JAMIE Pitman has admitted that he may not have been ready to manage Hereford United when he took the reins four years ago.

The 39-year-old, who was a popular player during two spells at the club, was sacked by the Bulls in March 2012 following an horrendous run of form, which included throwing away a 4-2 lead against Gillingham with just 10 minutes to go.

He was replaced by Richard O'Kelly, who despite seeing an upturn in fortune, could not save United from relegation from the Football League.

Pitman, who also enjoyed a spell as a physio at Edgar Street, was initially appointed as caretaker manager of the Bulls after Simon Davey was sacked 10 games into the 2010/11 season.

He was subsequently handed a two-deal after keeping United in the Football League on the penultimate day of the season.

But he could not sustain the momentum the following campaign and many supporters called for his long long before he was dismissed.

Pitman believes the club suffered badly when Graham Turner left at the end of the 2009/10 season, selling the club to David Keyte.

"It was a difficult period for the club after Graham left," said Pitman.

"He was such a legend in the way he ran the club and it was a difficult time, but I one I did enjoy and was a great learning experience for myself.

"It was an opportunity I couldn't turn down, whether I was ready for it at the time, I don't know.

"We had a very good first season and it became very tough the second season.

"But that was always going to be the case with everything that happened and the way the club was going."

Pitman said he found it difficult making the transition from player to manager.

"It's tough, especially with some of the players who you played with or you had a relationship with outside of football.

"And then, may be they don't become your friends.

"You have to be a bit ruthless.

"I don't know if I was ready for that at that time, but lots of things happen and you keep perspective with a lot of things."

Pitman, who still lives in Hereford, now works with the Football Association on their Skills Programme initiative.

He said was not tempted in applying for the Hereford FC manager's job.

"It's something I looked at with regard to my family and I want to spend as much time with them as possible and my job gives me that opportunity to do that," said Pitman.

"I'm still living in Hereford and I enjoy living here – it's a great place and I've got my family here.

"I want to give my own sons to go and watch football, so hopefully I will get down to Edgar Street."

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