ROB Purdie says that his testimonial match on Sunday will give club legends a chance to say goodbye to each other and the fans.

Former Hereford United manager and chairman Graham Turner will return to manage a Hereford United XI side which includes Purdie and his former team-mates.

Midfielder Purdie, who started his career at Leicester City, made over 500 appearances for the Bulls during three permanent stints with Hereford United and then returning for the reformed Hereford FC where he retired at the end of last season.

Purdie is expecting a competitive fixture with many of the former players still keeping themselves fit.

“Everybody wants to come and play and most of the players should have enough fitness about them to last a decent amount of the game,” said Purdie.

“We (Hereford United XI) are hoping to win the match and we are hoping that the first 60 minutes will be very competitive.

“Some of the past players who have struggled with injuries and the fans from the draw will then play in the last 30 minutes.”

The United squad includes the likes of Stuart Fleetwood, Andy Williams, Guy Ipoua, Paul Parry, Ben Smith, Jamie Pitman, Wayne Brown, Ryan Green, Matt Baker, Tony James and many others.

Purdie says he owes a lot to Turner who helped guide him as a young player and is delighted to have him managing the Hereford United XI side.

Turner will be in the dugout alongside former fitness coach, Tony Ford, former player and physiotherapist, Ian Rodgerson and former kit man, John Lawley.

“I rang Graham not knowing if he would be available for it, but he jumped at the chance,” Purdie added.

“We spoke for 15 minutes reminiscing about the old times and players. I’ve always said that he gave me a chance at Hereford and allowed me to have a career.

“It was at a stage when I had gone from the Premier League with Leicester to the Conference. I was hard working and he knew when to play me.”

Purdie was also a major part in the success of the re-formed Hereford FC side helping them to three league titles and scoring at Wembley in the FA Vase final.

Former Hereford FC players set to play in the match include: Martin Horsell, Jimmy Oates, Jamie Willets, Joel Edwards, Jamie Cuss, Jamie Molyneux, Pablo Haysham and John Mills.

The coaching staff for Hereford FC will be former kit man Roger Lloyd and current Sports Therapist Jonny Evans.

Purdie is looking forward to saying goodbye to all his past team-mates from both sides and has also invited former manager Pete Beadle to the match.

“We have managed to get two good squads together and I’m really looking forwards to sitting down and having a drink with my mates in football,” added Purdie.

“It will be great to see them again and will be the last time I see 95 per cent of them.”

Other activities on the day will include a fan's raffle with proceeds to The Adam Stansfield Foundation and the Junior Bulls along with a cross bar challenge.

The match will pause in the ninth minute to allow players and fans alike to remember Adam Stansfield with a minute applause.

Fans can pay on the day of the game with the ticket office open from 11.30am and a gate open for those arriving late.