Former Hereford United star Rob Purdie admits League One lure to Shrewsbury Town was too much (From Hereford Times)
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Former Hereford United star Rob Purdie admits League One lure to Shrewsbury Town was too much
2:00pm Thursday 5th July 2012 in Sport
ROB Purdie admits the lure of League One football was too good to refuse.
Hereford United’s playerof- the-year has joined forces with former Edgar Street chief Graham Turner at rivals Shrewsbury Town.
Purdie said he was offered a ‘very good package’ to stay with United and new boss Martin Foyle almost convinced him to stay.
“I didn’t really make my decision until the middle of last week,” said Purdie, who signed a one-year deal at Shrewsbury on Tuesday.
“I didn’t want to leave Hereford but when I got a second chance to play in League One, I couldn’t really turn it down.
“I am going to a new club but I know Graham Turner, John Trewick and Tony Ford and, to work with them, is going to be a good thing for me.”
The versatile Purdie was outstanding for Hereford last season and made more than 200 appearances in two spells for the Bulls.
“It’s strange to call Hereford ‘them’ now,” he admitted.
“Shrewsbury are a club on the up and, unfortunately, Hereford have gone the other way. Some things have not quite worked out and, sadly, we couldn’t keep Hereford in the Football League.
“A lot of my friends from last season have also gone — Adam Bartlett, Nicky Featherstone and Joe Colbeck.”
The former Oldham player was offered a coaching opportunity by Foyle.
He added: “I think that Martin Foyle is a fantastic appointment for Hereford and he almost convinced me to stay.
“But it was probably one or two years too early for me. I am sad to be leaving Hereford and I might come back but, to play in League One, was an opportunity that I couldn’t turn down.”
Purdie says he will still be living in Hereford and expects his move up the A49 will divide opinion.
He added: “Hopefully, it won’t be long before Hereford establish themselves in the Conference and get back into the League.”
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