Robinson while he concentrated on securing the club's financial future. When Hereford finished 17th at the end of the season, it appeared enough was enough and Turner handed in his resignation to the board. But after several discussions he again decided to continue to remain at the club, despite the deadline to repay the debt looming large. 2002–03 proved the turning point with Turner taking the opportunity to build an entirely new squad, retaining only six players from the previous season. The team, built entirely of free transfers, evolved into arguably the best footballing side in the Conference, finishing second in a record-breaking 2003–04 season. But Hereford faltered in the play-off semi final against Aldershot Town, with crucial decisions going against them. Another runners-up spot and play-off failure came the following season but the 2005–06 season proved third time lucky when Hereford defeated Halifax Town in the 2006 Conference Playoff Final, to secure promotion to the Football League. After the match, Turner said his overwhelming feeling was "relief" after many hard seasons in the Conference. Hereford survived their first season back in the Football League in 16th position. The 2007–08 saw Turner make full use of the loan system, without paying any transfer fees. The Bulls placed consistently in the top 5 all season and achieved promotion to the league's third tier for the first time in 30 years. Having finally gained the promotion he had come close to in 1995–96, Turner again used the loan system in League One, purchasing only one player for an undisclosed fee. However this strategy was not nearly as successful in 2008–09 as the Bulls struggled in League One and were relegated on 18 April 2009. Turner subsequently announced he was stepping down as manager, having apologised for the season's performance. On 24 April 2009, as chairman, he appointed John Trewick as his successor. Turner remained chairman, director of football and majority shareholder of Hereford United until the end of the 2009–2010 season. His time in charge saw him stabilise the club's finances, turning a profit for the last six seasons,. In his near 14 season spell at Hereford he purchased just three players: Neil Grayson (£20,000 in 1997), Ben Smith (£20,000 in 2007) and Matt Done (undisclosed in 2008) although Toumani Diagouraga arrived on a permanent transfer as part of the sale of Lionel Ainsworth to Watford. On 8 March 2010 Hereford United