Text at top (next game etc)

Next Game: Home Against Farsley Celtic On Saturday March 23rd Kick-Off 3.00pm

Sunday, May 31, 2015

James Set For Chester Exit


Former Bull Kingsley James is set to leave Chester after turning down "probably the best offer Chester have ever made" according to manager Steve Burr.

Burr told the local press: “I spoke to Kingsley and he’s said he is not going to stay. It’s disappointing as he was made an offer of an improved deal. 

“We will get compensation when he leaves which is something. He’s had a good season with us and it’s disappointing news for Chester but we’ve got to respect his decision. 

“The offer for Kingsley was probably the best offer Chester have ever made but at the end of the day, money talks, and we can’t compete with some clubs.” 

James' destination is currently unknown, with the 23 year old having spoken previously about being more concerned about his ill mother this summer.

He is also in the England C squad that takes on the Eire u21 side in Galway on Monday.


News Round-Up


Former Bulls loanee Darren Randolph has joined West Ham on a free transfer after turning down a new deal at Birmingham City. The Eire international, 28, spent two years at St Andrews. Ex-Bull Marley Watkins scored as Inverness Caledonian Thistle beat Falkirk 2-1 to lift the Scottish FA Cup. Former Bulls trialist Carl Tremarco was sent off late on, with Ryan Esson in goal for ICT.

The Welsh Premier reports a fourth successive increase in attendances across the season. The three highest attended matches were between neighbours mid-table Rhyl and relegated Prestatyn, getting a top number of 1,028. The average gate in the division remains at just over 300 with more than half the attendances less than 100. 

Shepshed Dynamo have reported that former England youth international Levi Porter will remain with the club next season. The 28 year old played 40 times for then Championship side Leicester before a serious knee injury saw him drop into the non-league game. The Leicestershire side have also signed former Loughborough captain Jake Betts.

Westfields have announced two further signings, bringing in former Bulls youth teamer Kane Kahaki from Pegasus Juniors, and signing Hartpury College youngster Jake Robinson.


Saturday, May 30, 2015

Season Ticket Sales Pass 800 Mark


Hereford FC have now sold over 800 season tickets


The next sales period is Wednesday from 10am to 4pm.


UITC Awards Evening


This from UITC:

Over 150 people attended the awards presentation BBQ for UITC Season 2014/15 at Victoria Park tonight. Although the weather was rather brusque, many braved the cold chill to celebrate a successful season for UITC. 

It gave the incoming chairman Nick Vaughan the chance to meet parents, scholars, staff and volunteers. Although the evening was mainly for the celebration of the young players of Herefordshire over the last 12 months, many plans for the Trust's progress, sponsorship and development were discussed and many offers of assistance have been made. 

A full report will appear on the UITC website in the next few days.

Photos of the evening can be seen here http://www.steveniblettphotography.co.uk/UITCAWARDS


Volunteers Bulletin


This from Volunteers Coordinator Ken Kinnersley:

Hereford FC

Volunteers Bulletin No 8


From: Ken Kinnersley                                                                           29 May 2015
          Operations Director


Dear Volunteer,

Please note - Bulletin No 8 is addressed to all volunteers including general duties, committed, trade and others.  - not all addressees will have received all previous Bulletins.


Update on Edgar Street

We are sure everyone will be well aware that we have our first game at Edgar Street on Sat 11 Jul 15. You may not be aware that the game is only 30 working days away - possibly less depending on how long it takes to get this email sent out to everyone involved.

We already have contractors working, and planned to be starting here in a few days. Their task will be to resolve the many and expensive repairs to the stadium that have been neglected over the years. These are works it is not possible for volunteers to undertake and are in addition to the works for which Herefordshire Council accepted financial responsibility.

Thus, following receipt of the Structural Engineers report and recommendations he has made the Hereford FC Board have decided that these, largely safety related works, must now be carried out in the interests of the safety of our fans. The decision to commit to the overall expenditure totalling in excess of £120,000 was made all the more complex as the expenditure had to be viewed against the backdrop of the limited 5 year lease.

The bulk of the work – the majority of which simply has to be carried out if we are to secure a ground safety certificate - comprises of:

1        Structural safety improvements to various parts of all three stands in line with the   Structural Engineers recommendations.

2        Completely new emergency lighting system must be installed in all stands to   comply with legislation to allow us to secure a safety certificate.

3        Welding repairs and additional barriers in stands and entrance / exits to comply      with recommendations made by the Structural Engineer.

4        Re-cladding the entire length of the rear of the Meadow End to facilitate removal     of fragile and damaged sheeting and replace with serviceable protection.

5        Concrete repairs to various parts of the three stands as advised by the Structural     Engineer to eliminate trip and safety hazards also to facilitate provision of the   safety certificate.

6        Renewal and repair of emergency exit doors, again as advised by the Structural        Engineer and to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.

7        Facelift for all the social areas including Radfords and Addisions to improve and       enhance the spectator experience.

It is worth pointing out that the £120,000+ quoted does not reflect the true market value of the work that has been and will be undertaken. Thanks to the generosity of a number of contractors who, fortunately, are also Bulls fans, their charges have been significantly discounted which yet again, demonstrates the level of support and good will that is being shown towards Hereford FC.

Volunteers Update

Thanks to the fantastic effort and work ethic of the regular team of Hereford FC volunteers who have so far donated over 400 hundred hours of labour there are many parts of the stadium that are now in a much tidier and cleaner state than has been the case for very many years.

The sheer amount of rubbish awaiting removal from the stadium is quite incredible. Apart from the final clean of the stands and seats prior to 11 Jul, the worst of the "dirty" work is now coming to an end. The next stage will be preparation and painting both inside and outside the stadium, of items such as barriers, walls, doors and window frames and other bits that don't move!  So, we will be calling on your services again in the near future please keep an eye of your in-box! 

It is also the intention to arrange an informal meeting for those who added their name to the "committed volunteers" list - that is to say those of you who who are willing to work as unpaid volunteers on match days, including fulfilling important roles such as programme sellers, turnstile operators and stewards. The meeting will be within the next couple of weeks and will be followed by one or possibly two truncated practise "match days" but obviously without the football or the fans! We urge everyone to make the maximum effort to attend and we are sure you will appreciate the importance of this type of preparation.

The match day "dry run" will start with reporting pre match, run through the normal match day scenario to closing down and booking out. Hopefully, it will highlight areas we have not yet thought about, identify where keys or equipment is missing, and demonstrate where we need extra volunteer help.

Incidentally, there is still time for those who wish to join the committed list by emailing volunteers@herefordfc.co.uk and we are always delighted to accept new recruits, aged 17 or over, into of team of volunteers.

We also need to find more volunteers willing to assist in the "sweep-up" of the stands immediately after every match and also for general cleaning duties around the stadium so we would be pleased to hear from anyone else willing to join the team and help with these vitally important tasks. Important because it is work that has to be done, it is within the capability of almost everyone to do it yet it would be a considerable financial burden on Hereford FC if we have to pay to have the job done.

It is also hoped that with the emphasis on sustainability all fans will contribute to the cause. You can easily do so by very simple actions such as not dropping litter either inside or outside the stadium - not least because it is other fans who have to pick it up! Also, if you see a bit of rubbish please pick it up and dispose of correctly.

In closing, an apology – as it has been brought to our attention that some fans may have been in contact to offer their services as a volunteer but not received a reply. Where this has occurred we offer sincere apologies. All fans can be assured that we have never deliberately failed to respond to any of your generous offers to volunteer. We very much regret if any failure on our part has caused distress or given the wrong impression of the value we place on those who volunteer.  In the event this has or does happen in future do please contact us again and let us know in order that we can rectify any human or technical error that may have resulted in our failure. Hopefully, the excellent relations Hereford FC have developed with fans through the excellent work of Chris Ammonds will be evidence of the emphasis we place on our relationship with Bulls fans.

We will be issuing a further Bulletin in a few days time with regard to the next work party and the first meeting - so please keep an eye on your email in-box!  


Friday, May 29, 2015

News Round-Up


Former Bull Chris Bush has signed for Lincoln City FC on a one year deal after leaving Welling. The 22 year old full back scored 4 times in 33 games for the Wings, and was sent off twice. He previously had a loan spell at Sincil Bank during his time with Gateshead. Josh Gowling has signed a two year deal at Grimsby. The 31 year old joined the club in March for a short loan spell from Kidderminster.

Torquay chairman Bill Phillips has described the club as being on 'life support'. The current board have given Commercial Manager Dean Edwards and a group of businessmen until June 4th to deposit funds into the club's account ahead of the Conference AGM to be able to prove to the competition that they have the funds to be able to complete next season.

Shepshed Dynamo's joint managers John Folwell and Jeff Stocking have been busy early bringing in a string of new arrivals to the club. Defender Sam Craven comes in from champions Basford, while defender Sam Young, goalkeeper Laurie Pearson, and midfielder Karl Whymark have joined the club having played for Folwell at Quorn. 

Former Bulls captain Luke Graham has left relegated Alfreton by mutual consent in favour of Conf North rivals Brackley Town. Alfreton chairman Wayne Bradley says they agreed to release Graham as he wanted a club closer to his home. Lionel Ainsworth scored the third as Motherwell beat Rangers 3-1 last night in the first leg of the play-off to determine which side plays in next season's Scottish Premier League.


Thursday, May 28, 2015

More Work Going On


Hereford FC have posted the following picture and comment to their Facebook page today:


Ben Bowen from High Ground Maintenance has done some great work on the Edgar Street pitch already.
Progress should get even better once we have the sprinkler system up and running again.

Meanwhile, electrical work has taken place on the floodlights allowing someone with a head for heights, Dan Pace, to take the following picture yesterday:



Agombar's Company Count Falls


Former Hereford United owner Tommy Agombar has joined former Hereford United owner Andy Lonsdale in shedding companies.

Since his failed ownership at Edgar Street, he has seen TA Sports Management Ltd and DMW Sports Consulting Ltd dissolved, and three other companies transferred to other sole Directors including alleged football club creditor Athelston Ltd.

The only company still in Agombar's name is Scrooby Ltd, claimed in the CVA documents to be owed £262,570 by the club, for which he remains the sole Director.

Athelston Ltd is now in the name of Colin Anthony Salt, who is also a Director of AST Green Legal Services. Former Agombar accountant Andrew Green was also a Director of the firm and it is registered to his office address.


News Round-Up


Former Chester footballer Stephen Vaughan Jnr, son of banned owner Stephen Vaughan Snr, has been bailed over charges of perverting the course of justice over an incident that saw a Police officer die and two more severely injured. Vaughan, a licensed boxing promoter, faced court today while three other men, who have been charged with murder, will stand trial in a month. Vaughan, who had business interests in Malta, has been ordered to surrender his passport until his trial in September.

The new Gateshead owners are claimed to have paid just £1 for the club. Outgoing owner Graham Wood previously claimed the club was worth £3million, but is claimed by the local BBC correspondent to have sold to Richard and Julie Bennett for a lot less. 

Coventry Sphinx have put three of their young players on contract 'for the first time in our 70 year history' according to their Chairman. Dannie Cahill told supporters 'we are putting our money where our mouth is'. Manager Luke Hopkins has also told supporters 'there are teams two levels below us that have a 4 figure budget each week to play with'

Kirby Muxloe are being widely reported to be moving out of the Midland Football League for the United Counties League. They were put on notice of a switch several weeks ago but have resisted the move, preferring to stay where they are. The final MFL line up is not expected to be formally ratified for at least another ten days.


Youth To Face Shrews At Edgar Street


The u18 youth side will entertain their Shrewsbury Town counterparts in a friendly at Edgar Street.

The game will take place on Saturday, July 25th, kicking off at 11.30am to allow supporters to watch both that game and the senior side's match at Pegasus Juniors at Old School Lane at 3pm.

Admission for the youth game is £3 adults and £1 Concessions/u16.
More details on the game nearer the time.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Ferrell Rebuilding After Prison


Former Bull Andy Ferrell is rebuilding his life after his release from prison.

Now 31, Ferrell was released from jail eight months ago after two years inside for a drug dealing conviction. He told the Chronicle about the gambling addiction that saw him make 'a mistake':

“I’m not a criminal, I’m just a normal lad. I got caught up in that and now it’s something I have got to live with. I did throw everything away, but I’m not going to sit here and feel sorry for myself. I have made a mistake, there’s no one else to blame, but I want to get my life back on track. Until the day I die Newcastle United and football will be my life. And I’m back in football now, and that’s when I’m happiest."

Pic - Bedlington Terriers
Ferrell is now manager of Bedlington Terriers, having been appointed less than a week ago, after the previous manager won just one of 14 games in charge. Ferrell told the club's website: “I will be ringing my old manager Martin Foyle for a bit of advice. Advice is something you either take or you don’t, and I like to listen.”

He also says he is in control of his addiction, telling the paper: “I’m a big believer that you can’t cure gambling. To this day I still put a bet on. But I have got control over my gambling now.

“I’ll never risk going back to jail again. It’s just not worth waking up on Christmas morning in a cell. I’m busy now and I have got a lot to do. I have got to make the best out of a bad situation."


Another Lonsdale Company In Trouble


Former Hereford United owner Andy Lonsdale is facing another winding up petition for just about his last active company.

Rock 'N' Rubble Ltd had a winding up petition brought against it last week by Inert Recycling UK Ltd. The petition has been published by the London Gazette (link).

Lonsdale Construction Services went into voluntary liquidation in March with debts including a mortgage charge from a company called Factor 21 Ltd. The same company also has a charge over Rock 'N' Rubble Ltd.


The Green Shoots Of Recovery


Hereford FC Commercial Manager Chris 'Stig' Ammonds has spoken to Sunshine Radio's Matt Healey about the progress made over the last two months:

"A huge amount (of progress) to be honest. There's still a lot of work of contractors in dealing with electrical issues, floodlights, and various things. We've had three great weekends where volunteers have been in and done a huge amount of work.

"Ken tells me we're past 200 hours of work from our volunteers now. They've tidied up lots of areas, all the internal rooms have been tidied up, the backs of the stands. The next couple of weeks we're moving on to painting and starting to do some of the cosmetic work to return even more love to Edgar Street. 

"Highground are doing a lot of work on the pitch. The seeds are beginning to sprout. There's a huge amount going on and a huge amount still to do. We are making progress, and we can see we're making progress now."

Ammonds confirms the season ticket sales figure is currently 788 with more sales ongoing today. He calls the figure 'fantastic' - "when you consider we're not announced the signing of any player, we've only known what league we're in for ten days, it's incredible. The spirit amongst the fans is really excited and really optimistic."

Volunteers can assist the progress by emailing volunteers@herefordfc.co.uk


One Way To Support Hereford FC - Purchase A Perimeter Board


There are several ways to get your message across to a wide audience at Edgar Street. One of those is by purchasing a perimeter board, but there are others such as match sponsorship.

Sales of boards are reported to be 'selling well'.

To discuss any possibility please contact Hereford FC's commercial manager, Chris Ammonds, at 07468 495 731

The sponsorship and hospitality brochure can be viewed at


Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Ben Smith Evening In London


Ben Smith is set to talk about his new book at an event organised by the Capital Glovers In London next month.

This from Ciderspace:

Next month, football fans will get the chance to talk to former Yeovil Town midfielder Ben Smith at an evening organised by the Capital Glovers in London. The event will see Ben - who played for Arsenal, Reading, Yeovil Town, Southend United, Hereford United, Shrewsbury Town, Weymouth and Crawley Town before finishing his career with AFC Sudbury and Thurrock - talk about his new book Journeyman, which is getting impressive reviews around various Football League clubs and football websites since its launch last month.
The event will be held in the Old Red Lion Theatre Pub, which is situated close to Angel tube station, and walking distance from King's Cross and St Pancras mainline stations in Central London. Fans of all of Ben's former clubs, or those interested in lower league football in general are welcome to come along. The Capital Glovers write:

The Capital Glovers presents 'An Evening with Ben Smith'
'Author of Journeyman : One Man's Odyssey Through the Lower Leagues of English Football'

Date/Venue: 7.00p.m. Wednesday June 17th, The Old Red Lion Theatre Pub, London EC1V 4NJ

A chat about his new book followed by a question and answer session with the ex-Arsenal, Reading, Yeovil Town, Southend United, Hereford United, Shrewsbury, Weymouth and Crawley Town midfielder. It's free entry but we'll be holding a raffle and asking for donations for The Adam Stansfield Foundation a charity extremely close to the hearts of fans of Yeovil Town and Hereford, two of Ben's former clubs. June 17th is also the day the Football League fixtures are released so come along and plan your awaydays over a pint and hear what life's really like in the lower reaches of English football.

News Round-Up


Torquay's board are reported to be considering three offers for the club. Acting chairman Bill Phillips says two other interested parties are in talks, with Phillips commenting on the bid by Commercial Manager Dean Edwards "They've made a bid. We're waiting for the money to arrive in our account." Edwards' bid is reported to comprise up to ten local businessmen and supporters.

Former Bulls loanee James Baxendale is still in Dean Smith's Walsall plans after a disappointing season. The former Doncaster winger started just 17 games in League One this term, but Smith says he remains under contract and has challenged him to prove his is good enough to play regularly. Baxendale has made over 100 appearances for the Saddlers in three seasons.

Carlisle's directors say they are in the dark over the identity of the bidder for the club that saw a takeover deal stopped at the last minute. The bidder has been described as a 'billionaire' but one Director has told the local press they have been told neither his identity nor his plans for the club, just that he would put 'millions' into the Brunton Park outfit.

Westfields have added two more to their squad, with youngster Tom Bendall and former HUFC youth teamer Aidan Thomas agreeing terms for next season. Thomas spent the 2010/11 season as a pro at Edgar Street, appearing twice as a sub in the FA Cup including the Sheffield Wednesday trip. Ex-Bull Dean Beckwith has signed up with Sutton United for the coming season. 

Gateshead have announced the completion of their takeover. Outgoing owner Graham Wood has sold to Consett based business couple Richard and Julie Bennett. Wood described the pair as having the 'ambition and means to continue with the objective of returning Gateshead to the Football League'. He will stay as Chairman for an interim period as the pair adjust to their new surroundings.


Halifax Issue Winding Up Petition Against Northwich Victoria


Halifax have issued a winding up petition against Northwich Victoria.

The notice has been published in the London Gazette (link) having been issued on May 20th. No announcement has yet been made by either club over the petition.

Northwich Victoria have carried on despite a series of financial issues that stretch back ten years. A large proportion of their fanbase quit the club in 2012 to set up their own side after owner Jim Rushe relocated the homeless club to Stafford, although the Vics currently play at Witton Albion's Wincham Park - just 500 yards from the Victoria Stadium home ground they were evicted from in 2012.

The new Northwich 1874 club play in Step 5 of the NLS, one below the Vics, averaging just over 300 attendances in the league to the Vics' 116.


UITC Looking For Qualified Coaches


United In The Community are looking for qualified volunteer coaches to join their successful team.

Coaches who hold a UEFA B Coaching Licence or working towards the qualification and would like to get involved are asked to contact info@uitc.uk.com

Applicants will need to be current members of the FA Licenced Coaches Club and also hold Youth Award Module 1 and 2 Awards.


HUST Lottery - Jackpot Still Rising


Last night's winning numbers in the HUST weekly lottery were 9, 10, 11 and 18.

Jackpot Still Rolling

The Prize Bull Lottery jackpot is approaching the £3,000 mark with the prize up for grabs for the person that can correctly predict the four numbers drawn each week.

Each entry costs just £1 with funds raised from the draw going to HUST to help support a sustainable football club and build a shareholding in Hereford FC.

Entries can be made online through our website - http://www.hufctrust.co.uk/the-prize-bull/ - either monthly from £4.33, or as a yearly entry.

Downloadable Standing Order forms for the draw are also available from that page, or can be collected from Edgar Street.

Alvechurch Aiming For Promotion


Midland League side Alvechurch are aiming for the top of the MFL Premier after poaching the management and players of a higher graded side.

The Worcestershire side have named Ian Long as their manager, poaching him from 13/14 Midland Alliance winners Tividale.

Tividale, currently of the Northern League Div 1 South, finished eighth in their division last season and only just survived being thrown out of the division after an appeal over a failed ground grading inspection, with Long and his management team dropping back down after being told their budget would be cut in half for the coming season.

Long moves across to the Lye Meadow side along with his assistant, two coaches, and a large number of his squad, many of which won the division with Tividale.

Long told the local press: “I want to win the league, that’s the target. We know it’s going to be tough but the squad I want to build will have the experience and know-how to compete. We want to go for it.

“The chairman has really big plans, he is ambitious and his ambitions match my own. We want to take Alvechurch to the next level.

“A lot of players will be coming from Tividale but I also want to give the Alvechurch lads the opportunity when pre-season starts, that’s only fair. However, they finished the season in 15th place so it’s clear we need to improve."


Monday, May 25, 2015

Hereford Supporter Gives Talk At Hay Festival


Justin Griffiths-Williams Describing One Of His Photographs
Hereford FC supporter Justin Griffiths-Williams has been photographing events in Haiti for the past 15 years.

Earlier this evening he showed some of his images to an audience at Hay Festival.

News Round-Up


An early transfer battle has taken place in the Midland League with Division 1 champions Highgate United declaring victory. Striker Dave Yonwin, who scored 46 goals in 49 games for Bolehall Swifts in Div 1, had been announced as a new signing for 18th place finishers Coventry Sphinx on Wednesday only for Highgate - who already have 48 goal Lei Brown - to gazump them three days later. Highgate have also signed former Tamworth and Kidderminster forward Scott Rickards.

Former Bulls loanee Michael Forsyth is one of seven backroom staff to depart Sheffield Utd in the wake of their announcement this morning to part company with Nigel Clough as manager. Forsyth played 11 times for the Bulls in 1996, before first teaming up with Clough at Burton and then Derby. Former Bull Ian Foster has been named First Team Coach at Portsmouth. 

Torquay's ownership issues may not be over just yet. A new consortium, led by the club's Commercial Manager, has tabled a bid for the Conference side. Dean Edwards played for the club between 1988 and 1991, and is reported to have a group of local businessmen together ready to put a six figure sum into the club. Edwards says they should complete due diligence in the coming week.

Ex-Bull Darren Randolph has rejected a new contract at Birmingham City and is now expected to join a Premier League side this summer. The 28 year old made over 200 appearances for the Blues and Motherwell, as well as two Eire caps, since his disappointing spell at Edgar Street in 2008.


Westfields Not Wasting Any Time


Westfields manager Sean Edwards has been busy early this summer, signing up eleven players already for the new campaign.

On the day the announcement of Hereford FC's Midland Football League placing was made, Edwards was able to announce that five of his squad had agreed to stay next season including former Bull Craig Jones.

Two days later ex-Bull Marcus Palmer and winger Mike Tambling were also announced as staying, and two new faces were signed in the guises of Defender Jamie Sauntson and midfielder Anthony Robbins. Robbins returned to Westfields from Pegasus Juniors while former Cheltenham youth player Sauntson transferred from 14/15 promotion rivals Walsall Wood having started last season with Evesham in Step 4.

Edwards has also confirmed that defender Phil Glover and player/coach Bobby Aldrich would stay for the coming season having seen their campaigns blighted with injury. Westfields have also recruited former assistant boss Darren Lynch to help Edwards and assistant Nathan Rivers.

With a new three year sponsorship deal with Allpay in the bag, a partnership that has continued since 2006, Edwards will be looking to push harder for the top spots than in the last two seasons having previously finished second in the division in 2012 and 2013.


Sunday, May 24, 2015

UITC Release New Badge


This from UITC:

United in the Community have today released their new crest ahead of the 2015/16 season.


Nick Vaughan, Chairman, UITC, said:

"Bulls supporter Huw Marriott has done a terrific job in designing our new crest."

"It will be on the shirt of all our academy teams with the exception of the Under 18s who will wear the same kit as the Hereford FC first-team."

UITC are currently seeking shirt sponsors for a number of their academy teams.

Please e-mail their Commercial Manager, Mick Loader for further information: mick.loader@uitc.uk.com

There are also advertising boards available at their Victoria Park facility priced at £250 each.


Saturday, May 23, 2015

Season Ticket Sales Update


Earlier this evening on Twitter :-

@HerefordFC: Twenty more season tickets sold today as well as more great work done by fantastic volunteers. 788 sold in all now we think! #Unbelievable

Meanwhile, Jon Hale and other HFC Directors met with officials from the Midland Football League today:

A real pleasure meeting officials from The Midland Football League at Edgar Street this morning @MidlandLeague @HerefordFC #notlongnow


Hey Big Spender


Suggestions that a string of sides are jockeying to be the big spenders in the Midland Football League are gathering pace.

Along with Hereford FC, half a dozen other sides have already been identified by seasoned league followers as 'splashing the cash' this coming season.

Likely to be top of the tree is Sporting Khalsa. The West Midlands Regional League champions swept all before them with a record points total of 117 in 2014/15, and are primed for a push for a second successive promotion.

They have spent substantial sums on their Aspray Arena ground in recent seasons. Originally the home of Willenhall Town, but purchased from the debt-ridden club in 2009, it has seen extensive redevelopment to feature the Black Country Performance Hub - a suite of four 3G football pitches and two room for the likes of martial arts and wrestling.

The development opened in January, and also features a bar and function suite that includes a large Indian restaurant.

Rajinder Gill, chairman of Sporting Khalsa, said at the time: “Our plans for both the club in terms of the site and the teams are ambitious and we hope the opening of the BCPH is a sign of just how high we have set our targets."

Pic - Sporting Khalsa
Khalsa manager Ian Rowe, who dropped a level from the MFL to take the job, spoke earlier in the season: 

"In terms of the infrastructure that is in place, and everything to go forward, the potential of the club is absolutely massive. It’s got the category D grading already, it’s my job to get the club to where they want to be."




Rowe is likely to be one of the characters to rile the Bulls fans in the coming season, having a reputation for letting match officials know exactly what he thinks of them.


News Round-Up


Bristol Rovers' six day court hearing has concluded with the Judge to consider her verdict in the coming days. The club claim Sainsburys spent three years delaying the planning process after deciding the planned store did not meet their financial targets. The supermarket deny this and say they met all the terms of the contract between the two parties.

Torquay is now majority owned by the current board after Thea Bristow handed over 80% of her shareholding to the existing Directors. They have given Bristow assurances that they have the finances to run the club for next season, but have also told her they will seek talks with new investors and the Supporters Trust. 

Salisbury have announced a price cut for their u16 admission charges from £4 to £2 after complaints from fans. Season tickets for the same age group have dropped to £30.


Friday, May 22, 2015

West Brom XI To Visit Edgar Street


This from Hereford FC:

We are delighted to confirm that Hereford FC will be entertaining a West Bromwich Albion XI at Edgar Street on Tuesday 14 July.
The game, the third of our pre-season programme, will kick off at 7.45pm.
The confirmation of this fixtures means that Hereford FC’s pre-season schedule is now complete. It is as follows:
Pre-Season 2015/16:
Tuesday 7 July (7.30pm) – Malvern Town (A)
Saturday 11 July (3pm) – FC United of Manchester (H)
Tuesday 14 July (7.45pm) – West Bromwich Albion XI (H)
Saturday 18 July (3pm) – Merthyr Town (A)
Tuesday 21 July (7.30pm) – Wellington (A)
Saturday 25 July (3pm) – Pegasus Juniors (A)
Tuesday 28 July (7.45pm) – Brimscombe & Thrupp (A)
Saturday 1 August (3pm) – Hull City Under 21s (H)
Saturday 8 August – Midland Football League 2015/16 Kicks Off


UITC Q&A With Josh Hunt


United In The Community Coach Josh Hunt has completed a Q&A about their work:

What is your position at UITC?
My name is Josh Hunt and my position at UITC is Schools Programme Co-Ordinator. I teach at 10 Primary and Secondary schools throughout Herefordshire and Worcestershire delivering PE Lessons and After School Clubs. UITC deliver a wide range of sports including Football, Rugby, Tennis, Cricket, Rounders, Athletics etc. 

What teams do you coach?
I coach the Under 12’s academy team 3 times a week including a match day on a Saturday morning.  


You have two Under 18s Teams, why is that?
We have 2 Under 18 teams due to having a large amount of players on our course that we run. We have enough students to fill two teams. The performance team played in the Premier League Football League last season and Development Team played in the ECFA (English Colleges Football Association) which played their matches on a Wednesday afternoon.  

What is the relationship with Hereford Football Club?
The relationship is really good. Our trustees agreed to affiliate UITC with both HUST and HFC last month. It's really important we can develop a player pathway from UITC into HFC - and that is obviously one of our key footballing priorities in the seasons ahead.

How many players do you have on your books?
We have our Football Development Centre ages from 6 to 11 years old where we have 60 children training every Monday evening and games when arranged. 

Our Academy teams are aged from U12’s to U16’s where we have a total of 80 players.

Our U18’s team consists of 22 players. Overall we have a total of 162 players on our books. 

Where do you get your money from?
We get our money from different programmes plus grants and fundraising. We have 5 different programmes including Schools Programme, Soccer Schools, Football & Education, Youth Academy and Development (Football Development Centre). This money is used to pay for facilities, coaches, and equipment. As we are a non-profit organisation we recycle the money back into our community activities.

I hear you also offer an education course for young people, what is that about?
We offer a Btec Extended Diploma in Sport for Students. This is a 2 year course where you become part of our Youth Team. You will take part in 3 training sessions every week and attend a game. If you have a strong interest in playing or coaching football, this course is perfect for you. This course is for students aged between 16 and 18 and if you are interested in finding out more information about the course email info@uitc.uk.com

Who are your staff and what are their experience and qualifications?
We have 2 full time staff at UITC these are - 
  • Steve Brotherwood - Manager - UEFA B Coaching badge & Level 1&2 Youth Module certificates.
  • Myself (Josh) - Schools Programme Co-Ordinator - Level 2 Coaching badge & Level 1&2 Youth Module Certificates.

We are also supporters by a string of part time and volunteer coaches.

Where is your office?
Our office is based on Blackfriars Street at the Edgar Street stadium.

Where do you train?
We have two training Facilities, we use Victoria Park, Field Grove View, for our U18 Youth Team. We also use Belmont Abbey where we coach our academy and Football Development Centre teams and play matches from this venue.

Can anyone come to watch UITC matches?
Yes anybody can watch UITC matches, keep up-to-date with all fixtures, dates and times of the matches on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/hufccommunitytrust) or Twitter page (@HUFCCommunity). 

What sponsorship opportunities are there?
There are plenty of Sponsorship opportunities with UITC. We are currently looking for sponsors for our academy teams match day kit. We also have places to have advertising boards for companies at Victoria Park. For more information email mick.loader@uitc.uk.com.

What kit do the players wear?
The players have their own training kit to wear for training and we supply the match day kit. We have just released our new Macron training kit. The under 18s will be wearing the same kit as Hereford FC’s First Team but the younger age groups will have their own sponsor.


Heanor Town Complete MFL Line Up


Heanor Town are the final side to be confirmed to be opponents of Hereford FC in the Midland Football League this coming season.

The Derbyshire side will be one of the longer trips on the Bulls' itinerary, having been moved sideways from the Northern Counties East League (NCEL) where they finished sixth this season.

Heanor is one of the more recent sides for ex-Bull Neil Grayson, who played for the Lions at the age of 48. 


Club Seeking Bar And Functions Manager


This from Hereford FC:

Hereford FC is inviting expressions of interest for the newly created role of Bar and Functions Manager at Edgar Street.
The successful candidate will have responsibility for the management and marketing of the Starlite Rooms, the club’s hospitality suites, Addison’s Bar and Radford’s Bar, and will be a key member of the club’s commercial team.
Anyone interested in this role is invited to send their CV to Hereford FC’s Commercial Director, George Webb, at commercial@herefordfc.co.uk, or by post to Hereford FC, Edgar Street, Hereford, HR4 9JU.
Closing date for expressions of interest is 12pm on Friday 29 May.

Thursday, May 21, 2015

The Ballad Of Ronnie Radford

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The Ballad of Ronnie Radford’ tells the story of one of the most famous goals in FA Cup history, when semi-professional Hereford United winger Ronnie Radford scored from 30 yards to help his team beat the giants of Newcastle United in 1972. In this short documentary Harry Harris meets Ronnie who tells the story of his footballing triumph.
The day after scoring such a monumental goal, Ronnie went back to his day job: up a ladder, fixing the roof of a house.
Harry said: “I had that song on YouTube, and a director of Hereford United’s wife found it and asked me to play at the 40th anniversary of the game as a surprise for Ronnie and the whole team – that was a really lovely day, and we just kept in touch, Ronnie sent me letters and we approached him about the doc, and he was very receptive – in the interim between making the documentary and releasing it, Hereford United have gone bankrupt and been reborn as Hereford FC, and will be playing their first season next year.”
‘The Ballad of Ronnie Radford’ is the first single from Harry Harris’ second album ‘Songs About Other People’, which is out now on Wild Sound Recordings.
Directed by: Francis Newall & Matt Diegan
Produced by: Matt Diegan
All Music: Harry Harris
Grade: Steve Atkins
Sound Mix: Robin Clarke

Find more from Harry at harryharrismusic.com.

See the documentary at: https://vimeo.com/128354436

News Round-Up


The current Torquay board are reported to be ready to take on Thea Bristow's majority shareholding in the club and shoulder the financial commitments to keep the Gulls running. Bristow will retain 20% of her shares and continue a smaller funding commitment for the coming season under the new plan. The club's Supporters Trust has trebled in size to over 300 members since the ownership crisis began.

Bristol Rovers' court battle with Sainsburys has heard that the supermarket had the right to withdraw from the £30million deal to buy the Memorial Ground over the Council refusal to alter delivery hours to the store. The supermarket claims it did not withdraw the application to change hours so that an appeal could be held, which was successful. If it had withdrawn, the appeal would not have been heard and the club would have been left in 'an awful trap'. The hearing continues.

Former Bull Chris Sharp is one of a string of players to be released by Stockport. The former Telford man spent only a season at Edgeley Park, where he was rarely used as a striker. Salisbury have announced that they will charge £8 for terracing and £9 for seats in their Wessex League campaign next season. They will charge £4/£5 for under 16's but under 5's will go free.

Truro City have announced they will remain at their current Treyew Road home for the entirety of next season. They had been in talks with Torquay over a groundshare while planning permission was sought for a new ground, but they have now secured a deal for their current stadium which was sold to developers by a former owner. Ex-Bull Will Evans has signed a new one year deal at Eastleigh. The utility man has played 78 times for the club since arriving two years ago. 


Club Confirms Brimscombe Trip


This from Hereford FC:

Hereford FC’s Club Secretary, Martin Watson, has confirmed that the club will be playing a pre-season friendly against Brimscombe & Thrupp Football Club on Tuesday 28 July.
Brimscombe & Thrupp – who are based near Stroud – play in the Hellenic League Premier Division, and the game will take place at The Meadow with a 7.30pm kick off.
Speaking at the excellent Fans Forum at the Railway Club in Hereford last night, Hereford FC manager, Peter Beadle, explained that he sees this game as an important one as it will help his players familiarise themselves with the type of grounds they will visit in the Midlands Football League this season.
More information about Brimscombe & Thrupp FC can be found on their website at http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/brimscombethruppfc/.
Speaking about Hereford FC’s pre-season schedule, Martin Watson said:
‘We’ve had over 100 offers from clubs for friendlies, not only from those wanting our fans to travel to them, but also a lot of sides wanting to play at a ground like Edgar Street for the experience.
‘Some have come back to us three or four times on the off chance of a gap opening up in our schedule.
‘However, apart from one potential announcement,  our pre-season fixture list is now complete.’


Former Keeper to Return

The Hereford Times has reported Rhys Evans will be coming on board to offer training sessions one day a week. 
"He lives in Tewkesbury so not far from Hereford," said Beadle. 
"I think he misses the football and I think he has got something to offer"

Also Joel Edwards has confirmed to the Hereford Times he is due to speak to Beadle and his current manager Sean Edwards at the end of the week to discuss his options. 

Fans Forum Report


The fans forum chaired by Jon Hale with Peter Beadle and Matt Bishop took place at the Railway Club last night.



With Jamie Griffiths filming the event for posting on the Hereford FC site, around 150 fans attended the evening to hear Beadle and Bishop's plans for the team.

Beadle told supporters that his work could now really start as the league placing was known, but that the Step 5 level had scared off one or two players that had been interested. He told fans that he had a core of players identified and may be able to name the first batch of recruits as early as Friday.

"It's a good budget. We expect to be at the top end" he told fans after being asked if the club was to challenge for promotion.


"I've spoken to Rob Purdie about United In The Community and the under 18's. We want to challenge from day one. We will develop players over time, and play them when ready."

Gareth Davies also took time to praise the work of UITC, naming coach Liam Brewer - who was in the room - leading to a round of applause from the crowd.

Asked about training, Beadle said they would start in Hereford but then seek alternative venues to cut down on travelling costs and times for players: "Hartpury College is one site. It's 25 minutes from here, 25 minutes from Bristol, Gloucester. Players are happier to come when there's less travelling in the car."

Asked about players adjusting to the size of the crowd at Edgar Street, Beadle acknowledged that some of the players may not have seen such a gate and that the supporters would have to be patient with them early in the season as they got used to the noise and pressure.

"Hopefully one of two familiar faces will come in" was the response as he was quizzed on some former players but he did not name names.

Beadle also announced a friendly at Brimscombe and Thrupp, a Hellenic League side.

After a break, the forum recommenced with Beadle and Bishop departed and Phil Eynon and Chris Williams taking the stage as they and Hale took questions on the off-field matters.

Hale started out by thanking the supporters, calling the backing "hugely humbling". He also thanked the benefactors adding that, without their support and finances, Herefordshire Council would not have given Hereford FC the lease to Edgar Street - "At times during negotiations we almost walked out. All the letters and support from fans proved our cause to the Council."

Hale also announced the current season ticket sales number as 766.

Hale thanked Ken Kinnersley for his work, and that of all the volunteers that had got the club and ground as far as they had in a short space of time. He also noted the need for more volunteers to attend work days at the club, and for more people to volunteer as matchday stewards.

For any volunteer role you can email volunteers@herefordfc.co.uk

HUST Chairman, and club Vice Chairman, Chris Williams then talked about his work towards getting a Safety Certificate for Edgar Street. He said the first Safety Advisory Group meeting had 15 different agencies with input into the certification requirements.

Williams also said that there were plans to belatedly celebrate the 90th birthday of Hereford United on July 11th. 

Jon Hale then took questions, and confirmed that a main shirt sponsor was close and could be announced in the coming week. He also announced, to generous applause, that the bars at Edgar Street would be run in-house rather than leased out to a third party.

However, some bad news came in the form of the Vice Presidents Club lounge. Hale described it as 'dangerously unhealthy' with issues with asbestos, the flooring, and toilets all to be resolved.

Chris Williams then plugged HUST's Prize Bull lottery, with new HUST committee member Andy Swift taking control of the running. More details on the lottery at http://www.hufctrust.co.uk/the-prize-bull/

Hale apologised for the Macron P&P charge for online orders, but it was out of the club's control, adding that the Macron deal allowed the club to carry small quantities of stock rather than splashing out on huge numbers of shirts with the danger they would go unsold.

The forum closed at 10pm to generous applause.