Match preview - Hereford FC vs Bradford Park Avenue

The Yorkshire-heavy flavour to Hereford FC’s October fixture list continues on Tuesday evening, as Bradford Park Avenue come to Edgar Street for the Bulls’ opening home match of the season. The original attempt at playing the game fell victim to Covid of course, as did last Saturday’s encounter with York, but the weekend before in God’s Own County (yeh right) Josh Gowling’s new squad came away with three points following an excellent and hard-won 1-0 victory against Guiseley, courtesy of a Lenell John-Lewis penalty. The feeling pre-season that this Hereford team might be a good deal harder to beat than has been the case over the last two years was reinforced by a resolute second-half defensive display.

The Shop will presumably be fit for this one even if it’s announced beforehand that his head's fallen off. Eyebrows were raised across the board when it was announced that he’d be starting against Guiseley after reportedly still being definitely sidelined following a knock picked up against Gosport. Josh Gowling was perhaps being just a little economical with the truth, but the news would have caused heads to drop as well as eyebrows to raise in the Guiseley defence. Mind games from a psychology graduate – who’d have thought it? At least he’s putting his education to good use.

Now that another option exists up front in the form of loanee Kelsey Mooney, the starting formation could morph into a more traditional 4-4-2 rather than playing with just one out-and-out striker, as has been the case so far this season, more through necessity than preference. Additional attacking threats to feed that front two, in the shape of in-form Tom Owen-Evans and lively Kyle Finn, give cause for optimism against what looks to be a fairly charitable Bradford defence.

The visitors have started this season in the same manner that they started, middled and finished the last. A 3-1 loss on Saturday at Kettering followed defeat at home to Gateshead. To put that poor start into even more promising perspective for Bulls fans, Kettering had been beaten 3-1 in their only other game so far, and Gateshead have gone on to lose both of their subsequent matches.

Bradford spent the whole of last season battling with Blyth to be the worst team in the division, with both clubs anchored to the bottom by some distance. The signs are that they, and indeed Blyth, will be down there again this term. One rare spark of light for the club recently is that they've done very well out of the 'one-size-doesn't-fit-all' National Lottery allocation farrago, receiving an initial £30k on average crowds of 484 compared to Hereford's £36k/2000+ average attendance payment. It seems to be something of a no-brainer that some nuance will need to be introduced into calculations for subsequent monthly payments across the three divisions of the National League. 

As for the Bulls and their season so far, and continuing with the lines-of-form line of reasoning, the 0-0 draw at Southport looks like a better result as time goes by, with the Sandgrounders winning both of their subsequent matches.

This is the sort of match Hereford need to win if they’re to have realistic play-off aspirations in this oddest of seasons. Three points here and things will start to look quite promising in that direction, and give confidence a boost before a tricky looking Halloween trip to Spennymoor on Saturday, another team who have put three past Bradford this season, knocking them out of the Cup in the process.

So, it all points to a home banker here, but any complacency and things could turn nasty. A draw would be unpleasant, but defeat would be a very bitter pill to swallow, and doesn’t bear thinking about. It should be remembered that, despite that awful season BPA suffered in 2019/20, Hereford still contrived to be one of the very few teams not to fill their boots in the two games against them, both in terms of points gained and giving the goal difference column a boost, picking up just one point (a draw at home).

An early goal to settle nerves would perhaps create the opportunity for some of the open, expansive, attacking football that Gowling and others within the camp have stated that they think this team is capable of. Wouldn’t that be nice?  

COYW

Marc Pugh Back At Shrewsbury

Marc Pugh With Hereford In 2009

Former Hereford United winger Marc Pugh has rejoined Shrewsbury Town.

Pugh joined the Bulls from Shrewsbury in July 2009 after a short loan spell the previous season.

He stayed for one season at Edgar Street before moving onto Bournemouth for a reported £100,000.

"We are delighted Marc has joined the club," said manager Sam Ricketts.

"He is a player who knows the club well and he was very keen to come back.

"He enjoyed a great nine years with Bournemouth, gaining promotion to the Championship and the Premier League. He adds some more experience to our squad and will add a lot to our team.

"We are delighted to have him in and we are looking forward to working with him."

Watch Hereford Play Bradford PA Tomorrow Evening

Hereford's game against Bradford PA tomorrow (Tuesday) evening will be streamed live and 'match passes' are now available.

This from Hereford FC:

Bulls fans will be able to access an enhanced live stream of our home league match against Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC.

Kick-off 7:45pm Tuesday 27th October.

The game will be streamed live and produced with the following features:

● Four camera coverage

● In-game replays

● Matchday graphics

● Full commentary from RadioHerefordFC

Supporters will need to register to buy and watch the match.

Match passes are from £10 with options available if you are watching with friends or family.

(Please note, these options will not allow multiple people to access the stream on different devices. It is only a suggested payment should you be watching the match with others in the same room)

The payment platform is provided by InPlayer and support can be found at https://support.inplayer.com

Coverage starts at 7.30pm.

To buy a match pass go to: https://page.inplayer.com/hereford-fc/ 

 

News Round Up

AFC Flyde manager Jim Bentley is to undergo surgery on a blocked artery. Nick Chadwick will be in charge until Bentley returns.

Hereford FC are looking for a new kit man. Applications are welcome.

Curzon Ashton have appointed Ryan Winson as head coach. He was previously with Boston.

 

Former Player Gary Lowe Has Died

 

Club Historian Ron Parrott would like to thank former player Keith Hicks for making us aware of the sad news of the passing of former Hereford United player Gary Lowe in Spain on Friday. Ron has compiled the following pen-pic of Gary:


Born Manchester 25th September 1959, died Algorfa, Spain 23rd October 2020

A defender, Gary was named after the golfer Gary Player when he won the Open the year he was born. It's fair to say that Gary didn't set the academic world on fire at grammar school and from the age of 14, it was destined that his life would be football. He started his career as an apprentice with Crystal Palace when Malcolm Allison was manager and Frank Lord was Chief Scout. Palace won the FA Youth Cup two seasons running but Gary didn't feature because he'd badly broken his leg. However, after three seasons at Selhurst Park, he still hadn't broken into the first team and Malcolm Allison, who had by now moved on to Manchester City, signed him for a second time in December 1979 but again Gary failed to make the first team, although he was a regular member of their Reserve side in the Central League. Following Allison's demise, the Palace connection saw Frank Lord sign Gary for Hereford United in the summer of 1980 and he finally made his Football League debut. Quite a cultured player, I personally thought that we never really saw the best of Gary and overall it's fair to say that he made little impact and his appearances were limited to 11 during his single season at Edgar Street. Later in life Gary admitted: "I always felt I just wasn't strong enough as a player. I didn't have enough desire or determination although ability-wise I was fine." Gary’s uncle, Derek Lowe, also played 27 times for United between 1946/47 and 1948/49.

Still playing as a professional, Gary moved to Hong Kong and signed for a team called Caroline Hill. He then left the former British colony and returned to the UK to end his career with Hyde United, Curzon Ashton and Chorley and had a succession of jobs, including running a sandwich business. Gary was away from the game for five years before being tempted back as manager of Woodley Sports in the North West Counties League.. He was only there for one season and pipped rivals Curzon Ashton to the title on the final day of the season. Shortly after departing Woodley in the summer of 2000, Curzon Ashton snapped him up and he went on to manage them for the next 11 years. Gary's highlights were reaching the Worthington Challenge Trophy final, which they lost on penalties. He also saw them to promotion to the Northern Premier League Division One North in 2006/07. Several good FA Cup and FA Trophy runs followed before he became Conference North side Hyde United's new manager in the summer of 2011. In his first season, Gary achieved promotion to the Conference Premier but promptly resigned because he was unhappy at the playing budget he was offered for the following season. It was almost another three years before Gary made his peace with Hyde and in January 2015, he was reappointed as manager but was unable to save them from relegation. After finally retiring from football, Gary moved to Spain, where he co-ran the "La Hacienda" bar in Lo Crispin, Algorfa.

Three Midweek National North League Fixtures

There are three fixtures in the National North League on Tuesday evening. One of those is Hereford's first home game of the season which is against Bradford Park Avenue.

The Bulls, currently in 11th place in the league table, could move as high as 2nd if they win by three clear goals and other results go their way.

More likely however given both Chester and Boston are at home and might be expected to win their games against Guiseley and Curzon Ashton respectively, Hereford could rise to 7th place, maybe higher if they win by several goals.

Bradford Park Avenue lost their game at Kettering yesterday and are joint bottom of the league with nil points from two games.

Tuesday's fixtures:

Boston v Guiseley

Chester v Curzon Ashton

Hereford v Bradford PA

Hall Helps Banbury Into First Round Of FA Cup

Hereford FC keeper Brandon Hall who is on loan at Banbury was in their starting eleven which defeated Bury Town in the FA Cup yesterday. It will be the first time since 1973 that Banbury have reached the first round proper.

As well as Hall there were two other former Hereford people who played a part in Banbury's 2-1 win.

Firstly they are managed by Andy Whing who was Russell Slade's coach at Edgar Street and secondly former Hereford favourite Pablo Haysham plays for them.

Whing said afterwards that he was 'absolutely delighted' to have won.

"It was very tough going. I'm so proud of the players who really dug in.

"I nearly pulled a muscle when Landers struck the winner."

 

 

On This Day In 2011 - Bulls Win At Northampton

On this day in October 2011, Hereford United travelled to Northampton and won 3-1.

A look back:

Hereford United made it three wins on the trot against Northampton when goals from Nathan Elder, Steve Leslie and Harry Pell were more than enough to see off Berahino's reply.

"Bruno" Dalibard replaced the suspended Joe Heath at left back and Simon Clist returned in midfield at the expense of Sam Winnall while it was good to see Ryan Green back in the matchday squad as a substitute.

The Bulls started the match brightly but neither side produced an effort on goal in the opening minutes but it was United who took the lead on thirteen minutes.  Harry Pell burst forward through the right of midfield and his cross-shot from just inside the box was parried by home keeper Walker into the path of Elder who gratefully stabbed home from six yards.  As the game flowed from end to end, Cornell did well to push Berahino’s effort round the post before The Bulls added a second on nineteen minutes.

Steve Leslie was chopped down in full flight but he picked himself up to fire the free kick past Walker from just outside the box with the help of a deflection off the home defensive wall.  Former Slop, Kelvin Langmead powered a header against Cornell's crossbar as the half-hour approached before Tom Barkhuizen was brought down when cutting in from the right but the free kick was dragged wide of the upright.  The Bulls came close again with a fine move that started at the back with Andy Todd.  He laid the ball wide to the advancing Dalibard who struck a sweet diagonal ball out to Barkhuizen on the right who immediately switch it back across to Steve Leslie.  His pinpoint cross was glanced just over by Elder.

HT Northampton 0  Bulls 2

Steve Leslie scorched an effort inches wide of the post when he met a Barkhuizen cross with a first-time volley.  Then Barks jinked his way past two defenders to set up Harry Pell but the Essex Socrates pulled his shot wide while, at the other end, Turnbull saw his attempt blocked by the hard-working Featherstone.

Nathan Elder left the field on the hour to generous applause and was replaced by Yoann Arquin.  However, two minutes later the hosts gat a goal back when Cornell could only partly clear a cross from the left and Berahino drove home from 12 yards.

Ryan Green replaced Andy Todd before, with twenty minutes remaining, United restored their two-goal lead.  Barkhuizen beat two defenders to cross for the onrushing Pell to head home from close range.  His goal celebrations earned him a yellow that will cause him to miss Saturday's match at Torquay.

Pitman withdrew Barkhuizen with about five minutes remaining.  Green moved to fullback and Rob Purdie pushed up to an attacking wide midfield position with Michael Towsend joining the game in the centre of defence.  As the game reached the final minutes, Stefan Stam brought off a fine clearance but, in general, The Bulls rarely looked in danger of conceding.

FT Northampton 1  Bulls 3

This was a very encouraging performance in which Featherstone and Clist were excellent in their holding midfield roles freeing Harry Pell to follow the play and feed both strikers and widemen alike.  Leslie and Barks were a constant threat down the flanks while; firstly Elder then Arquin led the attack with pace and menace.

See you all at the seaside.

 

Managers Reaction:

 

Speaking after last night's game at Northampton, Hereford United manager Jamie Pitman said he was 'delighted' with their 3-1 victory over the Cobblers.

"Our pure energy and fitness are getting us wins at the moment," Pitman told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"In two or three months time that will be even higher.

"The tempo and belief are a big plus.

"They had a spell in the second half when they put us under a lot of pressure but we generally soaked it up and coped well.

"We looked very good on the counter attack and our wide men allow us to do that.

"After their first goal it could have gone either way so obviously the important goal was our last goal."

Andy Todd

Keith Hall asked Pitman about Andy Todd who was subbed halfway through the second half. The 37 year old defender looked somewhat reluctant to leave the pitch and there was a little shoving between him and a couple of Northampton players.

"We thought whether he could play Saturday/Tuesday Saturday/Tuesday.

"He's got great spirit about him and he's a true professional.

"We slotted him in and he did very well again."

Pitman would not say if the Bulls might offer Todd a more permanent deal.

"We've got to make sure he keeps performing to the extent he is.

"He's got to be happy here as well.

"Things are moving very well with him in the side." 

Today's Results In The National North League

Only four games took place in the National North League this afternoon.

Blyth Spartans 0 Southport 3

Boston 3 Telford 2

Chorley 0 Kidderminster 2

Kettering 3 Bradford PA 1

 

Players and supporters pay respects to Tom Emmett at Edgar Street

Players and supporters paid their respects to popular Hereford supporter Tom Emmett today.

Ahead of training, the Bulls squad stood silent and applauded the life of Tom, which you can view below. Fans also stood met outside the ground to pay their own respects.

Tom sadly died earlier this week.

The players paid their respects to supporter Tom Emmett ahead of their training session this morning.

Tom sadly passed away earlier this week.#DrinkForTom pic.twitter.com/yPDCPlKuuq

— HerefordFC (@HerefordFC) October 24, 2020

Telford Manager 'Baffled' By Funding Allocation

AFC Telford manager Gavin Cowan says he is 'baffled' by how the National League decided to share out the £10M government grant.

Telford's average gate last season was 1148 and they are set to receive £30,000 per month.

"The National League have taken weeks to come up with a plan, to have such a simplistic and illogical way of distributing the money to me is baffling," said Cowan as reported by the Shropshire Star.

"Don’t get me wrong, if they’d have spent three weeks and come up with some brilliant formula then we can all sit back and applaud.

"But the logic of Brackley, who get 300 supporters, getting the same amount as what we do, when we get 1,000-plus, is baffling.

"Brackley have a money man. I can’t put it any clearer, so they’re going to be rubbing their hands together because they’ll be getting more money than they get through the gate.

"We’re going to be getting less money than we’d get through the gate. It defies belief.

"The decision has taken so many weeks and to be so simplistic it defies logic. We put so much time putting spreadsheets together for what our income was, it’s tough to take.

"I can understand why other clubs feel like this too. But rest assured there will be your Brackleys and other clubs with low attendances rubbing their hands together."

 

 

Cross Border Chester

Chester FC's stadium is reported to be partly in England and partly in Wales and that has thrown up all sorts of problems.

This from rt.com:

Organizers of a drive-in cinema event at Chester FC’s Deva Stadium, which straddles the border between England and Wales, have had to scramble after it became clear customers would have to violate Covid rules to use the toilets.

Storyhouse - a cultural centre based in Chester - are hosting a Halloween movie drive-in at the stadium between October 27 and November 1, but they thought they would have to cancel the event after it was confirmed Wales would enter a 17-day national lockdown on Friday.

Storyhouse CEO Andrew Bentley said that would “probably” be the case because of the unique issue with the location: “It turns out the border goes through the middle of the car park but the screen is mostly in Wales.

“We are already having to refund our customers who live in Wales as cinema is part of their circuit-breaker.

“However, customers who live in England are also to be banned from straying into the wrong bit of the car park to watch the film, and Flintshire police say they will enforce at the event.”

He added: “The loos are still in Wales so our customers are going to be caught short, or just caught at the border.”

Twitter users could see the funny side of things, with one quipping: “Someone’s taking the p*ss.”

“Does going to the toilet not count as ‘essential business?’” another asked, while a third suggested an alternative for any customer caught short at the event: “Bring your own bucket!”

However, on Friday the company announced they would still be able to hold the event for English patrons at reduced capacity after hiring portable toilets for them to use so they can “have a wee without breaking the law:”

 

Hall joins Banbury on loan

Hereford goalkeeper Brandon Hall has joined Banbury on a short term loan deal.

Banbury face Bury Town tomorrow in the FA Cup, while Hereford's match against York has been postponed.

Seven Games Postponed In National North This Weekend

Seven games have already been postponed in the National North League this weekend. Not all are because of Covid-19, some are because clubs have FA Cup ties.

Those games off are at Alfreton, Brackley, Chester, Darlington, Farsley Celtic, Gateshead and Hereford. Kettering have a rearranged game. 

Those still set to go ahead (as of early this morning) are:

Blyth Spartans v Southport

Boston v Telford

Chorley v Kidderminster

Kettering v Bradford PA.

 

Beadle tests positive for Covid

Former Hereford manager Pete Beadle has tested positive for Covid.

Beadle, who is asymptomatic and doing well, is currently the manager of Barnet and the Bees says that he won't be able to lead the side out for this Saturday's FA Cup tie at Leiston. A total of 10 Barnet players have so far tested positive, with nine of them unavailable for Saturday's game due to them still having to self isolate. 

However, the club are confident that they will be able to field a team and fulfil the fixture.

Devoted Bulls fan dies

BN is saddened to hear of the passing of devoted Hereford fan Tom Emmett.

Tom was well-known among fellow Bulls supporters and travelled to many away matches.

He also volunteered at the club as part of his role with Disabulls, and his hard work ensured that a dedicated disabled area was installed in front of Radford's Bar so that fellow disabled fans could have a grandstand view of matches.

Tom, who had spina bifida and hydrocephalus all of his life, won many sporting medals in his school days and went on to play wheelchair basketball and rugby with Hereford Harriers.

He also loved wrestling and was a regular attendee of Ironfist Wrestling events at the Richmond Club. Our thoughts are with Tom's family and friends at this sad time.

Tom Emmett pictured with former Hereford United player Keith Hicks at Hereford FC's away match at Altrincham last season

REVEALED | How Hereford are one of the 'losers' in the National League funding allocation

It has been revealed that, based on average attendances alone last season, Hereford could have received over twice as much National Lottery funding than they have been allocated.

The Bulls are one of five National League North and South clubs that will receive £36,000 for the first month, with the rest getting £30,000.

However, there is a big jump to the National League with the best supported clubs getting £94,000 and the rest £89,000 a month regardless of their average attendances.

Hereford averaged 2,047 last season, whereas Boreham Wood, who compete in the National League, only had an average of 724 through the gate.

John Wason, a Hereford supporter, has calculated that, based on those attendances alone, Hereford could have got £74,899 and Boreham Wood just £26,504.

He added that all National League clubs, apart from the seven receiving the increased allocation, are 'winners; in that their allocation is higher than their figure based on average attendances, whereas in National North, there are nine 'winners' and 13 'losers' and in National South, 13 'winners' and eight 'losers'. 

All of the clubs in National North and South that are receiving the increased allocations, which includes Hereford, are losers.

Overall, the average attendances across the three leagues last season were 90,937, with the National League accounting for 54.6%, National North 26.1% and National South 19.3%. The first month's allocation of National Lottery funding has seen National League clubs receive 60.3%, National North 20.4% and National South 19.3%.

Wason adds that, given the increased ticket prices in the National League, the 60.3% of the total allocation is possibly reasonable, 'the problem is more a case of the allocations within the divisions'.

Click on the stats to enlarge.

Club Update On York Streaming

Hereford FC have updated supporters about 'York' streaming as the game has been called off.

'Fans who have already purchased a match pass to watch the live stream will automatically receive an email with a unique voucher code that can be redeemed at a future game. Emails will be sent out within 48 hours.

Supporters who have purchased a match programme will receive a printed programme delivered ahead of the rearranged game.'

 

York Game Postponed

Saturday's National North League game between Hereford and York has been postponed.

This from York City FC:

York City Football Club can confirm that a player has tested positive for Covid-19.

The club put its Covid contingency plans into action quickly and sought guidance from the National League medical team.

Backroom staff and players across the First Team and Youth Team, along with some office staff, will self-isolate until 1st November and the club will seek to reschedule all games that fall within that period of time.

This impacts this Saturday's trip to Hereford and the home fixture against Kettering on the 31st October. Both will be rearranged at a date TBC.

 

Maidstone Owner Says Funding Decisions 'Possibly Corrupt'

Maidstone, who ply their trade in the National League South, are another club who are unhappy with the way the £10M funding designed to help clubs through the pandemic have been allocated.

Their joint owner Terry Casey has said he feels that the grant funding has been mis-used.

"The distribution of the £10million grant from the National Lottery to the Vanarama National League has left me utterly confused and bitterly disappointed," said Casey as reported by Kent Online.

"The Government was specific in that the money they brokered for our football clubs, via the National Lottery, was designed to 'replace lost gate revenue'.

"Clubs agreed to start the season, taking on trust the promise to cover these lost revenues. This has not happened.

"Our average gate over the last two seasons has been 2,000 per match and our club will receive 36k per month from the National League.

"This is some 50% below our estimated monthly shortfall! It is also nearly £50k per month less than Dover who attract just over 1,000 per match.

"On the face of this it looks stupid but when it becomes clear that those sitting on the Board making the decisions are heavily biased towards their own financial wellbeing, then it's not just a stupid decision but possibly corrupt.

"For the Board of the National League to arbitrarily decide the first thing that they will do is take 60% for their own clubs and give the South and North just 20% each looks stupid, especially as they have no mandate to keep the money for themselves as they should be representing the interests of all of their member clubs.

"We are sure that the league sponsors such as Vanarama, BT Sport and the National Lottery will be carefully reconsidering their sponsorships on the back of this scandalous decision!

"This is a clear case of the Board not serving the membership and a clear misuse of the way that the money was supposed to be spent.

"This is one of the most extraordinary cases of the misuse of grant funding that I have ever witnessed.

"The FA and National League had a clear mandate to spend the money on lost gate revenue.

"What they have done is ignore this and instead allowed National League Board Members to favour some clubs with outrageous amounts of money that far exceed their gate receipts."

THROWBACK THURSDAY | Hereford United 1-1 Arsenal - FA Cup 3rd Round - 5th January 1985

Tony Woodcock scores an absolute beauty to put the visitors in front. Chris Price then equalise. A packed out Meadow End is a joy to witness.

Click Here -> https://yourherefordshire.co.uk/all/sports-news/archive-hereford-united-1-1-arsenal-fa-cup-3rd-round-5th-january-1985/

Hereford Line Up

1 Kevin Rose

2 Chris Price

3 Ian Bray

4 Keith Hicks

5 Mel Pejic

6 Steve Emery

7 Jimmy Harvey

8 Ian Dalziel

9 Stewart Phillips

10 Ollie Kearns

11 Mike Carter

Attendance 15,777

Telford Ask For Explanation Into Funding Allocations

AFC Telford are another National North club not too happy with the way funding from the National League has been decided.
 

'The Club very much welcome today’s announcement from the National League that they have arranged £10 million of funding from the National Lottery and we would like to thank them for all the work that has gone into achieving this financial support.  

There is no doubt that this financial assistance helps us through this continuing period of playing behind closed doors, However we are surprised and disappointed with the method of allocation of these funds.

We understand and support the principle of allocating the funds on the basis of average home attendances, but we had expected the National League to do this right the way through the North/South clubs.

AFC Telford United have written to the National League today requesting an explanation into how these figures have been calculated and have urged them to review the allocation method to reflect average attendances throughout the North/South.'

Funding Per Spectator - Hereford Comes Out Badly

Further to BN's recent article about whether the National League funding is fair to Hereford, 'Bobbinson Crusoe' has looked at what the funding per spectator is worth based on last seaon's gates.

On this measure Hereford will receive just £17.60 per spectator each month.

 

 

Is Hereford's £36K Per Month Funding Fair?

It's probably correct to say however the £10M on offer to the National League to help with costs for the next three months is given out there would be some who felt they were not receiving a fair share.

Roughly the National League will receive around £6M of the £10M leaving £4M to be divided between the North and South League.

Let's look at the National North in more detail.

Three clubs, Hereford, Chester and York, are to receive £36K, the remainder £30K.

Yet these three clubs have much bigger gates than the other clubs.

The average gate in the National North last season was, according to NonLeagueMatters, was 1067. Hereford's was 2047, nearly double.

So looking at the amount on offer, £2M, then a club with average gates would receive just over £30k per month.

Therefore given Hereford's gates were 2047, they would receive nearer £57K per month. That's £21K per month more than they have been promised. 

Hopefully the National League will release details of how they decided to divide up the £10M. However at present there are more questions than answers.

 

Chester Seek Clarification About How Rescue Funds Were Allocated

Chester City, just like Hereford FC, have been awarded £36,000 per month from October to December from the National Lottery.

But they say that their allocation is lower than anticipated.

Chester FC has been advised we will receive £36,000 per month covering the period of October to December 2020.

As a club we welcome this vital grant aid and wish to place on record our appreciation to the National League, the Football Association, Government and, in particular, The National Lottery. We recognise there are other clubs within the football pyramid and indeed other sectors who have had restrictions imposed upon them without financial support.

However, our allocation is significantly lower than anticipated and will not cover the matchday revenue our club has lost from playing behind closed doors for three months.

We will therefore be seeking clarification about the formula the National League has used to determine the monthly allocations, which in the opinion of our club has resulted in unfair and unjustified distributions across the three divisions.

We also have concerns the allocations do not align with the stated objective of this financial support, which was to compensate clubs for essential revenue lost from fans not returning from 1 October.

Clubs were asked to submit a financial questionnaire on 28 September to estimate lost revenue, but at no point have we been consulted about the formula that would be used to distribute this financial aid and the lack of communication from the National League on this matter has been frustrating.

It is uncertain what will happen beyond December and whether crowds will be able to return or further support provided should matches continue behind closed doors, however the Board is committed to taking all necessary steps to safeguard the future of Chester FC and will be meeting urgently to consider any implications this has for our club in an already difficult and challenging environment.

 

Graham: Grant doesn't cover a club as substantial as ours

Hereford chairman Andrew Graham says that, although £36,000 is a welcome grant in the current climate, it does not cover a club as substantial as theirs.

The Bulls are one of five National League North and South clubs - along with Chester, Dulwich Hamlet, Maidstone and York - will receive the grant with the other clubs getting £30,000. However, the clubs in the National League will receive between £84,000 and £95,000 irrespective of what attendances they attract.

"The board are urgently assessing the ramifications to the Club," said the chairman.

 "Naturally £36,000 is a welcome grant in the current climate but it does not cover a Club as substantial as ours.  

"A board meeting has been convened to discuss the implications of this. We are disappointed at the lack of engagement for member clubs in the determination of grant allocations."

News From Hereford FC

A couple of items of news from Hereford FC this morning.

Firstly they have announced that they are looking for a new kitman as Stuart Whitehurst is stepping down from the job after next Tuesday's game against Bradford PA.

Secondly HUST are to continue selling 50/50 tickets for the remainder of the season. Originally the club were going to take over this task but there has been a change of mind.

Bulls To Receive £36K Per Month Funding

Hereford FC are to receive £36K per month funding from the National League as part of the £10M support package agreed with the Government.

They are one of five National North/South clubs to receive this amount. The others are
Chester, Dulwich Hamlet, Maidstone and York.

The rest of the clubs will receive £30K per month.

Payments are expected to be with clubs before the end of the month. 

It's understood that the higher payments are for clubs with higher attendances last season.

It's not known, as yet, whether these payments will be for the whole of the season or just for the first three months. 

In the National League itself Chesterfield, Hartlepool, Notts County, Stockport, Torquay, Wrexham and Yeovil will receive £95,000 a month, with the 16 other clubs receiving £84,000.

Hereford's First Home Game Of The Season Will Be Streamed

Hereford FC play the first home game of their National North League season at Edgar Street on Saturday. The opposition is the highly-fancied York City.

And until such time as supporters are allowed back to watch, all home games will be streamed.

CJP Broadcast Services are providing the pictures and RadioHereford FC the commentary.

Supporters have to option to pay either £10, £15 or £20 to watch each game. The club is hopeful that if a number of supporters are watching the streaming together they would consider paying a higher price.

To purchase, or for full details, please go to: https://page.inplayer.com/hereford-fc/item.html?id=131170

Westfields Postpone Their Next Fixture

Westfields have postponed their next fixture which was set to be at Flackwell Heath next Saturday.

This from Westfields:

Due to a positive Covid test for one of our Hellenic League team players our fixture at Flackwell Heath this Saturday 24th October has been postponed in line with league guidelines.

The Club has been in contact with the Hellenic League, FA and HFA and we are following all the appropriate actions in order to comply with track and trace, player monitoring and self-isolation.

We are taking all the appropriate measures to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved at Westfields Football Club. No other players are currently displaying any symptoms and we hope that this remains the case.

We will continue to operate our stringent Covid safety measures at allpay park and will be asking for the total co-operation of everyone that visits the Club when we get back to playing football.

Everyone at Westfields wishes the affected player a full and swift recovery.