Barker Resigns from Assistant Manager Role at Weston

Chris Barker in action for Hereford against Lydney in a preseason friendly. Pic: BN.

Chris Barker, who spent some time as a player-coach at Edgar Street last season, has resigned as Weston-Super Mare's assistant manager.

Barker's exit comes ten days after manager Scott Bartlett left the club, with a new manager appointed earlier this week.

But Barker felt it was fair to let Marc McGregor bring his own team in.

The 37-year old told the Seagulls' official site: "After much deliberation after Scott’s resignation I have decided that it is in both mine and the clubs best interest for Marc McGregor to bring in his own coaching staff. 

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my year here, both as a player and as Assistant Manager. 

"I believe we have made good progress throughout the season and I hope the Club continues to move forward."

Paul Bliss, chairman, also commented on the resignation, you can read his comments here (link).

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Match Coverage from Preseason Friendlies

Radio Hereford FC have released details of their planned coverage of the Bulls' friendlies, the first of which is just over two weeks away.

Full match commentary will be provided for most of the matches, with regular updates from Lads Club and Wellington.

Meanwhile Bulls News hopes to bring you updates on Twitter, as well as short reports and any reaction from Peter Beadle.

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The 1990/1991 Season

Colin Addison returned as manager, but the Bulls ended up finishing 17th in Division Four.

The footage I have has all been organised and playlisted, and can be viewed by clicking the following link. 

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLk_Gio_NV-Cy-HkyHspf9sdbYtD4a6GGb

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Cardiff To Play Friendly At Edgar Street

Hereford FC have announced a pre-season friendly against Cardiff City.

The game will take place on Wednesday July 26th with a 7.45pm kick-off. 

Cardiff's team will predominantly be made up of U23s players.

Cardiff supporters will be able to buy their tickets at Edgar Street.

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Bulls Snap Up Keeper Davies from Merthyr

Goalkeeper Oliver Davies, who spent much of last season at fellow Southern Premier side Merthyr Town, has agreed to join Hereford.

The 22 year old has previously been in the youth set up at Swansea, where he spent time on loan at Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premier League.

Shortly after the news was announced, Davies thanked Merthyr for last season.

Would like to thanks everyone at @MerthyrTownFC for last season it was a good one and I wish you all the best in the future! #Football

— Oliver Davies (@oliver_davies_) June 22, 2017

He joins Keyon Raffell at Edgar Street, who made the switch from the Martyrs in May.

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UITC Summer Soccer Schools

This from UITC

Train at England Headquarters - St. George’s Park
United in the Community’s Summer Soccer School programme is soon to begin and will include a trip to England’s training ground, St. George’s Park for children aged 7-12.

St. George’s Park is home to 24 England teams, who train at the venue ahead of international fixtures. Whilst touring the National Football Centre, children will learn about the history and heritage of the site that St. George’s Park was built on, which dates back to the 13th century!

The tour will be followed by a coaching session at the venue, this will be delivered by FA qualified coaches. The session will be 90 mins long, with a 30 min tour, which includes a tour of the facility and its elite pitches.

The trip will take place on the final day of the camp, Wednesday 9th August (Week 3). The coach will leave from Hereford FC’s ground, Edgar St, at 7am and will return around 3pm. Children must bring packed lunch/drinks and suitable kit for the day including shin pads and astroturf trainers/moulded football boots.

The package also includes two Soccer School days prior to the trip on Monday 7th and Tuesday 8th August, at Central Park, Hereford. These days will run the as our other Soccer Schools with the camp starting at 9am and finishing at 3pm.

The three-day package will cost just £85, spaces are limited and will be offered on a first come, first serve basis. Please note, this trip is only for 7-12 year olds, with 15 spaces available for each of the following ages; 7/8, 9/10 and 11/12. 

Can’t attend Week 3??? Don’t worry, there’s more;

Week 1 – Hereford – 24th to 28th July
Week 2 – Ledbury – 31st July to 4th August
Week 2 – Hereford (Girls ONLY) – 31st July to 2nd August
Week 4 – Leominster – 14th to 18th August
Week 5 – Ledbury – 21st to 25th August
Week 6 – Hereford – 29th – 31st August


To book a space for any of the above, please fill out the online booking form at; http://playtheherefordway.com/booking.html
OR Contact laura.davies@uitc.uk.com

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An Evening of Soccer with Ben Smith

Former Hereford favourite Ben Smith will be coming back to the county next month.

The ex-Bulls midfielder is holding an ‘Evening of Soccer’ at the Rankin Club, Corn Square, Leominster on Wednesday, 19th July, starting at 8pm. 

The event is priced at £10 which includes a half-time buffet, and entry into the night’s raffle. 
And Smith is looking forward to the night. 

“It’s 8 years since I left but playing for Hereford was the happiest period of my career so it will be good to come back,” said Smith. 

“I’m sure it will be a really good night.” 

Smith scored 25 goals in 151 games during two spells with the Edgar Street club and starred in the 2007–08 season as the Bulls gained promotion to Football League One. He was always a very popular figure at the club and after retirement has written a highly successful book ‘Journeyman’ which he describes as one man’s odyssey through the lower leagues of English football. 

Having played for a succession of high-profile coaches and managers such as Bruce Rioch, Pat Rice, Alan Pardew, Colin Addison, David Webb, Graham Turner, Jimmy Quinn, Gary Peters, Garry Hill, and Steve Evans he has plenty of tales to tell, from memories of running out at Old Trafford, to cleaning England International David Seaman’s boots! 

Doors open at 7pm, with the evening commencing at 8pm, with tickets available on a first-come, first served basis by emailing: editor@talkingbull.org 

Once ordered supporters will receive an email confirming a specific ticket number, and payment details, but don’t leave it too late as demand for the event is expected to be high. 

A member of the present Hereford FC squad will also be at the event for a Q&A session as the club look ahead to the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division campaign. 

Last night a highly entertaining evening saw legends Dixie McNeil and Tommy Hughes in top form at the same venue. 

Watch out for details of further summer events in August which will be released shortly.

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Weir Signs For Worcester

Former Hereford United left back Tyler Weir has re-signed for Worcester City.

"I am buzzing to be staying, there has been a lot of interest this summer but I am happy to still be at Worcester City FC, I want this club to be back where we should be," said Weir as reported by the club.

 

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Throwback Thursday - Dagenham 9-0, Ian Benbow, Robin Fry

I have playlisted the 89/90, 90/91, 91/92 & 92/93 seasons to www.youtube.com/djmatthealey  Check out the memories.

Lets start with the 9-0 win over Dagenham & Redbridge, goals from David Brown (3) Steve Guinan (2) Danny Williams (2) Mark Beesley and Tony James gave the Bulls a sensational win.

The best of series this week features Ian Benbow. The Leominster born player started off as a product of the youth team, and scored the winning goal in the 1990 Welsh Cup Final. Benbow now lives near Merthyr and works in social care.

Robin Fry was Managing Director at Edgar Street from 1992-1997. This footage from December 1992 explains how he and Greg Downs worked together.

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Open Day At Edgar Street On July 29th

Hereford FC are to hold an open day on July 29th.

In essence the event 'will give fans of all ages the chance to tour the home dressing room and have photo’s with the latest silverware and favourite player. There will also be the opportunity to take part in a fun football target-shooting competition organised by the Junior Bulls.'

At around 11am the players will take part in a training session and at 1pm a UITC U18 side will play Swansea Academy.

As well as a BBQ, The Junior Bulls, HUST and UITC will have stalls. Season tickets and shop merchandise will be on sale and there will be a sale of training kit used by the players.

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HFA Helped Secure Funding For Lads Club Improvements

The HFA have played their part in securing funding for Lads Club to be able to play in the West Midlands League Premier Division this coming season.

Over £60,000 has come through HFA sources.

The club has received funding from the Football Foundation to install floodlights at the County Ground, these works were needed in order for the club to meet ground grading requirement for the league they will now enter following their championship winning season.

The process began alongside their previous successful funding bid early in the season, following a meeting between the HFA and Lads Club. Similar to the other bid the HFA arranged for a meeting with the West Midlands League who outlined what works were needed.

HFA Officer Dan Chance worked with companies to secure quotations for the work.

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Friendly At Lads Club

Hereford FC have announced that they will play a pre-season friendly at Lads Club on Wednesday July 12th with a 7.30 kick-off.

The game will be Lads Club's first under their new floodlights which have recently been installed. 

Lads Club's ground is next to the HFA headquarters on Widemarsh Common.

Funding secured by the HFA has helped ensure that Lads Club can play in the West Midlands Premier League this coming season.

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Plans For New Stadium For TNS

Plans are being drawn up with the aim of providing a new stadium in Oswestry which would cater for TNS, Oswestry Town FC and Oswestry Rubgy Club.

“It is early stages, but discussions between potential parties have taken place and if the council backs it it will be an exciting opportunity," TNS owner Mike Harris told the Shropshire Star.

“It could be up to 8,000 seats, and that would allow us to hold our Champions League games in the town, and for FC Oswestry to potentially have FA Cup games in the town when it comes to it, which would be massive.

“The details of everything aren’t 100 per cent clear yet, but it would be a superb development, it would create jobs for the town."

 

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New Contract for Page at Cheltenham

Adam Page pictured playing against Continental Star in October 2015

Former Hereford loanee Adam Page has signed a new one year contract with Cheltenham Town.

Page has been plagued with injuries for the past 18 months since leaving Edgar Street, and he told the Robin's official site that he wants to repay the club for their patience.

Page said: "I'm obviously delighted to be given another year to prove myself. I want to make up for the last couple of years and get back playing.

"I am very grateful to the Gaffer, Russ, the medical team and the whole club who have kept me here when they didn't need to and still believed in me, I really want to repay them now."

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HUST Co-opt Roberts And Clarke

This from HUST:

HUST co-opt Joanie Roberts and Richard Clarke

As no objections were received in the 7-day notice period, the HUST Board is pleased to confirm the appointment of Joanie Roberts and Richard Clarke as co-opted external directors.
Both have extensive experience and a wealth of knowledge to offer HUST on the marketing, fundraising and corporate sponsorship platforms.
They will serve until the next trust AGM.

HUST need your help –
members wanted to join HUST Board and the HUST election group.
HUST is delighted that with three recently co-opted directors the HUST board is currently fully staffed again.
However the HUST board would like to remind all HFC and HUFC supporters that HUST is still keen to hear from any member who is interested in joining the HUST board.
The next opportunity to join the HUST board will be at next HUST elections which will take place later this year. The HUST election process is expected to begin in August and elected members will be appointed at the trust AGM.
Full details of the election process and election timetable will be published closer to the election date.

In the meantime HUST would be happy to hear to from any members who would be interested in standing for this years elections. Please contact trust chairman Richard Tomkins – richardtomkins@hufctrust.co.uk - for an informal chat and the opportunity to learn more about what is involved by sitting in on a trust board meeting before the election process begins.
HUST also requires one or more trust members to join this year’s Election Management Group. This is a vital role which helps ensure that the trust operates in democratic manner and board positions are allocated fairly and transparently. If you are able to help with EMG please contact trust secretary David Evans - secretary@hufctrust.co.uk

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Prize Bull ‘500 Club’ Draw Results: Tue 20th June 2017

Tonight's weekly prize draw in the Prize Bull '500 Club' was held at inside Addison's Bar at Edgar Street.

Alongside Keith Hall were HUST Treasurer, Tony Taylor, and HUST Chairman, Richard Tomkins who conducted the weekly draw which was broadcast 'live' on Radio Hereford FC at 5pm. 

With the addition of this week's prizes a total of £1,640 has been paid out to supporters since the Prize Bull '500 Club' draws began four weeks ago.

Details of how to enter are available from the HUST Website: 

CLICK HERE TO ENTER http://www.hufctrust.co.uk/prize-bull-500-club/

The winners in the weekly draw this week:

£25 Weekly Prize:  Shane Davies – Member Number 19

£10 Weekly Prize:  B.K. Beavan – Member Number 6

Bottle of Wine:  Mitch Stansbury– Member Number 8

HUST Beer or Cider:  Sally Yemm – Member Number 126

Remember, it is possible to win more than one prize as each member number is in every draw, with weekly, monthly and a special draw at Christmas with jackpot prizes of up to £2,000 on offer!

Next Tuesday, 27th June will see a combined weekly and monthly prize draw with four cash winners and over £200 to be paid out, in addition to the regular Prize Bull '500 Club' bottle prizes.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER http://www.hufctrust.co.uk/prize-bull-500-club/ 

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Enter 'Spot the Ball' - Coupon 4

The latest 'Spot the Ball' competition is up and running, and you could win £50 by simply selecting where you think the ball is!

Coupon number 4 features the Bulls in action against AFC Totton, with the closing date for entries set at Saturday, 15^th July. 

All you have to do is assess where you think the ball is most likely to be in the photograph, select the relevant grid square and enter via the HUST website. 

As per the rules of the competition the prize has to be won this month, so if no-one selects the actual square, the closest entry or entries will share the prize pool. 

It’s easy to enter via the HUST website, with an estimated prize of £50 going to the winner. Entries will cost £1 per selected square, and you can enter as many selections as you wish. 

To enter NOW go to  http://www.hufctrust.co.uk/hust-spot-the-ball/

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HUST Draw For Season Ticket Holders

Yesterday a donation was made to Hereford United Supporter Trust. The donation is for the prize money for a draw of all ordinary season ticket holders who are paid up members of H.U.S.T. The winners one over 16 and one under 16 will receive the cost of their season ticket.
The prize is offered in the hope that it will persuade supporters to consider purchasing their home game tickets via the season ticket option. Not only will this give the club up front revenue but it also reduces the administration of match day ticket sales.
For existing season ticket holders it provides an incentive to them to join Hereford United Supporters Trust. The sooner HUST gains the remaining 179000 shares to acquire a 50% stake in Hereford F.C. then the likelihood of scenes like those shown below ever recurring will be diminished forever.

While it will never be known to what extent this prize draw will have on the numbers of season tickets sold the increase in H.U.S.T. membership hopefully will indicate an interest is such a draw. In any event neither Hereford F.C.  nor H.U.S.T. will be out of pocket.

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Former Player Eric Tomkins Has Died

Sad news has reached Club Historian Ron Parrott of the passing away of another former player and local lad who played for his home town club between 1956/57 and 1962/63. 

Ron recalls, “Eric Tomkins was a stocky, strong-tackling full-back, who was equally at home in either the left-back or right-back position. A whole-hearted player, he always gave 100% and was very popular with supporters”

Born Hereford March 1938, died Malvern June 2017

Local lad Eric spent several seasons with Hereford Lads Club and represented England in a boys club international whilst with the Widemarsh Common outfit. A strong-tackling full-back, he signed for United in the summer of 1956 and went on to make 158 first-team appearances during his seven seasons at Edgar Street. Eric was a civil servant, who worked in Malvern and upon leaving Hereford, he turned out regularly for Malvern Town before finally hanging up his boots.

Eric will be sadly missed by all.

 

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HFA Seek Coaches

The HFA are seeking casual coaches to help deliver school and club activity during both the summer holidays and school year. This is a great opportunity to develop your coaching and help grassroots football in Herefordshire thrive.

Wage: £15 per session

Location: Various across Herefordshire

Hours: Casual hours to be agreed, summer hours will vary

Coaches require a minimum FA Level 1, FA CRC & Safeguarding check and emergency aid. Full Driving Licence and access to a vehicle will be essential.

To apply send a cv to Dan.Chance@HerefordshireFA.com

The closing date for applications is midnight 21/06/17

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Claridge Admits You Have To Keep Changing

Salisbury FC manager Steve Claridge is facing a situation not unlike that seen at Hereford United after the 2003/4 season had ended.

Despite coming second in the Conference, United lost out in the play-offs and Salisbury are currently in a similar position having been favourites to go up to the Southen League Premier Division along with Hereford FC but failing to do so.

Claridge saw the same senario when he was playing at Millwall.

"You have to freshen things up,” Claridge told the Non-League Paper. 

"People have this perception that because we’ve come second to Hereford, we’ll go again. They think ‘Well, they’ve just fallen short so they’ll be good enough to win it next year’.

“But that’s not a given. At Millwall, we kept too many players. We didn’t strengthen. We’d played to our absolute max to reach the play-offs and no team can do that season after season.

“It also meant the disappointment lingered and you had a squad full of faces all scarred by what had happened.

“That’s such a massive thing and through that experience I came to understand the importance of change. That’s what I’ll be focusing on this summer.”

Whilst the budget at Salisbury is comparable with several other clubs, like Hereford, their stadium costs more to run than virtually every other one in the Southern League.

"Are we a bigger club than others at this level? Yes. But we’re not ten times bigger like Hereford were. Gripes

“Hereford could punch their weight. No-one can compare with them at our level and I don’t think this division will ever see a team like that again. They’ll go through the leagues because that’s the size of them. They had four-and-a-half thousand for the last game.

"Our budget is comparable to probably five or six of the other teams. And the big leveller for everyone else is that our ground costs a fortune.

“We might get two or three hundred more than a Taunton or an Evesham but all that extra revenue goes straight back out on running the club.”

Claridge knows Salisbury will be favourites for promotion this coming season. His task to deliver that promotion won't be easy with teams like Taunton and Evesham hot on his tail.

  

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Awards For Hereford At Southern League AGM

Hereford FC were presented with several awards at yesterday's Southern League AGM.

Amidst others they were awarded the South and West title, the Champions trophy (from the game against Royston), the Respect award for hospitality to visiting officials and the South and West club of the season.

Finally they received the 'Overall Club' of the season for the whole of the Southern League.

 

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Evo-Stik Extend Southern League Deal

This from the Southern League:

The Southern League will continue to be sponsored by the EVO-STIK brand of the Bostik organisation for at least another two seasons.

After securing the title sponsorship in four out of the last five campaigns, EVO-STIK’s new two season deal with the Southern League to take the partnership to six years was announced at Saturday lunchtime’s Annual General Meeting in Southampton.

Including an option to extend again at the end of the 2018-19 season and subject to approval by the Football Association, the agreement sees the competition branding simplified to The EVO-STIK League South, with the three individual divisions retitled EVO-STIK League South Premier, EVO-STIK South East and EVO-STIK South West.

Bostik, a world leader in adhesives and sealants, has a long-standing relationship with grassroots football under its well-known EVO-STIK brand including sponsorship of The Northern Premier League. The Isthmian League Football League also joined the global giant’s stable for season 2017-18 on Saturday when it was newly rebranded as The Bostik League.

Bostik UK’s commercial director Dale Poulton said: “We have a proven relationship with this tier of football and believe it is an ideal platform to generate awareness for EVO-STIK. This is a very important part of our marketing activity, and the extension of the deal today with the Southern League shows our continued investment in the brand.

“By working closely with the Southern League, we’re confident the new deal to take our relationship to six years will help us achieve great things for the Bostik brand over the next two seasons after the success we’ve already enjoyed with clubs and their supporters up and down the country.”

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The 1989/1990 Season - Hereford United

I have playlisted the footage from the 1989/1990 season which features 25 matches. The most famous match is the FA Cup 4th round clash with Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United. Thank you once again for David Glinos for supplying me most of the clips. Hopefully this will bring back some memories and fill the void of no football on a Saturday afternoon.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLk_Gio_NV-Cxl8dqjsZvvK3u-La2ggTtE

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Season Tickets Sales Similar To Last Year

Sales of Hereford FC season tickets are similar to last year.

The club has said that, as at earlier this morning, they had sold 831 tickets.

This time last year the number was reported to have been 'in excess of 850'.

Online sales of terrace season tickets continue over the weekend and online sales of the remaining seated tickets will commence on Monday.

The club is not open for sales today (Saturday) but will be open on Monday from 10am to 4pm.

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Younger Squad This Season?

Hereford FC manager Peter Beadle feels that the average age of his squad will be a little bit younger than last season.

"We've tried to bring the age down." Beadle told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"We've tried to make it a more flexible squad.

"And we've tried to look at areas to make us better and stronger and we're pretty confident that we've done that so far.

"But, obviously, we won't know that until the first day of the season and it all starts for real." 

Meanwhile one of Beadle's new signings, Lance Smith, has praised his former club Evesham.

"I couldn't have asked for a better club," Smith.

"It's a really well run club and it was hard for me to leave.

"A couple of occassions I could have I opted not to.

"But I thought this time it was right for me to leave, it's the right time for a new challenge for me."

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Last Day For STH To Keep Seat

Today is the last day for season ticket holders at Edgar Street to renew their tickets should they wish to keep a certain seat.

Seated season tickets will go on general sale from next Monday.

Sales of terrace season tickets continue.

Details:

Current seated season ticket holders continue to be able to renew. Any remaining seated tickets will go on sale, both in person or online, on Monday June 19th. So if you wish to ensure you can sit in the same seat you need to re-new TODAY.

Please note current season ticket holders can not re-new online, they need to visit Edgar Street or telephone 01432 268257 when the office is open (see list below).

 

However terrace season tickets will be available to anyone regardless of whether they held a season ticket last season or not. 

SEATED RENEWALS & GENERAL TERRACE SALES:

FRI 16TH JUNE – 10am-4pm
 
GENERAL SALE – SEATS & TERRACE:
 
MON 19TH JUNE – 10am-4pm
WED 21ST JUNE – 10am-6pm
FRI 23RD JUNE – 10am-4pm
WED 28TH JUNE – 10am-4pm
FRI 30TH JUNE – 10am-4pm

SEASON TICKET PRICES:

Terrace (Meadow End and Len Weston Terrace):
Adults – £184
Concessions – £161
Under 18s (Those currently in full time education) – £20

Seating (Merton Stand and Len Weston Stand):

Adults – £207
Concessions – £184
Under 18s – £20

EXECUTIVE CLUB (including admission to every Hereford FC home game and Directors’ Box seats)

Couple £740

Adults/Concessions – £395

Under 18s (bought only with an adult) – £100

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Former Players On The Move

Moves for several former Hereford United players have been revealed.

Former defender Andy Gallinagh has joined Stratford. 

Now 32, Gallinagh joined Hereford from Bath in July 2012 and made 27 appearances before re-joining Bath.

Keeper Matt Gwynne has joined Worcester from Westfields. He started his career as a junior with Hereford.

Striker Michael Rankine is moving to York City from Guiseley AFC. It will be his third spell with the club.

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FA Trophy Dates 2017/18

Here's a list of the round dates for the FA Trophy 2017/18

Sat Oct 7th Preliminary Round

Sat Oct 28th First Qualifying Round

Sat Nov 11th Second Qualifying Round

Sat Dec 16th: First Round

Sat Jan 13th: Second Round

Sat Feb 3rd: Third Round

Sat Febb 24th: Fourth Round

Sat Mar 24th: Semi-Final

Sun May 20th: Final

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Beadle Awaits Plummer Decision

Hereford FC manager Peter Beadle has said that he remains uncertain whether winger Tristan Plummer will be in his squad for next season.

Initially Plummer had indicated that he wanted to move from Edgar Street as he found the travelling from his Bristol base too far.

Meanwhile Beadle has told BBC Hereford and Worcester that he has recently added to his squad.

"People might say we've brought in quite a large amount of attacking players and we have," said Beadle.

"But I think we need different options for next season.

"And I think one of the things we spoke about at the end of last season was that it wasn't a bad thing to be predictable especially when it worked.

"Even being predictable they've still got to stop us."

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