HEREFORD United legend Rob Purdie says he would love to get involved with a new phoenix club.

The 32-year-old, who made more than 300 appearances for the Bulls over three spells, is currently coaching the United in the Community (UTIC) team.

“I would love to get involved whether it’s on the playing side or managing, but it depends who takes over,” said Purdie.

“I am sure a lot of people would like the job and some ex-players would like to come back if they can.

“There a lot of things that need to be sorted out though, but I would like to be involved in any way I can.”

It is understood that three parties have stated that they would like to take hold of the leases at Edgar Street after Hereford United (1939) Ltd was wound up.

One of those is a consortium of businessmen that has the backing of Hereford United Supporters Trust (HUST). Purdie hopes that at least five of the UTIC side will be able to stake their claim for a place in the phoenix club come next season.

“Our aim is to get as many of these players ready so when the phoenix club is formed, we will have five or six players who can play for them,” said Purdie.

“We want it to be similar to this season and be a youth team to them, but that is up to the new owners.”

Purdie said that, even though UTIC was affiliated to Hereford United, none of the players were contracted to the club.

“We worked at the back office at Edgar Street and were in and around the first team,” said Purdie.

“I spoke to Jon Taylor and had a few meetings with Andy Lonsdale, but they didn’t want to use any of our players.”

Purdie added that UTIC will no longer be able to compete in the Giantkillers Cup, but is confident the team will complete their season. UTIC players Ben Pugh, Chris May, Lewis Fletcher, Robbie Trumper and Tom Gameson, as well as former youth players Callum Brennan and Max Kontic, were in action on Boxing Day as part of a HUST team that lost 7-0 to Redditch United.

Former Bull Ashley Sammons scored four times for Redditch, while Javia Roberts came off the substitutes’ bench.

Redditch chairman Chris Swann invited the side to Valley Stadium after their scheduled game against Hereford United was cancelled.

“I thought it was a good thing to do for Hereford and we had our first team squad because otherwise they wouldn’t have played for 12 days,” said Swann.

“They were lovely people and I said if there was anything we can do to help, then we will do all we can.”

The Southern League were unable to comment on whether any affected clubs will be compensated due to United not fulfilling their fixtures or what bond the club paid at the start of the season.