WESTFIELDS have signed Hereford legend Rob Purdie for the forthcoming campaign.
Purdie made over 300 appearances in four spells with the Bulls, with the most recent coming between 2015-2018.
He scored the first in Hereford’s FA Vase final, in which they lost 4-1 to Morpeth Town.
The versatile midfielder, now aged 38, has also been known to play full-back and in the number ten role.
“I’m really happy to have Rob at allpay Park,” said Westfields manager Phil Glover
“In our squad, we have a blend of youth and experience. Rob will definitely contribute to the latter but is also fit enough and has the quality to make an impact at this level.
“We obviously had Ryan Green last season, so to have players like these on our doorstep, it only makes sense for both parties.
“Purdie should hopefully make a great impression on our young players as well. He also knows Greg James who is coaching at the club too.”
Glover’s men progressed in the FA Cup extra-preliminary round on Saturday beating Heather St. Johns 3-1.
Matt McDonald scored a brace while Richard Greaves also netted to send them through comfortably.
Both sides started cautiously in the opening 45 minutes on a rain-soaked pitch but after a goalless first half the game sprang to life when Westfields took a lead in the 54th minute.
Harrison Summers worked a great opportunity for McDonald who fired home from close range.
Westfields then increased their lead within ten minutes when McDonald was again the goal-scorer. He curled home a lovely left foot shot into the roof of the net to give Westfields a commanding lead.
The hosts then sealed the game in the 75th minute.
Sam Hunt curled in a left footed cross into the crowded penalty area and Greaves raced in to score with a fine diving header into the bottom corner of the net.
They now face Coventry United on August 21, with the win ensuring a home draw.
“Westfields have got a good relationship with the FA Cup, and everyone loves playing in it," added Glover.
"It was a really tough game – we couldn’t do our usual scouting, so they were a bit of an unknown.
“We made a few tweaks in the second half and the boys were fantastic.
“It was great to have our fanbase back at the club once again.
"I do try to chat to fans, same with the staff and players. At our level that’s really important.”
Purdie will be ineligible for Fields’ match against Cribbs tonight but could feature on the weekend against Roman Glass St. George on Saturday.
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