EXPERIENCED defender Jared Hodgkiss thinks that new boss Josh Gowling will be a 'great manager' and was a draw in him signing for the coming season.
The 33-year-old full-back played 30 times in his first season for Hereford last term scoring one goal.

He says that the appointment of Gowling, whose taking on his first permanent manager job, was key to him signing for another season.

"I'm buzzing to be back and can't wait to kick a ball again really," said Hodgkiss

"The positives to draw from it (last season) was the last 10 or so games of the season which I think has given me a lot of belief.

"Hopefully it has given the lads who are staying the belief that we can push on this season and have a much better season.

"The big thing for me was Josh (Gowling) getting the job. I want to play for him (Gowling) and I think he'll be a great manager.

"He plays football the right way. The main thing for me was if Josh got the job then I wanted to stay. 

"I think times are changing in football, over my career even, the old school sort of way is not necessarily the right way anymore.

"You have to be very new school and Josh is exactly that, fingers crossed we can have a good season. Josh will be able to bring in the players he wants this season and hopefully it will be a good season."

During his career Hodgkiss has played for a host of sides with lengthy spells at Forest Green Rovers (164 appearances) and Kidderminster Harriers (94 appearances).

He says that his first season at Edgar Street was one of the hardest seasons he has had in football.

"It was very inconsistent last season, both on and off the pitch it really was hard," said Hodgkiss.

"All the people who took charge last season had their hands full really with trying to find out the best team, formation and way to play and nothing really worked until the last 10 games of the season.

"It was difficult. I'm not sticking up for any manager, but if you inherit a squad and try and play a certain way but haven't got the players to play that way then it's always going to be difficult."

Hodgkiss said during the lockdown period he kept himself fit as if football was going to resume until it would have officially finished.
He then had 10 days rest before slowly building his fitness back.

"I've never experienced anything like this but that's the routine that I've done for years," said Hodgkiss.

"Now for my programme that I do myself it should be my pre-season in the next week or two. No footballer likes pre-season but I'm quite looking forward to it to be honest."