FORMER Hereford players from the old and phoenix clubs will have the chance to say goodbye and thank the fans for their support at Rob Purdie's testimonial.

Instead of inviting a Football League side to compete in the match, Purdie who played for both Hereford United and Hereford FC is inviting his former team-mates back to Edgar Street for one last time on Sunday, May 12.

Amongst the players who have been asked to take part is 2005 play-off hero Guy Ipoua, winger Paul Parry and Hereford FC legend John Mills.

"I could try and get a Leicester or a Cardiff City down here but they would bring an under-23 side or youth team," said Purdie.

"They would be fitter than the players I could get together although it might bring in more fans through the door.

"But this game will give fans a chance to watch players they remember whether it's Paul Parry 15 years ago or John Mills.

"It will be a celebration of everything Hereford United and Hereford FC during my career. I am trying to give something back to the fans who I have enjoyed playing for over the last 20 years.

"I have played with a lot of good players over the last three years as Hereford FC and during the Conference years with United.

"We have got 20 players confirmed for each squad although that might change. Hopefully there will be someone for each fan to look at and remember or want to see them play again.

"Also a lot of the players haven't had a chance to say goodbye either through being released or transferred away without playing their last home game at Edgar Street.

"So it will be their chance to say goodbye also."

The two captains will be Joel Edwards for Hereford FC XI and Tony James for Hereford United XI.

A provisional list of the goalkeepers and defenders involved will be released on Friday with the midfielders released on March 15 and strikers on March 29.

"John Mills wants to be part of anything at Hereford and I have also spoken to Guy Ipoua and I would love to see him there," added Purdie.

"Even if he (Ipoua) can play just 10 minutes, his presence would be great. We have got two really good squads and I fancy United to win it."

Six lucky Hereford fans will be drawn out of a hat and will play 10 minutes each in the match.

Supporters will need to purchase a £5 Squad Player Raffle ticket by emailing aande-kefalos@live.co.uk.

"I didn't want to out-price fans by auctioning the places off and wanted to do something else for the fans by making it a raffle," added Purdie.

"It helps fans get involved and gives them the chance to play up front with Guy Ipoua."

Fans can purchase tickets for the testimonial match through the Hereford FC website.

Those wishing to be seated are urged to pre-book as currently the Len Weston may be closed.