 points would be enough which is one more win for us,” added Pitman.

“Hopefully that will come over the weekend but Saturday is a big game for both clubs.

“We want to make ourselves safe as soon as possible and Shrewsbury are chasing the points for a top three finish. They have been consistent enough to be up there.”

l Two headed goals from Nathan Elder earned Town reserves a 2-2 draw with Tranmere at the Greenhous Meadow yesterday afternoon.

By JAMES GARRISON