UITC Ask For Donations To Food Bank

Dielna Is A Strong Boy Says Richards

Hereford FC's latest signing Joel Dielna is a 'strong boy' according to manager Mark Richards.

Frenchman Dielna joins the Bulls after a spell at Nuneaton. 

"He's been in for a week now so he has trained with us a couple of times," Richards told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"He's versatile, he can play on the right hand side, he can play centre-half as well.

"So he gives us a few options with his versatility.

"And again late 20's, a bit of experience there as well and he's strong boy.

"Hopefully he'll add that little bit more strength to the squad as well."

HUST Urge 'Ordinary' Shareholders To Support AGM Resolutions

 

HUST have written to the 'handful of individual ordinary shareholders' in Hereford FC in an attempt to persuade them to back resolutions put forward by the Trust which are set to be discussed at the club AGM next Thursday.

The resolutions include one which asks shareholders to approve an increase in the HUST directors on the club board from three to four.

"In moving these amendments, the Trust is not trying to take over the club," wrote HUST chairman Richard Tomkins.

"We are simply seeking an equal partnership. Moving forward we would like to see a future in which all shareholders work more closely together in planning the long term future of the club to be delivered by our respective directors in partnerships.

"We hear the comments of the club chairman on the challenges that are faced in recruiting and retaining club directors. The lessons so far indicate that there could be a limit to the time period that people are prepared/able to work in such a role as a volunteer.

"We note that only George Webb remains from the original directors and the level of personal commitment he dedicates to the club.

"We believe that the time challenges placed on directors creates a case for extending the board to increase capacity at director level to ease the burden.

"This vote is an opportunity to embed the Hereford FC model and create a legacy of an investor and supporter partnership that could continue for decades."

Preview: Hereford vs Alfreton Town

Following last Saturday’s win (yes, you read that correctly) against FC United of Manchester in the FA Trophy, Hereford FC return to league duties tomorrow, hoping to follow up with another victory that would this time result in a precious three points in the club’s fight to get out of trouble at the foot of the National League North table.

Alfreton, tomorrow’s opponents, are a number of places above Hereford in the table, but only a couple of wins separate the two, and the visitors are on a poor run, culminating in a home defeat to lower-graded Farsley Celtic in the Trophy last weekend. Too often lately the Bulls seem to have come up against opponents in good form, but that won't be the case tomorrow.

It could have been hoped, even by the most ardent pessimist, that more than one point would have been earned in a run of three games against FCUM, Southport and Darlington, two of which were at home, but one point was the return from those games, and Hereford have to start beating some of the clubs who could be around them at the pointy end of the season (Alfreton escaped relegation by three points last term), hopefully beginning with tomorrow’s game.

Tom Owen-Evans

Along with the actual result last Saturday, some positives are starting to emerge. Tom Owen-Evans is beginning to look like he’s coming to terms with the demands of National League North, and he's certainly not what the opposition is used to, because seemingly in this division the expectation is for it to be 11 immovable objects against 11 irresistible forces, with all 22 coming from some windswept village high in the Pennines where their footballing apprenticeship was spent kicking rocks into place in dry-stone walls barefoot in winter.

That’s not to diminish their footballing ability. Everyone knows we’ve been comprehensively out-footballed as well as out-muscled on numerous occasions in the last few months. However, if TOE can be adequately protected by others around him, perhaps for instance new signing James Wesolowski when fit, he looks to have the ability to unlock defences, and also has an eye for goal.

In defence, Harvey Smith was at fault for the FCUM goal last weekend, and with Jordan Cullinane-Liburd looking to be coming back into the sort of form that saw him granted the captaincy not long ago, there could be a case for Ryan Green returning to partner him. This would, of course, mean that a captain has been dropped twice this season, and that’s not something you see very often, but wins are hard enough to come by at the moment without chucking at least a goal a game in for the opposition, and a combination at the back needs to be found to shore things up. New signing Joel Dielna also comes into contention, and will hopefully offer some French brawn and savoir faire. If nothing else, it's nice to have a Frenchman at Edgar Street again. OK there have been a few dodgy ones, but one or two club ledges too in the HUFC days. Here's hoping Joel falls into the latter category.

Mike Symons

Up top, Mike Symons’ return has resulted in the ball spending at least some of the match in the opposition’s half rather than pinging straight back into our own, and again it's to be assumed that the Beast will play a significant role in proceedings.

Hopefully the 1500 missing from Edgar Street last Saturday will decide to give it another go, if only because they can see that the players are giving it everything they’ve got to get the club back on an even keel. Even the most abject performances of late, and there are a few to choose from, have often started with the Bulls being quick out of the traps. If that sort of bright start can result in an early goal for once tomorrow it could be two wins from two.

COYW

Voting Open For Next Season's Away Kit

The club will allow fans to have their say on which away kit they would like for the 2019/20 season.

There are six designs to chose from and the club say this is in response to fans saying they wanted more input into the kit worn by players.

Supporters can cast their vote on the club's official website, with the poll closing on Friday, December 14 at 4pm.

General manager James Watts says it's important that fans express their opinions.

“We would like to thank Macron for providing our supporters these options for next season," Watts told the club website. 

"We look forward to seeing the votes from supporters over the next two weeks as it is important that fans can express their opinions when it comes to a decision such as this.”

VOTE HERE - www.herefordfc.co.uk/vote-vote-for-our-2019-20-away-kit/

News Round Up

Curzon Ashton say they 'regret' to announce that they have sacked their long-serving manager. John Flanagan has been at the helm since 2011 and secured promotion to the National League North in 2015 which has seen the club playing at the highest level in its history. Curzon currently lie 14th in the table and the club said in a statement the decision was due to recent poor results.

Former Hereford keeper Harvey Rivers has helped new side Truro City hit a purple patch of form and are yet to lose a game with him between the sticks. The 22-year-old signed for the White Tigers for an undisclosed fee at the end of October.

Two Stockport County fans have appeared at Somerset Magistrates Court after committing offences during the Hatters' FA Cup upset against Yeovil on November 10. Scott Phillips, 24, of Wessenden Bank, Stockport, was fined £280 along with £85 costs and a £30 victim surcharge for possessing an orange distress flare and lighting it outside the stadium at half time.

Somerset Live also reported that another Hatters fan was charged with an offence at the game. Michael Andrew Whitehead appeared in front of Somerset Magistrates Court sitting at Yeovil was Michael Andrew Whitehead, 34, of Herbert Street, Stockport. He pleaded guilty to entering the field of play at a designated football match, contrary to the Football Offences Act 1991.

Darlington Town Mission have thanked supporters for donating £503 at the game between Darlington and Hereford. A mission official thanked the Quakers once again for all their help and the truly magnificent support from all staff and supporters, as reported by the Darlington official site.

Gogglebox star Tristan Plummer, who has had two spells with the Bulls, has signed for Frome Town. The much-travelled winger left Vanarama National League South club Weston-super-Mare and dropped down a division to sign for Frome, which according to the league website will allow him to play more locally.

Bulls Bring In Left-Sided Defender

This from the official site:

Hereford FC is pleased to confirm the signing of left-sided defender, Joel Dielna.

The Frenchman, who stands at 6 foot tall, can play as a left-sided centre-back, left back and left midfielder. His former clubs in the UK include Blackpool, Solihull Moors, AFC Telford and Nuneaton, and the 28-year-old has also featured for several French division sides; Caen, Guingamp and Vannes as well as Spanish side Gerena.

Joel has trained with the players over the past few sessions and will be available for Saturday's Vanarama National League North game vs Alfreton at Edgar Street.

Little To Choose Between Hereford And Alfreton Say Bookies

Ryan Bowman With Marley Watkins Celebrates His Goal Against Alfreton In January 2013 - Picture From Andy Compton

There's little to choose between Hereford and Alfreton as regards the result of tomorrow's National North league game according to the bookies.

That's despite Hereford defeating FC United 3-1 in the FA Trophy last Saturday whereas Alfreton were knocked out of the same competition by Farsley 2-0.

Both sides have only won one game in their last five. 

Currently Hereford are 21st whilst Alfreton are 13th

Hereford 17/11  Draw 28/11  Alfreton 18/11

HUST Resolutions At Club AGM

This From HUST:

Following the HUST member ballot in July HUST have submitted a  number of resolutions to the HFC AGM to be held on 6th December.

The resolutions requested by HUST members are as follows:

1. to increase the number of HUST nominated directors to the club board to 4 if and when HUST hold 289,000 shares in Hereford Football Club

2. to require a special resolution (ie a resolution agreed by the >75% of shareholders) in order to change the club colours, the club's name or to move the club from Edgar Street.

In addition to these resolutions requested by members, HUST have proposed an additional change to the club rules, which seeks to ensure that the club board cannot act without the input or presence of at least one HUST Nominated Director and similarly without the presence of at least one director appointed by the ordinary shareholders.

HUST has provided a supporting statement which has been included with the HFC AGM information sent to all HFC shareholders.  For your information, as a HUST member, the AGM documents including the Trust's supporting statement can be viewed here: https://tinyurl.com/y7ts8k8n   Please be aware that the HFC accounts included with the AGM documents are audited, but not yet approved by Shareholders at the AGM.

We intend to hold a Special General Meeting after the club AGM to discuss the results of our resolutions and potential next steps.

Richard Tomkins

Chairman, Hereford Utd Supporters' Trust

Hall Enjoying Football Again After Leaving Hereford

Lewis Hall (right) joined Taunton from Hereford last month

Former Hereford player Lewis Hall says he's enjoying his football again after he joined Southern League Premier Division South side Taunton Town.

Taunton put in a seven day approach for the midfielder in October and Hereford waived the period which allowed him to join the Peacocks straight away.

"I wanted to enjoy my football again, obviously I know Pierce (Mitchell, defender) very well and he rants and raves about this place," Hall told Taunton's official YouTube channel.

"He absolutely loves it and ultimately that's what I want to do, get back to enjoying my football. 

"I am, and the last month and a half have been amazing."

Hall scored two goals and was named as man of the match in last night's 4-3 win against Salisbury.

Hall says there's a real togetherness in the changing room, and it's probably the best one he's ever been part of

"There's a real togetherness," added Hall.

The changing room before the game, even at half time and full time since I've been here is probably the best changing room I've been in.

"It helps out on the pitch."

Youth Game Postponed

Tonight's match between Hereford U18s and Stratford has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

The match was scheduled to take place tonight at Pegasus Juniors but now a new date for the game will be announced in due course.

McGrath Departs Edgar Street

Midfielder Mike McGrath has left Hereford by mutual consent, the club have confirmed.

McGrath could be considering a move to an Evo-Stik League South Premier Division Central club, Bulls News understands. The Hereford Times also reports that there's interested from one of the Bulls' league rivals, Leamington.

The 33-year-old joined Hereford in September 2016 from Alvechurch, but last season he struggled with injury and signed dual-registration forms with his local Midland Football League Division One side Studley, near Redditch.

This season the former Kidderminster Harriers man has made 18 appearances for the Bulls, scoring two goals.

Head Coach Marc Richards was hopeful that new additions would be made in time for Saturday's game at home to Alfreton.

National North Attendances

 
An up-to-date table of attendances in the National North League as published by nonleaguematters.co.uk

Attendances
Team		Lowest	Highest	Average	+/-
1	Stockport County	2653	4577	3183	-7.95%
2	York City	2192	3218	2494	-9.47%
3	Hereford	1512	2836	2371	-7.13%
4	FC United of Manchester	1531	2211	1815	-13.94%
5	Chester	1462	2388	1807	-1.09%
6	Kidderminster Harriers	1335	2090	1660	+0.48%
7	Chorley	1212	2028	1506	+37.16%
8	Darlington	1212	1860	1461	+0.34%
9	AFC Telford United	1097	1886	1379	+29.97%
10	Altrincham	695	1704	1149	+43.27%
11	Boston United	922	1231	1138	+8.07%
12	Southport	580	1736	1034	+2.17%
13	Spennymoor Town	564	1768	874	+4.80%
14	Guiseley	504	964	719	-17.36%
15	Leamington	485	975	694	+6.77%
16	Blyth Spartans	531	832	666	-16.54%
17	Nuneaton Borough	459	895	625	+5.22%
18	Brackley Town	415	830	569	+10.49%
19	Bradford Park Avenue	369	825	533	+7.24%
20	Alfreton Town	316	754	517	-10.40%
21	Curzon Ashton	220	1487	510	+20.00%
22	Ashton United	180	545	315	+63.21%

Under 18's Play Stratford This Evening.

 

Hereford FC Under 18's are in action this evening.

They play Stratford Town U18's in the Midland Floodlit Youth League.

The venue is Pegasus Juniors Old School Lane ground.

The game kicks off at 7.30pm.

Admission is £3 for Adults and free for Under 16's.

Throwback Thursday | A Bull in a China Shop

January 1996 and Freetown Kudos visits Rutters in Widemarsh Street. Things don't go according to plan when the club mascot gets a bit nervous. Featuring Peter Hill and Graham Turner.

Loads of videos being uploaded to ->  www.youtube.com/djmatthealey  Please subscribe.

Half Season Tickets Available Next Week

Half season tickets will be available online from next week and will be on sale in the club shop on December 10.

The club say the tickets, which start from £127 for adults, cover the 11 remaining home games of the 2018/19 season, starting the Boxing Day fixture against Kidderminster Harriers.

For more information, visit the official website.

News Round Up

Former Hereford United player John Snape is reported to be in contention with the vacant manager’s post at Halesowen Town, according to the Worcester News. Snape, who captained the Yeltz during his playing career, replaced Carl Heeley as manager after he resigned in January 2017. On Saturday, his side were thrashed 6-1 by Westfields.

National League South side Truro City could return home for their FA Trophy First Round Tie against Weston-Super-Mare after repairs to their Treyew Road ground. All that's left for the club now is to obtain the ground grading from the league. The news comes after just 39 supporters watched their Trophy game against Greenwich Borough on Saturday.

Hereford youngster Harry Franklin scored an injury time equaliser for Redditch in their game against Kettering last night. The midfielder is dual-registered with the Reds who drew 4-4 with the table topping side at Latimer Park.

Who said the camera man couldn't be excited to see an equaliser in the final minute of the game to nick a point away from home to current league leaders!#WouldYouBelieveIt #UnitedForAll #Wooooo@NonLeagueCrowd @TonyIncenzo @bbchw @centercircles pic.twitter.com/chCez4xbTy

— RedsTV (@RedsTV_Official) November 28, 2018

Nuneaton Borough manager Lee Fowler has made his first addition to the struggling National League North side after stepping up from his role as assistant manager. New signing Luis Morrison played for Hereford United under Jon Taylor during the expunged 2014/15 season and told Nuneaton's official website he's feeling positive that Boro's fortunes can be turned around.

AFC Telford United boss Gavin Cowan and interim chairman Andy Pryce have insisted Chester should have known better in the saga over Adam Dawson’s transfer and are pushing for action, the Shropshire Star reports. Dawson left the club earlier this month, prompting the Bucks to complain to the FA about an illegal approach, something Chester strenuously deny.

Alfreton Tickets On Sale

James Roberts Celebrating His Goal Against Altrincham Earlier This Month

It's back to National North League action on Saturday when Alfreton visit Edgar Street.

Tickets for the game can be purchased online at: https://herefordfc.cloudvenue.co.uk/alfretontown  

Or from the club shop today and Friday from 10am to 4pm.

As ever the ticket office will be open from mid-day on Saturday. 

Meanwhile UITC will be opening their office on Blackfriars Street on Saturday to receive donations of tinned food for the Hereford Food Bank.

More Detail From Hereford FC Accounts

The Hereford FC accounts for the year to May 31st 2018 were received by shareholders early last week. They revealed that the club made a profit before tax of £44,084 up from £5,263 the previous year.

There was a big rise in turnover up from £711,686 to £988,770. However the cost of sales went up from £437,998 to £569,521.

Administrative expenses were also well ahead of the previous year at £394,850, an increase of £109,885.

Cash at the bank and in hand was revealed to be £691,430 but this figure is somewhat inflated as it includes £117,164 of season ticket sales, sponsorship and advertising income from the current year.

Net assets of the club were stated as £493,077, up from £403,319 twelve months ago. The increase in assets came from retained profit, £37,758, and extra share capital, £52,000.

There has been a big turnover of directors during the twelve months of these accounts. Only two directors have been in office for the full year, Ken Kinnersley and George Webb.

Five resigned, DC Williams, P Eynon, M Watson, M Langford and M W Cole.

Five joined, P J Churchus, A R Graham, M C Merrick, P P Quarrell and A M Taylor.

The average number of employees rose from 27 to 29.

A look at turnover reveals that match day ticket sales rose from £185K to £318K, whilst season ticket sales went up by £8K to £205K.

Biggest rise was from prize money and TV income up from £12K to £122K. Sponsorship and advertising also showed a good increase from £141K to £185K. Programme sales also rose, from £26K to £37K.

However merchandise sales dropped from £102K to £71K and the share of bar profits also dropped, by £2K, to £27K.

As regards the cost of sales, these rose by £121k, the main reason being team and management wages up to £331K from £256K. Team and managment wages include manager and all background staff and all playing staff.

Matchday stewarding costs rose to £47K from £29K.

Wages for non-playing staff went up from £97K to £115K.

Legal costs increased from £9K to £21K,

One other big cost was refurbishment and general repairs, up from £50K to £105K. This work included stadum inspection and general repairs to the stadium, the refurbishment of Radfords Bar and the Hereford Suite.

From The Archives - Bulls Defeat Alfreton

Kingsley James Equalised For The Bulls On 29 Minutes

With Alfreton the visitors at Edgar Street, BN looks back to April 2014 when the teams last met.

Peter Beadle was manager at the time and Hereford United were fighting to stay in the Conference.

  

Bulls' Season Still Alive

 

After Hereford failed to get a result from the ‘must-win’ game against Tamworth on Friday, it was left until today for United to get that elusive goal. After Leadbitter was subbed due to a nasty injury at Tamworth, Rob Purdie swapped full-back positions which allowed Chris Bush to enter the starting XI at his usual left-back spot.

With the Bulls kicking off attacking the Blackfriars End, an early chance fell to the feet of the young Jarrod Bowen. Rob Purdie sent the ball long up to Bowen, who made a spirited run into Alfreton’s box before turning to get his shot away; unfortunately for the youngster he scuffed his hot and the ball sailed harmlessly wide.

Despite the spirited start by the Whites, it was the Reds who drew first blood. Andrai Jones pumped the ball up the right channel to John Akinde. After getting passed Chris Bush, Daniel Lloyd-Weston came out to narrow the angle, but Akinde coolly lifted the ball over the advancing keeper to put Alfreton one up. 

After the goal, Hereford didn’t look deflated as has been the case during the season, but instead took the Bull by the horns and looked pull back level. Bush took his throw short to Bowen, before getting around his man and getting a shot away from the left. His shot bounced off the crossbar to give Hereford hope.

Billy Murphy, who has been a regular feature in the last few games, picked up what looked to be an injury after 28 minutes, so was replaced by Jamie Edge.

After just over 60 seconds on the pitch, Jamie Edge lifted the spirits of the crowd setting up fellow midfield Kingsley James with a goal-worthy opportunity. After receiving the ball from Edge just outside the area, James got around his marker and then the keeper, so he could slot the ball into the bottom left hand corner of the net, to give him his 2nd goal in 4 games. 

Kingsley James Scored  Hereford's First Goal

With Alfreton putting pressure on the Hereford back four in the box, Dom Collins won back possession and released Jarrod Bowen down the right wing. He teamed up well with Smith, as the pair attempted a one-two, but Smith’s pass was agonisingly too far ahead of the 17 year old and Wildsmith gathered the ball easily.

Utility player Rob Purdie found Michael Rankine in box with his cross, and Rankine’s powerful overhead kick forced Joe Wildsmith to make a save, but he could only just get his fingers on it to tip the ball out for an Artus corner. Artus picked out Smith with his corner, who headed the ball out wide to Bowen, a low cross into the centre of the box into a group of bodies, and Alfreton’s stopper managed to grab the ball before a Hereford player could get a shot away.

In the 2 minutes of injury time, Hereford won a late corner. Artus took the corner short to Edge, whose cross met with the head of Rankine, but his attempt was well wide of the target and rounded off the first half.

HT: Hereford 1 – Alfreton 1

Hereford were straight out the blocks at the start of the second period, gaining possession seconds after Alfreton kicked off. Some good link up play by the Bulls meant Frankie Artus was in enough space in the 18-yard box to test the Alreton keeper. His powerful left-footed strike could only be palmed away by Wildsmith, but Alfreton’s defence quickly steered the ball away from any further danger.

Bowen looked intent on delivering the ball into the heart of the box, but Michael Hoganson fouled the youngster and gave away a free kick. Purdie took the free kick into the heart of the area, but Bowen’s header was caught safely by Wildsmith.

Sam Smith found himself in possession down the flank. The striker carried the ball to the edge of the box before trying his luck, but his shot was deflected out for a corner. Artus’ corner found the head of Bowen but his header from a difficult angle was tipped over for another corner. The second time luck was on Hereford’s side and after Artus had delivered the ball nicely into the 6-yard box, Dom Collins’ powerful stooping header hit the back of the net to put United in front.

Dom Collins's Header Put The Bulls In Front

And Then Runs To The Len Weston Stand to Celebrate

Good work on the right by Kingsley James saw him cross the balls to Jarrod Bowen who hit an unstoppable shot past Wildsmith to give Hereford their 3rd goal of the game and his first senior goal. 

Jarrod Bowen's Left Footed Shot

But after jumping into the open arms of the Meadow End, referee Justin Amey showed him a yellow. 

Celebration Time For Bowen

Minutes later Jarrod was down with what looked like cramp. Pete Beadle replaced him with Jon Brown with the youngster leaving the field of play to a standing ovation.

The longest 20 minutes of the season then followed for the home fans, and Alfreton kept the pressure on United’s defence. But just after Michael Rankine was replaced by Cory Williams, Alfreton netted their second to close the gap. Amongst some confusion at the back, John Akinde shot from the centre of the box and the ball nestled into the top corner of the net.

With 7 minutes left to play, including 4 for injuries and stoppages, United clung on to their one goal lead to take the relegation battle into the last game of the season.

FT: Hereford 3 – Alfreton 2

Att: 2,445 with 85 from Alfreton

Sponsors’ MotMs: Jamie Edge and Jarrod Bowen

Hereford: Lloyd-Weston, Bush, James, Graham, Purdie, Smith, Collins, Rankine (Williams 86’), Artus, Bowen (Brown 77’), Murphy (Edge 28’). Subs not used: Walker, Edwards.

Edgar Street Is A Tough Place To Go Said Billericay Manager

 

Hereford FC have been drawn to face Billericay in the first round of the FA Trophy and the visitor's manager has said that it's a tough place to go.

"You always want a home tie in cup competitions, so a trip to Hereford is not necessarily the draw we were hoping for," said Dean Brennan as reported by the Basildon Echo.


"The last few draws haven't been kind to us, in both the FA Cup and FA Trophy, but we will deal with it and we know it will be a tough game.


"Hereford are a massive football club with lots of history.


"I played at Edgar Street a long time ago and it will be a tough place to go."

Prices Reduced For Trophy Tie

Admission prices will be cheaper than league games for the FA Trophy First Round tie against Billericay next month.

Many supporters were disappointed that tickets for Saturday's Trophy match against FC United of Manchester were largely the same as league prices - except for children.

For FA Trophy games, both clubs have to agree on prices.

The game will take place on Saturday 15th December, with a 3pm kick-off.

Prices are:

SEATING

Adults £12

Concessions £11

16-18 £3

U16 £1

U5 FOC

TERRACE

Adults £10

Concessions £9

16-18 £2

U16 £1

U5 FOC

The club say tickets will go on sale to Season Ticket Holders, and on General Sale online at 10am on Wednesday 5th December.

Tickets for Season Ticket Holders and General Sale will be available to buy from the Club Shop on Wednesday 12th and Friday 14th December between 10am-4pm.

Season ticket holder seats will be reserved until 4pm on Friday 14th December. All unsold Season Ticket seats will then be released on General Sale on the day of the game.

All online sales will end at 9am on the day of the game.

Tickets will be available to buy on the day of the game from the Matchday Ticket Office, Meadow End Cash Turnstile and Late Gate as usual.

Stuart Pearce & Stan Collymore at Edgar Street

Thank you to Tom Waller for supplying me with a load more Hereford United Video's. I have 50 uploads to process in the coming weeks. Please subscribe to -> www.youtube.com/djmatthealey for instant notifications.

Just under 10,000 supporters packed into Edgar Street to witness this League Cup 2nd Round (2nd leg) clash between Hereford United and then Premier League Nottingham Forest in 1994.