FORMER Hereford United skipper Luke Graham admits he’s astonished his former club are allowed to register new signings, despite owing wages to ex-players and staff.

The Bulls were slapped with a transfer embargo by the Football Conference last season after they failed to pay money owed to HM Revenues and Customs.

But the Southern League, who accepted United after their expulsion from the Conference last month, say the Edgar Street club are free to sign players for the forthcoming season.

Manager Jon Taylor is reported to be working with trialists at the city’s Victoria Park but no official announcements on new players have been made as uncertainty continues to surround the Edgar Street club.

Hereford, however, have still not paid players from last season, along with a number of office staff, who have since left.

Graham, who has joined Alfreton Town, said: “To allow a club to register players where there are a set of players and staff still owed money sums up football.

“The problems won’t go away and I feel sorry for the people who have put their heart and soul into the football club.

“The Southern League are probably thinking that Hereford United are a big draw but they are not supporting the people who are owed money by the club.”

Southern League secretary Jason Mills said: “The Football Conference put in place the embargo, not the Southern League, therefore, at present, Hereford United can register players.”

Meanwhile, the club’s advisor Joel Nathan, who works for Grays Athletic in the Ryman League Premier Division, insists the club will get a safety certificate for Edgar Street.

United cannot play home matches in front of spectators until Herefordshire Council is satisfied with the safety measures.

Nathan said: “Everything is in place and the fire people have checked things out and it is all in hand.”