ROB Purdie has admitted the Hereford United boo-boys played a big part in his decision to leave Edgar Street.

The versatile midfielder has signed a two-year deal with League Two rivals Darlington despite being club captain and being named the Bulls' player of the season.

Purdie came in for some criticism from sections of the Hereford crowd last season and says that helped him opt for the Quakers.

He said: "I've achieved everything I came to Hereford United for and I'm looking for a new challenge.

"The reason I didn't want to stay is I know that if next season doesn't go very well then I know I'll probably go through a hard time more than any other player because of what will happen to me.

"That was in the back of my mind when I was making my decision because I don't want to leave here with bad memories, which is what could have happened if I had stayed here and the fans had got on my back again."

Purdie added: "The people that don't agree with me - I don't think I'll ever be able to change them. Obviously next season if it's not going very well for me then I know that they will come out in force. I don't want to leave under that sort of cloud.

"As long as a player is putting in 100 per cent - it might not work for him, he might not be good enough - but I don't think they deserve to be booed for 100 per cent effort. I find it very hard to take."

Meanwhile, former Hereford striker Stuart Fleetwood has joined Forest Green Rovers.