Hodgkiss was Turner's Target

Hereford United manager Graham Turner revealed yesterday that he had lost out on a player who had decided to join a Scottish side as opposed to coming to Edgar Street.

That player is believed to be 21 year old West Bromwich defender Jared Hodgkiss who has moved to Aberdeen on a six-month deal.

Jimmy Calderwood, the Aberden manager, has admitted he hasn't even seen Hodgkiss play.

"This is the first time I have ever signed a player without having seen him play," Calderwood told the Daily Record.

"So I've had to rely on tip-offs to bring the squad numbers up and then get the begging bowl out to colleagues and, fortunately, West Brom boss Tony Mowbray agreed to let Jared come here for six months.

"He's a small, tenacious right back who is good on the ball. He's played 25-30 games for West Brom so he has experience at a high level.

"Jared wanted to join us. He turned down a few clubs to come here and had to phone Hereford to say he wouldn't be joining them because he had the chance to play for Aberdeen.

Hodgkiss, 21, revealed that watching Aberdeen's UEFA Cup campaign last season convinced him to move to Pittodrie.

"I was on the verge of joining another club when I heard that Aberdeen were interested. My heart was set on coming up here and there were a few sleepless nights until the deal was done."

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