STUART Fleetwood admits his return to Hereford United came out of the blue The 24-year-old striker rejoined United last week for an undisclosed fee from Charlton Athletic.

"The call came out of the blue. I knew there would be new owners and a new gaffer at Hereford so I sent the word out to a few friends and it was sorted out withinaweek.”

Fleetwood, who left United in June 2007 after 11 goals in 50 appearances, has signed a twoyear deal. He scored 32 goals in 44 games for Forest Green in the 2007/08 season.

“After I left Hereford, I went to Forest Green for a season and got my move to Charlton where I was for two years. I didn't play too often at Charlton and I went out on loan to a number of clubs. I have a lot more experience now than before and hopefully that will stand me in good stead. I loved my time at Forest Green and, hopefully, I can bring that goal-scoring form here.

“I like to play on the shoulder and the gaffer wants to play some fast, attacking football so it will suit me down to the ground. I am from Gloucester and my partner is from Hereford and she's expecting a baby in a couple of months. It all ties in nicely and I was very excited to sign.”

❑ DEFENDER Richard Rose believes there will be exciting times ahead at Edgar Street.

United’s longest-serving player has signed a oneyear deal at the club.

"There were a few things that went on over the summer and I was talking to another club but the talks didn't progress,”

Rose admitted.

“In my mind, I always knew that I wanted to come back to Hereford and it was just some personal things at the time but I have realised that I am happy here,” said Rose, who joined United on a free transfer from Gillingham in the summer of 2006.

“I think it's going to be a positive season for us this year. The training is similar to what we have done in the past but there's more emphasis on the attacking side of things.

The football that Simon’s wanting to play is going to be more attacking and it should be entertaining for the supporters.”

❑ JAMAICAN international O’Neil Thompson has joined United on a season-long loan from Championship outfit Barnsley.

Thompson, aged 26, will become the third Jamaican star to play for United after Lindy Delaphena and Trevor Benjamin.

"My aim is to come here and do my best,” said K i n g s t o n - b o r n Thompson. “I have grown up playing in midfield and I can also play in central-defence.

“In football you need chances but at Barnsley I didn't get one. I am a chilled-out person and I will be looking to do my best for my new team.”

❑ STRIKER Sean Canham was part of the Notts County squad which won the League 2 title last season.

Canham, 25, was on the bench twice as County completed a double over the Bulls last term.

“I was impressed when we played Hereford in our first meeting last season when there was probably a bit more to play for. Hereford gave a good account of themselves and it shows that we have got a good chance this season.”

Canham, who has signed a two-year deal, had joined County in 2008 from Team Bath.

He scored 41 goals in his final season at Team Bath and netted the winning goal as they won promotion to Blue Square South.

“I went on loan last year to Hayes & Yeading and scored six goals in 15 games. It was frustrating not playing every week at County so, hopefully, I can do well this year and get a place in the side.

“Simon Davey originally got in contact with me when he was at Darlington and I said I would be interested in working with him. After he got the Hereford job he contacted me again and I was happy to stay in League football.”

❑ DUBLIN-born-andbred goalkeeper Dan Connor says he wants to be part of Hereford United’s ambitious plans.

"Last week I was sitting at home when then I got a phonecall and Simon Davey sold Hereford United to me. They have big plans for this place and it's better to be part of an ambitious club rather than treading water.”

Connor, 29, represented Republic of Ireland B against Scotland 18 months ago and has played in the Irish League with Drogheda, Cork City and St Patricks Athletic.

“I was at Peterborough for six years and took a move home because I was not making the progress I really wanted to. I went home to Drogheda and won everything in the league.

“I probably wouldn't have come here for a year's deal because we have two young children but a two-year deal provides stability and everything is in place."