HEREFORD FC chairman Jon Hale says the club cannot afford to give out too many “handouts” after Tony James left the club to make way for Ryan Green.

The versatile Green, who memorably scored the winning goal for Hereford United that clinched promotion to the Football League in 2006, was quickly snapped up by Hereford after failing to agree financial terms at Merthyr Town.

But Green’s arrival has signalled the end of James’ stint at the club, with the experienced defender told he will not be staying at Edgar Street.

“We agreed a budget, which Pete [Beadle] has kept to and if he identifies a player that has to fit within that budget,” said Hale.

“We did give him some help with John Mills and Pablo Haysham, but we have to be prudent and ambitious at the same time.

“We have to make sure that we don’t give out handouts too regularly.

“There is no panic with the budget, but financially we have to make room for it and a decision was made to release Tony.

“While the attendances are very strong, there are associated costs that come with that."

Hale has dismissed rumours that Paul Parry, another ex-United player, will be joining the club.

"There's no truth in that whatsoever," said Hale.

Green, who captained Merthyr to promotion from Southern Football League Division One South & West last season, says he is delighted to be back at Edgar Street.

“As soon as I had the phone call, I knew that I wanted to sign back here,” said Green.

“It is a club that I was at for six years and has a special place in my heart.

“You look at the crowds here, you don’t get that at some League One clubs.

“There’s so much potential here for it to go through the leagues.”

Bulls manager Beadle said he was sad to see James go.

“I spoke to Tony on Saturday before the game and he was disappointed but understanding,” said Beadle.

“In an ideal world, I would have loved to have kept him as well because Ryan is versatile and can play right-back, whereas Tony is an out-and-out centre-half.

“As a group it would have been great to have that experience to call on if needed. But, unfortunately with where we are with our budget, we have to make sure that we stay within that.

“Yes, we are always looking to evolve and do better, but if we do bring in anybody in, then we will have to let people go.”

Another ex-Hereford United player who has joined the Hereford set-up is Jamie Pitman. The 39-year-old, who managed the Bulls during the 2011-12 season, is the interim caretaker manager of the Under-18 side.

Pitman, who replaces Steve Brotherwood, will be assisted by first team captain Joel Edwards, with the duo reporting to football consultant Gareth Davies.

Other staff changes at United in the Community sees HFA secretary Val Lambert become interim office manager, with Kerry Pugh academy administrator and Liam Brewer taking on the role of academy head coach.

Under-18 players Lewis Clarke, Jay Richmond and Matt McDonald signed first team forms this week.

“We have tried to stay as close as we can with their development," said Beadle.

“They’ve got two good coaches there and experienced players."