Bundu To Join Anderlecht

 

Assuming he passes his medicals former Hereford FC winger Mustapha Bundu is to join Anderlecht from AGF for just under 3 million euros plus bonuses.

He has agreed a four year deal with the club.

"I am an attacking player, strong and fast," said Bundu.

"Why did I choose Anderlecht? This is the perfect step in my career."

Bundu was a regular for Hereford FC in their first season, 2015/16.

 

Adam Stansfield Video

Matt Healey is looking for any video of Adam Stansfield whilst he played for Hereford United.

In general the seasons 2004/2005 & 2005/2006 were covered by conference football tv.

Should you have any video of the striker, even if it is on dvd or tape, please get in touch with Matt - matthewhealey@hotmail.com

Difficult Times At Droylsden

Droylsden FC have as of today resigned from the Northern Premier League and will also take no part in Cup Competition this season

In a letter sent to the Northern Premier League Chairman Dave Pace described the decision as the  most difficult he has ever had to make.

However the disruption caused by the Covid-19 crisis has left him with no alternative.

The closing of the social club and its function rooms  since the start of the pandemic, the main income source with no indication of any restart on viable trading terms along with a loss of income from the club’s main sponsor  has left the club with no visible alternative income stream during the crisis.

“The club may hopefully survive this crisis and continue into the future in less challenging circumstances than we find ourselves in during the present”

THROWBACK THURSDAY | Farnborough 0-1 Hereford United - 17th November 1989 - FA Cup 1st Round

For the next four weeks we will focus on the FA Cup run of the 1989/1990 season. In the first round a second half winner by Darren Peacock secured the win.

Hereford Line Up

1 Tony Elliott

2 Mark A Jones

3 Brett Williams

4 Darren Peacock

5 Chris Hemming

6 Steve Devine

7 Mark Jones

8 Jon Narbett

9 Gary Stevens

10 George Oghani

11 Paul Tester

Sub Richard Jones

Attendance 1,921

Hereford team from the last game: Where they are now

Due to the coronavirus panedmic, Hereford haven't played a game since March 14, a 4-0 defeat at Spennymoor.

Some players have decided to remain with the club, while others have moved on.

Below is the squad for that game and where they are now.

Brandon Hall: Still at Hereford

Jared Hodgkiss: Still at Hereford

Jordan Cullinane-Liburd: Joined Tamworth

Ben Pollock: Still at Hereford

Jason Pope: Joined Bath

Martin Riley: Currently without a club

Tommy O'Sullivan: Currently without a club

Jacob Jagger Cane: Joined Weston-super-Mare

Lenell John-Lewis: Still at Hereford

Kelsey Mooney: Joined Scunthorpe

Tom Owen-Evans: Still at Hereford

Subs: Rowan Liburd - Currently without a club; Brad Ash - Joined Chippenham; Keiran Thomas - Joined Weston-super-Mare; Kyle Finn - Still at Hereford; Rhys Davies- Joined Aberystwyth Town

Bulls considering TV service

With the news that all pre-season friendlies have to be played behind closed doors and the possibility of some league games too, Hereford are considering alternative options, one being the introduction of a cost neutral HFC TV Channel.  

The Board are now asking fans how much they will be willing to pay for the service, should it happen. The choices are...

A Yearly Subscription 

This would give you unlimited access for: 

Tuesday Night Home (& away if possible) match streaming

Instant Replays 

Match Interviews 

Match Highlights 

Integrated Commentary from RadioHFC 

Other Shows/Content/Programmes throughout the week 

*You can vote how much you are willing to pay here.

A Pay Per View Subscription 

This would give you 120 minutes viewing of 

Any Tuesday Night Home (or away if possible) match streaming

Instant Replays 

Match Interviews 

Integrated Commentary from RadioHFC 

More details: https://www.herefordfc.co.uk/poll-would-you-pay-for-a-hfc-tv-channel/

 

Greenslade joins National League South side

Danny Greenslade has joined Chippenham Town after saying he could not commit to Hereford.

The left back - who was signed by Peter Beadle - said that the extra training at the Bulls, plus work commitments, meant that 'it was impossible to stay at the club'.

Chippenham finished 12th in National League South last season.

Stadium Fest rescheduled for next year

The Stadium Fest that was due to take place at Edgar Street in August will now take place next May.

The organisers have posted the following...

How Hereford shaped up this time last year

It is just over a year since the start last season in National League North, and due to the coronavirus pandemic, it has only just finished with Altrincham winning the play-offs.

Only three players remain at Hereford from the side that opened the campaign with a 2-2 home draw with Spennymoor - Brandon Hall, Jared Hodgkiss and Tom Owen-Evans, who came off the bench to net the equaliser. Josh Gowling - who is now the club's manager - also started in the match.

Here is the report from the game.

REPORT: Owen-Evans makes immediate impact as Bulls settle for a point

Tom Owen-Evans made an immediate impact, coming off the bench to grab Hereford an equaliser in an entertaining 2-2 draw against Spennymoor Town this afternoon.

Owen-Evans struck from close range in the 79^th minute – just two minutes after coming on to replace fellow goalscorer Jordan Nicholson

It looked like it was going to be one of those days for Hereford after Spennymoor stormed back to lead in the second half.

But a point is a decent result against a side who only missed out on promotion to the National League last season after losing a penalty shoot-out to Chorley in the play-off final.

The opening 10 minutes was befitting of an opening game of the season, with neither keeper tested. In fact it took until the 13^th minute for Hereford to have the first effort of the game, although Keiron Thomas’ shot was poor.

However, Hereford managed to get an ascendancy in the game and Matthew Gould (the son of former Hereford player Jonathan Gould) did well to save from Jordan Nicholson in the 19^th minute.

And it was Nicholson who opened the scoring seven minutes later. The former Darlington player showed good perseverance before slotting the ball past Gould. 

Spennymoor showed little threat, although the Bulls back line did have to be on the guard to prevent prolific marksman Glen Taylor from getting a shot in on goal.

Nicholson had another chance to score in the 38^th minute. However, Gould did enough to tip his effort behind for a corner.

After the break, Raheem Hanley did well on the left before fizzing an effort wide, while Rowan Liburd’s volley was off target.

Hereford made the first change of the game in the 57^th minute when Bradley Ash replaced Reece Styche.

However, Spennymoor started to find a foothold in the game and levelled just past the hour mark when Andrew Johnson swept the ball home.

Liburd had a great chance to restore Hereford’s advantage in the 66^th minute. After doing well to take the ball down, the Bulls number nine strode forward, only to be met by a good challenge by Spennymoor centre-half James Curtis.

Liburd was subsequently replaced by Mike Symons in the 72^nd minute; meaning that both Hereford’s strikers were substituted.

Johnson also left the field for Spennymoor, but that didn’t matter as his side led for the first time in the 76^th minute thanks to an excellent strike by Glen Taylor – who was the league’s leading scorer last season.

Hereford would have been disappointed with how both goals were conceded, but showed great resilience to level just three minutes later thanks to Owen-Evans.

It’s encouraging that Hereford seem to have more goals from midfield this season and may not have to rely solely on their strikers. And they will do well to come up against many better sides than Spennymoor this season.

A point on the opening game against one of last season’s frontrunners should be seen as a good result. Hopefully they can back it up with another positive result on Tuesday when they face Gloucester City at Evesham.

Sponsors Man of the Match: Keiran Thomas

Hereford: Hall; Gowling; Cullinane-Liburd, Riley; Hodgkiss, Thomas, Nicholson (Owen-Evans 79), Jagger Cane, Hanley; Liburd (Symons 72), Styche (Ash 57). Subs not used: Pope, O'Sullivan.

Spennymoor: Gould; Magnay, Curtis, Buddle, Henry; McKenna, Chandler, Ward, Johnson (Hall 74); Taylor, Roberts. Subs not used: Williams, Atkinson, Anderson, Boyes.

Attendance: 2,707 (54 away fans)

Cullinane-Liburd drops down a division

Jordan Cullinane-Liburd has dropped down a division after deciding to leave Hereford.

The central defender has signed for Tamworth in Southern Premier League Central.

The Staffordshire side - who knocked Hereford out of the FA Cup last season - were second on goal difference with three games in hand when the campaign was halted.

Cullinane-Liburd could not commit to Hereford for the forthcoming season due to the Bulls deciding to have daytime training sessions.

FA Update Clubs About Spectators At Pre-Season Matches

The FA have provided further clarity to clubs about spectators at pre-season matches. Last weekend a few games had crowds in excess of 100 and The FA has reiterated that pre-season matches should be played behind closed doors.

However clubs can operate their Clubhouses as long as they stick to Government hospitality guidance.

But there must be no entry to the ground. 

New club for Jason Pope

Jason Pope has joined Bath City after leaving Hereford FC. The defender/midfielder joine the Bulls from Weston-super-Mare last season but was 'in and out' of the side.

Pope says it was a no brainer to join Bath after hearing about the positive steps that manager Jerry Gill has made at the club, while Gill said the new recruit wants to win things and be progressive with his career. 

Jason Pope celebrating scoring for Hereford against York last season

Updated squad list

Hereford now have 11 players signed on for next season. 

The Bulls so far have two goalkeepers, three defenders, four midfielders and two strikers.

You can view the updated list here.

Bulls sign central defender

Hereford FC have signed central defender Jamie Grimes.

The 29-year-old was previously with Ebbsfleet while he has also played for Cheltenham and Macclesfield.

“Jamie is a player I know very well," said Hereford manager Josh Gowling, as quoted on the club's official website.

"He is strong, athletic and will balance the team out well due to being a left footed centre back. 

"He is the ultimate professional and will expect the best from his team mates. I am delighted to get him over the line and he will be a big part of the culture at this Football Club."

You can listen to what Grimes had to say about the move here.

Hereford United V Brentford & Fulham in the 1990’s

Tonight sees Brentford and Fulham battle it out for a place in the Premier League.

Hereford United 1-0 Brentford | League Cup - 5th September 1990 

Stewart Phillips with the goal.

Hereford United 1-0 Fulham | Division Three - 6th April 1996

Tony James with the goal.

Map of next season's National League North

Following Altrincham's promotion to National League North, we now know how National League North is likely to look like next season unless Bury are allowed into it. If the latter does happen, the likely scenario is that Gloucester will move to National League South.

Due to only Stevenage being relegated from League Two, Maidenhead (who finished 21st in the National League) stayed up, meaning that only three teams were relegated. Two of of those teams - AFC Fylde and Chorley - drop into the North. No teams have been promoted to National League North due to all Step 3 leagues being declared null and void due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As it stands the National League North teams for 2020/21 are...

AFC Fylde

AFC Telford United

Alfreton Town

Blyth Spartans

Boston United

Brackley Town

Bradford (Park Avenue)

Chester

Chorley

Curzon Ashton

Darlington

Farsley Celtic

Gateshead

Gloucester City

Guiseley

Hereford

Kettering Town

Kidderminster Harriers

Leamington

Southport

Spennymoor Town

York City

*Below is a map of the NLN teams, courtesy of @nathanholtyt

Hednesford game called off?

It looks like Hereford's pre-season friendly against Hednesford has been called off.

The Pitmen have posted a rescheduled list of their pre-season friendlies, with the date of Saturday, August 22 now saying 'v opponents TBA at The PRG Stadium @ Keys Park'.

Hereford were due to face Hednesford then, however due to the National League's decision to commence their league season in October, Hednesford have said the planned start has an impact on some of their opponents so have had to make some adjustments to their pre-season schedule. 

News Round-Up

Former Hereford United defender Rod McDonald has joined Carlisle United on a two year deal.

Hereford FC have announced that Yates will continue to sponsor season tickets for the sixth year in a row. 

There's a blast from the past on a Coventry site this morning where they look back to a friendly game between 'The Bulls and the Sky Blues' which took place 27 years ago today. More at http://www.ccfpa.co.uk/?p=59219

Kettring have released details of their season tickets. They say that 'at present the club, like all clubs, does not know exactly what will be expected by the government in relation to social distancing within the ground' so supporters may not be able to sit in their reserved seat.

Prize Bull 500 Club Draw - July Winners

The HUST Prize Bull 500 Club Draw for the month of July has been drawn and it is good to see Hereford fans from right across the country winning. It is an especially difficult period for all of us at the present time, with Hereford Football Club just coming out of hibernation – it’s own form of lockdown. This means any help you are able to provide by joining the 500 Club will be most welcome.

Congratulations to the winners as follows:

£100  033  David Quartermain from Hereford

£75  169  Russell Cheasley from Hereford

£25  129  Colin Hayman from Cawston

£25  252  Yvonne O’Neil from Abergavenny

£25  217  Dean Tisdale from Leominster

£25  123  Ann Barber from Eardisland

£10  161  Guy Adams from Monmouth

£10  256  Keith Morris from Hereford 

£10  219  Milton Kent from Milton Keynes

£10  155  Stephen Crook from Oldbury

You can join the Prize Bull 500 Club Draw at any time and, if you already have one lucky number, why not double your chances with another entry. Indeed, at just £60 a year, or for a mere £5 per month it’s any easy way of helping HUST provide much-needed finance for the club through the summer months. 

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE PRIZE BULL 500 CLUB

Back the Bulls – Join TODAY.

News Round-Up

A few items from today's news:

Kidderminster Harriers have frozen their season ticket prices. They also report that Season Ticket holders will be prioritised if Government guidelines restrict capacities at any point during the season due to the ongoing pandemic. Season Tickets will be allocated to a stand of a supporters’ choice, but not a specific seat.

Hereford born Mark Jenkins is quitting as CEO of West Brom

Chester managers have started talking to their players about new contracts. Their budget has been helped by £115,000 raised by supporters recently.

Hereford FC have reported that £3000 has been raised during the first day of their 'Boost the Budget' campaign. Chairman Andrew Graham said "I cannot thank those fans, who have been in a position to donate, enough."

National League Dover might fold by the end of the month if wages cuts aren't accepted by players. "If a solution or further investment cannot be found by the end of August, it is likely that the directors will consider the club insolvent and as a consequence will be forced to cease trading," said chairman Jim Parmenter.

Mooney bags Football League deal

Kelsey Mooney has joined Scunthorpe United on a one year deal.

The striker was with Hereford last season after starring for Aston Villa Under-23s but decided not to sign a further deal at Edgar Street after being approached by the Iron.

Scunthorpe are managed by Russ Wilcox and finished 20th in League Two last season.

Break In At Gloucester's Ground

A break in occured overnight at Gloucester City's Meadow Park.

It's thought thieves got in through the manager's office window. Showers, boilers, a generator and a roll of lead were taken.

"It's upsetting to lose so much stuff, it is heartbreaking," said co-chairman Alex Petheram.

"Eamonn and I were there until 9pm working. We were due to fit the showers this week, the boilers were on the walls and they unscrewed them.

"The pitch is fine, it is purely theft. They came through the window of the manager's office. It is typical, we are fitting the CCTV and alarms this week.

"I've had so many messages of support from fans, from other clubs and from rival fans from places like Weston and Hereford," he said.

Deliberate Coughing Could Lead To Red Card

The FA have outlined new rules which include making deliberate coughing a red or yellow card offence.

According to the Guardian the instructions to referees taking charge of games when Covid-19 restrictions are in place will come into force immediately and be applied at all levels of the game.

Action can be taken by the referee when he is "certain someone deliberately, and from close range, coughed into the face of an opponent or match official."

In tribute to Hereford fan Ian Robertson

Back in April 2020 we reported the sudden passing of Hereford supporter Ian Robertson.

His daughter Anna has raised over £4,000 for Melanoma UK in his memory. The full story is below.

https://yourherefordshire.co.uk/all/featured-articles/news-burghill-woman-raises-over-4000-in-memory-of-her-late-father/

Altrincham win Play-off Final

Altrincham have been promoted to the National League after winning this afternoon's National League North Play-off Final.

A solitary goal from Dan Mooney was enough for Altrincham to beat Boston 1--0.

Meanwhile, Weymouth won the National League South Play-off Final after beating Dartford 3-0 on penalties following a 0-0 draw.

Carey-Bertram returns to Hereford as part of Gowling's backroom staff

Former Hereford United player Danny Bertram is back at Edgar Street, joining Josh Gowling's backroom staff as fitness and conditioning coach.

Carey-Bertram spent three seasons with the Bulls between 2003 and 2006, netting a stunning goal at Stevenage in the Conference Play-off Semi-Finals.

Gowling was in the same youth team as Carey-Bertram at West Bromwich Albion and believes the former striker will excel as a peak performance coach.

"“I’m delighted to announce Danny back to the Club," said Gowling.

"Danny and I started our football journey together at West Bromwich Albion, as two young hungry aspiring football players and it only feels right that as a young hungry manager I have around me people with that same drive and passion for this Football Club," said Gowling, as reported on Hereford's official website.  

"I’ve spoken about bringing this club together and having people around that understand what it is to be in the Hereford family and Danny most certainly does. His job is to get the lads fit and strong and ready to go to war and I have every confidence in him that he will deliver.”

You can hear what Carey-Bertram had to say about the appointment here.

Meanwhile, here is a video of Carey-Bertram scoring for Hereford against Tamworth in 2006.

€3million move for Bundu?

There are reports that former Hereford FC player Mustapha Bundu could be heading to Anderlecht for €3million.

The winger was a star player during Hereford's first season in 2015/16, helping the club to three trophies as well as reaching the FA Vase Final.

However, Visa rules meant that Bundu could play no higher for the Bulls. 

Instead, the 23-year-old ended up in Denmark, playing in the topflight for AGF Aarhus following a trial.

Bundu has so far spent four years for the Danish side, who finished 9th in the Superliga last season.

There were rumours that German giants Borussia Dortmund could also be interested in the Sierra Leone international, but they have not been confirmed.

Instead, it looks like Bundu could be heading to Belgium to sign for Anderlecht, with Aarhus wanting €3million (£2.7million).

Donations Will Help Gowling's Budget

A few weeks ago Hereford FC asked for donations to help pay for pitch preparations, yesterday it asked for donations to boost manager Josh Gowling's budget.

On the surface it seems incredible that a club which had £589,591 in the bank on May 31st 2019 has been reduced to asking for donations before a ball has been kicked in the 2020/21 season.

However no-one could have forseen the financial impact of Covid-19 on lower league football.

How much Covid-19 has cost Hereford FC to date is difficult to estimate. One shareholder suggested around £100K so far and rising.

Whatever the amount, the loss of four home games at the end of last season and a couple of pre-season friendlies will have cost around £50K in lost revenue.

Costs have been lessened to some degree with the club able to take advantage of several Government schemes including, in particular, the government’s job retention scheme to put some employees on furlough. For a couple of months only the football secretary remained at work. And that partly because of a National League rule.

But as the start of the forthcoming season approaches, more staff are back at Edgar Street. Sponsors and advertisers have to be contacted to see if they will continue to support the club. Their income is vital at the time when little else, other than shirt and mask sales, is coming into the club. 

To date it is reported that over 30 sponsors have 'committed' to next season. Hopefully they and many others will turn that committment into cash. But that cash may be less in total than last season given the pressure on some businesses.

It is not known whether the players already signed for the coming season are being currently paid. Usually by this stage they would be but there may be clauses in their contracts curtailing some of their wages until the season gets under way. And, again, after last season came to an end in early March, there may be clauses which would lessen the burden on the club if the season is stopped because of Government regulation. Not easy on the players but at times like this there has to be some leeway.

Yesterday the Government announced that in England plans to ease regulations next week were to be put on hold for at least two weeks. In particular trials to allow supporters into a couple of big sporting events have been postponed. This could all impact on supporters being allowed to watch football. At present National League clubs are set to start the new season on October 3rd with clubs like Hereford playing an FA Cup fixture. Limited numbers of supporters were expected to be able to watch these games. 

It now looks possible that these games, assuming they go ahead, may take place behind closed doors denying clubs vital gate money. In truth nobody knows. But realistically it's probably prudent to factor this into any budget plans for this season. 

Hereford FC can not afford to lose money on the scale of last season whatever happens this time. If it does there will be little or nothing left in the bank. The initial shareholders investment along with HUST's purchase of shares, which in total is around £500K, will be gone.

The club has to try to match income to expenditure however difficult that might be. And after the costs of running Edgar Street much of remainder of the expenditure is on the manager's budget.

The directors have to set Gowling's budget at a level that allows him to compete in the league. It's never easy but this season is especially difficult given all the unknowns.

Supporters wishing to donate to help 'Boost The Budget' can do so by going to:
https://www.flowte.me/storefront/index.php?v=702

On This Day Twenty Years Ago - Hereford Draw With Oxford

Back to August 2000 for today's archive article. It's pre-season and Hereford are at home to Oxford United.

HEREFORD UNITED 1 - 1 OXFORD UNITED (report by Terry Goodwin)

Oxford United must be commended with the strength of the side that they fielded against Hereford United tonight, but manager Denis Smith must be slightly disappointed with what was a fair result. With former West Ham midfielder Joey Beauchamp, Leeds player Derek Lilley and former Wales Under 21 star Lee Jarman all participating, Oxford were always going to be a formidable side to break down.

Hereford, however, fielded a strong team but Turner left out both Piearce and Elmes to try out a new Craig Hanson - Dai Thomas partnership, the latter on-trial from Cardiff City.

The game itself was a fairly even affair with both Hereford and Oxford creating a fair number of openings, and, it has to be said, a few chances that went begging in front of goal. It was the away side from Division Two who gained the first corner, barely half a minute into the action, but Hereford came back and started pressurising inside the Oxford half.

Craig Hanson again lacked physical presence in his forward role, but showed off his skill on several occasions, firstly with good footwook in the fifth minute before providing a good cross. Perhaps, Hanson should have been in the area getting onto the end of the crosses, not providing them. All in all, the night was one of fairly good football from Hereford. The hoof-and-hope approach against Aston Villa was disposed for good, precise passing. Although this created mistakes, it is much more entertaining to watch for the 864 people inside the ground, and worked well when Snape, Rodgerson and Hanson linked, but Hanson was unable to get to the ball before the advancing goalkeeper. Hanson again showed off is skill after around twenty minutes when good footwork created a cross for Thomas to head just wide of the near post. Despite good play, Hanson's lack of physical presence was underlined around halfway through the first half, when he was bundled off the ball (legally!), something which wouldn't happen to Robin Elmes, for example.

Scott Cooksey had a sturdy game in goal but made one huge mistake with ten minutes of the first half remaining. With Emmanuel Omoyinmi, the former West Ham youngster, advancing upon him , Cooksey grabbed the ball but fumbled it under him. Luckily, the ball went out for a corner which he caught with his usual authority in the box.

Hereford continued to create efforts, with Dai Thomas heading just over and Ian Rodgerson heading just wide. Thomas, a Cardiff striker, had a good game but didn't get the right kind of chances to prove what he is capable of.

With around twenty minutes left, Richie Bernard, an on-trial 'keeper (yes, another!) was brought on for Cooksey and he was truly awful. Firstly, his mistake let the goal in, and soon after he let a header through which had to be cleared off the line by Matt Gardiner. A Joey Beauchamp corner was met by the head on Ian McGuckin for the goal, leaving Bernard stranded.

However, Hereford hit back with eight minutes left. McIndoe took the freekick short and passed to Ian Rodgerson. Dodge then took the ball out wide on the right and from twenty yards hit a screaming shot past Jimmy Glass, the Carlisle 'keeper who sent Scarborough into the Conference, in the Oxford United goal.

This was by far the most impressive home friendly that we have seen so far in the pre-season, but that's not saying much considering the performance against Aston Villa! Whilst the Bulls are still lacking up front, the rest of the team is progressing a treat!

Hereford - Cooksey, Clarke, Sturgess, Robinson, Wright, James, Rodgerson, Snape, Thomas, Hanson, Williams.
Substitutes who came on - Lane, McIndoe, Elmes, Gardiner, Shirley, Bernard. 

National North Play-Off Final Today

The National North League play-off final takes place this afternoon.

Boston take on Altrincham to see who will be promoted to the National League.

The game, at Boston, will take place behind closed doors because of Government regulations.

However supporters and any one else interested on watch the game 'live'.

More details at: https://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/watch-vanarama-national-league-north-and-south-pro-62895