Hereford United central defender James Wall has been given an early release from his contract so that he can join Nashville Metros in the American League.

United signed Wall, aged 20, from Derby County in the summer of 1999 and his contract was due to run out at the end of the present campaign. He made 29 first team appearances for the Bulls and towards the end of last term had a loan spell with Burton Albion.

While at Burton he broke a leg, but made a good recovery from the injury during the close season.

Wall said: "I intended to do some coaching in the United States last summer but was unable to do so because of my injury.

"Through the contacts I made then, though, I was able to get in touch with Nashville Metros.

"I had a very good reference from Manchester United assistant manager Steve McClaren, who was a coach at Derby during my time there, and was offered a contract to play for the Metros."

Wall said that United director of football Graham Turner had been very helpful in releasing him from his contract.

Wall added: "It is a fantastic opportunity for me, although it will be a completely different environment. Training sessions are held early in the day with matches played in the late evening."

Bulls captain Ian Wright said: "It will be a tremendous experience for James. He has always given a 100 per cent effort for Hereford and has been a very good clubman."