Summers Stays With Cinderford For Further Two Months

 

Hereford's Harrison Summers is to stay on loan at Cinderford for a further two months.

Summers joined the Bulls in the summer and moved to Cinderford in early September.

Nabi Joins Burr At Hednesford

Hednesford manager Steve Burr has signed a former Hereford player.

Pakistan international Samir Nabi is his latest addition to his squad.

Nabi, a 25 year old midfielder, joined the Bulls on non-contract terms in October 2020. He was loaned to Worcester in December to 'get more minutes'.

Hereford's Gates Up 25% So Far This Season

Attendances at Hereford's home game are up 25% so far this season and that's despite the club being in 16th position in the National North League table.

And, currently, Hereford are the best supported club in the league.

Stats from non-leaguematters.co.uk

                    

Team		Lowest	Highest	Average	+/-
1	Hereford	0	2728	2267	+25.94%
2	Kidderminster Harriers	1974	2148	2047	-4.30%
3	Chester	1633	2237	1811	+7.29%
4	Scarborough Athletic	1598	1681	1629	+42.27%
5	Boston United	1334	1848	1552	-6.05%
6	Darlington	0	1600	1436	-3.75%
7	Spennymoor Town	1201	1736	1384	-2.54%
8	AFC Telford United	0	1443	1216	-7.03%
9	Chorley	678	1679	1121	-2.94%
10	Banbury United	0	1324	1051	+32.20%
11	AFC Fylde	0	1171	942	-17.51%
12	Southport	806	929	859	-11.63%
13	King's Lynn Town	714	1022	839	-27.55%
14	Blyth Spartans	526	1224	791	-14.30%
15	Buxton	0	1217	779	+5.70%
16	Gloucester City	547	798	674	-43.36%
17	Brackley Town	496	884	666	-6.20%
18	Bradford Park Avenue	542	705	630	+28.05%
19	Kettering Town	0	851	630	-22.03%
20	Leamington	412	1211	602	+1.01%
21	Farsley Celtic	0	864	587	-5.63%
22	Alfreton Town	0	724	526	-1.68%
23	Peterborough Sports	247	931	441	+77.11%
24	Curzon Ashton	0	508	360	+5.88%

 

Klukowski Confirmed As Gowling's Right Hand Man

 

Hereford FC have confirmed that Yan Klukowski has been appointed assistant manager.

It had been assumed that Klukowski would step into the role vacated by Steve Burr and it's now official.

"I am delighted to be stepping into the Assistant Manager’s role at Hereford FC," said Klukowski.

"It’s a natural progression for myself having been working on the staff for the past three seasons as player-coach and a role I feel I am well suited for. 

"I would like to thank the Board and the Manager for providing this opportunity, and I am looking forward to continuing to work closely with the staff and the players to ensure we have a successful season.”

Klukowski also works at Forest Green Rovers where his role focuses on overseeing the U9-U12 age groups.

King is Gloucester's new manager

Gloucester have appointed Steve King as their new manager.

King has a lot of experience in National League South and was last with Dartford. He also took Lewes all the way to the National League and managed Macclesfield.

Three Bridges, Two Halves, One Winner

With Crawley not really handy for anything other than post-pub brawling and Gatwick, Hereford FC have a bit of a trek this weekend as they return to FA Cup action against Three Bridges of the Isthmian League South East Division, which I think is a level lower than Bromsgrove.

So, although it’s an away draw and a bit of a scuzzy trip, given the level of the opposition it’s still a good opportunity to get through to the final ‘non-league’ round before Ipswich and Sheffield Wednesday enter the fray.

After a busy week on National League North duty, during which time not a lot has been conclusively proved in terms of the Bulls’ rate of progress, the squad is reeling somewhat after picking up a number of injuries and illnesses before and during the Leamington game.

Jared Hodgkiss could be out for a while with something that sounded worryingly kneeish. With that presumably leaving Thierry Latty Fairweather and Jack Evans, two big hits so far this season, as the full backs, the captain’s absence may not be so keenly felt.

More worryingly in terms of a lack of cover, and also in that he was looking like another good Josh Gowling acquisition, new centre back Jordan Thompson also came off on Tuesday. His injury didn’t sound as serious as the skipper’s, but if he has to sit this one out several solutions exist. Zak Lilly could slot back in if he’s recovered from illness, Orrin Pendley could be brought back from Coalville, where he’s been sent to save some money, Mark Derricott could be brought in to make his debut, allowing him to get up and running against ‘lesser’ opponents, or Aaron Amadi-Holloway could fill in again as he did for the last ten minutes against Leamington. If the latter option is chosen, it’s not immediately obvious why AAH would get through 90 minutes as a defender when he can’t as an attacker. I suppose you don’t have to run about as much. Of those options, I’d personally love to see young Mark given a go alongside Luke Haines, who will presumably take the armband here.

In midfield, Jethro Hanson continues to become more and more assertive and influential, and you’d like to think that this will allow the likes of Ryan Lloyd and Harry Pinchard the freedom to break through the lines of their lower-graded opponents, for Ryan McLean to fly round the outside of them, and for Jack Holmes to do that insane dribbly thing he does to make them dizzy.

The lone attacker will presumably be Big Ty again unless he drops into defence and AAH plays up top, although this will be three games in eight days for the Edgar Street Lion, so he might be panting a bit.

Dino Visser should continue in goal, and has looked quite accomplished so far, although if I were him I wouldn’t walk under any ladders at the moment given that being Hereford FC’s goalkeeper is currently a bit like being Spinal Tap’s drummer in terms of ill-fatedness.

Three Bridges only seem to have played four league matches this season, with the majority of their games so far being in the Cup or the Trophy. They’ve won two at home and lost two away, leaving them in 12^th place.

Their tight Jubilee Field ground has a capacity of 1500, which works out at about 500 people per bridge by my calculations, and is the sort of place that suits an upset. The BBC’s cameras will presumably be all over it like vultures.

For a bit of context, this is the furthest the club has ever been in the FA Cup. They beat higher-graded Lewes 4-0 in a replay in the previous round. You’d have to imagine then that they’ll be very, very up for it.

Youngster Cam Lawson, who was described encouragingly as ‘a middle-aged lesbian’ on Google until I realised I was looking at the wrong person, scored a couple in that game, with top scorer and centre forward Kieron Pamment also grabbing one, with six of his eight goals this season coming in the Cup. Captain and central midfielder Brannon O’Neill, now in his fifth season with the club, will be attempting to stem the tide of total football from the big-name visitors.

Scenes of ‘unbridled joy’ were reported at the Jubilee Field after that Lewes rout, and that sort of thing’s always followed by coming down to earth with a bump, so supporters can surely travel optimistically. However, with a midfielder and centre forward conceivably playing as central defenders, it would be foolish to assume it’ll be cigars and flip-flops territory.

It’s Boston away next, and after a slow start they’re now flying under new manager Ian Culverhouse’s experienced tutelage. In preparation for that stiff test, any sort of win here will do as long as it isn’t accompanied by further injury or illness.

COYW

Rowe Leaves AFC Fylde

James Rowe has left AFC Fylde.

 

As reported yesterday he has been charged with assult and is due to appear before magistrates in Chesterfield in November

This from AFC Fylde:

'Following a meeting this afternoon, the board have accepted James Rowe’s resignation as manager of the club. Andy Taylor will take temporary charge until a new manager is appointed.

There will be no further comment from anyone at this time.'

Brackley Appoint Johnson As Manager

Brackley have appointed Roger Johnson as their new manager.

'Brackley Town is delighted to announce that Roger Johnson has been appointed as the club's new first-team manager and Stephen Ward joins as assistant manager.

Roger who had an impressive 20-year career as a professional footballer, is 39 years old and made over 600 senior appearances as a player. He started his career at Wycombe Wanderers, before joining Cardiff City in 2006, he then represented Birmingham City, Wolves, Sheffield Wednesday, West Ham and Charlton before joining National League side Bromley in 2017.

He moved into coaching with Bromley in 2020, starting first as their u23s manager and then he joined the first team coaching staff in April 2021.

Stephen Ward is 37 years old and also had an impressive career as a player, making over 500 senior appearances. He started his senior career with Bohemians in his native Ireland, before moving to Wolves in 2017, he then signed for Burnley in the Premier League, before representing Stoke City, Ipswich Town and Walsall, where he retired this Summer. Ward also represented his country over 50 times, playing for the Republic of Ireland in the Euro 2012 and 2016 finals.

Both join the Saints with immediate effect and will be in charge for our clash with AFC Fylde on the 8th of October.'

 

Driving To Three Bridges

Hereford travel to Three Bridges on Saturday for a FA Cup game. Given going by train will  be difficult, if even possible, because of strikes, more supporters may choose to drive.

 

Some details from Three Bridges FC.

By Car - Sat Nav - RH10 1LQ 

From A23 (heading North) / M23 (heading South) come off at Junction 10 and head towards Crawley on the A2011 (Crawley Avenue).
PLEASE NOTE: There are roadworks in place on the M23 for a “Smart Motorway” resulting in a 50mph Average Speed Check and possible lane closures south bound between J8 (M25) to J10 (Crawley).
At the roundabout, take the first left heading towards Three Bridges Train Station (Hazelwick Avenue).
Pass Tesco on your left and head straight over the roundabout (second exit).
As you approach the traffic lights, remain in the right hand lane.
After turning right into Haslett Avenue at these lights, move immediately into the right turn late at the next set of lights.
Turn right at these lights onto Three Bridges Road.
Follow the road round to the left, then turn left after 100 yards into Jubilee Walk (directly opposite the Plough Pub).
Follow the road to the end and turn right (still Jubilee Walk) and head straight.
Jubilee Stadium is at the far end.

Car parking is available inside the ground. However, please note there is NO COACH PARKING available inside the ground due to small turning circle upon entering the gate (mini bus is fine).
If travelling by coach, there is a car park available at a small office building (Jubilee House) on the right almost immediately as you enter Jubilee Walk. It is then just a few hundred yards walk to the ground.

Three Bridges Will Fancy Winning Said Hereford Manager

 

Hereford manager Josh Gowling has been talking to BBC Hereford and Worcester ahead of Saturday's FA Cup game at Three Bridges.

"We've watched the videos, we've got their games," said Gowling.

"We've got a game plan like we do every week on every team so the lads know what to expect.

"They've got decent home form, they've come off the back of a 4-0 against Lewes in the last round.

"They are going to fancy it so we've got to make sure we go there and put on a professional proformanve. If we do we'll win the game.

"They've got nothing to lose, if they win it's an amazing thing and it's bad for us.

"And if we win, we're expected to win.

"We're going to go there, treat it as a league game and get a result.

"It's quite a nice set-up down there, pitch is nice.

"It will be a tough game and the lads know that.

"We've trained well today, we might make a few chances for Saturday to get some fresh legs in there, but we'll be ready to go." 

Watch the full interview at:  https://twitter.com/bbchwsport/status/1575533390983372800

Brackley And Gloucester Look For New Managers

Both Brackley and Gloucester are looking for new managers.

Kevin Wilkin has left Brackley after seven years in charge.

Lee Mansell has left Gloucester by mutual consent.

This from Brackley:

Brackley Town can confirm the departure of Kevin Wilkin as first team manager. Kevin leaves St James Park after 7 years.

In a statement club chairman Francis Oliver said, “We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Kevin and his staff for their service and achievements at the club since joining in September 2015. During this time Kevin has been a credit both on the pitch and off the pitch, respected by players, staff, supporters and more widely in the game.

“This has been a very tough decision to make because of the success that Kevin has had at the club. We finished second in the division last season, have had successive play-off finishes, great cup runs and of course a FA Trophy win at Wembley. Kevin has also embodied the values of the club as somebody of integrity and determination.

Kevin leaves with our sincerest of thanks for his commitment and dedication as manager and our very best wishes for the future. His tenure will be remembered as the most successful period in the club’s history.

Further announcements will be made to supporters in due course.

And this from Gloucester:

Gloucester City AFC can confirm that the club have parted company with First-Team Manager Lee Mansell by mutual consent.

We’d like to place on record our thanks to Lee for all of his efforts during his time at Gloucester City and wish him and his staff all the best for the future.

Further statements will follow in due course.

THROWBACK THURSDAY | Hereford United 3-0 Lincoln City - 28th September 1991

On a heavily waterlogged pitch. Goals from Peter Heritage, Jon Narbett and Steve Lowndes secure the three points. Heritage's goal is scored in 14 seconds.

Hereford 1 Elliott 2 Fry 3 Downs 4 Theodosiou 5 Devine 6 Lowndes 7 Titterton 8 Pejic 9 Brain 10 Heritage 11 Narbett Lincoln 1 Bowling 2 Smith 3 Nicholson 4 West 5 Carmichael 6 Brown 7 Schofield 8 Clarke 9 Lee 10 Dobson 11 Lormor Sub Puttnam Attendance 2,801

Gowling Wants Klukowski To Be His Assistant

Josh Gowling wants Yan Klukowski to be his assistant but is the move a done deal?

"No, no yet," said Gowling.

"Speaking to him at the moment, we'll have some negotiations with that.

"Obviously I'd like Yan to be my assistant.

"He's been with me from day one here anyway.

"He's had a big part to play with everything we do at the club.

"He helps me out with training and you can see some of the patterns we've put into practice here.

"We work on unit stuff so he can do a lot of the attacking stuff and leave me to do the horrible stuff like defending."

Hereford FC AGM To Be Held In January

Hereford FC will hold its AGM on Thursday January 26th.

The date is later than expected as the accounts for the year ending May 31st 2022 are yet to be finalised.

Another Keeper Has Been Training With Hereford

Whilst not doubt Josh Gowling would have preferred his first choice keeper Brad Wade not to have sustained serious injury recently, the Hereford manager doesn't appear to have had too much problem bringing in keepers to take Wade's place.

Dino Visser is the fourth keeper Gowling has called on so far this season.

The second and third were loanees, Cian Tyler and Harvey Wiles-Richards. 

And now it's been reported that 27 year old Dale Eve, who played for Spennymoor last season, has been training with Hereford recently.

Eve lost his place in the Spennymoor starting eleven when the former Chester managers took over in the middle of last season. But they left recently and Jason Ainsley is back in charge and he enquired about Eve recently but the keeper turned him down.

"Spennymoor phoned me recently about the possibility of going back to the club but I didn’t want to make the sacrifice of moving from Birmingham back to the North of England and risk the same situation happening again.

"I don’t have any official deal in place with anyone. I’ve been training with Hereford and Bromsgrove and then played in a match for Knowsley.

“I’m 27 now and I still want to play at as high a level as I possibly can. I want to sign for a club that is a decent enough level but that is also right for me. I want to be part of the right project with a team that has the ambition to really push on and go somewhere. I’ll consider any club but it just has to feel right to me.”

So if Gowling has to look for another keeper Eve is available.   

First Half Pictures From Hereford V Leamington

Not a great match for pictures but here's a selection from the first half of last night's game between Hereford and Leamington.

Jamie Griffiths Is Running In The London Marathon On Sunday

Jamie Griffiths With Steve Niblett

Hereford's general manager Jamie Griffiths is running in the London Marathon on Sunday.

His chosen charity is the Birmingham Children's Hospital.

'This Sunday I’m taking part in the 2022 London Marathon, running the 26.2miles to help raise funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital (BCH).

BCH is very close to my heart with two of my children having undergone operations (Arthur, my youngest, was born with a bi-lateral cleft lip and palate and underwent two life-changing operations when he was less than 12 months old. He will continue to be under their care until he is 16).

Two years ago Birmingham Children’s Hospital showed compassion and care above and beyond what was expected when Kaja, a close family friend sadly passed away age just 10 years old. My wife Alice was at Kaja’s side when she passed away and the compassion, dignity and love shown by everyone at Birmingham Children’s Hospital was exceptional, and greatly appreciated and valued by Kaja’s family.

This Sunday I’ll be running in Kaja’s memory and also to say thank you to the dedicated staff at Birmingham Children’s Hospital for the care they have shown my family and close friends over a number of years.

I know first-hand how important fundraising is for BCH in helping them to continue to provide the care, support and treatment that they do. I know just how valued every penny raised through sponsorship is and would really appreciate it if you could make a donation.

You can donate online quickly and easily here, and if you’re a UK tax payer you can opt to add gift aid to your donation as well to make the money go even further at no extra cost to yourself.

Please donate whatever you can afford here:

https://tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/jamie-griffiths

We’re also holding a charity coffee morning at Hereford FC this Friday between 10am-12noon to raise funds for BCH, it would be great to see you there. The coffee morning is being held in Addison’s Bar.