A FORMER Hereford United footballer has given up the professional game to seek ordination into the Church of England.

Richard Leadbeater, who was one of a select band of players to score a hat-trick for the Bulls during their Conference era, was a guest at the Tupsley Men's Breakfast Club where he outlined the challenge of being a professional footballer and a Christian.

Leadbeater began his career at Wolves and moved on to Stevenage Borough in March 1999 after his spell at Edgar Street which brought 13 goals in 41 appearances.

The 29-year-old then completed a degree before starting on the work which will, he hopes, lead to ordination.