Hereford skipper Rob Purdie points up contrast with play-off final and relegation clash (From Hereford Times)

Hereford skipper Rob Purdie points up contrast with play-off final and relegation clash

8:22pm Friday 4th May 2012 in Sport By Richard Prime

BULLS skipper Rob Purdie will be the only United player on the pitch on Saturday in the vital relegation clash with Torquay who played in the game which earned their League status.

The influential midfielder was a key member of the side which won against Halifax Town at the Walkers Stadium six years ago but feels there is a considerable contrast between the two matches.

“These are the two biggest games that I have ever played in during my career but this feels a lot different,” said the 29-year-old.

“When we were at the Walkers Stadium, in a way we were expected to win.

“It was about time that we went up whereas this time we are not really expected to stay up.

“But I don’t think any of us really contemplate going down.

“We feel positive about it because we think that we are going to get the result against Torquay. Then, obviously, it will depend on Burton and Barnet.”

The fact that United’s fate depends on another result, alters matters for the Bulls, the skipper believes.

“There are not as many nerves this time because, probably, the pressure is off us in the sense that it is not in our hands,” he said.

“But everyone is geared up for it in the same way as we were for the play-offs.”

Purdie feels that there is enough talent in the side to have avoided being in the position they are in.

“At the end of the season, the league table doesn’t lie but I don’t think it is solely on ability alone,” he said.

“Ability-wise, I don’t believe we are a bottom-two team in this league.

“I don’t believe that any bottom-two team would be able to go to Crawley and turn them over like we did; it is just that we have not done it often enough.

“Ultimately you finish where you deserve to finish but it doesn’t necessarily reflect the ability in the side.”

And he called upon the Bulls fans to really get behind the team on Saturday.

“We need them to get behind us as much as they can for the 90 minutes,” he said. “We want our fans’ noise to drown out Torquay.

“If we can get that goal it could demoralise Torquay if our fans keep on going – they can play a massive part whether we are winning, drawing or losing.”

For fans and players' reaction to Hereford United's relegation from the Football League, watch this six-minute Hereford Times video:

http://www.herefordtimes.com/video/