Hereford Win At Sporting

Sterling James Scored For Hereford

 Hereford travelled to Sporting Club Inkberrow for their third pre-season friendly and came away with a 2-0 victory. Omari Sterling-James and a trialists with the goals.

After a slow start Hereford came into the game and deserved to be ahead at the break.

Hereford were first to get the ball in the net. On 25 minutes Matt Preston headed down from a set-piece but the defender was offside. 

Minutes later Kyle Howkins shot from 25 yards but it was just over. 

On 35 minutes Remaye Campbell had a chance to put Hereford in front following good work from Omari Sterling-James but his header went over.

Two minutes later Sterling-James scored. He took advantage of a defensive muddle. 

And it might have been two for Sterling-James who hit a fierce shot just before the break. 

Former Hereford player Jack Tolley started for Sporting. 

First Half Starting XI: Richardson, Bitemo, Howkins, Preston, Roberts, Sterling James, D’Ath, Mafuta, Trialist, Trialist, Campbell

Manager Paul Caddis didn't make any changes at the break. 

Roberts was the first Hereford player to try his luck in the second half. Then a shot from a Hereford trialist playing on the wing.

Sporting had a free kick just outside the box which went out for a corner. Minutes later one of their trialists hit the cross-bar.

Then on 60 minutes Caddis brought on a number of fresh players and trialists. Interestingly Aaron Skinner played in mid-field.

Fairly even play at this stage of the friendly. 

Hereford's trialist keeper had to be alert to several Sporting attacks. In particular Sporting's number 7 trialist looked a useful player.

On 82 minutes Andy Williams fed a trialist who made it 2-0.           

Second Half XI after 60 minutes: Trialist keeper, Quansah, Hudson, Cisse, Williams A, Williams K, Skinner, Trialist, Trialist, Trialist, Trialist.

Attendance around 400 with perhaps 150 following Hereford. 

BN Man of the Friendly: Sterling-James 

Sporting made Hereford very welcome. It appeared to be a well run club with plenty of volunteers.

As well as the main pitch there are several others close by one of which is a cricket pitch. 

Hereford Ahead At Sporting

Hereford travelled to Sporting Club Inkberrow for their third pre-season friendly.

After a slow start Hereford came into the game and deserved to be ahead at the break.

Hereford were first to get the ball in the net. On 25 minutes Matt Preston headed down from a set-piece but the defender was offside. 

Minutes later Kyle Howkins shot from 25 yards but it was just over. 

On 35 minutes Remaye Campbell had a chance to put Hereford in front following good work from Amari Sterling-James but his header went over.

Two minutes later Sterling-James scored. He took advantage of a defensive muddle. 

And it might have been two for Sterling-James who hit a fierce shot just before the break. 

Former Hereford player Jack Tolley started for Sporting. 

First Half Starting XI: Richardson, Bitemo, Howkins, Preston, Roberts, Sterling James, D’Ath, Mafuta, Trialist, Trialist, Campbell

Half time: Sporting Club Inkberrow 0 Hereford 1 

News Round Up

Yeovil have shortened their pitch. Manager Mark Cooper said 'We wanted to make it a little bit smaller to give us a chance to be a little more front foot and to be able to really get after the opposition and into their faces.' 

Westfields groundsman Joe Mecke-Davis is featured in an article in the Independent after his new pitch design had over one million views. https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/other/the-art-of-mowing-a-football-pitch/ar-AA1IPd97

Another newspaper article which may be of interest is in today's Telegraph. It features Danny Dyer. One of his comments was that his daughter had married the 'man of my dreams.' That's former Hereford United striker Jarrod Bowen. He also mentions the West Ham chant ‘Bowen’s on fire and he’s married Dani Dyer’ 

Matlock are splashing the cash again. They've signed former Derby County striker Conor Washington. 

Hereford have hospitality deals available for their game against Kings Lynn on Saturday August 16th. 

 

Morecambe Sold?

Another update from Morecambe FC owner Jason Whittingham.

This one names the proposed buyer of the club.

An announcement had been planned for this afternoon, but due to false speculation about the buyer’s identity we have received consent to disclose the buyer’s identity. 

The consortium buying Bond Group’s interest in the club, subject to National League approval, is led by Mr Jonny Cato with an impressive group being built around him to develop the club over the coming seasons.

Neither Jonny or his team have any connection to Jason or Bond Group of any kind and as before, nobody from the consortium has yet been named publicly. The current false speculation and guesses about the buyer’s identify are not accurate.

Sales agreements will be completed today (Friday 18 July 2025) and will include a generous payment from the buyer to pay staff and players while the National League approval process is completed. We are grateful for this gesture of goodwill when the club and its stakeholders needed it most.

This sale has progressed at a rapid pace and, once again, we are thankful to the buyer and his legal team for expediting the process to ensure the club’s status in the league was preserved.

The buyers will engage directly with the National League and the fans to introduce themselves and share their exciting plans for the club.

Further announcement to follow today.

Jason Whittingham,
Bond Group Investments LTD

 

 

Thoughts On The Merton Meadow Proposed Development

Hereford supporter Colin Butler is concerned about the proposed development on the Merton Meadow Car Park which is next to Edgar Street.

'As a season ticket holder of Hereford United/ Hereford FC since 1970 I have great concerns regarding the proposed housing development on the Merton Meadow car park. I find the idea baffling and have done so ever since the council first announced their intensions many years ago. It is a well used,well located and an affordable car park which is used by football supporters, workers and shoppers. It's also a cheaper option to the more expensive Old Market car park.

Taking the parking away would have a massive impact on the football club and the footfall in our city centre shops. We are not a big city where the majority of shoppers and supporters could use a regular public transport to travel from different urban areas in to the centre,a large percentage live outside of the city and rely on their cars to get in to Hereford and of course decent priced parking. Supporters address details with season ticket holders and Trust membership would confirm just how many do live outside of the city.  The car park is well used throughout the week but on Saturday matchdays it is sometimes difficult to get a space even in the bottom end car park over the bridge.

We have been told that to offset the loss of this car park space there will be a multi storey car park built on the County Bus Station,it will located away from where people need to park i.e near to the football ground and the Old Market shops. Access will also be off Commerical Road which many know can be manic at the best of times, whereas the Merton Meadow car park has much easier off the link road. I believe the new multi storey will have 400 spaces but the council have stated that spaces will be allocated to hospital workers. So how many spaces will there be for those who can longer use park the Merton Meadow? Not nearly enough that's for sure.

Also the Old Market car park spaces have been reduced during the week as M & M employees have been allocated 150 spaces on the very top level. The numbers don't seem to stack up. The  council seem to working on figures that less people will be shopping in Hereford in the future and not encouraging more. It's very brave of the new shop arrivals in Hereford like Pro Cook and Matalan who have put their confidence in Hereford and possibly wouldn't have known that the council were to make it more expensive and more difficult for their customers to park in the future.  It would be good if as many Hereford FC supporters and the rest of the Herefordshire public could object to this daft proposal as possible and perhaps enquire what are the thoughts of their councillor and local MP about this plan. I'm sure many local business's will have their input and not forgetting Hereford FC and Hereford United Supporters Trust.

The council are no strangers to building on well used long stay car parks. Remember there was once a very useful car park next to the railway station, excellent when you were travelling by train and the station NCP was full. The council then built student accommodation on it and recommended that the alternative would be it to park in the Merton Meadow car park.' 

Hereford 20/1 To Win National North League

Hereford FC are 20/1 to win the National North League title. This price is with Bet 365.

Currently Kidderminster are favourites at 7/2.

Chester are priced at 7/1.

Macclesfield are 10/1.

AFC Fylde are also 10/1.

 

News Round Up

Hereford Under 18's lost their friendly against Westfields Reserves last night. Final score 4-1.

Solihull had to postpone an Arthur's Cup match against Birmingham because the pitch was too hard.

Radio Hereford FC will have full match commentary from tomorrow evening's friendly at Sporting Club. 

 

Morecambe Sale?

Morecambe owner Jason Whittingham released the following statement earlier this afternoon:

Bond Group are aware that there is much ongoing speculation around the sale of the club.

We can confirm that a take-over deal is near completion with a consortium of individuals headed by people with genuine football experience, to acquire Bond group’s interest in the club. We can also confirm that despite speculation on the buyers’ identity, nobody from the consortium has yet been named publicly and recent guesses are not accurate.

We are grateful for the speed with which the new buyer has worked with their legal team on concluding their due diligence and negotiating the contracts, given the time pressures the club is facing.

The buyers have funds available to bring payments for the club up to date and we are working to conclude the transaction as quickly as possible.

We will issue a further update shortly.

Jason Whittingham,
Bond Group Investments LTD

 Meanwhile the Guardian has a story about the proposed sale:

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jul/16/morecambe-fc-football-club-takeover-crisis-fans-supporters 

Away At Sporting Club Inkberrow Tomorrow Evening

Hereford play their third pre-season friendly at Sporting Club Inkberrow tomorrow evening. Kick-off is at 8pm.

Supporters can purchased tickets on line for the game.

Go to: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/sportingclubinkberrow/1761604 

Ticket Prices:

Adult £5

Concession £3

Under 16's Free. 

A bar and cafe will be open from 6pm.

There is plenty of car parking available at the Stone Car Park. 

Sat Nav: WR7 4HJ 

Radcliffe Away On TV

Hereford's away game at Radcliffe on Bank Holiday Monday, August 25th, has been selected to be shown live on DAZN TV.

The game kicks off at 3pm. 

2025/26 Hereford FC Membership Scheme

Hereford FC are, for the second season, offering supporters the chance to join the club's membership scheme.

The cost is £30. 

"The membership scheme was really successful last season and we’d love to see even more fans join this year," said Chairman Chris Ammonds.

"It’s an additional way for fans to support the club and it also has a real benefit in terms of saving money through drinks or food in the club bars on a matchday, or when buying items in the club shop." 

Benefits include:

Membership card holders will join the second priority group for any all-ticket matches alongside HUST members, Junior Bulls and Squad Builder contributors.

Members will receive 10% off all purchases in Addison’s, Radford’s, the Executive Club and the RE Resource Hereford Hospitality Suite on matchdays with the production of their card.

10% off all purchases in the Club Shop.

10% off room hire for any private event held at Edgar Street.

To join please go to: https://herefordfc.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/official_club_membership_202526 

News Round Up

Because of 'ongoing circumstances' Morecambe's friendly against Barrow next Tuesday will be played behind closed doors.

The National League Cup will take place again this season despite some clubs dropping out. Average gates were just 577 so in reality little interest. All National League clubs benefit from the £1M pot but how much clubs like Hereford receive is un-known. 

Supporter Colin Barnes has been watching Newport County since August 1949. That's 76 years so far.

Midfielder Mafuta Joins Hereford

 

Midfielder Gus Mafuta has joined Hereford.

Last season he played for Boreham Wood on loan from Solihull Moors. 

Now 30, Mafuta started his career at Colchester in their acadamy.

He moved to the Bristol City Under 18's in 2014.

Since then he has played for a number of clubs including Gateshead, Hartlepool United, York City and Solihull Moors.

"I think the signing of someone like Gus is massive for our football club," said manager Paul Caddis.

“I’ve made it no secret that I wanted to bolster the size and presence of our central midfield department and to bring someone in with the quality and experience of Gus shows you exactly what happens when you show some patience in the market.

“He has a wealth of experience at the levels above and he is someone I’ve had my eye on for the best part of 18 months. 

"I am delighted he has decided to join us and he will add real quality to our squad."

 

News Round Up

Tickets for Hereford's friendly against Leicester City Under 21's on Saturday July 26th are available to purchase.

Hereford Under 18's have a friendly against Westfields Reserves at the HFA County Ground tomorrow evening. Kick off 7.45pm. 

London Bulls are set to host an interview with former Hereford United player, Winston White.  

Hereford's Squad Builder has now raised 'close to £25,000' according to Chairman Chris Ammonds. And it's been confirmed supporters can donate at the club shop.

The House Of Lords have agreed the Football Governance Bill. 

Shrimps Trust Update

This update on all thing Morecambe from the Shrimps Trust:

 

News Round Up

Anwar Uddin, who played a couple of games for Hereford United, has become Non-Executive Director at Dagenham and Redbridge.

New nets have been fitted to the goals at Edgar Street.

Chester FC have launched 'Claim Your Turf'. Supporters can purchase a part of the pitch for £25. As a reward the matchday programme will include names on the plots. Altogether there are 131 plots for sale. 

A vintage motor-cycle show is set to take place at Edgar Street on Thursday evening from 7pm to 9.30pm. 

 

Agombar And His Associates

The current situation at Morecambe is not dis-similar to that at Hereford a decade ago.

Owner Jason Whittingham knows Jed McCrory who helped Tommy Agombar when he purchased Hereford United.

In particular Whittingham and McCrory were involved with Worcester Warriors.

In July 2014 BN posted an article entitled Agombar and his Associates. The article originally appeared on Save 1939.

A well known Hereford United supporter has been researching new 'owner' Tommy Agombar's associates.

Here's what he found. 

You judge a man by the company he keeps. Its not a difficult proposition to get your head around is it ?

Put the kids to bed and lets look at Tommys friends.

His main man is a chubby criminal from Essex. Andy Lonsdale has links to an obscure non league club in Essex and convictions for dumping contaminated waste.

Another chum was former Swindon Chairman Jed McCrory. Mr McCrory recently lost a court battle for control of the Robins. The words of the judge must have brought him some comfort.

“I frankly don’t believe Mr McCrory’s evidence.” stated Mr Justice Strauss.

Oh dear, hardly a soothing lullaby for a man down on his luck.

No doubt Tommy was on hand with some soothing words. Perhaps he recalled the heady days when they toiled away as Directors of Seebeck 87 limited . What a jolly set of fellows they were. Also on the board was Mr Greg Hall who was a director of Carvier Ltd.

Mr Hall was described as the front man of the operation and I can only imagine that Tommy was mortified when he realised the company he was keeping.

Also in on the high powered Team Tommy is Joel Nathan , or Nathan Joel, the sometime CEO of the mighty Grays Athletic. Joel is a good friend of Tommy and a better friend of football hooligan Andy Swallow who actually runs Grays through his teenage son “Danny”.

Andy is a lively lad and full of get up and go. Reminiscing about his love of football he stated:

"I got a dustbin lid for a shield and armed myself with a heavy wooden bar. One Manc put a blanket over his head, but we drenched him with a hose and using iron bars and sticks we beat him all the way down the stairs.

No doubt Tommy would be shocked about any association with Mr Swallow.

Another individual that Mr Agombar is linked with is the sinister Scouse “businessman” Steven Vaughan.

Having ruined Barrow FC, Widnes Vikings and killed off Chester City, Mr Vaughan had to serve a custodial sentence for punching a policeman. Don’t tell Tommy but Mr Vaughan picked up 15 months for cracking the coppers cheekbone. Steven Vaughan Jnr also picked up a community order for threatening behaviour.

Crime and punishment eh ? Whilst knitting mailbags Steve had time to reflect on his sins and he re-emerged into the daylight with a tigger like enthusiasm to get involved in the great game.

As the UKs first individual to fail the fit and proper test he was forced to spread his net a bit wider and he soon fetched up on the sunny shores of Malta. Taking up the reins at Floriana he installed his purple faced son, Jnr, as Chairman and set about rebuilding his slightly tarnished reputation.

Of course his tenure as shadow owner of Floriana meant that he was able to extend some professional courtesy to Mr Agombar. Tommy's son, Harry, is a useless non league donkey who has been able to pick up a few gigs at clubs that arent too squeamish.

He is currently plying “his trade” at Swindon Town although the demise of the aforementioned Jed “I frankly don’t believe Mr McCrory’s evidence.” McCrory may lead to him pursuing his career elsewhere.

What a colourful set of characters they all are.

Now lets take a minute or two and link up Tommys friends “from the norf”.

We need to condsider the links between HUFC, Steven Vaughan, The Rifles and Droylsden FC.

As we all know Tommys PR department have set up a fundraising friendly with the Rifles as a cynical in aid of Help for Heroes. It is a disgraceful act and shames the club, the game and everyone that takes part in it as a player or spectator. Whilst their fellow professionals have yet to see any of Tommys money his team of scabs will pull on the famous white shirts and drag the good name of the club further into the mire.

They have also arranged to play Droylsden FC in a pre season friendly. Droylsden is another one of the “dirty gangster” clubs and Vaughan senior and junior were both involved there.

The current Chair of Droylsden is a guy called Dave Pace. Dave was formerly a director of Cestrian Trading Ltd alongside Steven Vaughan. He also emerged as a “creditor” when Chester City went under.

It is believed that “Dave” was involved in some construction work at the Deva although those who have met him claim that actually constructing sentences is beyond his modest capabilities. I have never met him so I cannot comment. However I cannot fault his loyalty to his friends. His willingness to help Mr Vaughan, er, Mr Agombar out with a match is heroic in its idiocy.

Also on the board of Cestrian was Mr Ian Doran. Mr Doran was also a director of Victorian Sponsorship Ltd. Victorian Sponsorship Ltd achieved notoriety by using the Rifles regiment as the bait in one of their charity scams.

Mr Doran has been involved in several dissolved charity scam firms. Here is how it works.

Business scammers have often used the fake charity approach to scam businesses out of their cash, and it’s an easy target as the amounts are usually relatively small, and nobody likes to be thought of as mean, so when they are presented with an invoice for a charity publication that they don’t recall signing up to, they can feel pressurised into paying up.
Safe from Scams
 

Victorian Sponsorship has been dissolved like many others before and since.

Mr Doran will probably not be attending the game against the Rifles, which is probably just as well.

But you have to ask if he is advising Agombar on this ?

Will the money reach the charity involved or will it get diverted , a la charity scammers, into a different account ?

Who will be monitoring the cash ?

Is there anybody amongst Team Tommy who you would trust to look after the cash?

Football seems to be in the developing grip of a criminal class that seems to be able to act at will and the Football authorities seem to be incapable of dealing with the problem.

Every day throws up some new evidence that Agombar is unfit to run a burger van let alone a football club but it is like chipping away at an Iceberg with an ice pick.

How does a man like this breeze through the safeguards by using the crudest methods possible ?

How is he allowed into the council chamber to discuss matters with people that he owes a huge amount of money too ?

There is no doubt that the people of Hereford will get rid of this idiot and begin the process of rebuilding their club. The fact that they have to do so shames the Football Association who have abdicated any right to govern the national game. 

Merton Meadow Urban Village - Have Your Say

Last week BN mentioned that Herefordshire Council were asking for views on the proposed development of parts of the Merton Meadow car park which adjoins Hereford FC's Edgar Street Stadium.

The idea put forward is for a Urban Village with around 400 homes.

However should it go ahead it could have a big affect on the number of supporters watching Hereford as car parking spaces will be lost.

One particular supporters contacted BN about the idea.

'Thanks for mentioning that Herefordshire Council are looking for comments on their Urban Village idea. 

I think this will do great harm to the football club in many ways but of course the financial hit could be massive with the almost certain drop in attendances. 

I have supported Hfd for many years from Leominster and have dreaded this moment coming. 

Everyone I speak to over here has the same answer that they are likely to stop coming over to Hfd to see games and that's a lot of people just from one town. 

Can you tell us how to make our comments to the council as I see the planning application doesn't accept comments !'  

Below is the full statement from the Council:

Have your say on the regeneration of Merton Meadow, Hereford, Thursday 17 July to Sunday 31 August 2025.

We would like to hear your ideas and views to help shape the design of a new urban village that is set to transform the Merton Meadow area in the north of the city.

What would you like to see in the regeneration of Merton Meadow, Hereford?

We are looking to create an exciting new neighbourhood close to Hereford city centre. The new urban village will be a pioneering example of an environmentally led and sustainable community.

An innovative new wetland scheme is already planned to address flooding in the area. The first of its kind in the UK, the wetland flood alleviation scheme will work with nature to address flooding using a series of ponds and wetlands connected by water channels. Roughly the size of three football pitches, new wetland habitats will be created for wildlife, bringing nature into the heart of our city. With boardwalks and public spaces for residents and visitors, we will create a beautiful space to visit.

Subject to planning permission, work to construct the flood alleviation scheme is scheduled to start in the autumn and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Addressing the flooding issues will unlock the area for future development and drainage capacity for up to 400 new homes.

You can help shape what the new neighbourhood looks like, and the types of homes, community facilities and amenities that should be included.

Have your say

The public consultation is launching on Thursday 17 July, with drop-in sessions at Maylord Orchards centre (ground floor, Unit 51), Hereford, 12-8pm.

Please book you place via Eventbrite. This will help us make sure there are enough members of staff available to provide information and answer your questions.

The consultation will open online on this page from 18 July until 31 August 2025, so please bookmark it and come back and take part.

Engagement sessions are also being held with local stakeholder organisations and businesses.

This is the first phase of the consultation process. There is still a way to go before any firm ideas for the regeneration of the area are developed.

We need as many people as possible to take part in the consultation - residents, visitors, organisations and businesses - to make sure the design inspires a sense of community and belonging while having excellent amenities. 

https://consultations.herefordshire.gov.uk/consultations/article/129/help-shape-the-regeneration-of-merton-meadow 

Walsall Report From Today's Friendly

Here's a report from Walsall FC on today's friendly against Hereford:

Walsall continued their preparations for the new season with a comprehensive victory over National League North Side Hereford in a behind closed doors friendly.

Aaron Pressley opened the scoring in the first half before Josh Gordon and Charlie Lakin added further goals in the second period as the Saddlers cruised to victory.

Mat Sadler's men took the lead with the first attack of the match in the opening exchanges as Mason Hancock’s ball was met by Pressley who touched it goalwards and despite the goalkeeper getting a touch, the ball found the net via the post.

Walsall dominated in the first half with Albert Adomah & Ronan Maher having a couple of opportunities apiece.

The Saddlers came very close to a second when Jamie Jellis’ curled effort bounced off the post.

Hancock had a great opportunity late in the first half when Maher found him with a lovely through ball but the keeper smothered his effort.

The Saddlers had the ball in the net when Pressley met Hancock’s right footed ball but the goal was ruled out for offside before the half time whistle blew. 

Walsall completely changed the XI for the second half.

The visitors had a chance in the 46^th minute when former Saddler Andy Williams arrowed in a shot but he blazed his effort wide.

Walsall’s first chance of the second half came on 51 minutes when Evan Weir rolled the ball across the box to Courtney Clarke whose powerful strike fizzed narrowly wide.

The Saddlers got the second they deserved when Clarke slid the ball down the channel to Gordon who gloriously lobbed the goalkeeper from 25 yards out with a beautiful strike.

Myles Roberts was called into action around the hour mark when he made an outstanding save to turn a header onto the post that looked destined for the bottom corner.

Down the other end, Jamille Matt latched on to a poor back pass and found himself in on goal but he rolled the ball wide.

Gordon went in search of his second as he cut in from the left and fired in a shot from outside the box but it flew over.

The Saddlers continued to look for a third when Trialist played in Charlie Lakin whose effort was saved by the keeper and Matt followed up but again, the Hereford stopper reacted well.

Walsall were awarded a late penalty when Vincent Harper was tripped in the box. Lakin stepped up and found the bottom corner to round off a good afternoon’s work. 

Hereford Lose At Walsall

Hereford were defeated 3-0 in today's friendly at Walsall.

The home team scored in the first half. However during the second half Bitemo hit the post with a header.

Walsall went 2-0 ahead late in the half. And just at the end they converted a penalty.

Hereford starting XI: Richardson, Skinner, Hudson, Preston, Howkins, D’Ath, Campbell, Cisse, Trialist, Trialist, Trialist. 

Second Half XI: Williams, Bitemo, Quansah, Roberts and Sterling-James all on in the second half with additional trialists. 

Later a trialist keeper relaced Richardson and Kai Williams came on. 

All the details taken from Hereford FC's twitter account as the media were not allowed at the game. 

News Round Up

Hereford FC announcer Matt Healey has won an award for his work with the charity Turning Point in Hereford. Read more at: https://yourherefordshire.co.uk/all/news/news-matt-healey-wins-national-award-at-an-event-in-london/

Solihull Moors are offering season ticket holders a free hot pie as long as they arrive 75 minutes before kick-off. 

Herefordshire Council are asking for views on the proposed development of parts of the Merton Meadow car park, next to Edgar Street, into an 'urban village'.

Last night's friendly between York City and Salford was called off at half time after there were allegations of racial abuse aimed at some Salford players. 

Tianna Chant has joined Hereford Women. Last season she was with Longlevens FC where she scored 11 goals during 19 games. 

Away At Walsall

Hereford FC are away at Walsall this lunchtime for a behind closed doors friendly.

Manager Paul Caddis expects his side will be tested by the full time outfit.

"It will be a different test for us," he said.

"We might be up against it in terms of possession. 

"It will be a good game to go and work on things defensively but also be a threat as we always are.

"Really looking forward to it."

Why is it behind closed doors?

"I imagine they are looking at players, players they don't want the public to see." 

Update 11.30am: The firendly kicked off at 11am in an effort to avoid the hottest temperatures. 

Players Reported To Have Quit Morecambe

There are reports this evening that six players have left Morecambe. 

It's assumed it's because of the continued financial problems at the club. 

As they haven't been paid they can leave after 14 days which is today.

Meanwhile no news today of a 'new' buyer for the club.

The Shrimps Trust say they are aware of a name and are checking it out.

'Wednesday we were promised a new buyer, and that they would reveal themselves soon. Initially, our investigations came up blank, no-one had heard or knew who this mystery buyer was. 

Yesterday, we started to hear that a new buyer wasn’t fictitious, and that Bond Group were in discussions with someone. We have unofficially been provided with a name, and are working hard to verify it, in the meantime we urge Bond Group to share details of this ASAP. Once we have verification we will share it with members.

If this buyer is real, and is engaging with the National League, the process of approval can take 10 days after all paperwork has been provided.' 

Changes To Hereford's Fanzone

 

Hereford FC have reported that it is hoped to have a 'Fanzone' at every home game this coming season.

They've detailed a number of measures including a fence around the area and gates into it.

The aim is that the area can be used during games.

“The temporary Fanzone we have had previously proved a big hit and it will be great to make it a more regular feature at the ground," said chairman Chris Ammonds.

"The fence will give us separation from the main car park and its access routes, increasing safety, and will also make the Fanzone feel part of the ground, rather than a temporary addition.

"The fence will also include gates that will be closed by stewards when our games kick-off which will also prevent anyone entering the ground late without paying for a ticket."

HUST, the Hereford United Supporters Trust, are jointly funding the project.

“We understand this is the first phase of several phases of work where we may be able to make contributions and look forward to working in partnership with the Club on these future projects," said HUST chairman Richard Tomkins. 

Read more at: https://herefordfc.co.uk/2025/07/fanzone-to-become-regular-feature-at-the-mandm-edgar-street-stadium/ 

Southport Mananger Fined For Breaching Betting Rules

This from the FA:

An independent Regulatory Commission has given Neil Danns a six-month suspension, which is suspended until the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, and a £1,000 fine for breaches of The FA’s betting rules.  
 
It was alleged that the now Southport FC manager breached FA Rule E8 65 times by placing bets on football matches between 17 February 2007 and 13 August 2022 while he was a participant at various other clubs. 
 
Neil Danns admitted the charges against him. 

A Football Association Regulatory Commission report said Danns' bets were "modest stakes on a 'Saturday accumulator' on a reasonably widespread of games."

The commission added: "There is no suggestion [he] was match fixing, betting with the benefit of any particular inside information or that there was any suspicious activity or betting patterns."

In total, Danns staked £2,137.68, winning £814.43 - a net loss of £1,323.25.

 

Bulls Add Chippenham To Pre-Season Fixture List

 

Hereford will play their final pre-season friendly at Chippenham Town on Saturday August 2nd.

Hereford chairman Chris Ammonds noted: 

 'Decent final friendly this. Importantly, an away game gives more time for the pitch to recover before the season proper after tracking was put down on it as part of the floodlight installation work.'

News Round Up

Kidderminster have signed 27 year old striker Kurt Willoughby. He was with Oldham last season.

Local media have been told they can not watch Hereford's behind closed doors friendly at Walsall on Saturday which kicks off at 12noon. A match report will be made available.

Welsh international Gareth Bale is considering a bid for Cardiff City.

 

 

Morecambe Update From Panjab Warriors

Yesterday Morecambe FC owner Jason Whittingham said there was a new bidder for the club.

Originally he said he was going to sell to Panjab Warriors.

Panjab Warriors Response to Breach of Public Commitments by Bond Group Investments Ltd
The Panjab Warriors are dismayed by the events that have unfolded since the public confirmation of our acquisition of Morecambe Football Club. In light of Bond Group Investments Ltd’s latest announcement suggesting the sale of the club to an alternative party, we feel compelled to provide clarity to supporters, regulators, and the wider football community.

On Friday, July 4, 2025, two formal statements were published on the official Morecambe FC website:

The Morecambe FC Board of Directors stated:

“The Board of Directors have unanimously agreed to rejoin Morecambe FC and facilitate the sale of Bond Group's shares to Panjab Warriors, which is intended to complete on Monday.”

“All we can promise is that we will do everything in our powers to make it happen, get wages paid, and begin at last to look forwards.”

A statement on behalf of Jason Whittingham and Bond Group Investments Ltd confirmed:

“Bond Group Investments LTD and Panjab Warriors Sports LTD have today agreed final terms for the transfer of ownership and sale of Morecambe Football Club Limited, subject to contract, and intend to complete the sale… on Monday 7th July 2025.”

“Panjab Warriors will now engage with the National League... and provide evidence that the club will be in a stable financial position moving forward.”

These were not speculative intentions—they were formal acknowledgements of a concluded negotiation process. The Panjab Warriors had already received full EFL approval, with all terms agreed and financial conditions satisfied. We entered this process in good faith and have, over the past 14 months, contributed significant funding to support the operational survival of the club, including payroll and working capital, at the repeated request of Bond Group Investments Ltd (BGI).

Such statements were not verbal assurances—they were repeatedly reiterated by BGI through various modes of communication, including emails, written correspondence, and formal requests. These communications consistently reaffirmed that financial support was being sought to maintain the club’s operations while the sale to Panjab Warriors was finalised, and that the agreed acquisition would be completed upon receipt of EFL approval.

All funds advanced to the club—structured as interest-free loans—were provided strictly on the basis of these written assurances. It is now clear that such representations were misleading, and that we were induced to provide critical financial support under false pretences.

Had it not been for the specific written undertakings and confirmations from BGI, we would never have entered into such financial commitments. We now find ourselves in a position where, having honoured every obligation and provided over a year of support to keep the club alive, the sale is being diverted in favour of a last-minute party, without transparency or justification.

This is not only a fundamental breach of trust, but may constitute misrepresentation and bad faith dealing, with potential legal consequences that we are now actively exploring.

The Implications
The Panjab Warriors were formally approved by the EFL, fully funded, and ready to complete the deal immediately.

The public commitment by both the Club Board and Bond Group leaves no room for ambiguity.

The introduction of a new party at the final hour—after formal statements, EFL approval, and financial reliance—raises serious legal and regulatory questions.

We are currently seeking legal advice and will begin exploring all legal avenues, including action for misrepresentation and recovery of funds.

Regrettably, should this matter not be resolved swiftly and honourably, we will be forced to consider legal action to recover the substantial loans and financial support provided. While we have no desire to take action against Morecambe Football Club itself, we may be left with no alternative if Bond Group’s conduct continues to compromise both the club and our investment.

Under 18's Win At Wellington

Hereford Under 18's won their first pre-season friendly last night at Wellington.

Final score: Wellington 2 Hereford Under 18's 3

Wellington were ahead until the 88th minute but tired legs and a couple of injuries allowed Hereford back into the game.

The youngsters had 22 players available and were able to freshen up their team in the closing stages. 

New Bidder For Morecambe?

New interest in purchasing Morecambe FC has emerged this evening according to owner Jason Whittingham.

Who or whom that might be isn't known. And what about the Punjab Warriors offer? Haven't they already put money into the club?

Bond Group are pleased to announce that agreements will be signed this evening in relation to the sale of Morecambe FC.

A last-minute bid came through from a UK Buyer after learning about the club’s situation. That buyer has worked over the last 24 hours to turn around a payment to his solicitors for wages to be paid and agreed contracts pending approval of the sale by the National League. 

He has already started preparing documentation for National League to give their approval for the sale and confirmed his financial support for the club this coming season, provided his takeover is approved.

This buyer will make their own statement shortly to introduce themselves and set out their plans for the club over the coming seasons.

Further announcements to follow tomorrow.

Jason Whittingham,
Bond Group Investments LTD 

Updated 9.30pm:

The Shrimps Trust have released the following:

'Following today’s statement from Bond Group, we can confirm to members that the National League have not been made aware of an alternate buyer. The Trust will provide a substantive update when we have a clearer understanding of matters.'