Hereford Women won their league fixture against Halesowen this afternoon.
The game ended: Hereford 3 Halesowen 2
Attendance 30.
Next: Pre-Season 2026/2027
Hereford Women won their league fixture against Halesowen this afternoon.
The game ended: Hereford 3 Halesowen 2
Attendance 30.
Former Hereford boss Paul Caddis says he is determined to prove doubters wrong at King’s Lynn Town after admitting he was not the supporters’ first choice for the role, and has urged fans to give him six months.Paul Caddis
Caddis, who guided the Linnets to National League North survival in the final 12 games of the season, secured safety on goal difference with a goalless draw at Chester on the final day. He is now preparing for a major summer rebuild at The Walks.
“I understand I might not have been everybody’s first choice - maybe not even their fifth or sixth,” he told the Lynn News. “I just ask people to be patient, give us an opportunity and get behind us.”
A key part of that rebuild will be recruitment, with Caddis insisting the club will move quickly to identify targets who fit his style of play. He also acknowledged there will inevitably be speculation around players he has previously worked with.
“There will naturally be players linked with us who I’ve worked with before,” Caddis said. “There are players who want to come back, players wanting to step up and others looking to move full-time.”
However, he stressed recruitment will not simply be about familiarity, but suitability and detail in decision-making.
He said: “I don’t just look at a player and think: ‘He’s decent, let’s sign him’. We do background work on everything. What’s his injury history? What’s he like around the group? Has he played full-time before? Can he handle pressure?”
Caddis added that personality and adaptability will be just as important as ability as he reshapes the squad.
“The difficult thing is when you look at a part-time player who’s scored goals in the division below, you’re not just paying wages, you might also have to look at employment opportunities for them as well,” he explained.
“There’s so much to consider. Personality matters. How will they cope in a full-time environment? What are they like when things are tough?”
The former Bulls manager says he is also looking for a more dynamic style of play next season, moving away from the pragmatic approach used during the survival run-in.
“We won’t play in the same style we did during those 12 games,” he said. “It was about simplicity and survival. Now it’s about bringing in players with athleticism, pace and power.”
Caddis, who has assistant Adam Rooney at King's Lynn, has asked supporters to reserve judgement until his squad has had time to settle.
“Get behind us, stick with us and judge us after five or six months,” he said.
According to the FA site, Hereford Women are due to play Halesowen Town Ladies this afternoon at Edgar Street.
However Edgar Street is not available due to work taking place on the pitch.
So it's assumed the game will be played at Bromyard's Delahay Meadow.
Currently Halesowen are 9th in the table with 23 points from 19 games whilst Hereford are tenth with 19 points from 18 games.
Kick-off is set for 2pm.
After today's game Hereford should have three more to complete their season. However both the FA Site and Hereford FC site are only showing two more games.
Sunday 24th: Crusaders v Hereford
Sunday 31st: Hereford v Redditch.
Hereford have only played Worcester City once this season so that's the other game that is to be played.
It was set to be played on April 26th but was called off because Worcester could not raise a team.
Hereford have not got a game on May 17th, however Worcester have so if the game is to be played it will have to be take place one evening.
Unless the FA decide to award the game to Hereford.
Work on the major summer redevelopment of the Edgar Street pitch is continuing with the overhaul nearly reaching its next stage.
Work continues on the Edgar Street pitch. Picture: Ben Bowen
The project follows a season in which the playing surface at Edgar Street Stadium caused significant disruption, with multiple postponements and three home games moved to Worcestershire after periods of heavy rainfall left the pitch unplayable.
After the opening week focused on excavation and the installation of the main drainage network, the latest updates show substantial progress has now been made underground.
Sharing updates with social media followers, groundsman Ben Bowen said around half of the drainage work had been completed by day seven, with contractors KMM Hire continuing work across the pitch throughout the week.
Further updates showed drainage pipes being connected, stone laid into the trenches and rootzone — a specialist sand and soil mix — beginning to be added above the newly-installed drainage lines.
By the end of the week, the drainage installation itself was close to being completed ahead of the next major phase of the redevelopment programme.
Attention is now expected to turn towards stripping off the existing pitch surface before replacement work begins later in the summer.
The project is part of a wider effort to improve the long-term condition and reliability of the Edgar Street surface ahead of the 2026/27 campaign after ongoing drainage issues affected much of last season.
The project is partly funded by the groundman's nephew, Leominster-born West Ham and England forward Jarrod Bowen. The 29-year-old made his professional debut for Hereford United towards the end of the 2013/14 season, before scoring his first professional goal in front of the Meadow End in the April.
Subject to ratification, next season's National League North has been sorted after Kidderminster beat South Shields in the Play-off Final.
Below are the teams Hereford will face and their distance from Edgar Street.
AFC Telford United (53 miles)
Bedford Town (130 miles)
Brackley Town (92 miles)
Buxton (121 miles)
Chester (95 miles)
Chorley (151 miles)
Darlington (230 miles)
Harborough Town (106 miles)
Hebburn Town (263 miles)
Hednesford Town (73 miles)
King's Lynn Town (174 miles)
Macclesfield (122 miles)
Marine (156 miles)
Merthyr Town (43 miles)
Morecambe (166 miles)
Oxford City (79 miles)
Radcliffe (150 miles)
Scarborough Athletic (220 miles)
Southport (157 miles)
South Shields (264 miles)
Spalding United (157 miles)
Spennymoor Town (245 miles)
Worksop Town (141 miles)
Former Hereford FC general manager James Watts is to become commercial director at Cheltenham.
Currently he is chief commercial officer at Swindon Town.
Watts joined Hereford from Newport County in September 2017. He left in October 2020.
In September 2022 he joined Swindon.
A selection of pictures from the second half of Wednesday's Herefordshire FA Women's Cup Final match between Hereford FC and Hereford Pegasus.
A selection of pictures from the first half of Wednesday's Herefordshire FA Women's Cup Final match between Hereford FC and Hereford Pegasus.
Hereford FC manager Aaron Downes has started preparations for next season. Already both Luke Hudson and Kyle Howkins have agreed terms and work on the Edgar Street pitch continues.
Also several pre-season friendlies have been arranged.
"I'm having a lot of meetings with players and agents," said Downes.
"We are working extremely hard behind the scenes to make sure that we get a squad together early so we can have a competitive squad.
"Everything is just about recruitment and planning, planning training, pre-season is already planned, the games will be announced soon. We've got some good games coming up.
"A lot of it is around talking to potential targets and trying to make sure our recruitment process is really really solid.
"We have parameters we want to stick within as regards how we recruit. There are certain things we have to identify and make sure are correct. Staticital work. logistical work and financial.
"We are making sure all those parameters are covered.
"We are getting a lot of work done and meeting a lot of players.
"We want players who are fully committed, lots of energy, giving everything they can to the shirt."
Downes quotes are from an interview: https://herefordfc.co.uk/2026/05/interview-downes-offers-close-season-update/
The National League is banning children aged 13 and under from attending matches unless they are accompanied by a "responsible adult".The Meadow End ahead of kick-off against Peterborough Sports last month
National League North Chester shared an update with their fans about the major update to ticketing policy.
The Cheshire club said that from the start of the 2026/27 season, under 14s will have to be accompanied, and the directive followed a consultation survey with clubs and liaison with policing partners.
At Edgar Street, restrictions already require under-14s to be accompanied by a responsible adult, but the move is likely to affect other clubs - including Chester.
The club had permitted supporters aged 13 and over to attend matches unaccompanied.
They added the National League will be providing clubs with additional guidance shortly.
“As the manager, to get your captain on board to lead the charge into a new season is pivotal. We had a really good conversation, and I’m over the moon to have the captain of the club, and my captain, with us for next season.”
Cambridge United have given an update on the future of striker George Munday, who played 22 games while on loan at Hereford.
Brought in by sacked manager Paul Caddis and his assistant Adam Rooney, Munday became a key part of Aaron Downes's squad as the Bulls narrowly escaped relegation from National League North.
Munday, who started his journey with Cambridge United at the age of nine, scored 10 goals for the Bulls as he made 22 appearances in his 68-day stint.
With Cambridge sharing an update on their playing squad on Wednesday, they confirmed they had triggered the option of an extra year for the 19-year-old.
Bedford Town have appointed Harry Smart as their manager for the forthcoming season.
Hereford Women take part in the HFA County Cup Final this evening. They play Hereford Pegasus at the HFA County Ground.
Former Hereford FC chairman Jon Hale has paid tribute to Tony Johnson who was the leader of Herefordshire Council when Hereford FC was formed. Johnson died last Saturday aged 89.
'I’ll be forever thankful for way Mr Johnson handled the initial approach for the lease on Edgar Street, to successful negotiation & awarding of the first 5 yr lease when we reformed. His professional, respectful & trusting manner helped Hereford FC get off the ground. RIP Tony.'
Macclesfield have reported that their manager John Rooney has agreed to continue in the post until the end of the season.
Just days after appointing a new manager, Morecambe have released a statement about a winding-up petition.
At this moment in time, the Club has not received any papers or other notification of such action and is surprised and disappointed to learn of these developments.
This relates to another legacy debt that the Club was burdened with three years before last year’s takeover by Panjab Warriors and which dates back to August 2022.
The original terms offered to the Club at that time involved a repayment schedule over five years to August 2027, which Ascot & Ryley has been seeking to change in recent months based on a ‘change of control’ clause agreed between the Club’s former board of directors and Ascot & Ryley’s owners.
The existence of such a clause was never disclosed to Panjab Warriors before or during last year’s takeover and the Club’s owners do not believe that unilaterally seeking to enforce it in this way is in the best interests of the Club or its true and loyal supporters.
Whilst the Club disputes the new repayment terms being claimed by Ascot & Ryley, it has been in recent discussions with the company in several attempts to resolve this matter amicably and in a manner which respects the terms originally agreed with the Club in 2022.
The Club has disclosed this unwelcome development to both the National League and the Independent Football Regulator and will continue to keep its supporters informed of further developments.
It will provide a further update as soon as it is able to do so and, in the meantime, thanks its supporters for their continued loyalty and support as its owners and senior management continue to do all they can to re-establish and maintain the Club’s sustainability both on and off the pitch.
Tom Pugh has been released by Halifax.
Now 25, the Doncaster born midfielder came to Hereford on loan from Scunthorpe in November 2023 and made 12 appearances for the Bulls scoring one goal.
In the summer of 2024 he joined Halifax scoring two goals in 45 appearances. But earlier today he was released.
BBC Hereford and Worcester's Carson Wishart, who has covered most of Hereford's games this season, has commented about the retained list released by the club earlier today.
"There are a couple of surprises in there," he said.
"I'm quite surprised about Lawson D'Ath because he has been a bit of a stalward at the Bulls. 67 appearances since joining in 2024.
"He is on the released list but he is 33 years old, he's had quite a few injuries during the season.
"Another veteran of the club, a war horse, Matt Preston the center-back, 6ft 2in all action, he heads everything, literally puts his body on the line, he's gone as well.
"I can understand it because they are of a certain age and they've had injuries.
"I think Aaron Downes, the new manager, needs to free up the wage bill as well to bring in his own squad and make some permanent signings.
"On the positive on the retained list is Harrison Sonha. He made his debut for Villa in the FA Cup against Liverpool in 2021. He went on to Sunderland.
"He was set to have a big future in the game but then dropped down to Cheltenham. Not sure what happened there but he landed up at Hereford.
"He's a real quality player. You look at him and you think he could be playing a couple of levels above so I think that is a big boost for Hereford.
"And Joe James, defender. He signed from Bristol City in February. Lots of composure.
"Downes needs to build a squad that can challenge for the play-offs next season."
Whilst D'Ath is released Preston Bitemo is retained.
"They are probably thinking we have younger players like Preston Bitemo who has been on loan at Kettering, 20 years old.
"They've retained him so perhaps they think that's the future in terms of getting younger legs in there."
Wishart's comments from BBC Total Sport.
Hereford's former boss and his assistant are keeping their jobs at King's Lynn Town.
Paul Caddis took over at the National League North club after being sacked by Hereford in February.
He managed to keep the Linnets in step two, where he was joined by Adam Rooney.
The club have now confirmed the duo have been retained for 2026/27 season.
In a brief statement, the Norfolk club said: "The club can confirm that Paul Caddis and Adam Rooney have agreed to extend their tenure as the Club’s management team for the 2026/27 campaign.
"Since taking charge under challenging circumstances, the duo have demonstrated strong leadership, professionalism, and a clear commitment to the Club’s ambitions. Their continued stewardship provides vital stability and momentum as preparations begin for the upcoming season.
"As part of the transition, Paul Caddis will lead the footballing department, including recruitment, as the club moves into the new season.
"The club and Joe Simpson, Head of Football Operations, have agreed to part ways following this transition. We thank Joe for his efforts during his time with King’s Lynn Town FC."
Hereford manager Aaron Downes has sent season ticket holders an update:
'I'm so proud to be writing to you having agreed a two year deal to remain as Hereford FC manager.
I'm also delighted that my assistant, Harry Pell, has accepted an offer to remain here and work with me to build a squad capable of competing at the top end of the National League North next season.
This club has an incredible fan base and support and we have both been blown away by the way you got behind our team as we fought hard to avoid relegation over the past couple of months. Your support has been extraordinary and you are the reason we already love this club so much.
Since arriving at the MandM Edgar Street Stadium you have seen glimpses of the way I want my teams to play. Having now announced our retained list, I'm looking forward to having the chance to build my own squad over the next couple of months and to instill my footballing beliefs into a new group.
I'd also like to place on record my thanks to those players who will be moving on - the part many of them played last season will not be forgotten.
I want us all to move forward and we cannot do this without your support. We will need to build a squad that can deal with the unique demands of the National League North - we certainly have a busy summer ahead of us with recruitment and preparations.
I know the type of squad I want both on and off the pitch, and I am fortunate that I already have the makings of a great backroom team to work with throughout the process.
I have loved my time as Hereford FC manager so far and cannot wait to see what we can achieve together. Harry and I believe that 'hard work pays you back' and we are confident there are good times ahead if we all commit to believing in that statement.'
One of the players released by Hereford this morning has tweeted about his time at the club.
Mitchell Roberts has not had an easy season. He signed for Hereford, went out on loan to Gloucester, came back and shortly after was loaned to Halesowen.
'My time at Hereford didn’t go as planned but I was buzzing to see the lads get the job done on the final day.
'Wish the club nothing but the best and hopefully now on an upward trajectory.' As always, a season full of highs and lows.
'Time to get fully fit and see what’s next.'
Season ticket holders at Hereford FC can renew their tickets as from 10am this morning.
Holders are being sent e-mail reminders which should arrive during the course of the day.
They can also renew their tickets at the club shop on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am to 4pm.
Early bird tickets are on sale until the end of the month.
More details: https://herefordfc.co.uk/2026/05/news-season-ticket-renewal-emails-sent-out/
Most clubs only release what figures they have to but both Southend and Forest Green Rovers have posted a little more.
The table shows just how much National League football is being supported by outside finance often by the chairman or financial companies.
Just six clubs made a profit. All the rest lost money with the biggest losses at Oldham.