FORMER Hereford United goalkeeper Dan Connor has left Edgar Street - but has offered to help out if Martin Foyle needs him.

The popular Irishman will be remaining in the area with his wife and two children and is completing a coaching course.

“You could see from the way that things were going at the club, it was only a matter of time before my services were not needed,” said Connor.

“My time at Hereford has coincided with a lot of ups and downs for the club but I have enjoyed it and met some lovely people.

“Having had five different bosses in two years, I have gained a bit from all of them.

“From a goalkeeping coach’s point of view, it’s been a great experience.”

Connor was brought to the club by Simon Davey but suffered a career-ending hip injury just months after arriving at United.

After his injury, Connor ran the club shop and later worked as United’s goalkeeping coach and a youth-team coach. He was released by United last week.

“I also played in a couple of reserve games and joined in a bit of training, but my injury meant my fitness was only ever back to 75 per cent at best,” said Connor.

“The club were great to me after my injury and I would not be where I am today without the opportunities given to me by David Keyte.

“After I retired as a player, the club employed me to coach and I am halfway through my A-licence for goalkeepers.

“I am hoping to find somewhere nearby to carry on my A-licence.

“You have to put the hours in and I’ve said to Martin Foyle that if he ever needs help, I am always willing to come in and help out.”

Connor said he has sympathy for United’s fans and chairman Keyte but said the relegation from League Two had hit the club hard.

“I was part of the relegation from the League Two and I have seen, at first hard, what it does to a football club.

“Dave’s heart is in the right place and it’s nobody’s fault that it did not work out and the club went down.

“When a club is fighting relegation, you have to make a decision and it does not always turn out the way you would have hoped for.

“I have left the club - but there’s no hard feelings. I know that things are tough at the moment but I hope things work out for the club.”

Connor says he is now planning to remain in Herefordshire.

“My two children will both be going to school in Stretton Sugwas and, as a family, we’re settled, “It’s a good school and Herefordshire is a lovely part of the country to live in and bring up children.”