FORMER Everton and Liverpool player Kevin Sheedy said he was delighted to return to Hereford Lads Club to officially open the club's new stand and floodlights.

Sheedy was at the County Ground prior to Lads Club's game against Hereford, another of his former clubs.

"I have fantastic memories from a young boy playing games and it was my first foot in my professional career," said Sheedy.

"It's great to see it taking shape with the new floodlights and stand.

"A lot of hard work has gone on behind the scenes and these are the rewards.

"I am pleased to see that they are doing really well."

Sheedy added that he also had fond memories of his time at Hereford United.

The Irishman left Edgar Street in 1978 to join Liverpool before having a successful career at Everton.

"Kevin told me six, seven weeks ago that he would come down and help when it fitted in," said Lads Club manager Danny Moon.

"Luckily he came down with his mum and dad and he agreed to do it.

"He's an ex-Lads Club history with great history, likewise Ian Rodgerson."

"Hereford gave me my first professional debut against Preston with a full house at Edgar Street," explained Sheedy.

"I had three great seasons there before moving on to Liverpool, so it was great to see both teams in action."

Sheedy believes Hereford can continue going through the leagues because of the support they attract.

"You only have to look at what Fleetwood have done over the years – they have flown through the divisions, so with the right backing and support, people get behind you," added Sheedy.

"There is a big population in Hereford, so if you have a successful football team, people want to come."

Ian Rodgerson, another former Lads Club and Hereford also attended the game to the delight of Lads Club manager Danny Moon.

"Kevin told me six, seven weeks ago that he would come down and help when it fitted in," said Moon.

"Luckily he came down with his mum and dad and he agreed to do it.

"He's an ex-Lads Club history with great history, likewise Ian Rodgerson.

"We put a game on, we wanted it to be a bit closer but it is what it is."