HEREFORD United’s departing goalkeeper, Wayne Brown, has saluted the fans for his happy three-year stint at Edgar Street.

The 31-year-old goalkeeper says he is gutted to be leaving the Bulls but knows he is moving for the right reasons.

Given the nickname ‘Superman’ by United’s fans, Brown penned a two-year deal, with the option of a year’s extension, at League 2 Bury.

Brown explained: “It’s because of my daughter, Mia. I have been down in Hereford for three years and it will be good to see her more often. It’s about being a hands-on dad. I will be moving to Manchester which is only a short distance from Mia.”

Brown was voted the Hereford United Independent Supporters Association’s player-of-the-year last season and kept 21 clean sheets.

He joined Hereford, initially on loan, in July 2005 after almost 10 years with Chester City and 276 appearances.

“There are plenty of other goalkeepers out there and I am sure the Hereford fans will soon forget about me. I am quite gutted that I am leaving but I know that I am doing it for the right reasons.”

The Southampton-born goalkeeper spoke highly of United boss Graham Turner and coach John Trewick.

“Graham Turner is the best manager I have had in my career. The same goes for the coach, John Trewick, and I would not be surprised if he doesn’t get a coaching role at a Championship club in the next couple of years.”

The former Chester man has been surprised by the amount of messages from well-wishers and posts on message boards since his move from Hereford was revealed.

“I have had a lot of texts from the players and my dad notified me about the posts on the message boards. I didn’t think the fans liked me as much. It was amazing to read those posts.”

“I have loved everything at Hereford - both on and off the pitch. The social life has been fantastic and I have made a lot of good friends outside football. I have just walked through Hereford city centre and about 10 people stopped to shake my hand and wished me well.”

Brown says his overwhelming highlights at Edgar Street were the two promotions in three years.

“Getting from the Conference to League 1 was fantastic. I think the way we went up in style from League 2 said it all. I am pleased for the football club and that’s down to Graham Turner and John Trewick.”

The goalkeeper plans to keep in touch with his former team-mates and thinks the Bulls will do well next season in League 1.

“When we went away to Ayia Napa on the post-season break, everyone stuck together and had an excellent time. The close-knit element was one of the major reasons for the club’s success. I will miss them all - Dean Beckwith, Ben Smith, Steve Guinan and Karl Broadhurst. I wouldn’t be surprised if Hereford make it into the play-offs. I will definitely be having all the lads coming up for a night out in Manchester.”

Brown, who made 132 first-team appearances for the Bulls, was offered a one-year deal at Hereford.

“I hope I have done alright in my time at Hereford. I can see where Graham Turner is coming from. I have absolutely no grudges. One of my best mates is actually the goalkeeping coach at Bury. I know some of the players at Bury and the club has a nice set-up.”

A Hereford United club statement said: “The club did make Wayne an offer of a new contract however the circumstances prevailing have led him to go to Gigg Lane.

“Hereford United would like to take this opportunity to thank Wayne for his contribution over the past few seasons. He has performed outstandingly.

“The club would like to wish him every success for the future.”