HEREFORD United defender Matt Clarke has left the club to sign for Nationwide Conference rivals Telford United.

The 28-year-old rejected a new contract to stay at Edgar Street and has agreed a two-year deal with the Shropshire club.

Clarke, who made 160 appearances during more than four years with the Bulls, said: "I was offered a new contract by Hereford but it would have involved a substantial drop in my wages, and I could not afford to take it.

"Telford offered me a much better deal and more security than Hereford, which I would have been daft to refuse. Had the deal been right I would have stayed at Hereford. The fans have been brilliant to me and I am very disappointed to be leaving."

Defender Ian Wright, released by Hereford at the end of the season, is set to sign for Burton Albion on a one-year deal. Worcester City were one of a number of clubs chasing the former Bulls captain.

Jamie Pitman, Ben Smith and Steve Guinan have all signed new one-year deals with United.