COMBATIVE midfielder Jamie Pitman is gearing up for a career in physiotherapy when he finally hangs up his boots.

The Hereford United is currently juggling the twin demands of education and the Conference as he prepares for life after football.

Pitman, set to start at Peterborough United in today's FA Cup first round clash, has embarked on a four year chartered physiotherapy degree with a view to eventually working in the NHS.

In the meantime Pitman opponents left writhing in agony on the floor following the midfielder's tackles can at least be sure of a helping and expert hand.

"I've always been interested in the subject and it's progressed over the last few years," revealed Pitman.

"I've been doing different courses and this degree course is the final stop because you need the qualification to be recognised in the industry."

But with Hereford flying high in the Nationwide Conference and Pitman still only 27 it's football that is still occupies the ex-Woking and Yeovil player's thoughts.

"I'm a player first and foremost," said Pitman. "I do two days a week at college on a Monday and Thursday and despite Thursday being a big day in training it hasn't been too bad combining the both."

Pitman's commitment to the Bulls' cause earned him a dismissal for two bookable offences against Leigh last weekend but the standard of refereeing in the Conference is a bone of contention for the midfielder.

"It's frustrating but there's no point appealing and I'm going to miss the Margate game," added Pitman.

"The standard of refereeing has not progressed to the level that the football in the Conference has. Against Northampton we had an outstanding Football League referee which illustrated the gulf between the two."