RICHARD Rose is sad to be leaving Edgar Street after five seasons - but says he’s excited about his new arrival this summer.

The versatile player admits that, for the first time in his life, he has other things more important than football.

“I am very sad that I am leaving a club that I have been happy at for five years,” he said.

“But, for the first time in my life, I have other things that are more important than football.

“While football is my career, and it’s obviously important, my beautiful girlfriend Sarah Winter is pregnant.

“She’s only got another 12 weeks of her pregnancy to go and our baby’s due date is August 28.

“Sarah’s also from Hastings and she moved up with me to Worcester. But we’ve now gone back to Hastings.”

Rose was not offered a new deal by United manager Jamie Pitman last week after making 194 first-team appearances for the Bulls.

“Pits said there was not enough cash in the budget,” said Rose, who joined the Bulls in July 2006.

“I have mixed emotions - I do get a bit upset when I think about leaving but, on the other side, it’s exciting because it will be a new experience.

“Jamie has got a job to do - and he has to make decisions which are not always easy. I get on very well with Jamie and he’s a good friend of mine.”

Rose says he now wants to remain in the Football League and would, ideally, like to find a club in the Sussex, Essex or London area.

“I have really enjoyed my time at Hereford and the supporters have been great towards me.

“I have had a lot messages from people saying they were sorry to see me leaving, which has been heart-warming.”

The 28-year-old says his happiest footballing memory with Hereford was their promotion to League 1.

He says his best game in a Hereford shirt was in the FA Cup win at Leeds United in November 2007.

Rose believes his best position is at full back but he says he enjoyed his cameo role in midfield last season.

“Whenever I have had a good game I think that’s my favourite position,”

admitted Rose, who can play in a host of positions.

He scored five goals for United and thinks his best was the firstminute crackerjack against Barnet in the 2-1 home defeat in March.

“I told the lads afterwards that it was typical - it’s the only decent goal I have ever scored and we go on to lose the game.”

The ex-Gillingham man said it was vital that Hereford maintained their Football League status.

“As soon as Simon Davey went, staying up was our goal for the whole season,” he said.

“We made it hard - and we had a few chances to put it to bed - but it was great that we actually managed to do it.”