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| Rob Purdie - Picture Copyright BN |
"It is a big milestone for him," said Hereford manager Peter Beadle yesterday..
"400 appearances for any club is a big thing. It's something that should be applauded."
As part of a number of articles to celebrate his achievement, BN looks back to his first season with Hereford United.
Rob Purdie's signing for Hereford was announced on 30th July 2002. Manager Graham Turner was already familiar with the former Leicester City youngster as Purdie had played a couple of games for Hereford United reserves in the previous season. It was a one year deal.
That evening he played in a friendly at Bromsgrove.
That evening he played in a friendly at Bromsgrove.
His first appearance was on August 17th when he came on as an 84th minute sub at Edgar Street in a game against Farnborough.
And his first assist for a goal came minutes later when he provided a cross for Danny Williams to score.
His first yellow card came against Morecambe on August 26th after he came on at half-time. The card was for unsporting behaviour.
He make his first full start came against Chester in a goal-less draw on September 14th.
For much of his first season Purdie was used as a substitute and it wasn't until February 15th that he started his goal-tally.
He was in the starting eleven for a game at Northwich and after just ten minutes scored.
'It was the Bulls who drew first blood after ten minutes when a Jay Lovett cross from the right wing was nodded on by a defender before Rob Purdie fired home from close range.'
'It was the Bulls who drew first blood after ten minutes when a Jay Lovett cross from the right wing was nodded on by a defender before Rob Purdie fired home from close range.'
After the game he spoke to BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"I've
had a few chances this season but unfortunately, I've fluffed a couple
so I'm really happy to get my first senior goal. I've taken a while to
settle in and now I really do feel part of the club and I'm a lot more
confident at the moment."
Purdie became more involved as the season progressed and manager Graham Turner appeared pleased with his performances.
"I think he has a terrific amount of skill," said Turner.
"We see it in training every week and it was interesting the reaction of the supporters when he came on last week, they were chanting his name.
"When a new player gets that sort of treatment, I think he grows in confidence and you can see it coming. I think he has the prospect of being a very good player."
And to back his views about Purdie, Turner offered him a second contract at the end of the season which the youngster soon accepted.
Purdie became more involved as the season progressed and manager Graham Turner appeared pleased with his performances.
"I think he has a terrific amount of skill," said Turner.
"We see it in training every week and it was interesting the reaction of the supporters when he came on last week, they were chanting his name.
"When a new player gets that sort of treatment, I think he grows in confidence and you can see it coming. I think he has the prospect of being a very good player."
And to back his views about Purdie, Turner offered him a second contract at the end of the season which the youngster soon accepted.