HEREFORD manager Pete Beadle says it's important to have someone like goalkeeper Will Puddy on board if they want to continue climbing through the leagues.

The 30-year-old has signed for the Bulls having made over 100 appearances in the Conference.

He was part of the Bristol Rovers team that gained promotion to the Football League in 2015 and also starred for Salisbury.

Puddy comes on board at Hereford after Alex Harris left the club.

"We actually spoke to him before Alex came back but he had other things going on at home so couldn't commit," said Beadle.

"But if we want to continue going through the leagues then we need someone like him who has a vast amount of experience.

"It's an ideal scenario for us and one we couldn't turn down.

"He is prepared to fight for his place because Horse [Martin Horsell] has been playing well.

"It will be interesting to see how it affects Horse and how it keeps him on his toes."

Meanwhile, central defender Dan Preston has joined Midland League Premier Division outfit Bromsgrove Sporting on a dual registration deal.

"I've feel a bit sorry for him because he has never really been fully fit," added Beadle.

"He went in the deep end against St Neots in his first game but picked up a knee injury and has been playing catch-up ever since so it's been difficult for him to get into the team.

"It's not fair to ask him to step up to the levels we ask for when he's not fully fit.

"I thought he did well against Dagenham and Redditch but on the 3G against Slough he felt his knee so he came off.

"But he has played most of his football in Conference North, so is more than capable."

Hereford go to Wealdstone tomorrow in the second round of the FA Trophy.

Billy Murphy and Jack Deaman both trained last night and are in contention, while Calvin Dinsley should be back soon.

Eliot Richards is cup tied tomorrow and will probably be not fit enough to play in the league match at Gosport on Tuesday, while Mike McGrath is still nursing his injury.

If it's a draw after 90 minutes, the replay will be on Tuesday, meaning the Gosport game will be postponed.