HEREFORD United claim they will learn from the administrative error that could have cost them their place in the Football League.

The Bulls were docked three points for fielding an ineligible player during their 3-1 npower League Two victory at Torquay United on February 1.

Midfielder Rob Purdie’s permanent signing from Oldham, following a three-month loan, had been incorrectly registered and led to Hereford being punished.

Torquay were also deducted one point because striker Jake Robinson should also not have played following his switch from Shrewsbury.

It plunged Jamie Pitman’s men deeper into the relegation mire, although they finally secured their status on the penultimate weekend, eventually finishing just three points above the drop zone.

Hereford chairman David Keyte admitted the club was at fault and vowed they would make sure a repeat situation was avoided.

He said: “It was a genuine human error but, because we are in a business which is national, the impact was enormous.

“It comes down to the structure of the club when Joan Fennessy (former company secretary) was in daily and used to run all the administration.

“When I came in with Tim Russon last summer, we did not wish to take up a full-time office job, so we expected the office staff to fill the void. On that particular task we were found wanting.

“Tim and I are now getting closer to the administration and will be double-checking things.”