Jimmy Oates has signed a deal with Exeter City following a successful trial.
Hereford manager Pete Beadle has described Jimmy Oates' departure as bitter-sweet after he signed for the League Two club.
He said it's been great to watch Oates' progress right from the Midland Football League days.
“Jimmy was the last of the players who were with us right from day one, so it is sad to see that chapter in the clubs history close," Pete Beadle told the official Hereford website.
“Whilst we’re sad to lose a player of Jimmy’s ability, everyone who has worked with him here at Edgar Street over the past three seasons are delighted that he has been offered a deal with a Football League club.
“I’m proud that we took Jimmy on right at the start, back in the Midland Football League, it has been a joy to watch him progress with us to a point where he has been able to make the step up to the Football League. I’m sure everyone will join me in wishing Jimmy the very best of luck at Exeter.
“I’d like to thank him for his efforts over the past three seasons, it’s been a tremendous journey and I am pleased to have been through so many great times both on and off the pitch with him. I’m proud that we have helped to make his dreams of becoming a professional footballer come true.”
With the Australian moving on to pastures new, there are now no players left who were with the club when they played their first competitive fixture in 2015.
Exeter manager Matt Taylor, who got to know Oates through Hartpury College, says he can trust Oates defensively and he'll improve playing now he's playing full-time.
“He (Jimmy) has come here on what has turned out to be a three-week trial on the back of a few really good seasons with Hereford," Matt Taylor told Exeter's official website.
"He has done really well, he is an athlete, powerful and he is a good age in that I can trust him defensively.
“He (Jimmy) has come here on what has turned out to be a three-week trial on the back of a few really good seasons with Hereford," Matt Taylor told Exeter's official website.
"He has done really well, he is an athlete, powerful and he is a good age in that I can trust him defensively.
“He will improve as a player in a full-time football environment and we are excited about what he can achieve. He’s shown that he is good enough, first and foremost to the rest of the lads, and then to the staff, so he deserves his opportunity.”