MY HEREFORD UNITED STORY | Steve Devine - 1985-1993

Popular left back Steve Devine is featured today.

Click to read -> MY HEREFORD UNITED STORY | Steve Devine | Herefordshire’s Independent Source of News & Information (yourherefordshire.co.uk)

Photo supplied by Ron Parrott

NEWS | Former Hereford United player Idris Niblett celebrates his 90th Birthday

A former Hereford United player has recently celebrated his 90th birthday.

Idris Niblett was part of the team that played Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup 3rd round in 1958.

A record crowd of 18,144 packed into Edgar Street that afternoon. Idris wore his Hereford shirt to celebrate his big day.

Click for more -> NEWS | Former Hereford United player celebrates his 90th Birthday | Herefordshire’s Independent Source of News & Information (yourherefordshire.co.uk)

Halesowen Sign Harry White

Harry White

Former Hereford striker Harry White has joined Halesowen.

White played for Hereford for the first part of the 2018/19 season before deciding to move to Australia and play for Oakleigh Cannons.

On his return he joined Stratford Town. 

"I am delighted to join Halesowen," said White.

A club that’s going places for sure.

​"I had a number of offers on the table, but looking at the facilities and brilliant fan base here, added to the fact I’ve played for the gaffa before, and I loved playing for him made this the perfect fit."

Meanwhile another former Hereford player is on the move.

James Bowen has teamed up with Boldmere St Michaels. 

Another Two Hereford Keepers To Add To International List

BN readers have remembered two more former Hereford players that made appearances for their country to add to the nine already mentioned.

Tommy Hughes, who was with Hereford for nine seasons from 1973 to 1982, made two appearances for Scotland Under 23's.

Jose Veiga joined Hereford in late December 2008 but only started one game. He has kept goal for Cape Verde fourteen times. 

Thanks to Paul Rogers for the information.

 

Two More 'Hereford' Keepers Played For Their Country

Since our article http://bullsnews.blogspot.com/2021/06/seven-hereford-keepers-have-played-for.html was posted yesterday two more names have emerged.

Jim Blyth, who came to Hereford on loan from Coventry in 1975, played two games for Scotland.

Lyn Davies played for Hereford in 68/69. He made one appearance for Wales U23 in 1966.

Thanks to Nigel Preece and Mike Wilce for the information. 

Are there any others?

Seven 'Hereford' Keepers Have Played For Their Country

Darren Randolph (Left) With Craig Samson

Earlier today Peter Gulacsi played for Hungary in their Euro game against France which prompted the question how many other 'Hereford' keepers have kept goal for their country. 

We think there are six others. There may be more.

Matt Murray - Five appearances for the English under 21's

Darren Randolph - Fifty appearances for the Republic of Ireland

Jonathan Gould - Two appearances for Scotland

Craig Samson - Six appearances for the Scottish under 21's 

Roger Freestone - One appearance for Wales

George Wood - Four appearances for Scotland

'Hereford' Keepers Who Played For Their Country

 

This afternoon Peter Gulacsi kept goal for Hungary in their 1-1 draw against France in the Euro 2020 competition. 

Back in 2009 he was playing for Hereford on loan from Liverpool.

And there have been several other keepers, all of which came to Edgar Street on loan, who have also played for their country including at under 21 level.

We'll name them later. 

News Round Up

The fan led football review panel has heard 23 hours of evidence so far this week. More sessions next week.

Reece Styche has signed for Hednesford. The former Hereford striker started his senior football career with the Pitmen.

Mick Panniers has been appointed Director of Football at Pegasus Juniors.

Hancox Joins Bulls

Hereford manager Josh Gowling has added left-sided Mitch Hancox to his squad. 

Hancox was with Solihull Moors last season and was in their squad that took part in a pre-season behind closed doors friendly at Edgar Street last September.

"Mitch is a very dynamic player, attacking and exciting to watch," said Gowling.

"His main position is left-back but he can play anywhere down the left-hand side." 

Hancox has played at Edgar Street so knows the set-up.

“I’m really glad to have got the deal done and I’m looking forward to getting into pre-season training next month," he said.

27 year old Hancox started his career with hometown club Birmingham City for whom he made his debut in October 2012.

In the 2015–16 season, he spent three months on loan at Crawley. However he was released by Birmingham at the end of that season and signed for National League club Macclesfield in August 2016. 

After two years, during which he helped Macclesfield win the National League title, he moved on to M K Dons.

Hancox joined his hometown club Solihull Moors in May 2019, and spent time on loan to another National League club Harrogate at the end of that year.

 

Hereford's Pre-Season Friendlies

Hereford FC have released a list of all their pre-season friendlies to date.

As well as the ones already known about, they've added Cheltenham Town, Cinderford, Hednesford and Redditch to the list.

Tuesday 13th July – Westfields – Away
Saturday 17th July – Redditch – Away
Tuesday 20th July – Opposition TBC – Home
Saturday 24th July – Cinderford – Away
Tuesday 27th July – Cheltenham Town – Home
Saturday 31st July – Newcastle Town – Away
Tuesday 3rd August – Hednesford Town – Away
Saturday 7th August – Bath City – Home

The National North season is set to start on Saturday August 14th. 

Bowman Signs For Shrewsbury

Bowman Celebrates A Goal For Hereford Against Shrewsbury In FA Cup

Former Hereford United striker Ryan Bowman has signed for Shrewsbury Town. 

He's moving from Exeter for an undisclosed fee.

"There is a shortage of free agents up top," said Shrewsbury manager Steve Cotterill. 

"We've ended up paying a fee for Ryan but I think it will be money well spent.

"He's all action. He does everything. He's played up front by himself which is a rarity these days. He runs hard, quick and in behind teams.

"He holds the ball up well and has a good touch for a big man. He scored 14 goals last season, none of them penalties. I don't see any reason why he won't score as many goals here as he has for Exeter."

MY HEREFORD UNITED STORY | Max Nicholson 1992-1994

The tricky winger is today's guest.

Click for more -> MY HEREFORD UNITED STORY | Max Nicholson | Herefordshire’s Independent Source of News & Information (yourherefordshire.co.uk)

Photo supplied by Ron Parrott

Hereford FC Are Looking For A 'Food And Beverage Manager'

Hereford FC have a vacancy for a  full-time 'food and beverage' manager following the decision to bring bars and hospitality in house.

The club are asking that candidates must have at least 2 years of food and beverage experience preferably in a senior operational management role, and be highly motivated, consistent in their approach, and be able to successfully deliver the values of the Club.

Pay is £24,000 per annum plus bonus based on profit. 

Full details at: https://www.herefordfc.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Food-and-Beverage-Manager.pdf

Applications must be in by June 28th. The club say hat should a suitable candidate be found before the deadline, they may close the vacancy early. 

Dover Chairman Hits Out At FA

Dover chairman Jim Parmenter has hit out at the FA after they rejected his appeal against a £40,000 fine and 12 point deduction for failing to play fixtures and putting their squad on furlough.

Parmenter had been back-rolling Dover for several seasons but had decided not to invest further. The club might have been able to take out a loan but Parmenter didn't want to.

Then the FA questioned why Parmenter couldn't continue to support the club.

"What it highlights is it’s not truly an independent system and the system’s failed here," said Parmenter as reported by KentOnline.

"I definitely believe that. I was surprised and disappointed by the result, but I was quite angered by the written reasons... The fact we weren’t able to project the next five years when we were in the middle of a pandemic doesn’t seem to me to be relevant.

'The suggestion my personal financial information should have been made public in order to support our case when we’re dealing with a football club that’s a limited company should be a warning to anybody that’s thinking of investing in a football club or supporting a football club financially, because it seems the FA deem it their right to decide how much you should be putting into a club and how much you shouldn’t, and I’m frankly disgusted by that.

'We’ve had to cut our budget. Despite suggestions to the contrary, we’re going to be on probably 50 per cent of the budget we had last year but this is Dover and we’ll be fighting like hell next season. We’re going to start with a 12-point deduction but that’s something for us to target and aim at and try and get over.

'I think it’s commonly thought that we’ve been treated quite badly, and unfairly, and I still hold that true. I think the football system has failed us, I think the FA have failed us and I think the general public and the town and the area need to get behind the club to show they think we’ve been unfairly treated'.

 

News Round Up

Former Hereford FC striker Brad Ash has moved to Weymouth from Chippenham Town.

Speculation that Ryan Bowman might join Cheltenham has been quashed. The former Hereford United striker has one year left on his contract at Exeter but it seems the Grecians remain open to offers for him.

Kidderminster season tickets went on sale earlier today with the dearest early bird tickets costing £315.

York City Supporters’ Trust have been invited to give evidence to the Government’s fan-led review of football governance. They will take part in an hour-long, one-to-one session with an expert panel next Monday.

 

News Round Up

Cheltenham Town have signed goalkeeper Owen Evans from Wigan. Evans was a youth player with Hereford United until he moved to Wigan in 2014.

Curzon Ashton, one of several National North clubs to be fined for not playing matches, have been fined £8,000 plus costs. "Common sense has not prevailed in light of unprecedented circumstances and false promises," they say.

Herefordshire FA will be running a new group every Monday, starting on June 28th, between 5-6pm called 'Walking Football for All'. They aim to help those who might be suffering with their mental health.

Hereford FC sponsors the Beefy Boys are celebrating ten years in business.

Former Hereford United defender Will Evans has been released by Chesterfield after three seasons with the club. 

Bundu helps Sierra Leone qualify for Africa Cup of Nations

Former Hereford FC player Mustapha Bundu has helped Sierra Leone qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations.

The attacker - who was on loan at FC Copenhagen from Anderlecht last season - started for the West African side in a 1-0 win over Benin.

The victory saw Sierra Leone finish above their opponents into second place in Group L.

Another friendly added to Hereford's pre-season schedule

Hereford will host Bath City a week before the new league season gets underway.

Jerry Gill's side - who play at the same level as the Bulls in National League South - will come to Edgar Street on Saturday, August 7.

You can view Hereford's pre-season fixtures here.

Grimes joins National League club

Jamie Grimes has joined Chesterfield after deciding to leave Hereford.

Talking to the Spireites' official website, the central defender said he felt the National League club 'are going in the right direction'.

"I pride myself on being very strong aerially and I like a battle," said Grimes.

"I love a clean sheet and anything else is a bonus."

Chesterfield - who lost to Notts County in the National League Play Off Eliminator - are managed by former Gloucester boss James Rowe. 

Reduction In Fines For Some National North League Clubs

This from the FA:

The FA has today published the outcomes of appeals from a number of clubs against sanctions by the National League during the 2020/21 season. 

An independent Appeal Board considered three appeals on 29 April 2021 against sanctions from the National League for failing to fulfil fixtures by Blyth Spartans FC, Farsley Celtic FC and Spennymoor Town FC. 

The independent Appeal Board ordered the below varied terms to their original sanctions following agreement by the National League and the respective clubs:

• Blyth Spartans FC: 50% of their £6,000 fine is now suspended. Their suspended two point deduction remains; 
• Farsley Celtic FC: 50% of their £4,200 fine is now suspended. Their suspended two point deduction remains
• Spennymoor Town FC: 50% of their £4,200 fine is now suspended. Their suspended two point deduction remains.

An independent Appeal Board heard 11 further appeals between 03 June 2021 and 11 June 2021 against sanctions from the National League for failing to fulfil fixtures by the following clubs: 

• Alfreton Town FC;
• Bath City FC;
• Bradford Park Avenue FC;
• Chippenham Town FC;
• Curzon Ashton FC;
• Darlington Football Club;
• Dover Athletic FC;
• Dulwich Hamlet FC;
• Kettering Town FC;
• Slough Town FC;
• Southport FC.

Each of these appeals were dismissed by the independent Appeal Board and the written reasons for its respective decisions can be accessed on the FA site  

An independent Appeal Board also heard an appeal from Southport FC on 09 June 2021 in relation to a COVID-19 test that was upheld and its written reasons for the decision can also be found on the FA site.

https://www.thefa.com/news/2021/jun/15/appeal-board-decisions-150621

Footnote: Dover are set to be fined £40K and have a 12 point deduction as their appeal has failed.

A Look Back At Why The Club Bars Were Outsourced

With the news that both the bars and hospitality at Hereford are to be brought back in house BN looks back to 2017 and a Fans Forum and why they were outsourced.

Ken Kinnersley was chairman at the time.

Currently the Bars in the Stadium are outsourced – are there plans to bring them back into the Club? (from the floor)

“They are not out sourced as such – it is a partnership. In the beginning the situation was appraised by professionals and we were advised that we would be lucky to get anyone to run the bars due to the existing credit rating the club had at that time. The most we were advised we could expect in income was £10k.

Initially, there was some interest in operating the bars from a group of fans, possibly with HUST involvement, not sure on that point, so the Club requested a business plan be presented from any interested group for discussion. Business plans were never produced or delivered, to my knowledge - so in the end it wasn't an option.

We also took advice from other Clubs in a similar position. Eventually we had discussions with James Smith – who did present a business plan - and the club entered into an Event partnership with him. It was the right thing in terms of managing the risk as the liability was then handed over to James rather than the Club. Basically his means the Club has no worries over food stocks, food hygiene, licensing, H&S, stock management in all its forms, staffing, I.e. bar staff, kitchen staff, waitresses, chefs, cover for illness, or the general management of either events or staff. It is very difficult to operate a business when you only trade on average two days a month and staff labour is only required on those days. Originally Sidney Phillips estimated a £10,000 maximum income but with James Smith the Club has actually secured £30,000 income from the partnership. James Smith is now operating an “open book” policy with his accounts and one of the HFC Directors conducts regular inspections so we better understand the financial implications of the arrangement."

In January 2018, director George Webb was asked a similar question at the club's AGM.

The decision not to do the catering in-house was explained by director George Webb. He had spoken to directors at Merthyr who had brought their catering in-house recently and had started to lose money on it. Pilfering was mentioned. Webb felt that having a regular income for catering was a better bet than the club trying to run it.

Part of the problem he said was that there are only home games once a fortnight or so. Stock can go out of date and it's hard to recruit staff whereas if an outside company is running the catering they can move stock to another venue.

HUST To Continue To Run 50/50 Draw

It has been agreed that HUST will continue to run the 50/50 match day draw.

This from HUST:  

HUST is pleased to announce that in agreement with the Club we will continue to run Match Day Draws for season 2021-22. This includes the 50/50 Match Day Draw and the Golden Goal. HUST will continue to pay in the profits from these to the Club in exchange for shares purchase.

The target date to achieve 50% shares purchase has been extended to 31st May 2022. Our other fundraising will also apply to this revised date.

May’s tranche of £6,000 took the HUST Shareholding and Fan Ownership to £246,000, which is 46% of the shares issued and paid for. The target is to reach is £289,000. With a ‘fully open’ society after Covid-19 lockdowns we believe the coming year offers good opportunities to achieve the target we have long set ourselves.

 

In-House Hospitality Back At Edgar Street

When Hereford FC was formed a decision was taken to out-source the running of the bars and hospitality. In return the club received a 'fee' from the provider.

Whilst this may have been the correct policy at the time, questions were asked at several AGM's about the decision. Director George Webb felt it was better to have a fee than have the club run the hospitality partly because it was uncertain just how much income it would bring in.

There was also the problem with bringing in part-time staff just for a few hours on a Saturday.

That policy is to change.

Rob Crawford is the director in charge of operations at Hereford.

"Six seasons have now passed, and we feel that now is the correct time to bring control of the bars and hospitality rooms in-house. We believe that this will enable us to offer a more fan-centered approach and help to make Edgar Street a 7-day-a-week venue.

“The revenue from the bars will also play a vital role in helping us to provide Josh with as strong a playing budget as possible, and we hope that with the knowledge that every penny spent over the bars will go towards helping the football club continue to grow, even more fans will make use of the facilities, both on a matchday and during the week.

“We will shortly be advertising for a Bar Manager who will be responsible for not only the managing of the matchday bars, but they will also be tasked with helping to make Edgar Street a multi-use venue for functions, meetings, parties or a catch-up with your mates whilst watching the football!"

James Smith, who ran the bars for several years, has agreed to help the club make the change.

More at: https://www.herefordfc.co.uk/news-bars-and-hospitality-to-be-run-in-house/

HUST Welcome Club Board Additions

HUST have welcomed the addition of Mike Langford and Jon Hale to the Hereford club board.

This from HUST:


The HUST Board is delighted with the swift acceptance of Mike Langford as our third Nominated Director. Mike was an 'original' HFC director back at the formation of the Club representing HUST. He knows the territory. We are delighted that Mike would like to return to the fold again. Mike says “I am pleased to have been chosen the third HUST Nominated Director on the Hereford FC Board. The past 2 Covid affected seasons have been tough for supporters and financially for the Club. Josh and Steve are building a team to take us towards our goal of returning to the Football League and I would ask everyone to get behind them and if possible, purchase a 50/50 or golden goal ticket and if you can, join HUST.”

We are also pleased with the announcement that Jon Hale has been reappointed as Chair of Hereford FC. With Jon joining Mike in the HFC Board Room again, the HFC Board is fully resourced and has a wide skills base. We are sure our members and supporters at large will share this assessment.

Rob Crawford steps back as Club Chairman but remains on the Board. He did a splendid job, together with the other Board members, in stabilising the Club throughout the Covid emergency. We are sure all supporters will join us in saying “Thank you, Rob!”.

One of Jon Hale's strengths is supporter interaction. Whether they are season ticket holders, regular attendees at Edgar Street or those who, because they live far away, can only come to home games from time to time. Many of those distant supporters still contribute to the Club they love through such things as the HUST 50/50 draw, the Golden Goal etc, or by simply making donations, all of which is fed into the Club finances.

Nothing is guaranteed of course, but when adding in Josh Gowling and Steve Burr to the mix, there are definitely optimistic signs for the future of our great Club. We look forward to working with Jon and his Board, in what will hopefully be a constructive and rewarding time.

News Round Up

Former Hereford FC player Matt MacDonald has joined Westfields.

The National League play-off final between Torquay and Hartlepool takes place at Ashton Gate, Bristol next Sunday.

Speculation that Jamie Grimes, who quit Hereford today, may be offered a deal at Chesterfield.

650 supporters have renewed their season tickets at Chester.

Grimes decides to leave Hereford

Influential defender Jamie Grimes has decided to leave Hereford.

The 30-year-old has posted the following on his Twitter page.

It’s been a very tough decision for me but I am leaving @HerefordFC . Thanks to the staff, players and fans. We made some great memories and I have no doubt the club will really kick on next season. All the best ⚽️ #thebulls #hereford pic.twitter.com/uSdTpFVa34

— Jamie Grimes (@jamiegrimes90) June 14, 2021

Hale Hopes To Increase Gowling's Budget

Hereford chairman Jon Hale is hoping that good season ticket sales will enable the board to increase manager Josh Gowling's budget which, at present, is reported to be the same as last season.

"The more people we can get into games and buying season tickets, hopefully the better budget we can offer," Hale told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"But it's all about looking where we are, where we've come from in the last 16 months which has been difficult for everybody and I just get that feeling that the momentum is building again for that first game in August.

"It would be great to see 3000 or 4000 here and everyone go home happy again.

"It's difficult to set a budget because we don't know if Covid restrictions mean we can only have 2000 or 1000 in the ground. Obviously that affects things badly.

"Everybody in sport has learnt from the last 16 months in terms of putting provisions in to save yourself from oblivion.

"We've set a budget, it's a competitive budget. Josh knows what he's got to play with and he is happy with that and he's looking forward to making the most of it and we're very confident he will.

"It's not an absolute top end budget. I wouldn't profess to know exactly what top end budgets are, but we're not at that level.

"We are at a competitive level that we feel can really put us up there somewhere in the mix and Josh is determined to make sure we do that.

"We've seen the players he has signed in his short time as manager, they've been good quality signings and we've got every faith in him that he will do that again and make the absolute most of every penny and try and push us on to the next level." 

Hale thinks there will be a lot of quality players around.

"You look at Hereford and you look at the ground and look at the support and you look at the momentum behind the club, I think we have every chance of signing some good players, some really good players who are going to entertain the crowds.

"The style that Josh plays, his reputation, Steve Burr's reputation, all goes towards building towards the future.

"If a player comes and has a look at this stadium and sees what we've got I'm convinced that they would like to come and play at this stadium and try and push us up.

"We're on a project, we want players who are hungry to play for the football club and push us on.

"I'm very confident that's what we will get."

Gowling Hopes To Bring In Experience

 

Hereford manager Josh Gowling doesn't want a repeat of last pre-season when very few players were signed by the first friendly.

"The last pre-season we had about four players," Gowling told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"This time it's good we've had games because last pre-season we had muscle injuries.

"It's good we've only got a five week break rather than a five month break.

"It means we can be a bit more selective with pre-season whereas last season we had to have a pretty hard pre-season because of the longer lay-off.

"We're going to be back at the start of July. I'd like to have a little camp if we can. We might have to look at raising funds to do that just to get the lads away, better team bonding."

Gowling was asked about the players who have been released in particular Chris Camwell.

"Camy is a great lad. I'm not going to go into the reasons why he's not here but we've had a conversation.

"The door is not closed for Camy. He's got a great left foot, we all know that. There's aspects that he hasn't fulfilled I suppose I would say. I want him to go away and fulfill them. If he does then the door is open for him so we might see him back next year.

"We've got to look at the squad and what we can squeeze out of the squad and look at areas where we are lacking.

"The squad last year was built on Dan Jones, Jake Wright, Giles Coke and Lenny. Four really key experienced players. Obviously they've gone during the season and we've had a young squad since they've gone.

"But I do think sometimes in a pressure-cooker environment like the Trophy final you need experience to call upon which Hornchurch had.

"We'll have to cut our cloth accordingly to get that experience in."

MY HEREFORD UNITED STORY | Peter Heritage - 1991-1992

The Wing Commander Peter Heritage is today's featured player.

Click for more -> MY HEREFORD UNITED STORY | Peter Heritage | Herefordshire’s Independent Source of News & Information (yourherefordshire.co.uk)

We're In A Very Good Position To Move On Said Hale

Jon Hale

Hereford FC chairman Jon Hale feels that the club is in 'a very good position' to move on.

But speaking to BBC Hereford and Worcester on his return to the top post he thought the club needed to embrace everyone who was interested if that was to happen.

"I think we are in a very good position now, a very good platform, to move onto the next stage," said Hale.

"Obviously things have levelled out over the past couple of years which I suppose we possibly knew that would happen.

"But now we've got a very good manager in place, stability on the club board, so I feel now we can really grab it by the neck and go forward, push on and look towards the leagues above us.

"Nobody could have predicted that we would have had those first three years where we had consecutive promotions. It was incredible.

"I don't think it pushed the club along too quickly but I think there was always going to be a time when the club probably had to take stock a little bit and the of course Covid came along as well so it's been a tough, tough for the football club as a whole.

"But I think we've riden the storm very well and I think now people are bursting to get back in here and we can start to move on."

The season is set to start on the second Saturday of August.

"Until we are told otherwise we have to plan on that basis in terms of having every aspect of the club has to be ready for that.

"Season tickets going on sale will give us a good measure as to see where we are in terms of the interest.

"Obviously we're excited to get people back in the ground and look forward to a decent crowd, a nice sunny day and three points."

Given the break people can get out of the habit of going to football.

"They can and I think that was always the worry when we had to restart the club because there had been that gap and people do find other things to do.

"But the general feel about the place and reading people's comments and talking to people is that the interest is there. We just have to make sure that we've got a football club that they want to either visit or take an interest in and I'm very keen that we reach out to every supporter whereever they are and make them realise how valuable they are to us now as a supporter.

"Whether you can into the ground on a Saturday or watch the game or listen to the game or whatever it might be, everybody is as important as everybody else.

"We want to really create a club where all the layers of the club bond together. If we can do that we can push forward together and have some success I believe."