The annual general meeting of the Hereford United Supporters Trust took place last night in the Richmond Place Club.
Chairman of HUST, Richard Tomkins, took the meeting and there were around 30 members present.
The meeting was held at the Richmond as HUST had been quoted £200 to use Radfords at the football ground.
The chairman made his annual statement, it's his fourth year as chairman, in which he mentioned the 'sad demise' of Bury Football Club.
He went on to say that HUST were determined to achieve the 50% share purchase in Hereford FC. However they are unlikely to reach that target by May 31st 2020 and so have asked the club for an extension to May 2021. The club have replied asking for further infornation. Currently HUST owns 200,000 shares (41%) and will soon purchase a further 10,000.
Tomkins said he was pleased to be on the FSA National Council as a National Game representative.
"It's a great honour for me and I also regard it as a recognition of the work that HUST has done over the years," he said.
Membership of HUST had dropped to just over 400. However this figure compares well with other supporters trusts.
HUST recently renewed Edgar Street as An Asset of Community Value (ACV). They hope to work with Herefordshire Council to ensure Edgar Street 'remains a positive focus in the County Plan'.
The chairman noted that Andrew Graham, who is chairman of Hereford FC, is a Trust nominated director (HND). He also thanked Mick Merrick who quit as a club director recently for his contribution.
It was noted that after Merrick left the club board, Rob Bullock was co-opted onto the board. This is an interim appointment as HUST will start the election process for a new HND shortly. It later emerged that HUST are awaiting details from the club as to what resposibilities the new director will have when appointed.
Last years minutes were adopted and five new board members were confirmed by the meeting.
The new board members are Neil Edmondson, Jamie Howard, Richard Howard, Peter Sell and Michael Sessarego.
Leaving the board are Craig Goodall and Richie Morgan.
The accounts for the year ending May 31st 2019 were discussed. There was a surplus of nearly £35K compared with £46K the previous year. Tresurer Tony Taylor answered various questions on the figures.
During the year HUST income had dropped by over £17K. £15K of this was because less 50/50 tickets were sold. This was down to four less home games than the previous season and a slight drop in attendances. Interestingly the percentage of tickets sold increased from 80% to 83% (as measured as equivalent of the home gate) last season.
The HUST matchday draw is thought to be the most successful draw in non-league football.
Several member resolutions were debated. In essence the resolutions, if carried, would have amended the HUST Nominated Director Policy. However there was little support for any of the resolutions.
After the formal business was completed there was further discussion.
A question was asked about what would happen after HUST had purchased is 50% share in Hereford. The answer was that all money raised would go directly to the club.
However mention was made that the club might need to raise more money at some stage, perhaps to help pay for improvements at Edgar Street. In the articles of association the club can issue shares to the maximum of £1M. If that happened HUST would need to raise funds if it wanted to continue to have a 50% share.
It was very important the club doesn't go into debt said HUST treasurer Taylor. So a share issue is a possibility.
Finally interim results from this years HUST Fans Survey were given to members. 251 members completed the survey. HUST will publish the full results in due course.
However a few headlines.
Club priorities: 53% sustainability, 32% promotion, 10% develop Edgar Street, 5% community.
5 years aim: 59% National Premier, 35% Football League.
HFC name change: 51% stay as Hereford FC, 46% change to Hereford United, 3% another name.