Hereford United Director of Football Gary Peters has called on fans to help support the new crop of youngsters that have recently been brought into the club.

Following comments on Internet forums, Peters has defended the recent signings of young players, saying that they have a vital part to play in the long-term survival and success of the club.

"I've seen certain comments about the youngsters we've signed. I feel supporters need to know all the facts before making certain comments," Peters told the Official Hereford United Website.

"The reason we've had to bring in these youngsters is that we don't have any second-year youth team players at the club.

"Our youth setup is still in it's infancy, so we won't have any youth-teamers breaking into the first team until next year at the earliest. We've had to go out and get other people's youngsters.

"The three we've signed [Will Evans, Sam Clucas and Dan Hanford] have all come in on first-year pro's wages. They've come here hungry to prove themselves, and if they manage that then they'll climb up the wages ladder.

"We've got nine players here with a total combined wage of less than Sean Canham.

"We've got players on low wages fighting to prove themselves and we've got players not getting paid by us because they want first-team football to help them develop.

"With regards to Will, Dan and Sam, we've brought them into the club because we believe they have the potential to make it.

"Although he's not had a chance to play for the first team yet, Dan Hanford is an exciting prospect who could be a great goalkeeper in a few years' time. Sam and Will have already broken into the first team due to injury or suspension, but have more than proved that they are capable of playing in the Football League.

"Other clubs are already starting to show an interest in some of these players, so again it's important that we've tied them down for next season early on.

"We're bringing these types of youngsters into the club to help improve their game. In turn they'll hopefully turn into first-team regulars and possibly be able to make the club some money.

"We have to be careful with comments we make, so that we don't break their spirit.

"They're all hungry to succeed and are full of energy, determination and willingness to learn. As a club we need to take these players under our wing, nurture them and give them the support that they need to help them turn into the players we believe they can become."