DEPARTING Anthony Robbins says he will always be grateful for being the opportunity to play for Hereford.

Robbins is back at Pegasus Juniors after realising his first team opportunities at Edgar Street would be severely restricted this season.

The central midfielder was on the substitutes bench for a large part of last season after joining from Westfields and could not play in the FA Vase due to being cup tied.

And after Hereford manager Pete Beadle brought in Jamie Edge, Robbins knew his time was up.

"I'm gutted because of all the success Hereford have had and are going to have but I understand the squad is evolving all the time and he [Beadle] is always looking to strengthen," said Robbins.

"He brought in Jamie Edge into my position, so it was always going to be much harder to get into the team.

"This summer, I worked really hard in pre-season and kept myself in the best shape I could, so myself and Pete sat down and spoke.

"We agreed that my chances of playing were going to be limited, so with the fitness that I had, there was no point me being on the bench all the time.

"So it made sense to take a step down and go to Pegasus."

Robbins looked sharp in pre-season and made the bench for the Bulls' opening league game at AFC Totton.

But the midfielder did not come on and, after not making the 16 in the next match against Mangotsfield, the decision was made to release him.

"I suppose the timing was a little strange, but maybe he [Beadle] is looking at other targets," admitted Robbins.

"But he has brought Edge in and it will take some player to dislodge [Aaron] Birch and [Rob] Purdie.

"I understand why he has done it and it will be better for me to go at my age because I need games.

"But I am so proud to be able to have played for Hereford – not many local lads get to do it and to score a goal at the Meadow End was brilliant.

"When I was at school, I used to watch Paul Parry, Ian Wright and John Snape play for Hereford and I never dreamt I would play for them.

"I will always be grateful for Peter and the club for taking me in and they deserve all the success they will get."