PAUL Parry, who has been transferred to Cardiff City for a fee of £75,000, rising to £200,000 depending on appearances made, has been one of Hereford United's brightest stars of recent season.

The Chepstow-born 23-year-old has developed from being a promising left-winger to an accomplished all-round footballer who can also play in the centre of the attack.

His pace, willingness to take on defenders and ability to track back to assist his own defence have also been major features in his play over the last couple of seasons.

Parry first began to attract attention from bigger clubs when he starred in Hereford's unlucky FA Cup third round defeat by Leicester City after a replay at Filbert Street in December 1999.

In the original game at Edgar Street, only the woodwork deprived him of a moment of glory which might have equalled Ronnie Radford's celebrated goal against Newcastle.

Parry picked up the ball inside his own half and raced through the Premiership club's defence before unleashing a powerful 25-yarder which defeated ex-England goalkeeper Tim Flowers but struck an upright and was cleared to safety.

Since then, Parry's development was interrupted by a bout of glandular fever, but over the past couple of seasons his presence has been one of the main reasons for Football League club scouts flocking to Edgar Street.

His appearance against Exeter City on New Year's Day was his 200th for the club and he scored his 37th goal for United in his farewell appearance at Edgar Street on January 3.

Considering that he has gone to a club viewed historically as one of Hereford's main rivals, supporters have nevertheless generally wished him well for the future.

Fred Parkin, who rarely misses a game home or away, summed it up for many when he said: "I was disappointed to learn of Paul Parry's departure because he's been a great servant to the club over many years and has matured as a result.

"It's disappointing to lose a member from a close-knit team, which is what we have this season, but ever since the Leicester City match it's been a possibility.

"I wish him all the best for the future - we like to see players progressing up the leagues."

Jamie Pitman, who saw Parry developing as a YTS youngster during his first spell with the club and then provided many passes for the winger on his return, said: "Good luck to Paul - he has many great qualities. He can put balls in the box and can get a good strike in.

"But we've got players who can slot in there and do a job for us, it's just a matter of getting some fitness into some of the lads who haven't been playing regularly."

Last Saturday, Parry played a starring role as Cardiff fought back from two goals down to beat Rotherham 3-2.

"That was a terrific debut when you consider he's come from the Conference," said Cardiff manager Lennie Lawrence. "I've given a lot of players their debut in my managerial career and I'd put Paul's performance in my top 10."