Text at top (next game etc)

Next Game: Pre-Season

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Lonsdale Refuses To Talk To Five Live


Hereford United chairman Andy Lonsdale refused to take part in a discussion about the club on Five Live's Non-League Programme which was recorded last night.

The club is due to make its eleventh High Court appearance tomorrow morning and according to BBC Hereford and Worcester's sports editor Trevor Owens the majority of supporters want an end to the saga but this might not happen.

"There is a feeling that barristers representing some of those who attached themselves to the winding up petition are going to play hard-ball with this one," said Owens.

"There is a feeling this could be nearer the end of the road than some of the previous hearings.

"But we've all been down this road a few times."

Owens also noted that going out of the FA Trophy yesterday had cut off another income stream for the club.

Presenter Caroline Barker then asked about the likelyhood of an end on Monday.

"We contacted Andy Lonsdale to come on the show or to provide a statement, but we've had no response."

Both Martin Watson of HUST and Kevin Rye from Supporters Direct then joined the discussion.

"About 80% of the fans are staying away," said Watson.

"The simple fact is that the promises made by the current owners of the club haven't been met.

"We know of about 50 who are classed as football creditors who are still owed money which shouldn't be.

"And there are players this season who are walking out because out as well because they haven't been paid."

Rye said that people who are owed money should press to be paid that money in full.

"I hope the club goes on Monday because it's not really the club that people support.

"One hopes that the fans and the city can then work together.

"We're already working with the fans to get the pre-thinking done about how the club will be run when it's owned by the supporters and community.

"The old thing needs putting out of its misery.

"The city of Hereford needs a chance to do things for itself and not with people who don't just not belong there but are doing complete and utter damage to everything good about Hereford United Football Club."

Watson questioned whether it was humane to carry on.

"It has to end one way or the other.

"Either by this £1.5M investment coming in and clearing the debts or it has to be shut down."