HEREFORD FC manager Pete Beadle says outgoing midfielder Aaron Birch initially agreed to stay at the club for a little bit longer before changing his mind.

Birch has left the Edgar Street club after struggling with the amount of travelling he faced.

"He came to me on Monday saying that it was getting too much with the travelling and wanted to find somewhere closer to his home," said Beadle, who has heard 'whispers' as to where Birch may end up playing.

"I asked him if he could stay for a bit with Pablo [Haysham] being suspended and Jamie [Cuss] injured and he agreed to stick it out.

"But on Wednesday he rang me to say he had changed his mind and wanted to leave, which I was disappointed with.

"I'm disappointed to lose him anyway because he's a quality player.

"Last year, we were the furthest southern club and this season we're the furthest north.

"The closest games to his home are the home ones, but that's still an hour away.

"I understand where he's coming from and I wanted him to stick it out.

"But you cannot keep players that are unhappy because it affects their performances.

"I was just disappointed that he agreed to stay with us and then changed his mind.

"But we've just got to get on with it now.

"I wish him well in wherever he chooses to go and, in a or year or two, we may look at him again.

"I would still want to work with him because he's a fantastic player." 

Beadle admits his squad will be light for tomorrow's Southern Football League Division One South & West match at Winchester City.

However, he is hopeful of bringing in at least one new player within the next week.

"It just leaves us with Rob [Purdie] and Jamie Edge [in central midfield]," said Beadle.

"We are always looking for players anyway, but we've got to make sure they're the right ones.

"I'm not someone who brings players in just to make the numbers up."

Beadle confirmed that Pablo Haysham's suspension starts tomorrow and not the 17th.

However, he was likely to miss out anyway due to sustaining an ankle injury on Tuesday.

Winger Jake Sinclair is also away so won't be in contention.