JOEL Edwards says it might have been a blessing in disguise to have been released by Hereford after signing for Cardiff Met University.

The former Bulls captain will be playing in the Welsh Premier League next season and will also be undertaking a three-year sports coaching degree at the university.

Edwards said he didn't see his release coming, but has now moved on and thinks he can go on to bigger and better things.

"I wish them all the best and I still speak to the lads and will obviously support them," said Edwards.

"I'm now moving on and hopefully go on to bigger things here, so maybe it will be a blessing in disguise."

Edwards said he had the best two years of his life at Hereford and it 'meant the world' to play for his hometown club.

"I gave me all on and off the pitch, but it's happened and we move on," he said.

"I had great memories there, like going to Wembley and winning six trophies.

"It's been incredible and I take a lot from the club and I appreciate the opportunity in the first place.

"If I'm ever free to go down, I will do and make sure they're still doing alright."

"I believe they will push on again and have another good season.

"They've made some good signings and the core of the squad is still there and my money is on them to go up again."

Edwards had 'five or six offers' from clubs following his release, but didn't want to rush into making a decision.

He confirmed he spoke to Westfields manager Sean Edwards and had a training sessions with them to keep up his fitness.

"My options were very open and everything was an option at that stage," said Edwards.

"I didn't rush into any decisions and was open with all the clubs and kept in contact with them.

"I did go through a little pre-season session down at Westfields to keep my fitness up and they have been really good.

"Again I wish them all the best, but I think this is the right decision for me."

Edwards trained with Cardiff Met for the first time last Wednesday and played just under an hour of a pre-season friendly at Cinderford Town on Saturday.

The 25-year-old said he loved getting back on the pitch.

"It was my first game since May and I really enjoyed it," said Edwards.