HEREFORD will look forward to hitting the road this week to get away from a "difficult" atmosphere at Edgar Street.

The under-fire Bulls boss takes his charges to Guiseley for a National North relegation six-pointer tomorrow (7.45) on the back of a troubled three months in charge.

That has led to calls for his head with criticism beginning to affect the players according to Richards.

“I feel they (the players) are playing with their shackles on a little bit," he said.

“I don’t know why. It is difficult the atmosphere sometimes, probably directed at myself as well, can be a bit negative which maybe affects the decision making at times.

“I don’t think that helps to be honest. (In) that sort of environment of somebody making the right decision at the right time can be affected.

“I’ve got no problem if they want to direct their anger and negativity towards me, I’ll take that, but when it starts affects my players and when it starts affecting their decision making, it’s not helping.

"Unfortunately the lads are sometimes happier playing away than they are at home.

“We pass the ball 10 yards back and there’s jeers and boos. Sometimes you need to do that to get the ball into pockets or forwards, so I don’t think it helps.

“When it starts affecting the players it’s not ideal.”