Hereford show statement of intent as two key players sign contracts

Jordan Lyden is staying at Edgar Street until the end of the season

Hereford manager Paul Caddis has secured the signatures of two experienced players so they will stay at Edgar Street until the end of the season.

Midfielder Jordan Lyden and defender Paul Downing, former Football League players brought in to improve the squad, have made an instant impact at the club.

While Lyden was missing from Saturday's FA Cup win over Rochdale, it was because of Covid and not because he'd moved on - with many fans saying a player of his calibre will be too good to stay with the Bulls all season.

But 27-year-old Australian Lyden, formerly of Swindon Town, and 31-year-old centre-back Downing, who made more than 150 appearances for Walsall, both are.

Speaking about the signing of Paul Downing, a delighted Paul Caddis said the support on Saturday helped get the deal over the line.

Paul Downing, front centre, is also staying

He told the club website: “I’ve no doubt that you, as supporters, will be as pleased as me, the chairman, the board of directors, the staff and, of course, the players, that we have secured Paul Downing on a contract until the end of the season.

“The best compliment I can pay Paul is that since he has come into the club, he has made players around him better and added a calmness to everyone. We have now kept clean sheets in the last five games and Paul has played a huge part in that."

As for Lyden, who's been captaining the side in Nathan Cameron's absence, Caddis also praised the club's supporters in helping get the deal done.

He added: “If I’m honest, attracting someone who possesses the quality of Jordan Lyden was something I thought was only do-able on a week-by-week basis, so to finally agree a contract until the end of the season is a statement of intent both on and off the pitch. 

 “I am now confident the supporters understand my excitement when Jordan first came into training with us and then week by week showed the supporters what he was all about. Fierce in the tackle and calm in possession, he plays the game with great experience. 

“I have to tip my hat to the dressing room we have – both the players and the staff. One thing that Jordan mentioned in negotiations was how settled and comfortable he felt with the group here."

The full article about Lyden can be read here, and Downing here.