Herefordshire Council Leader Tony Johnson has said that there are 'potentially' three interested parties in taking on the Edgar Street lease which, initially, will be for two and a half years.
Interviewed on BBC Midlands Today Johnson added.
"I think the supporters have been wonderful and nothing would please me more than see the re-birth of football in Hereford and hopefully this year."
Also interviewed was Jon Hale leader of the business group who, along with HUST, are hopeful of gaining the lease.
"We feel we have a very creditable plan which we've presented to Hereford Council.
"And over the last couple of days 97% of the Supporters Trust members have voted to accept that proposal.
"Ideally we would like a longer lease than that and there will be a period of negotiation whilst we make our application.
"Ideally five to ten years as a starting point would be fantastic for us.
"But we need to see the detail of the tenancy agreement first and then we'll go from there.
"We understand that the ground is old and in need of repair.
"Having said that what we need to do is get this new football club on a very sturdy platform and to do that I feel we need to be at Edgar Street for five to ten years.
"After that obviously again negotiations with the Council to go and build us a Football League stadium."