HEREFORD’S teenager defender Mark Derricott impressed during his first loan appearance at Hednesford Town.

The young central defender has made several appearances during November for the Bulls, but with players returning from injury has been sent out to Southern League Premier Division Central side Hednesford.

Hereford’s former assistant Steve Burr was manager at Hednesford before being sacked this week but Derricott will remain on loan for the rest of December with the Pitmen.

“I spoke to Burr after their game (against Redditch) they played at the weekend, they drew 1-1. I spoke to Mark and the Redditch manager about Mark,” said Hereford boss Josh Gowling.

“He said that Mark did really well so it was important that he gets minutes at a good level. He got his first 90 against Redditch who are a good side as well.

“I’m pleased that he stood out and was one of their better players at Hednesford. I’m really pleased that he’s there for a month.

“I know Burr has left, I spoke to him yesterday (Monday), he was really disappointed to have gone. It’s football sometimes. Mark is there for a month anyway, hopefully he’ll get more games.”

Midfielder James Caton has also been released by Hereford after failing to make the matchday squads in the past few matches.

“We don’t have the budget to have players not being in the squad, that money needs to go back into the budget,” added Gowling.

Meanwhile, Salford City loanee James Melhado has returned to his parent club after picking up a serious hamstring tear during Hereford’s draw with Chorley last week.

Gowling added: “I’m really disappointed for James (Melhado), he struck at ball in the game (against Chorley) and he had a Grade 3C, really bad hamstring tear on the tendon, so he’s going to be out for four or five months.”