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Next Game: Pre-Season

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Hereford Chairman Answers Supporters Questions

 

In an interview with 'The Beachster' recorded after Saturday's draw with Curzon Ashton, Hereford FC chairman Andrew Graham replied to questions about managers, finance, and other matters.

Below is a flavour of his answers.

"The manager we require at Hereford has to be able to understand this level of football, has to be able to recruit at this level, and has to be able bond the team together.

"We are part-time, we are not a full-time squad, it's important they gel as a team.

"As far as (going full-time) it will be when the budget enables us to go full-time.

"We've seen some terrible form last 15/18 months, if truth be told, that has had an impact on the gates. Gate revenue then has an impact on the budget.

"We need to ensure we are in a safe place to set a budget for full-time. Are we at that point at the moment? Not with the current level of gates but hopefully that will turn around."

How much of an influence do the original benefactors have in the boardroom, if any?

"They don't. We listened to the original benefactors, we listened to their opinions and thoughts, they are successful business people, but no more than we listened to the thoughts and opinions of HUST, other shareholders and our fans as well."

Asked about Saturday's game, Graham thought the team had 'played a different type of football'.

"We looked a little bit sharper, we looked as though we really, really wanted it. So I'm sure the football philosophy will change with the coaching staff that have changed. "

The chairman wouldn't comment on whether former manager Russell Slade's business committments impacted on the football side of his job.

Then a question asking if the board took any responsibilty for how bad this season has been and why wasn't Marc Richards sacked earlier?

"100%. We parted company with Mark Richards because we didn't feel it was heading in the way we wanted it to head.

"When we looked at the end of the season (to sack Richards) it wasn't a decision the board wanted to take at that time."

Why were Richards and Harris allowed to give out so many contracts to players?

"Therein lies a bit of an issue because if you look at the fact that a lot of our players are on long-term contracts, they've all got ability to play at this level but did we have a lot of people on contract who didn't gel as a unit, the answer has been clear to see for 15 months.

"Very disappointing that they (Harris and Richards) had that much freedom when it was a budget that was given to them, I'm very disappointed that we found ourselves in that position so, yes, I think there should have been a lot more control over that."

A question about the Blackfriars End.

"It's definitely going to happen. I had a very lengthy meeting with the Council this week. In respect of when it happens, who knows, but what I can say is the Council are on top of local planning and there's a lot to be done but, yes, it will happen." 

Another question about a manager.

"We've got to get the right person for Hereford. We are not the same as every other club.

"I know what models some clubs have and I look at some managers that some clubs have but we've seen both at Hereford, and at other clubs much much bigger than ours, that it isn't always about the name. Sometimes it's about an individual who comes in and makes that difference in the changing room to get players who believe in themselves.

"Josh has stepped up as interim manager, Steve Burr as his assistant, fantastic acquisition for Hereford.

"I think that this management team might do something and if they do I don't think we will be in a rush to oust them for something different."