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The prize money for the proper rounds of the FA Cup has not yet been published.
Both are the same as last season when the Bulls were able to pick up £33,625 after reaching the fifth round of the trophy and first round proper of the FA Trophy.
The Bulls will enter the Trophy in the second round, and FA Cup in the second qualifying round.
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| Yusifu Ceesay |
But manager Paul Caddis has said he is still in contact with the former Blackpool, Kidderminster Harriers and Alfreton Town left winger after he chose not to agree terms with the club for the coming season.
Having reportedly loved his time working under Caddis and the staff, as well as the connection with supporters as he made 36 appearances and contributed eight goals after signing in September, he opted to chase his aspirations of playing football abroad.
Caddis has previously said he hopes the 29-year-old gets the opportunity he deserves.
"Ceesay's trying to get abroad," Caddis told Friday's fans' forum in the Hereford Suite at Edgar Street.
"He wants to play football abroad. I still speak to Ceesay and at the moment he's still looking at options abroad.
"Whether he'll get enough to take him and his family I don't know but that's nothing to do with me."
Jason Cowley, Andy Williams and Aaron Skinner are among the players staying with the Bulls
Hereford have already got 15 players signed for next season, with the majority of them tied down to contracts.
At last night's fans' forum, Caddis revealed 11 were signed on contracts and four on non-contract terms - but didn't disclose (and wasn't asked) who was on which deal.
Set on the stage in front of a standing-room-only crowd in the Hereford Suite, chairman Chris Ammonds alluded to how Caddis preferred signing players on contracts but sometimes it was more sensible to have non-contract terms.
He said that while clubs could sign 20 players on contract, you could start the season and soon realise eight aren't up to scratch and you're then stuck with them.
Here are the players currently signed for the coming season, with another four or five still wanted:
Aaron Chapman - the 34-year-old, 6ft 8in goalkeeper who has played for clubs Accrington Stanley, Bristol Rovers, Peterborough United and, more recently, Boston United will command his area, Caddis said. Bringing a huge level of experience, as well as quality and personality, Boston were interested in keeping him but instead opted to keep Cameron Gregory as their first-choice.
Aaron Skinner - the 22-year-old former Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers youngster was with Hereford last season after leaving Bamber Bridge. He impressed at right-back but also filled in at left-back and midfield when needed. He was one of only four players to play more than 30 league games, making a total of 51 appearances in all competitions and scoring two goals.
Lewis Hudson - The 25-year-old Coventry-born right-back joined midway through last season from Rushall Olympic having been a regular starter in the Pics' defence. He went on to make 15 appearances and score one goal.
Kyle Howkins - Caddis joked the 28-year-old former Newport County man had cost the club dearly in tape used for his knee, having joined Hereford last summer after spending two years out of the game with an ACL injury. He stayed fit and made 37 appearances and scored one goal.
Mark Derricott - the former Hereford youth team player made three appearances last season for the Bulls. He also gained valuable experience and game time at Bromsgrove Sporting after picking up a back injury earlier in the season.
Aurio Teixeira - having signed on a two-year deal last summer, Teixeira was another of the four players who made more than 30 league appearances. A tenacious midfielder, the former West Brom youngster made the step up to step two having most recently been at Alvechurch. He made 48 appearances in all competitions and scored one goal.
Alex Babos - another of the four players to make more than 30 league appearances last term, Babos quickly became a fans' favourite as his goal and assist tallies both reached double figures. The 25-year-old former Derby County youngster had spent two years and Banbury United before making the move to Edgar Street last summer.
Lawson D’Ath - another late addition to Paul Caddis's squad last season, D'Ath also arrived from Banbury United as they shipped players out ahead of their inevitable relegation. Having been the Puritans' captain and described as a lynchpin of the side, Caddis knew could bring experience and quality to us
Chay Tilt - a player Caddis is really excited to have brought in, who has already impressed in training and has been described by the gaffer as "really exciting on the eye", he makes the jump up from step four. He was also dubbed a creative and clinical winger who has previously played for West Bromwich Albion, Queen’s Park Rangers, Stourbridge, Tamworth, Redditch, Hednesford and Macclesfield Town.
Cosmos Matwasa - Caddis's third signing of the summer, the winger helped Brackley Town to the National League North play-off final last month. Caddis told the official club website that Matwasa is a player supporters will react to, with attributes he really likes - such as huge pace and power.
Adam Rooney - Caddis's right-hand man, Rooney soon found himself leading the line for Hereford last season when both Andy Williams and Jason Cowley suffered lengthy spells out injured. The gaffer said he has known Rooney for a number of years, they have a good relationship and he can be a good sounding board. As a player, he made more than 100 appearances for Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Aberdeen and was with Brackley Town before moving to Edgar Street.
Andy Williams - a player who needs no introduction to Hereford fans, Willo managed to agree a new deal with the club for the coming season. After starting his career at Edgar Street under Graham Turner, he went on to play for a host of Football League club, ending up at Walsall where he left last summer. He scored 10 goals in 23 appearances last season.
Jason Cowley - Hereford paid a fee for Cowley as he left Stourbridge last summer having scored 29 goals that season. He had had a trial with Hereford in 2020 but never made the move, but after he did in 2023 he scored 12 goals in 36 appearances. Having played for a handful of Midlands clubs, at Bromsgrove Sporting the tenacious and hard-working frontman hit an incredible 107 goals in 128 appearances as the club secured three consecutive promotions in the process.
Montel Gibson - another recruit this summer, Gibson was most recently at AFC Telford United in step three. Caddis has described the 26-year-old as a nuisance in attack but with a work ethic and quality to match and he has also been with a number of Midlands clubs. Despite people outside football saying he's money-motivated, Caddis has said he joined Hereford because he wants to climb the football pyramid.
And then there's the 15th player who hasn't been announced yet. It is widely believed to be Tate Campbell with confirmation expected next week. He can play across the back-line or in midfield and was one of the players released by Birmingham City at the end of last season following the club's relegation to League One. The 22-year-old didn't make an appearance for Blues last term having been hampered by hamstring injuries - and had been considering quitting football or playing part-time to reignite his love for the game.
The saga of Hereford's new floodlights could be nearing an end as the new LED poles are set to be delivered within the next two months.
The old floodlights at Edgar Street will soon be a thing of the past. Picture: Google
The club is currently going through the planning process with Herefordshire Council to get permission to dismantle the towers and erect the new floodlights, for which grant funding has been given.
As part of that process, and as reported by Bulls News, the club are having to satisfy road chiefs that there won't be any major impacts on the A49, Blackfriars Street or the Merton Meadow car park.
In the latest letter, stadium director Darren Ball - who is leading the process for the club - told National Highways the new lights would be delivered via the Blackfriars End and erected within the stadium.
At last night's fans' forum, chairman Chris Ammonds said they were hopeful it would all be sorted within the next three or four months, with Ball saying the new lights should be delivered by the end of August.
"To be fair, I know Bulls News have put those stories on but I think they [Herefordshire Council and National Highways] are just asking the questions they should ask in reality.
"To me, it seems madness you're asking to put up small pylons with better lights, much more environmentally friendly lights, but you're getting asked a load of questions about it - we've been asked about flood risk.
"But it's all part of the planning process sadly and I'm sure the council has had to do all the same documentation to knock it [the Blackfriars End] down as we're having to fill out for the planning application."
Ammonds said there shouldn't be too much other than planning, delivery and building to hold up the project.
Hereford are missing out on players to clubs who can offer more money and lure players in with the promise of full-time football.
At last night's fans' forum, manager Paul Caddis even admitted the players who are joining Hereford are getting far superior offers from elsewhere.
Not only did Halifax thwart the club's hopes of signing former loanee Tom Pugh, and keeper Curtis Pond surprised Caddis by returning to Chasetown where a good deal was waiting, but new signing Montel Gibson had also received better offers.
But Caddis said despite people outside the game saying he's money-motivated, "it's not true because he wouldn't come here if he was motivated by money".
The "sought-after" forward, formerly with Notts County, Grimsby Town and AFC Telford United, had received "silly money offers" from elsewhere but arrives at Edgar Street wanting to get back up the football pyramid.
The gaffer also said particularly with players dropping out of the Football League who have families, an extra £100 a week matters when it comes to buying children the latest computer or game console.
He said he would never criticise a player who turned the Bulls down for more money elsewhere, saying: "I'll shake their hand and look them in the eye and say fine, but you won't get it here."
He said his team have created a brilliant environment - with players like Adam Livingstone, Jack Tolley and Jordan Lyden opting to carry on training with the club to keep fit.
"If people don't want to take it, it's them who's missing out," Caddis said, but he admitted some clubs train four days a week while Hereford only train four hours a week at Studley.
Chairman Chris Ammonds, also known as Stig, said the club won't compete with the amount some players are being offered - he refused to be "rash", "stupid" or "irrational" with club funds and admitted even if he was, it still wouldn't be enough to meet some offers.
While he said some of the offers last season blew his mind, this season is another level.
Ammonds said that even if the Bulls were promoted, there would be little extra money from the National League so the club could stay part-time as underdogs and the first step could be a transition to a hybrid model.
Without a financial backer, it'll be difficult but stability is key, he said.
Crowds would also need to be higher and Ammonds went on to outline a "finger in the air scenario" which he didn't want to be held to.
He'd be aiming to see crowds at a minimum level of 2,250 - even if the club were having an "absolute shocker, within reason".
Currently, he feels the club has a core support of around 1,800 so extra die-hards are needed to be able to "think about it really, really carefully".
He said crowds can drop off so quickly that budgets always need to be set cautiously.
"If we became a club that knew that whatever happened our attendances would be 2,250 at all times, when we're budgeting as a board, we'd have a great chance of being able to consider where we were.
"But obviously we haven't been that club, probably for reality, for quite some time - last year was obviously fantastic with how it ended up being."
He said with the extra numbers, money could be more safely invested.
Paul Caddis has said he did try to sign former loanee Tom Pugh after he was released by Scunthorpe United this summer.
On loan at Edgar last season, Pugh spent more than two months at the club where he scored one goal and quickly became a fans' favourite.
He was released by Scunthorpe this summer and National League, full-time side Halifax moved to sign him.
But Paul Caddis told tonight's fans' forum that he could look at bringing Pugh back on loan if he's not getting enough game time.
"Tom Pugh calls me daddy, and I'm not his dad by the way," Caddis said.
"Tom Pugh loved it at this football club. He did, he loved working under us because he felt loved. He knew the supporters enjoyed watching him.
"We thought we had him, we genuinely did, I thought I had him and I was absolutely buzzing but then he just got a better deal from Halifax to go full time, to stay closer to home and play in a higher division.
"Tom's one that we might look at if he's not playing regularly in the next three, four months. If we need a central midfielder we might go and look at him.
"We were in the market, we were very close. We were almost done until Halifax came in at the last minute."
Caddis also said Tom Pugh was instrumental in getting 6ft 8in goalkeeper Aaron Chapman to join Hereford this summer, having formerly played together at Scunthorpe.
Tate Campbell is set to sign for Hereford after being released by Birmingham City, according to reports from BirminghamLive.
Campbell - who can play across the back-line or in midfield - was one of the players released by Blues at the end of last season following the club's relegation to League One. The 22-year-old didn't make an appearance for Blues last term but he did feature four times for the club's first team.
Bulls chairman Chris Ammonds said he and Paul Caddis had decided to answer no comment in tonight's fans forum - but the boss was faced with speculation.
His time in the senior set-up was hampered by hamstring injuries and Campbell has considered quitting football. The midfielder will play on a part-time basis for National League North side Hereford next season.
Speaking during a recent appearance on the Keep Right On Podcast, Campbell said: "Going forward I'm still deciding whether I want to carry on playing football with the injuries and how it's gone. If I am going to play it will maybe be at a part-time capacity just to get back enjoying it.
"You never know, if I drop down to a level that's too easy for me I could shoot back up into the league. But for now I want to focus on other things, going into business and things like that. I will potentially play part-time if it's right for me. If not, I will leave the football there and crack on with life."
The matchday experience for Hereford fans in Radford's bar is set to be improved next season thanks to a Hereford firm..JPG)
Hereford supporters in a fanzone outside Radford's bar
West Mercia Air Conditioning Ltd said it has teamed up with Hereford as part of a new partnership to deliver a "state-of-the-art climate control system" to provide heating and air conditioning.
The Rotherwas-based firm said it would be "enhancing comfort levels for all visitors, whether they’re enjoying a game or attending community events during the week".
Jamie Griffiths, the club's general manager, said: “By teaming up with West Mercia Air Conditioning, we are taking a proactive step towards enhancing comfort levels at Radford’s, ensuring that every moment spent here is enjoyable and memorable whether that be on a matchday or in the week.”
West Mercia Air Conditioning said it was proud to become the official climate control partner of Hereford FC, committing to the "mutually beneficial partnership" for the next five years.
Matthew Wood, the firm's managing director, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Hereford FC and contribute to the enhancement of Radford’s. Our expertise in heating and air conditioning systems will allow us to tailor solutions specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the venue, providing optimal comfort for supporters on match days and ensuring a pleasant atmosphere for groups utilising Radford’s throughout the week.”
The bar, one of two underneath the main stand at Edgar Street, is popular on matchdays and can be hired out for private functions.
There are also fanzones outside on certain matchdays.
Hereford are to play Newport County on August 3rd in the final preseason friendly.
A league record 10491 blow the Christmas cobwebs away courtesy of an entertaining 2-2 draw against league leaders Southport. Brian Owen scores on 16 minutes giving Hereford a deserved lead at half time. Southport show why they are top with two second half goals before Billy Tucker heads an injury time equaliser. Hereford finish the day in a healthy 10th position off the back of a run of 10 games unbeaten. An injury sustained during the Bury match on 9th December meant former Southport favourite Eric Redrobe was unable to play, he would go on to be voted their all time favourite player in 2007 as part of their centenary celebrations.
On the Pitch: The front cover gives a first glimpse of the new Len Weston stand. It is yet to feature a perimeter wall, it does though feature what looks like a post 1980s crowd. This is because it was taken at the recent friendly between United and York City (Sat 16/12). Chester were meant to be Hereford's opposition but called the game off much to Addison's annoyance. 3134 watched on as York came out 4-2 winners. Addison also reveals that his leg will be in plaster for a further 3 weeks, he closes out his programme notes wishing everyone a happy New Year and acknowledging Hereford's "wonderful" support.
The programme also contains a match report from the two clubs' previous league encounter in September, a game that featured Eric Redrobe in Southport's starting line up.
Off the Pitch: Bits and Pieces brings the sad news that three Teddy Bears that were raffled on 16th December have not been claimed. A fan led "bob-a-goal" initiative also gets a mention, this would lead to a Mr D. N. Vaughan receiving a hefty bill at the end of the season. Money well spent. Meanwhile Supporters' Club Jottings reflects on a successful year of fundraising (£12000 raised), and acknowledges all of the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.
As an aside there is an article by Ronald Crowther of the Daily Mail "Best Judges of Genius". The clue is in the title and it is awash with some serious footballing talent including a certain John Charles.
In the Opposition: A quick scurry through the Meet the Southport players and I thought Bingo as I clocked what I thought was a yet to be discovered Francis Lee, alas I was about a decade out and this was a different Francis Lee (actual name Frank Lee). They were both born in early 1944 though. Beyond that all I have been able to glean is that a now 35 year old John McPhee had earnt the nickname Chopper plus seemingly everyone else was involved at some point with North American "soccer". This I can only imagine was due to the easy access from the edge of Southport beach.
I am not sure if he started it, but Jim Fryatt would have spells at Hartford Bicentennials and Philadelphia Atoms in 1973 &1975 before managing Las Vegas Quicksilvers in 1977. Chris Dunleavy played 37 times for Philadelphia Atoms in 73-74, Andy Provan would also have a spell at Philadelphia Atoms in 73-74. Mick Moore played 20 times for Dallas Tornado in 1975. Bobby Sibbald would yo-yo between Southport and Los Angeles Aztecs for much of the 1970s playing over 300 games before briefly managing Los Angeles Heat in the late 80's, then for good measure Dave Turner would spend much of the 1980's managing either Toronto Blizzard or Toronto Dinamo. Interestingly, with North America being one of the founding "one last pay cheque" go to places to wind down a career, whilst Jim Fryatt was in his 30s, many of the others were in their mid twenties when they took what must have been quite a step? Several of them would see out their days in North America.
In the Charts: Little Jimmy Osmond bags the Christmas No.1 spot with Long Haired Lover from Liverpool.
On TV: A Boxing Day network premiere is given to Carry on Cleo starring Amanda Barrie in her second and final Carry on Film. Bizarrely the film was made 8 years earlier.
In the Maternity Ward: 29th December - Actor Jude Law is born.
Click on photos to enlarge.
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| The compound behind the Meadow End |
The council, which owns Edgar Street and Merton Meadow Car Park, has granted the club an occupational licence for the existing compound area.
In reasons set out in the council decision notice, the compound area behind the Meadow End is not included in the current lease to Hereford Football Club Ltd but is required as additional space for the running and maintenance of the stadium.
It also said the club are already occupying the land and a licence is needed to regularise the situation.
It has been used for car parking in recent seasons and now the water tanks for the pitch sprinklers have been moved there due to the Blackfriars' End demolition.
Sarah Jowett, the council's strategic assets delivery director, also said the licence is needed to establish the responsibilities of the council and club and protect the authority's interest.
Bulls News understands that when the new lease is drawn up and signed, this land will be included.
Former Hereford United defender Matt Clarke has been telling BBC Hereford and Worcester about the circumstances which led to him being arrested on drug charges last February.
The 50 year old, who was manager of Redditch at the time, was arrested after he had accepted a lift from a friend who then picked up a passenger in Hereford. The car was being watched by police.
"Within a few minutes, police surrounded the car and the next thing I knew I was in custody," said Clarke.
"I was just completely in shock, I've never been arrested for anything in my life."
Clarke said there was no evidence against him and his solicitor suggested he had been in the wrong place at the wrong time.
It had cost him £15K in legal costs to clear his name. He hopes he can recover some of his costs.
"It's pushed me to the edge with having to deal with everything and the financial pressures."
After being told that the case was being dropped Clarke said he hoped to get back into football.
"My ambition is to first of all secure my job, my family, and make sure everybody around me is okay."
Goalkeeper Max Harris may be leaving Cheltenham. He has been made 'available for transfer'.
The former Hereford player has been with Cheltenham for four seasons.
Meanwhile Rhys Davies is back with Aberystwyth. The former Hereford left back played for Barry last season
Finally Wayne Brown is joining Forest Green as their goal keeping coach. Brown kept goal for Hereford in the mid 2000's.
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| Edgar Street, as seen from the south from the Old Market Shopping Centre |
The government body, which manages trunk roads including the A49 Edgar Street, said more detail was needed over any impact the delivery and constructing of the new floodlights would have.
Plans submitted to Herefordshire Council show four 21-metre energy-efficient LED floodlights would replace the four "outdated" 30-metre pylons.
As part of the consultation period before planning permission can be given or refused by the council, National Highways had to be consulted.
But the club has moved to reassure the body.
Stadium director Darren Ball, who is leading the project for the club, said items will be delivered in parts and assembled inside the stadium and access will be made at the rear of the stadium on Blackfriars Street.
He has confirmed this with the suppliers and is "confident that there will be no impact" on Edgar Street but did not mention how the old towers would be dismantled and taken away.
"I hope this helps with any concerns that National Highways have," he said, offering a conversation with himself or the project manager at supplier Musco Lighting.
It comes after Herefordshire Council's highways team, which manages local roads like Blackfriars Street, said it also needed more information, in the form of a detailed construction management plan outlining how the proposed four columns of LED lighting will be built.
Officer Hope Rees's points included how the work could affect the A49, Blackfriars Street and the council-owned Merton Meadow car park.
Watch some classic Steve White goals in the footage below. White was signed from Swindon Town in August 1994 and had played in the Premier League the previous season. A prolific goalscorer who scored 52 times during his two campaigns at Edgar Street. Click the play button to view the action.
Sheree Smith, top scorer for Hereford Women, has signed for the forthcoming season.
Newcastle United are reported to be interested in signing former Hereford youngster Jarrod Bowen from West Ham.
Supporters are reminded that there is a Fans Forum at Edgar Street on Friday evening, kick-off 7pm.
BN's twitter feed is playing up at present. Apologies.
Sian Bull is to captain the Hereford FC Womens Team for the second season.
36 year old midfielder Luke Summerfield has joined Kidderminster after four seasons with Halifax.
Maidenhead are expected to receive a sell-on payment of up to £6M should Wolves sell their captain Max Kilman whom they value at around £40M.
Hereford's first home pre-season friendly will be against a West Bromwich under 21 side.
The friendly will take place on Saturday July 13th.
Kick-off will be at 3pm.
This from the National League:
The National League continues to be concerned about Southend United Football Club’s ability to fulfil its financial obligations for the forthcoming National League Season.
The Club has for several months been the subject of a winding up petition (a further hearing of which is scheduled for this week) and, on 20 June 2024, filed its accounts for the year to 31 July 2023 which underscore and amplify the concerns expressed previously by the League.
Accordingly, the National League has today advised Southend United Football Club that as a result of the Club’s failure to provide the League with detailed, objective and independent evidence that the Club has sufficient funds to meet its financial obligations for the forthcoming National League season, and in light of previously-expressed concerns (underscored by the most recently-filed accounts), the Club will be required to post a bond of £1million, which will be held in escrow to the order of the League.
The bond shall remain in place until the sooner of (i) an ownership agreement with the consortium currently in talks with the Club being successfully concluded, to the satisfaction of the National League and the FA; or (ii) the Club demonstrating, to the satisfaction of the National League, that is has sufficient financial resources within its own means to meet its financial obligations for the forthcoming Season.
In the event that the Club fails to post the Bond in accordance with the requirements that have been communicated to the Club, the National League Board will meet again to consider further sanctions against the Club.
The decision is subject to the right of appeal to The Football Association.
Hereford beat Bury 1-0 in front of the lowest crowd of the season (6566) courtesy of an early Alan Jones header. I wonder if Edgar Street will ever be capable of that sort of poor attendance again?
On the Pitch: Addison heaps praise on the players for the way they have taken Hereford out of the bottom four and into the more positive end of mid-table. Hereford started the day in 10th, four points outside the top four, thanks in part to their first away win of the season on Tuesday 28th November. It had been a long time coming, but if you are going to have a first ever away win of the season, it may as well be at Newport County in front of 8772 people complete with a dust up between the players (1-0 courtesy of a Redrobe pen).
The previous Saturday was a blank day for Hereford, but Bits and Pieces reveals that Edgar Street was used for an amateur international with just shy of 2000 in attendance.
Off the Pitch: In Bits and Pieces, 6 people are banned from Edgar Street until the New Year for causing trouble, which equates to 3 matches. Someone whose presence would always be felt at Edgar Street was Len Weston who had passed away in March 1971. A full page article reveals that the new grandstand on the Edgar Street side of the pitch will be named in his honour when completed. It also credits him with being central to the club's impressive progress; he was a member of the board between 1946 and 1964 before becoming club president.
The previous programme (Aldershot - published on Bulls News 21/6/24) had a short paragraph on another name that runs through much of Hereford United's history; Peter Isaac. He had been involved at Edgar Street almost continuously from 1960 to 1992, playing over 250 games before being among other things a coach, trainer, right hand man, physiotherapist and acting manager. He would no doubt feature more prominently in future programmes.
In the Opposition: Nailed on Pointless answer John Connelly was a member of the England '66 squad. Originally only the eleven that played in the final received World Cup Winners medals; he would have to wait until 2009 to receive his.
Liverpool-born Terry McDermott started his illustrious career as a schoolboy at Bury; he would help win 10 major trophies with Liverpool via the first of two spells at Newcastle United. This included the 1981 League Cup final against West Ham, where he pulled off a fine finger tip save with Liverpool 1-0 up in the 120th minute. West Ham scored the subsequent penalty, and he I believe only received a booking, although Clive Thomas was referee so anything could have happened. Liverpool would claim the trophy via a replay at Villa Park; that pre-"playing everything at Wembley" era seems like it never happened now. McDermott would play 25 times for England, scoring 3 goals.
In the Charts: Chuck Berry continues at No.1 with My Ding-a-Ling.
In the News: As 1972 draws to a close, not only did HUFC enjoy 12 months from heaven, but this was the year that marriage rates peaked. What a time to be alive.
On TV: 15th December - Record Breakers makes its debut on BBC1 hosted by Norris McWhirter and Roy Castle. It would run until 2001.
In the Maternity Ward: 14th December - Actress and comedian Miranda Hart is born.
Click on photos to enlarge.
Hereford will now play their first pre-season friendly against Westfields on Saturday July 6th.
Originally it had been set to take place against Lads Club.
The game will take place at the 'County Ground' which is the HFA's pitch.
Kick-off is at 2pm.
Former Hereford analyst Alec Jenkins who has a similar role at Darlington is to be assisted this season by Jamie Lauder who was with Spennymoor last season.
Defender Ben Beals has joined Spennymoor after his release by Middlesborough.
Darlington are to have an under 23 team this season. The aim is to help players develop and make the step from youth football to adult football.
Farsley Celtic are to have a new artifical pitch installed. Their August National League North games will all be played away from home while work is carried out. Planning applications for LED floodlights and an electronic scoreboard are due to follow.
Despite being promoted Tamworth are staying part time. Manager Andy Peaks said "To be a part-time club in a full-time league is really difficult when you consider some of the wages that are being paid at this level. We have to be realistic that we don't have the budget to go and pay for 3 or 4 top quality National League players."
This from HUST:
Hereford FC is pleased to announce that the Hereford United Supporters Trust (HUST) will be managing the club’s official coach travel for fans during the 2024/25 season.
Bulls’ Director, Joanie Roberts, will continue to manage the service – with the support of fellow Director, Tony Taylor, on a matchday – which will now fall under the HUST banner, as part of a partnership with the football club.
Fans travelling on official club coaches will see no change to the successful service provided in 2023/24 and we can confirm that consideration is already being given to running an official coach to at least one of the Bulls’ away pre-season friendlies in July.
Bulls Chairman, Chris Ammonds, said:
“We’re very grateful that HUST has offered to take on this service and personally I think it’s a really good fit as it is something that helps our brilliant supporters get to matches.
“I’d like to thank Joanie for her hard work in making the official club travel such a success last season and I’m sure that the same will be the case for 2024/25.”
Former Hereford striker Reece Styche has left AFC Telford and signed for Stratford Town.
Interesting article about Matt Murray and how he coped with having to retire early because of the injury he suffered whilst playing for Hereford. Read at: https://www.wolves.co.uk/news/features/20240623-hanging-up-your-boots-matt-murray/
Westfields have signed Jamie Hancocks from Lads Club.
Hereford's first pre-season friendly is expected to be moved.
It had been set to take place at Lads Club on July 6th but the fixture has been cancelled given the reported problems at the host club.
Football secretary Nic Marsh is understood to have spoken to other local clubs about holding the friendly.
However, at the moment, Pegasus Juniors have a friendly at home against Bewdley on July 6th whilst Westfields are away at Ledbury.
But the possibility of a friendly against Hereford, and the revenue from it, might persuade one or other to change plans.
Former Hereford defender Mitch Hancox is on the move again. He has joined Chester after leaving Altrincham.
Jiah Medrano has agreed terms with manager Paul Holleran to remain at Leamington for the forthcoming season.
Hereford supporter Terry Goodwin is running in tonight's Midnight Sun Marathon in Norway.
No further offical news about Lads Club who 'resigned' from the Hellenic League yesterday. However 'budget problems' are thought to be part of the reason for the resignation.
And nothing, as yet, from Hereford FC confirming that the pre-season friendly at Lads Club set to take place on July 6th has been cancelled.
Lads Club have released the following statement
'It is with deep disappointment that we wish to inform you that the Hereford Lads Club 1st Team, Lads Club Reserves and Lads Club Colts will be pulling out of the Hellenic League Premier Division and Herefordshire Leagues with immediate effect.'
Hereford are set to play their first pre-season friendly at Lads Club on July 6th.
The statement in full:
Hereford FC are to hold a Fans Forum next Friday June 28th.
It will take place at 7pm in the Hereford Suite.
The first half will be a look back at last season and what both chairman Chris Ammonds and manager Paul Caddis might do differently in the future.
The second part will be a question and answer session.
"We’ve been keen to slot an event like this in during pre-season and this date looks like the perfect opportunity," said Ammonds.
"The players will have returned to training a few days before which means that football is right back in everyone’s mind, with the excitement starting to build.
"While I’ve no doubt the Fans Forum element of the event will be as popular as ever, both Paul and I think it would be good for us to share our thoughts on our first year at the club – sharing what we have enjoyed, what we have learned and also some of the challenges that we have faced, whether expected or unexpected."
Midfielder Aaron Wildig is staying with Newport County for 2024/25.
The Hereford born player has been with Newport for two seasons so far.
“I’ve really pleased to get the deal sorted. It’s been agreed for over a week or so now, so I’m delighted to come in and get it finalised.
“Two years I’ve been at the club now and it’s going in a good direction. I think it wants to push on and be successful, and I want to be a part of that too."
Kieran Phillips has left Kidderminster.
The striker came to Edgar Street on loan for a spell late last season.
His deal was cancelled by 'mutual consent'.
Hereford chairman Chris Ammonds has spoken about the demolition of the Blackfriars End and potential costs associated with it.
He has once again said that some money must be set aside to covers any unknown costs even if this means that manager Paul Caddis's budget might have to suffer.
“As a Board, fans can rest assured that we will continue to look at
ways we can add to the money available to Paul, but at this stage we
simply cannot commit to spending money we don’t yet have, or that we
know we may need during the course of the season," he said.
“The second point is particularly relevant this summer because the work at the Blackfriars End means we could have unexpected infrastructure spends as work progresses, and also because it is vital we set money aside in our reserves given very little was left at the end of the 2022/23 season.
Hereford FC Photo
“The demolition is due to finish some time in July and even after just a
couple of days work on site, the changes to that end are really
noticeable.
"In terms of what happens after demolition, I’m pleased to be able to share with fans the news that we are having regular meetings with the council about the plans to develop that end of the ground and that it is clear a new stand for our club is very much part of those plans."
The chairman's comments are taken from his latest update:
https://www.herefordfc.co.uk/bulls-chairman-really-pleased-with-close-season-progress/