Readers of this site may have seen an article entitled How Hereford's Fans Saved Their Club which was posted on here last Thursday.
Since the article was posted BN has received several e-mails asking about both the author and also BN's small part in the author's research into the article.
The author was Steve Price.
I am a long time Hereford fan who is currently living in Korea.
I usually write about Korean
football but at the moment I am working on an article about Hereford FC
and how the supporters saved the club from extinction.
I have been following the
progress of the supporters' efforts ever since it became clear that the
club was in danger, and know a lot about the situation from my family
who are based in Hereford.
As part of his research Price asked BN's Organic several questions about HUST.
What things have HUST been doing to raise the money needed? Which
have been the most successful / interesting? How much did certain
individual events raise?
50/50 draw at games, lottery draw and merchandise. I suspect the 50/50 draw is the most successful
How much have HUST currently raised? Do they currently own 50%? If so, when was this achieved? If not, when do you expect it to be achieved?
50/50 draw at games, lottery draw and merchandise. I suspect the 50/50 draw is the most successful
How much have HUST currently raised? Do they currently own 50%? If so, when was this achieved? If not, when do you expect it to be achieved?
I think they've raised over £50K to date for shares but the target is £250K which could take a very long time
What are the backgrounds of the key members of the John Hale group? Have they all passed the fit-and-proper persons test? Is there evidence for this? What have they done to gain the trust of the supporters?
The key members of Hale's group are all 'local' supporters who were members of the VP (vice-presidents) club and also members of HUST. No fit and proper persons test at Midland League level however I suspect they would all pass. They haven't gained the trust of all supporters because some wanted a 51% fan owned club which we haven't got.
Were there ever any moments when you thought that there wouldn't be a Hereford FC?
No.
How much help have Herefordshire County Council been in getting the club established?
Quite a lot of help behind the scenes. Obviously they had to be careful as they are dealing with public money. I think the local MP Jesse Norman was probably more help in that he raised the subject of Hereford United in Parliament thereby giving the subject national coverage
What are Graham Turner's current roles and responsibilities at the club?
None as far as I'm aware.
What are the biggest worries about the future of Hereford FC?
Provided the financial controls are kept in place, none.
What are the chances of Hereford getting promoted this season?
In with a good chance
What are the plans for the future?
I think the biggest challenge is extending the current five year lease on Edgar Street. Having had great support so far I would like the board to start talking to the Council about a lease extension as soon as possible. FA grants are not available with such a short lease.