JIMMY Oates has been given the blessing of Hereford FC as he looks to secure a full-time contract with League Two side Exeter City.

The 27-year-old defender, who graduated from Hartpury College has become a staple of the Bulls team over the past three seasons and was the captain for last season's Evo-Stik League Southern Premier winning campaign.

Oates played for Exeter City during their 3-1 win at Bideford AFC on Tuesday night.

Hereford manager Pete Beadle said that the trial came about ‘very quickly’ but he hoped that Oates might return for Saturday’s pre-season friendly at Sporting Khalsa.

"The three years he has been here has been here he has been fantastic," said Beadle.

“At the moment we see it that he is away for a short spell and then hopefully he will be back for Saturday.

"We will wait and see what happens. It's not a difficult situation, it's just one that came about very quickly.

“It is a great time in his career to try and see if he can get a full-time contract in the game and everyone here at Edgar Street is willing him to do well.”

Hereford Chairman Ken Kinnersley, speaking to the the club’s official website, wished Oates well during his trial.

“We pride ourselves in developing players and giving them the opportunity to progress their career,” he said.

“Our aim is for them to progress with us as we rise up the leagues, but we also realise that sometimes players will be able to make even bigger strides forward by moving on without us. We would never want to stand in the way of a player having the chance to make football his full-time career.

“We hope that Jimmy impresses during his trial, but we will also be very happy to be able to welcome him back here at the end of the trial if things don’t quite work out this time around!”

“Jimmy has been open and honest with us about this opportunity, and we have given him our full support and best wishes from the start.”

With fellow defender Ryan Green currently unavailable due to illness Beadle is looking to bring in a centre-half on loan.

Hereford took their second victory of pre-season on Tuesday night with a 3-0 win at Cirencester Town.

Jamie Bird netted the opener within the first minute before trialist Lee Lucas netted a second direct from a free-kick.

Mike Symons completed the victory after Jennison Myrie-Williams flashes a cross to him across the face of goal.

Following last night’s victory manager Beadle was due to make his decision on the four trialists.