GOALKEEPER Brad Wade is 'beyond his years', says Hereford manager Josh Gowling.

The 21-year-old, from Gloucester, is a product of the Rochdale youth academy and has been on contract at the club for the past two seasons.

He has previously spent spells on loan at Barrow and Guiseley where he played a host of matches in three loan spells.

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"He's a good goalkeeper, he agile, he's good with his feet and is vocal, a bit mad at times," said Gowling.

"I'm really pleased to get it done and over the line.

"We had some other options in that area but he was definitely the one for us.

 

"I think he's going to be a fans' favourite this year and the fans will really like him.

"Hopefully he won't have to pull off too many saves this season but when he's called upon I'm sure he will deliver.

"He comes for things, punches and catch things. He's a confident boy.

"If he's going to go where I think he'll go then he needs to stand on his own two feet and be one of those experienced players to push us forward.

"In training already he demands things off people, if somebody isn't tracking a runner then he'll have a go.

"He doesn't like conceding goals and is experienced beyond his years already."

Gowling says that his side will be bigger this season which he hopes will help at both ends of the pitch.

"When you see the side this year, we're a lot bigger and I think we've got a bit more experience in the side now," Gowling added.

"Where last year we didn't score as many goals as we should have from set plays and at times looked vulnerable from set plays, I don't think we'll have that same vulnerability this year due to the size of the squad."