The vastly experienced defender Martin Riley has agreed terms at Edgar Street as Hereford look to be building a much more competitive squad ahead of the upcoming Motorama National League North season.
Riley, 32, has linked up with the Bulls from Alfreton after his one-year spell at the Impact Arena ended this year.
The unflappable centre-half has chalked up over 300 first team appearances in a career which began as a youth player at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Shrewsbury.
His career kick-started at Aggborough with Kidderminster Harriers ahead of the 2008/09 season where he chalked up 68 appearances in two seasons before a move to Cheltenham Town.
Linking up with Mansfield, Riley featured in the Conference play-off semi-final for the Stags against York City during another two-year spell.
Next, the solid and dependable central defender helped Wrexham lift the FA Trophy at Wembley in March 2013 and was the clubs ‘Player of the Year’ during the 2016/17 campaign prior to a move to Halifax in the National League.
Speaking to the official Hereford FC website, 32-year-old Riley said:
“I’m really pleased to have agreed a deal to come to Edgar Street and am excited about our prospects for next season. I’ve played here on several occasions over the years and have always found it a tough place to come and get a result.
“I’ll bring a great deal of experience with me – mostly in the National League and League Two – and I’m looking forward to getting to know the other lads. Obviously, I already know Reece Styche and Josh Gowling which should certainly help me settle in.
“I’m already beginning to look forward to the start of pre-season training and I’m pleased to have got myself fixed up for next season, as that means I can now focus on getting myself ready for the challenges that lie ahead.”
Riley has started a coaching academy for youngsters, aged two to 11, in Wolverhampton.
“I’ve always had other business interests outside of football. I also own a gym in Birmingham and it’s important to have plans in place.
“The academy was a great opportunity to get involved with children’s football and also a good investment business wise. I decided to take it back to my home town to launch, with plans to move further into the West Midlands moving forward”.
Image: Wrexham FC