EXPERIENCED player Rob Purdie believes he still has plenty to offer the Hereford.

The 35-year-old has been mainly a squad player this season, but came off the bench against Bishop's Stortford and started last Saturday's match against Biggleswade Town.

Hereford had to grind out the wins in both games and Purdie believes it's those are the sort of games where Purdie's experience can be vital.

"I think I've still got that cleverness and movement which I feel is probably a higher standard than what we have here," said Purdie.

"I know when to stretch it and when to come short.

"In a perfect world, I would have played there all my career, and I think against Bishop's Stortford, he [Hereford manager Pete Beadle] saw it.

"And even against Biggleswade when I didn't get the ball, I moved people around so I'm pleased with how I've played for the last game and a half.

"I am still short of fitness and sharpness, but hopefully I can get a run of games in.

"When everything is right, you can have anyone out there from a 20-man squad.

"Pick anyone and we'll win the league.

"But in the games like against Bishop's Stortford when it wasn't quite going our way, I think an older head knows how to play.

"I don't stop talking for example, even if's pulling someone six yards and making sure they're in the right position.

"And I think that is a big thing that I bring to the team."

Purdie started against Dorchester when a flue epidemic hit the team, but before that, his last start was against Oxford City in the FA Trophy.

"I've been disappointed and wanted to play and there's been times where I've thought that I've got a chance now because the performances haven't been as good.

"But I've been here before, I'm 35 and if I can sneak as many minutes between now and the end of the season and speak to Beads about next season, then I'm happy.

"Birdy has come into his own a little bit, Eliot has shown what he's all about and you've got Billy who was unlucky to sit out.

"So it's hard to keep your place in the team, but hopefully I'll get a place next Saturday."

Purdie added that he still has a huge hunger to achieve as much as he can before he retires.

"Before the game, Beads asked, 'where do you want to be?' and he was talking to the mid-20 year-olds," said Purdie.

"Do you want to play higher and how are you going to get there?

"For me, it's a pride thing and a hunger that I want to play as many games before I retire.

"I want to be the one out there with the shirt and the one that is making the team tick over and playing well.

"I want to be at Hereford, I want to be involved and one of the players that helps the club get to where it belongs."