HEREFORD have signed goalkeeper Curtis Pond to their squad for the forthcoming season ending a 10-year spell at his previous club.

Pond has spent the last decade playing for Chasetown but has moved up from playing at step four of the non-league pyramid.

Hereford manager Paul Caddis said his new goalkeeper has previously turned down offers to move up the pyramid.

He told the club’s website: “Curtis is everything I look for in a goalkeeper – courageous, commanding of his box, unbelievable technical ability and most importantly, he’s someone who can make big saves at big moments.

“He’s had numerous opportunities across the years to step up but for personal and professional reasons has decided to continue to play where he is.

“After spending some time with Curtis he fed off my enthusiasm and the drive of this football club, and has decided now is the time to play at a level he should have a long time ago, especially as personally the time is right for him.

“Curtis is a brilliant size for a goalkeeper at 6ft 4 and like most keepers has a brilliant character and demeanour about himself. We are delighted to have him on board and as much as a lot of supporters won’t know too much about Curtis’ background, I am confident that through his displays and performances, he will soon become a firm favourite amongst our supporters.”