Just under five months ago the Southern League released a statement which, in effect, has back-fired on them.
Hereford United – Statement by Southern League Chairman
After a very difficult few
weeks for both League and club officials, I am pleased to confirm that
Hereford United Football Club has transferred appropriate funds to all
known Football Creditors apart from a few who have not, as yet, notified
officials of their required details. However, the amount covering these
outstanding payments has been deposited in the account of a third
party. Consequently, subject to receiving confirmation of receipt of all
the amounts transferred and also subject to any actions taken by other
authorities outside the control of the League, Hereford United (1939)
Ltd will remain in membership of the Southern League and the
Registrations Embargo placed on the club on 30 June will be lifted.
While fully appreciating the feelings of
the club’s supporters, I have been extremely disappointed at the
content of some of the emails which have been, to say the least, not
only ill informed but abusive with a number bordering on libellous.
Despite opinions to the contrary, the League has held the upper hand
throughout and, operating within the Rules of the Competition, has been
fully in control of the situation which has seen it achieve one of its
main objectives to ensure that those Football Creditors owed money by
the previous regime at the club received what was due to them. Expulsion
of the club at any time during the process would have undoubtedly led
to its liquidation and, with it, any chance of these debts ever being
settled. That said, the same supporters who criticised the non-payment
of creditors seemed quite comfortable with the prospect of rekindling a
debt free club from the embers without giving a second thought to the
same creditors who would have remained unpaid!
I would like to express the thanks of
the Board to League Secretary, Jason Mills, who, together with officials
of the Club, worked tirelessly to achieve a satisfactory outcome to a
situation which was not of any of their making.
Ken Turner
Chairman
Chairman
28 July 2014