Purdie in Bulls link

ROB PURDIE . . . the midfielder scored 21 goals in a five-year spell at Hereford United.

Former team-mate eyes midfielder
ATHLETIC midfielder Rob Purdie could be on his way back to former club Hereford United, after he played for their reserves.

Transfer-listed Purdie featured as a triallist in United’s 1-1 draw with Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night.

He was invited to take part by caretaker manager Jamie Pitman, who played alongside Purdie for the Bulls.

Pitman stepped up from his role as physio to take the reins following Simon Davey’s departure.

But he is joined in the race to permanently succeed Davey by ex-Athletic manager Dave Penney, who made Purdie his first signing at Boundary Park.

The United board discussed the managerial situation for several hours last night and expect to make an announcement soon.

It is unlikely Purdie will be offered a deal until the new man is installed.

Former Athletic winger Joe Colbeck is also on the books at United.

Purdie enjoyed the most successful spell of his career at the League Two outfit after joining from Leicester City in 2002.

He made 184 appearances for United, scoring 21 goals, before signing for Darlington in 2007.

Quakers fans voted him their player of the year the following season, but he left the North-East outfit for Boundary Park, where he has endured an injury nightmare.

Deane Smalley gave Paul Dickov food for thought by scoring the opening goal in Athletic reserves’ 3-0 win at Accrington Stanley last night.

After a lifeless first half Smalley, back from his loan spell at Rochdale and looking to force his way into the first team reckoning, brought the match to life halfway through the second period.

He burst through the opposition defence and found the net with a powerful drive.

Joe Jacobson doubled the lead 60 seconds later with a scorching 30-yard strike.

Stanley were reduced to 10 men after 78 minutes, when Chris Turner raised his hand following a scuffle.

A triallist, who normally operates as a striker but who played on the left wing, completed the scoring a minute later with a fine solo effort.

First-team squad players Dean Kelly and Jason Jarrett also featured for Athletic.