NEW player-coach Rob Purdie believes training in searing summer sun will benefit Hereford Unit-ed in the long run.

With temperatures regularly pushing 30 degrees, it has been one of the hottest pre-seasons in many a year for footballers across the land.

It has been no different for the Bulls, who have been put through their paces by Purdie who is back at the club for a third spell after leaving League One outfit Shrewsbury Town.

The 30-year-old, who was at Edgar Street from 2002 to 2007 and then from October 2010 to July 2012, is responsible for fitness work on top of his playing commitments.

He has adapted his sessions to the current conditions but was pleased with the response of the players. “You have to shorten the sessions but the heat brings a different type of fitness,” Purdie said.

“You lose your oxygen a lot quicker and your legs feel heavy a lot quicker but it’s the same for every team in the country at the moment so it will stand us in good stead.

“I’ve really enjoyed it and the lads seem to have taken to me really well. I’m not that old myself and I’ve come in to the dressing room to be a player as well but they have to respect me enough to know what I am doing.

“They are a great set of lads and that has made my life easier.”

Meanwhile, Hereford trialist midfielder Steve Leslie and striker Nat Jarvis have left the club.

Former Bulls striker Stuart Fleetwood has signed for ambitious Conference South side Eastleigh.