Parents Thank 'Nibbo'

Former club photographer Steve Niblett has done more than anyone to raise awareness of the plight of both ex-staff and players who have lost out financially because of the problems at Hereford United.

In this article he has spoken to parents of former youth team players and also former manager Peter Beadle.

Steve Jenkins With The 2013/14 Youth Team - Pic From 'Nibbo'

With the demise of HUFC (1939) and the fundraising efforts I have been involved with recently, the generosity of everyone has been overwhelming. Over 60 individual donations have been made and some very kind-hearted contributions. Supporting the businesses that have lost out financially would be too big a job for me, but for ex-staff members and the youth of last season, it has struck a chord with all fans. Contact and donations from Shrewsbury, Chester, Swindon, Aldershot & Slough fans have been made, and here’s a few replies:

"Aidan is delighted with this kind act and please pass on our thanks and regards to everyone involved in this. This is funny timing as I was talking to Beads today and was wondering whether he would be a natural leader to re-build the football side of the new "AFC Hereford" He would attract all the right people and I know that Aidan would love to play under him again one day in the future. Lets see, but I am telling everyone that I speak to that the best managerial solution would be to appoint Beads and Jenks as manager and assistant. You would see a rapid rise to the football league if this was done in the right way. Please stay in touch as Hereford is amongst the best memories which my 17yr old son has had in his short life. Please feel free to share my thoughts with others if it helps in any way."

Ian O’Kelly (father - Aidan O’Kelly)

"What happens now will the club reform with HUST as the 'company'? Max has already said he will play for them if the trust re-form the club! Have a great Christmas everyone. Hopefully Hereford will rise from the ashes and everyone can get together every week and have a good old moan about playing the long ball game! Happy days!"

Paul Coveny-Kontic (father – Max Kontic)

Mr & Mrs Coveny-Konitc With Nibbo

"What about if you can get a Phoenix club rising out of the ashes like Aldershot, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to arrange a friendly next year with Aldershot to relive the dying and re-birth of the new club.
Just a thought"
Chris Hills, Bagshot

"Well I'm hoping that one day I can get back and watch footy at Edgar Street. Maybe one day see the lad back as well in the white shirt!"
Sam Bowen (father – Jarrod Bowen)

"So glad to hear the fans have got the club back. Hopefully be back where they belong in the football league sooner than expected. Had a great time at the club and hopefully one day be back playing for the Bulls."
Emyr Williams (father - Cory Williams)


I also contacted Peter Beadle as he did not receive all monies owed during his time at Hereford.

Peter Beadle with 'Nibbo' At Aldershot Last April - BN Picture

"I’ve been keeping a close watch on the happenings and its not been easy reading. It is a real pity about the loss of the club in that all the memories will now cease, but they will always be there. 95% of fans wanted a different route and hopefully it will be a new beginning for them and the city. I’m proud of what we (and Steve Jenkins) achieved in Hereford. Not just the last final matches of 2013/14 but the youth team and their FA Youth cup run, going out to Manchester City in the 4th round after extra time. We had a great bunch of lads there."

A Goal Against Manchester City - Photo Taken By Andy Walkden

Of course I had to ask the big question…

"There isn’t even a team to manage yet, and so much work to do to even get to that position. There’s no doubt about it though, I know it’s a cliché but I consider I have unfinished business at Hereford. If the time is right and the phone rings for a discussion then I’m interested."

And what about the donation towards your unpaid wages?

"Keep it. I’m ok, wait until the start of the season for the new team and then decide the most practical way it can be used."

Finally as a footnote, many thanks to Gareth Davies for the donation of a signed England shirt which was bought for £1000 by Mr Rob Crawford. I wonder if the Welsh wizard will take part in trials for the new team?

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