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Next Game: Away At Curzon Ashton On Saturday 19th October at 3.00pm

Sunday, April 09, 2006

NLP overhypes Hereford's finances

A small article in this morning's Non-League Paper about Hereford United's finances contains incorrect facts and suggests the club will be debt free by this time next year.

Firstly they report that the club has reported a profit for the third successive year. That is incorrect. Three years ago the club made a small loss.

Secondly they report that the Bulls made £219,880 last year. That is incorrect as the figure was £291,880.

Thirdly they say "the prospects are looking good for wiping out their remaining £1 million debt by the end of the year." That seems to be somewhat of an over-statement.

There is little doubt that the current season to May 31st will show a profit, perhaps just into six figures, although should the Bulls reach the play-off final this could add thousands to the final amount. The club may be around £700,000 in debt in six weeks time. However to make enough money to pay off that amount in the next twelve months is wishful thinking.

"We have put the club back on a sound financial footing and we are proud of that," commented Joan Fennessy, Hereford United's secretary.

"To make what we have over the last two years is some achievement and now we are looking forward to being totally debt-free."

Asked to say how this had happened, Mrs Fennessy suggested:

"Good housekeeping, and we have been prudent on the field as well."