Head Coach Marc Richard admitted he didn't want goalkeeper Martin Horsell to leave Hereford and offered him the chance of dual-registration or a loan deal to try and keep him on the books.
It was confirmed yesterday that Horsell had left the club by 'mutual consent' as he wanted to be playing regular football, something he wasn't getting at Hereford with loanee Matt Yates impressing the Head Coach between the sticks.
"I made it clear that I didn't want him to go," Richards said after yesterday's FA Trophy defeat.
"I know he wasn't playing, and with the unfortunate injury he sustained during the Welling game I brought in the loan keeper Matt Yates who I think has been exceptional.
"He hasn't had an opportunity to play, I fully respect that he wants to go and play first team football but I made it clear to him that I didn't want him to go.
"I offered him dual-reg, to go on loan to get a couple of games if that's what he wanted to do, but he ultimately came to the decision that he wanted to go and play first team football.
"He's been the ultimate professional so I wish him all the best and thank him for his services of the last three years."
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| Martin Horsell - called 'he ultimate professional' by Richards |
Richards said he's found it hard to have to chose between the two stoppers, but he was forced into bring in back up after Horsell was sidelined for three weeks having been knocked out during Richards' first game in charge.
"It's really difficult, the last thing I wanted to do was come in and in my first game against Welling lose my keeper," added Richards.
"He was out for three weeks so I had to act quickly and I had to get someone in.
"I'm glad he (Matt Yates) has done really well, but even with today you look at the situation with Harvey Smith not playing. Any decision is really difficult and it's even more difficult for a goalkeeper.
"You very rarely would change a goalkeeper for a tactical reason during a game, whereas you've got three options to change outfield players week in, week out.
"You don't really have the opportunity to do that, hence why we initially got him a couple of games at Cirencester. I fully respect his decision, I didn't want him to go but full respect his decision to go and seek first team football."
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| Matt Yates is on loan at Hereford from Derby |
Richards hasn't thought too much about bringing in a second keeper, but will look at what's available to him.
As with most loan deals, Matt Yates could be recalled by parent club Derby County. His spell at Gloucester was cut short so he could come to Hereford in October.
When asked if it was likely to be another loan keeper, Richards said: "It's something we're going to have to look at.
"It was only the latter part of this week that decision was made so we need to see what's available and make sure we've got cover in all positions.
"It was only the latter part of this week that decision was made so we need to see what's available and make sure we've got cover in all positions.
"In nearly all loan deals you've got that option (to recall the player). The good thing is we've got a good relationship with Derby, both myself and Tim, so we're confident in that relationship.
"I thought he made some unbelievable saves and I'm really pleased with how he's doing."