A RECENT newcomer to the Hereford United line-up has been forward Jimmy Quiggin, writes Andy Holmes.

Twenty-year-old Quiggin joined United in October from Boldmere St Michael's on a part-time contract and has forced himself into a regular first team place with some impressive reserve performances which he has carried on at Conference level.

He has scored twice in his nine games for the club and was also ice-cool from the penalty spot to ensure United's passage to a televised FA Trophy quarter-final with Burton Albion, when he took the decisive kick to see off Morecambe on Tuesday.

His instant contributions at the higher level have been all the more impressive considering he has been playing out of position. "I don't mind playing on the wing, but I'd prefer to play up front eventually", he said. "I played right midfield for a while at Boldmere, moved up front and then started scoring."

Quiggin has taken an unusual route to Edgar Street, as he has realised the importance of a career outside football.

"I'm studying for a degree in Sports Science with Human Resource Management at Coventry University, and it's been difficult, but it's going quite well", said Quiggin,

"I've come into football quite late really, I didn't have an apprenticeship anywhere. I started at Burton Albion, playing in the reserves before moving on to Boldmere. I then contacted a couple of clubs and decided to come here."

As with all part-time players competing with their full-time colleagues, the step up in fitness has been difficult.

"I've gone from playing two or three times a week at Boldmere to a game every three weeks with the Reserves, so the major challenge is getting match fit. I'm training with Boldmere and coming here when I can. It's a learning process at the moment but I hope to train more with the squad and learn that way."