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Next Game: Banbury Away On Friday March 29th Kick-Off 3.00pm

Thursday, May 21, 2015

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.