Bulls sign Pugh and Constantine

Pugh had a loan spell at Hereford's rivals Kidderminster in 2005/06

Hereford United have signed Shrewsbury winger Marc Pugh and have brought in former Northampton striker Leon Constantine on a one-year deal.

Pugh, 22, played nine games on loan for the Bulls last season as they were relegated to League Two.

Bulls chairman Graham Turner told BBC Hereford and Worcester: "He enjoyed it here and reached a deal with Shrewsbury over the final year of his contract."

Constantine, 31, left the Cobblers this summer after three goals in 37 games.

Pugh joined Shrewsbury from Bury two years ago for a fee thought to be around £50,000 but the arrival of manager Paul Simpson saw him become increasingly marginalised and so he opted to take a loan spell with the Bulls.

Turner said: "He has got a bit of versatility as he can play wide on either side or up front, so he's another good addition.

"Sometimes you get players who lose their way at clubs and they need a little bit of care and attention.

"He has not had too many opportunities at Shrewsbury since the change of manager.

"I think he will benefit from the fact that the people here believe he has got enough ability to make an impact."

United have a track record of helping players get their careers back on track, with Michael McIndoe among those who benefited from a spell at Edgar Street.

Turner cites a more recent example of how a young player can benefit from a change of surroundings.

Constantine scored just four goals in 38 League One games last term

"There have been the likes of Lionel Ainsworth and others who have lost their way at certain clubs and then have restarted and got back on the ladder," he said.

"I think we are getting a reputation for that and it always helps when you go to try and sign young players.

"It also helps when you want to take young players on loan as the managers of the bigger clubs know that we look after them."

Of Constantine's signing, Bulls manager John Trewick told the club's website: "He has proven ability at this level, and I am confident he will have a good season for us."

Constantine's most fruitful spells were at Southend, scoring 25 goals in 53 games and Port Vale, where he netted 38 in 85 outings.