FORMER Newport County AFC defender and coach Tony James is to come out of retirement to play for Hereford FC next season, writes Andrew Penman.

James, who left his role as strength and conditioning coach at Rodney Parade last month, has not played since October 2013.

The Cwmbran-born centre-back was voted South Wales Argus player of the year for his part in helping the Exiles to promotion to League Two in the 2012/13 season.

He moved into a coaching role in November 2013 before officially retiring the following summer.

After being told by new manager Terry Butcher that there would no longer be a role for him at County, James told the Argus that he was considering concentrating on his personal training business.

But the 36-year-old, who lives in Hereford after an eight-year spell with Hereford United from 1998 to 2006, has been persuaded to dust off his boots to play for Hereford FC next season.

The phoenix club, formed after the winding up of Hereford United last year, will play in the Midland Football League Premier Division in the 2015/16 season – their debut campaign.

Bulls boss Peter Beadle, who was in charge of County from 2005 to 2008, has confirmed the signings of James, Dylan Bonella, Max Kontic-Coveney and Harvey Rivers.

“I am really pleased with these signings, and each one brings qualities that we are going to need this season,” Beadle told the Hereford FC website.

‘Tony James clearly needs no introduction to Bulls fans and I think he will be a great signing.

“I am delighted he has agreed to come back, as his experience and character will be hugely influential in the upcoming seasons.”