The National League North club - who had an average attendance of 707 last season - announced the news with an article starting that assistant manager Andy Ballard would be stepping down.
More here.
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Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Carragher joins Marine
Sky pundit Jamie Carragher has joined Marine as an advisor.
The former Liverpool defender lives close to their ground in Crosby and has watched them many times
"Marine is a proper community football club with good people involved and a clear vision for where it wants to go," said Carragher, as reported by the club's website.
"I've enjoyed watching the progress the club has made over recent years and I'm pleased to be able to support the club in an advisory capacity going forward."
Meredith To Leave Leamington
Leamington have agreed that Hereford born Dan Meredith can leave the club. They report that 'Dan will be released from his option agreement to pursue other opportunities'.
Right back Meredith is 26.
This from Leamington:
Following discussions between Dan Meredith and Scott Easterlow, the club can confirm it has been mutually agreed that Dan will be released from his option agreement to pursue other opportunities.
Since initially joining on loan from West Bromwich Albion at the start of 2019 before making that move permanent in the following summer, Dan has amassed 251 appearances for the club, scoring 4 goals.
Dan has played a vital part in Leamington sides over the years, often referred to as a swashbuckling right back and picked up the Directors’ and Players’ Player of the Season awards for the 2025/26 campaign.
Leamington Manager Scott Easterlow said “Dan has been a fan favourite and one of the most consistent players at the club for a long time. Whilst we are naturally sad to see him leave, he does so with everyone’s best wishes.”
Pegasus friendly confirmed
Hereford Pegasus have confirmed they will be playing Hereford FC in a pre-season friendly.
The match will be at Old School Lane on Saturday, July 11 and will no doubt kick off Hereford's pre-season campaign.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Murray Confirmed To Have Joined Barrow
It's been confirmed that former Kidderminster manager Adam Murray has been appointed manager of Barrow.
Barrow chairman Paul Hornby commented:
“I’m delighted to welcome Adam to the club and can’t wait to see him get started at the club,” Hornby said.
“We as the board identified Adam as a target early due to his track record, current performances, and philosophy.
“We had to bide our time, due to his success with Kidderminster this season which extended into the post-season games but are really pleased to be able to have him on board.
“He’s a young, hungry manager but already has a whole range of experiences in England and in Europe including two promotions into the National League in the last four years.
“We also spoke to people within the game who couldn’t speak highly enough of him as a manager and as a person which speaks volumes of him as an individual.
“Our ambitions and beliefs for this season align and that culture and togetherness is going to be such a key factor this season and myself and the board are really excited for the year ahead.”
New Drainage Installed At Edgar Street
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| Picture From Ben Bowen |
The installation of the new drains at Hereford FC's Edgar Street has been completed and the contractors are now working on the pitch itself.
General manager Jamie Griffiths spoke to BBC Hereford and Worcester's Trevor Owens about how the project was progressing.
"They've had a few little issues as they expected with a pitch like this but the drainage is now installed.
"They've started to take the top surface off the pitch, they'll take about half this week doing that and top seeding it and drill seeding it.
"Then it's a case of sitting back and letting the grass grow.
"They've gone the opposite direction to the old drainage, they've come across blocked drains, collapsed drains. drains that were below other drains.
"So it was expecting water to go up hill which obviously water is not too fond of.
"They've changed the size of the gravel now, it's slightly bigger allowing more space for the air to draw the water through."
Griffiths said he was impressed how quickly the contractors were getting on.
"They've had some pretty impressive machinery on the pitch doing the job so hopefully come pre-season it will be a nice playing surface and come winter we won't have the headaches we've had this season."
Both Jarrod Bowen and the club's founding shareholders are helping to pay for the work.
"It's a big help Jarrod and the initial shareholders have dipped into their pockets.
"But it was Jarrod who came to us and said how can I help, certainly there was no expectation from us for Jarrod to do anything so it was fantastic that he decided to come along and help.
"I'm sure he would have seen Ben, his uncle, pulling his hair out at times during the winter and it's certainly made Ben a little bit more relaxed this summer knowing that the job is getting done.
"Hopefully come winter he will have the normal issues on the pitch to deal with and not the drains."
Murray Leaves Kidderminster
Despite steering Kidderminster to promotion, manager Adam Murray has taken a new post believed to be with Barrow.
On the surface it seems a strange move given Barrow were relegated from League Two to the National League last week whilst Kidderminster were promoted the from National North.
This from Kidderminster:
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers can reluctantly confirm that Adam Murray is to leave his position as Manager following an approach from another club.
Shortly after the weekend’s final, a club presently in the EFL met a release clause within Adam’s contract to discuss their vacancy, which Adam has expressed a desire to pursue.
We understand the timing of this announcement will come as a disappointment to fans following Saturday’s promotion.
Chairman Richard Lane commented: “Adam has been very open and honest with me since the weekend. While he was a year into a two-year contract and a project with us here, I fully respect that, given the overall financial package on offer, he feels it is an opportunity for him and his family that he cannot turn down.
“While the timing is unfortunate following such a fantastic end to the season, I am sure we all wish Adam nothing but the best for his future.
“At this time and always, our priority is on our fantastic club and its fans; our focus now is on moving quickly with a managerial appointment that will lead us into a new chapter in our history after promotion.”
Richard added to Harriers fans: “Collectively, we have achieved something amazing this season and I want those memories to stay fresh in the minds of our supporters and sponsors, who backed us so incredibly, particularly in those final months of the season.
“We have every cause to celebrate, and we will move forward with nothing but positivity and excitement for our next challenge.”
Ex-Bull watch
Shrewsbury Town have made former Bulls Sam Clucas and Ricardo Dinanga available for transfer as they published their released and retained list after a poor season in League Two where they finished 19th with 49 points.
George Lloyd scoring for Hereford at Telford in October 2018
Midfielder Clucas, now 35, made 58 appearances in 18 months at Edgar Street after joining in November 2011, before moving to Mansfield. The former Leicester City youngster then went on to play for clubs including Swansea City, Stoke City and Rotherham United. Meanwhile, 24-year-old Irish forward Dinanga made three appearances for the Bulls on loan from Coventry City in late 2022.
Another former Bull, striker George Lloyd, has signed a new deal to keep him with the Shrews. Now 26, Lloyd had two loan spells at Edgar Street in 2018 and 2019 after coming through the ranks at Cheltenham Town.
Chris Bush, who had a loan spell with Hereford before joining on a permanent basis for the infamous 2013/14 Conference season, has missed out on promotion to the Football League with Boreham Wood. Facing Rochdale at Wembley, Boreham lost 3-1 on penalties with the game 2-2 after extra time.
Dom McHale, who made three appearances for Hereford on loan from Scarborough Athletic in 2024, has said he has had "two unbelievable years" at Hednesford Town.
The journeyman has been released by the club after their promotion to National League North, saying he made more than 80 appearances, helped achieve two promotions and finished as the club's top goalscorer.
"It's been a journey I'll never forget," he said, adding: "Gutted to be leaving, but excited for a new chapter and what's next."
Monday, May 11, 2026
AFC Telford Announce Season Ticket Prices
AFC Telford have announced season ticket prices for the forthcoming campaign.
Adult season tickets will cost £351, Concessions £285, Students £228, and Juniors £100.
"We have increased season ticket and matchday prices for Adults and Concessions.
"Increases in our costs, particularly utility and wage costs, have made this necessary, though we have taken other steps to offset some of those increases, including new commercial deals.
"We have also benchmarked pricing across National League North clubs, and we believe our prices remain competitive at this level."
Match day prices will be adults £18.50, Concessions £15, Students £12 and Juniors £7
Hednesford Offer Terms To Three Former Hereford Players
Hednesford Town have released their retained list.
The club have offered terms to three former Hereford players, Montel Gibson, Ahkeem Rose and Omari Sterling-James.
But have released three others, Simeon Maye, Jake Jervis and Dom McHale.
On This Day 20 Years Ago
On this day twenty years ago, Hereford United ensured they would be in the Conference Play-Off.
A look back to May 11th 2006.
Guy's the magic match winner
Finally! They've done it! It's taken three attempts, but Hereford United are through to the Conference play off final for the first time! But they made hard work of it and took the lead three times in total, in an enthrawling second leg encounter at Edgar Street, with Morecambe the visitors.
Unchanged from the first leg were The Bulls, and they began where they left off in the second half from the first leg, which finished 1-1. United were dominant from the start and with just six minutes on the clock Tamika Mkandawire sent the home crowd into raptures, with a fantastic header from Alex Jeannin's corner. The Frenchman though, turned from hero to villan in minutes as Morecambe went down the other end a minute later and Jeannin blatantly fouled in the area, and Wayne Curtis equalised from the penalty spot.
United, with the huge home vocal support behind them all the way, didn't dwell on it however, and continued to dominate, and just five minutes later local lad Andy Williams scored a fantastic goal. Adam Stansfield raced away down the left before nipping a ball inside to Rob Purdie. Purdie played the ball into the feet of Williams who, with his back to goal and a defender behind him, somehow managed to turn and fire, all in one motion, into the bottom corner of the net leaving 'keeper Steven Drench stranded.
Minutes later, the visitors were almost on level terms again when Mkandawire headed a long ball straight into the path of the oh-so-dangerous Michael Twiss, and his first time shot flew inches wide of Wayne Brown's post. Simon Travis then went close for Hereford, as he stung the hands of Drench with a drive from twenty-five yards, before he crossed for Williams, but his header was easy for the loanee 'keeper. Morecambe enjoyed a good spell of play for around ten minutes before half time, but they couldn't make anything of it. Hereford though, finished the half more brightly, and went in at the break 2-1 up.
The Shrimpers were to enjoy another good spell after the interval, not because of they're renewed approach after the restart, but because United gave them much more time on the ball in the middle. And Hereford paid the price for this. With eight minutes of the half gone Danny Carlton broke in behind the Bull's backline, forced a save from Brown at a tight angle, but the ball fell into the path of Twiss who netted from a central position.
Hereford should have equalised almost immediately, but first the tenacious Andy Ferrell was denied, following Williams' cross, by a great save at the far post and then, with Drench stranded but a crowd of players to avoid, Purdie struck the foot of the post from the edge of the box before the ball was put behind. Morecambe took control of the game once again for a period in a second half that they had the better of, and so Graham Turner made a double change, on seventy three minutes, with Stansfield and Jeannin - who had a poor game in all honesty - making way for Stuart Fleetwood and Jamie Pitman. Simon Travis went to left back.
Curtis almost grabbed an astonishing second, but his thunderbolt from thirty yards flashed just inches over the bar, and then the man of the moment, Guy Ipoua, was introduced with eight minutes remaining. However, he didn't make his impact until the game had gone into extra time, having finished 2-2 after ninety minutes.
The first half of extra time saw chances for both and Brown had to pull off a good low save from Gary Thompson while Purdie, at the other end, almost stole in as the Morecambe defence left a long ball go through to Drench. In the second half, Twiss forced Brown into another good low save, shooting from the left early on, before Ipoua produced the magic. He raced on to, yes actually ran, a long ball and managed to beat two defenders to the ball and knock it on for himself with his head, before it bounced at a perfect height for him to smash stunningly, from around twelve yards out to the right of the box, into the far top corner of the net, causing scenes of mayhem in the stands among the Hereford fans in a crowd of 6,278 (including 528 away fans).
Hereford played out the rest of the half with their backs to the wall, pretty much, but did it well with the full backing of the Hereford faithful. Fleetwood had a good chance on the break to double the advantage when Purdie played him through, but he failed in rounding the goalie, not that it really mattered. The final whistle was blown after two minutes of injury time - cue mass celebrations, including a pitch invasion from the Hereford fans. Once the pitch was cleared, the players came back out for a lap of honour, and the delight was there to see for everyone!
It was, all in all, a very entertaining game helped by two sides who went out to play football and win. The atmosphere from both sets of fans was a credit to their clubs, and must have been a huge help to both teams. Now we need to do it all again in Leicester!
HUFC: Brown, Green, Mkandawire, Beckwith, Jeannin, Purdie, Ferrell, Stanley, Travis, Williams, Stansfield. Subs: Mawson, Pitman, Carey-Bertram, Fleetwood, Ipoua.
I've worked eight years for this says Turner.
A
jubilent Graham Turner told BBC Hereford and Worcester after last
night's game of his joy of getting the Bulls to the Play-off final.
"I've worked eight years to get the club back into the League and we've given ourselves a great opportunity.
"So when you look at eight years work, that's how much it meant in that ninety minutes.
"I thought the atmosphere was incredible and the scenes at the end were fantastic."
Midfielder Craig Stanley summed up the match.
"Each time we went ahead we let them back into the game and, to be fair, second-half I think they were the better team.
"But in extra time we seemed to get second wind and we came back into the game a little bit.
"And then Guy's got the goal and that's what Guy can do. It was a great finish.
"It's fantastic to go through."
Latest on 'major investment' to replace Merton Meadow
Herefordshire Council is moving ahead with plans for a new multi-storey car park as it looks to build on Merton Meadow..png)
Merton Meadow car park was full as Hereford played King's Lynn last season but it is now becoming a wetland
The large car park next to Edgar Street has long been eyed for development, with the latest plans for 400 homes. That is being made possible by the current work to build a flood alleviation scheme on the lower section of the car park, which closed in October.
But the £2million project is behind schedule after being delayed due to the wet winter, which also hit Hereford FC hard as its pitch struggled to cope. Conservative council leader Jonathan Lester previously said he hoped the project would be finished by the end of 2025.
As part of a new parking strategy for the next 15 years, Herefordshire Council said it was "progressing plans for a new multi-storey car park in the city as part of wider transport changes".
The new multi-storey, earmarked for the current Country Bus Station off Commercial Road, would "replace parking capacity expected to be lost as parts of Merton Meadows are redeveloped", the plan said.
It would also "support hospital staff, patients and visitors by providing dedicated spaces" and "strengthen access to the railway station, Transport Hub and city centre", with work currently ongoing to build the new hub outside the railway station.
Finally, the plan said the new car park would "improve parking availability for commuters and contractors".
"This major infrastructure investment will ensure that Hereford retains appropriate parking capacity during redevelopment phases, supports economic resilience, and provides a reliable supply of spaces for workers, visitors and businesses," the council added.
As previously reported by Bulls News, the closure of the 650-space car park, which earns Herefordshire Council £2,512.08 a day on average, would push parking in the city to its limits.
Consultants PJA, commissioned by the council to draw up a report, estimated that up to 490 cars could be displaced on a busy Saturday if Merton Meadow closes. Around 193 permit holders, many of them NHS staff, also currently use the site.
The modelling suggests some of that demand could be absorbed by Maylord Orchards and the Garrick multi-storey, which have spare capacity during the week. But on Saturdays, especially in December, the report warns that “all car parks with the exception of St Martins 2 and Wye Street would be expected to operate at the 90% capacity cap” once Merton Meadow is gone.
The 93-space St Martins 2 and 74-space Wye Street car parks are a mile from Edgar Street, near Hereford Leisure Pool south of the River Wye.
The report was blunt about the tipping point: “Once car parks hit 90% capacity, drivers begin to struggle to find spaces,” with queues at entrances and “excessive circulation” on surrounding roads. December is forecast to be especially difficult, with demand exceeding total capacity between 12.30pm and 2.30pm.
HUST chairman Richard Tomkins had expressed his concern about parking being lost, especially as only 50 per cent of fans live in the city, but the football club have remained tight-lipped publicly over the plans.
News round up
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| Sammy Robinson |
Fylde moved quickly to secure the striker after sealing promotion, with boss Craig Mahon describing Main as “a player with excellent qualities” who will strengthen their attack ahead of life back in the fifth tier.
Former Hereford midfielder Sammy Robinson, who was voted player of the 2024/25 season, is set to stay at full-time Buxton for the new season. The club has exercised an option in the 24-year-old's contract.
The former Manchester City youngster is one of 10 where options have been taken up, with two players under contract already and another two in discussions. Another former Bull, Ryan McLean who left Hereford to join AFC Wimbledon, is one of six players released.
Ex-Bull Zak Lilly is one of five players to be offered new terms at relegated Brackley Town. The Northamptonshire outfit finished 21st in the National League, so will rejoin Hereford in National League North Hereford next season.
The 27-year-old defender spent seven years at AFC Telford United before joining Hereford, but then ended up at Brackley, where he was reunited with former boss Gavin Cowan. Current boss Andy Whing, who was Russell Slade's assistant at Edgar Street, faces the prospect of a huge rebuild with only one player under contract and 11 others leaving St James's Park.
A club statement said: "This summer represents an important reset for the club. With a new direction and a clear vision, Andy Whing is now fully focused on assembling a competitive squad capable of representing Brackley Town with pride."
National League North looks set to have another full-time club, with promoted Hednesford Town hinting at the change. They would join South Shields, King's Lynn, Buxton and Morecambe in being full-time, while Oxford, Macclesfield and Chester have been operating as hybrid outfits. Promoted AFC Fylde and Kidderminster Harriers were also full-time.
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Hereford's first friendly
It is understood that Hereford's first pre-season friendly will be at Pegasus on Saturday, July 11.
The Bulls traditionally start with a game at a local Herefordshire club. They last played Pegasus at the start of the 2023/24 pre-season campaign, which Hereford won 4-1.
Hereford Women Defeat Halesowen
Hereford Women won their league fixture against Halesowen this afternoon.
The game ended: Hereford 3 Halesowen 2
Halesowen were 2-0 ahead at the break but three second half goals, including a penalty, gave Hereford all three points.
Scorers for Hereford were: Hannah Pritchard (pen) Mylie Jordan and Robyn Mear
Attendance 30.
Caddis talks King's Lynn recruitment and 'players I've worked with before'
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..JPG)
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.
Hereford Women Playing This Afternoon
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.
Major progress during week two of Edgar Street pitch overhaul
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.
Hereford's opponents next season and how far you'll have to travel
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)
Saturday, May 09, 2026
Hornchurch promoted to National League
Hornchurch came from behind to beat Torquay 3-2 after extra time in the National League South Play-off Final.
The Urchins - who were in the Isthmian Premier League just two years ago - were trailing 2-1 before scoring in the 92nd minute to take the tie into extra time. They then won it in the 117th minute.
Hereford lose Kidderminster derby
Hereford will not be playing Kidderminster next season after Harriers won at South Shields today.
Goals from Kieran Connolly and Charlie Cooper saw them beat South Shields 2-0 in the National League North Play-off Final.
It means that Hereford will probably face Merthyr on Boxing Day and Easter Monday instead.
Meanwhile, South Shields miss out on promotion after accumulating 95 points and 99 goals.
Therefore, there will be four north-east teams next season.
Friday, May 08, 2026
Watts To Become Managing Director At Cheltenham
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.
Second Half Pictures Hereford Women Cup Final
A selection of pictures from the second half of Wednesday's Herefordshire FA Women's Cup Final match between Hereford FC and Hereford Pegasus.
First Half Pictures Hereford Women Cup Final
A selection of pictures from the first half of Wednesday's Herefordshire FA Women's Cup Final match between Hereford FC and Hereford Pegasus.
Thursday, May 07, 2026
Preparing For Next Season - Aaron Downes
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/
Major National League rule change affecting children
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.
Howkins puts pen to paper
The towering centre-back has been a firm fixture at the Bulls having signed three years ago.
"Kyle was brilliant for me at the back end of last season,” Hereford manager Aaron Downes told the club's official website.
"I’m thrilled to have him commit himself to me and the football club so quickly.
“He’s pivotal in the way we want to do things, so it’s brilliant for me and the supporters to have such a vital player signed up for another year in Hereford colours.”
Final penalty shoot-out heartache sees Hereford FC Women relinquish County Cup against Hereford Pegasus Ladies
Match Report: Hereford Pegasus Ladies v Hereford FC Women in the HFA Women's County Cup Final.
The Bullettes claimed a brilliant three-nil victory and solid clean sheet last Sunday at Bromyard Town's Delahay Meadow against 5th placed Long Itchington FC Women heading into the local derby against Hereford Pegasus Ladies in the HFA Women's County Cup Final at The SSAFA HFA County Ground on Wednesday night.
We have met each other twice this season in the West Midlands Regional Women's Football League Division One South which we won 5-0 at Hereford Pegasus back in October and drew the other after being 2-0 down back in February again at Hereford Pegasus due to the MandM Edgar Street Stadium being unavailable.
Hereford we're looking to retain the trophy for the third consecutive season after playing the same opposition in the Final last season at the MandM Edgar Street Stadium which saw the Bullettes come out on top 3-1 before claiming their first title in the 2023/2024 season beating Ross Juniors 5-1.
For the Final the Bullettes made two changes to the side that beat Long Itchington with Ffion David and Maisie Evans coming in for the cup-tied Keira Brain and Megan Boardman.
The Bullettes started on the front foot early on with a free-kick on the left which was played in by Molly Camden but was headed away by Martha Formby before Matilda Harris had an effort from the right side of the box with her right foot which went narrowly wide of the left post.
Hereford continued to push from the get go with a good long ball by Molly Camden towards Maisie Evans on the edge of the box but Hereford Pegasus goalkeeper Emily Morgan was quick off her line to clear the danger.
After a foul about 30-yards out on Mylie Jordan by Sarah Bishop, Robyn Mear saw her powerful strike well caught and held by Emily Morgan.
Their was good play by Mylie Jordan on the right side of the box as she proceeded to drive into the area before playing the ball towards the penalty spot where Robyn Mear was waiting but she couldn't quite make a clean enough connection with the pass and it went just wide.
Hereford Pegasus’ first chance of the Final was from a corner on the left which was pumped to the back post by Rosie Clay which Martha Formby connected with but her header tricked narrowly wide of the target before Sarah Bishop then had a curling right foot strike from the edge of the box which was comfortably nto the arms of Hannah Pritchard.
Hereford continued to keep the pressure up with Molly Camden's ball from the right side of the area going just wide of the left post only needing someone to get on end of it to convert.
With 25 minutes gone Hereford we're mainly controlling the majority of the play but Hereford Pegasus did have chances of their own and we're always dangerous on the break.
Mylie Jordan did brilliantly after being fouled by Martha Formby on the edge of the box on the right, Molly Camden stepped up with her strike having power but whistling narrowly over the left hand stanchion.
On 30 minutes the Bullettes Mylie Jordan had another good chance which her lobbed strike from around 35-yards going narrowly over the crossbar.
However against the run of play Hereford Pegasus opened the scoring on 35 minutes from a set-piece when they had another corner this time on the right, Scarlett Ratcliffe-Perris delivered right footed towards the penalty spot which was headed in by Sarah Bishop from 5-yards out.
The Bullettes went back on the attack looking for an equaliser with a corner on the right, Robyn Mear lifted the ball to the back post towards Tianna Chant but she unfortunately missed her connection.
Shortly afterwards substitute Amelia Griffiths had a curling drive which narrowly missed the left post, before she took a free kick near the left touchline but was headed clear by Millie Griffiths before Mylie Jordan had a right foot strike from the edge of the box which was initially fumbled by Emily Morgan but she collected at the second attempt.
Corner from the right by Robyn Mear which skimmed the head of Ffion David and went out for a throw-in on the left for Hereford Pegasus.
Former Bullette Yssie Pearson then brought down Sheree Smith near the left touchline which Amelia Griffiths delivered but was again headed away by Millie Griffiths.
Sheree Smith went on a good run before laying the ball off to Mylie Jordan with her strike from 25-yards which was saved by the right foot of Emily Morgan.
On the stroke half-time Hereford Pegasus had a chance when Lauren Griffiths won the ball off Molly Camden midway inside the Hereford half on the left before she advanced towards the edge of the box but her left foot strike was comfortably into the arms of Hannah Pritchard.
The Bullettes had the better of the first-half but Hereford Pegasus held the slender lead with the set-piece goal going into the break with it all to play for in the second half.
Half-time: Hereford Pegasus Ladies 1-0 Hereford FC Women
Into the second-half and it started with both sides trading possession before the first chance of the half coming Hereford’s way after a good ball by Ffion David into the feet of Tianna Chant just inside the box who with a good first touch with her left to bring the ball under control before hitting the ball first time with her right but her shot went just wide of the target.
Hereford Pegasus’ first chance came from a corner on the left which Scarlett Ratcliffe-Perris delivered finding the head of Martha Formby but it was wide.
The Bullettes had their first corner of the half on the right which Robyn Mear swung in looking for Ffion David but Sarah Bishop cleared the danger.
Shortly afterwards Tianna Chant had the first great opportunity of the half with a strong drilled right foot shot from inside the area on the right which Emily Morgan just got the top of her right arm to putting it out for a corner.
Hereford's pressure finally told getting back on level terms after a good ball by Robyn Mear from the right side of the box took a nick off Martha Formby at the front post and bounced past Emily Morgan.
We went back on the front foot looking to take the lead with Amelia Griffiths crossing from the left finding Tianna Chant who managed to get her foot to the ball but she couldn't direct it on target.
Hereford Pegasus had a chance of their own with a driven first-time strike from Scarlett Ratcliffe-Perris as she ran onto the ball but it flew just past the left post.
With the bit now between their teeth after the equaliser the Bullettes we're continuing to push and applying pressure to Hereford Pegasus looking to take the lead with Tianna Chant seeing her rasping drive well blocked by the right foot of Emily Morgan.
With 15 minutes to go Hereford had a corner on the right with Robyn Mear delivering to the front post where Sheree Smith was waiting but she could only hook the ball over the bar, at this point centre-half Katy Huntbach was doing well battling on after picking up a knock.
The Bullettes we're very unfortunate not to take a deserved lead after Mylie Jordan found space on the left of the box, taking a touch before seeing her right footed drive crash off the crossbar.
Hereford Pegasus then had a corner on the right, Sarah Bishop took it which found the head of Maisie Wood but she could only head the ball down into the ground and Hereford managed to clear.
Molly Camden then found Mylie Jordan who took a right foot shot from just inside the box which was well held by Emily Morgan before Hereford Pegasus we're awarded a free-kick on the left side of the area after a harsh foul given against Mylie Jordan, Scarlett Ratcliffe-Perris drilled the set-piece towards goal which Hannah Pritchard did well to palm out with the rebound kindly finding it's way to Rosie Clay but her drilled effort was well blocked by Amelia Griffiths and she cleared.
On the stroke of full-time Tianna Chant tried her luck with a good half volley from just inside the box which whistled just over the bar which resulted in the tie going to penalties.
With the tie going to penalties Rosie Clay for Hereford Pegasus took the first spot-kick which she despatched before Mylie Jordan saw her effort saved by the legs of Emily Morgan followed by Sheree Smith dragging her right foot shot narrowly past the left post setting up Hereford Pegasus goalkeeper Emily Morgan to convert their 4th to seal a 4-1 victory on penalties seeing the HFA Women's County Cup return to K.G.D Stadium Old School Lane.
Penalty shoot-out:-
Hereford Pegasus Ladies:-
1st Rosie Clay scored
2nd Yssie Pearson scored
3rd Sarah Bishop scored
4th Emily Morgan scored
Hereford FC Women:-
1st Mylie Jordan saved by Emily Morgan
2nd Sheree Smith missed
3rd Molly Camden scored
Full-time: Hereford Pegasus Ladies 1-1 Hereford FC Women with Hereford Pegasus Ladies winning 4-1 on penalties
Goal scored by Martha Formby (Own Goal)
Hereford FC Women Starting XI:- 1 Hannah Pritchard, 3 Darcie Smith, 4 Katy Huntbach, 5 Matilda Harris ©️, 7 Robyn Mear, 9 Sheree Smith, 11 Tianna Chant, 12 Molly Camden, 14 Maisie Evans, 18 Mylie Jordan, 24 Ffion David.
Substitutes:- 13 Chelsey Fulcher, 15 Amelia Griffiths, 16 Ava Lou Morris, 21 Maya Brookes.
A gutting 4-1 penalty-shoot defeat in the HFA Women's County Cup Final meaning we couldn't retain and claim our 3rd straight County Cup but the ladies can hold their heads up high, playing some scintillating football and battled hard throughout the cup tie, unfortunately it wasn't to be with Hereford Pegasus being more clinical with their spot-kicks and that was ultimately the difference.
The Bullettes are back “home” at Bromyard Town's Delahay Meadow on Sunday when we take on ninth placed Halesowen Town Ladies FC where in the reverse fixture at the Dell Stadium back in March we ran out commanding eight-three winners in an eleven-goal thriller. COYW
Words by Sam Cummins
Wednesday, May 06, 2026
Pegasus Win County Cup Final
The Hereford FC Squad - Pic From Will Cheshire
Hereford Pegasus lifted the HFA Womens County Cup this evening.
At full time it was Hereford FC 1 Hereford Pegasus 1
But Pegasus won the penalty shoot-out.
Hudson signs on
Captaining the side last season, the left-back has made 113 appearances, including 47 last term.
Speaking to the club's official website, Hereford manager Aaron Downes said: "It's fantastic to have our skipper signed up so early and be so committed to come back and join us for next season.
“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.”
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