On the day before the 'vote' Bring Back United have released the following information.
The vote to Bring Back United will take place at the HUST AGM on Thursday 14th November. This vote gives Hereford United supporters the chance to bring back the historic name that Herefordians have followed for a century.
Since Hereford United was founded in 1924 up until the sad events of 2014 our club played under the United name. When we reformed as Hereford FC we all knew this was a temporary name as FA rules prevented us using the Hereford United name for a five year period. In this centenary year we have the chance to bring back the Hereford United name our City has been missing for the last decade, after it was cruelly snatched away from us.
Generations of our ancestors were Hereford United supporters, let’s be the generation that ensures the iconic name continues for generations to come.
This document should help answer some of the questions you may have about the name change and explains how you can vote. More FAQs can be found on our website www.bringbackunited.co.uk/faqs.
How much will it cost
We have conducted a detailed analysis of the costs related to changing back to the Hereford United name. This has shown a maximum cost of £9,570.
Our cost analysis document was shared with a leading independent football finance expert.
We have had a generous offer from Keith Hall (Broadcast Journalist and Radio Hereford FC presenter) to match supporter donations of £9,570 (giving a total of £19,140). This far exceeds our estimated cost of £9,570 for the name change. Any money raised in addition to the cost of a name change is to be donated to the football club to go directly towards the playing budget.
In addition to his financial donation he has also offered to volunteer his time to help the football club with any administration surrounding the name change.
This will mean the club has no financial risk from the name change. Instead they have a massive commercial opportunity for merchandise and publicity, and the move will also provide renewed financial impetus for the club and its fanbase, once more United.
A summary graphic is shown below. You can find our full cost analysis document on our website at www.bringbackunited.co.uk/costs.
What are the legal implications?
There are no legal implications of changing the football club name. The company name does not need to change to facilitate a football club name change. No money would be owed to the dormant company. We are able to trade under the Hereford United name at no cost.
What about the costs of changing contracts?
As per section 10 of the FA Handbook, all contracts must state “the full name of the Club’s corporate entity, including the relevant company registration number”. In these FA rules, the club’s playing name and company name are separate and independent of each other. Contracts are not in the club's playing name and as a result there will not be any need to amend contracts.
Under UK law, any commercial contracts have to be in the company name so no commercial contracts should need changing.
What about the history and honours of Hereford United?
After a name change the club would be able to take on the full history and honours of the original club in addition to those earned under the Hereford FC name. The Football Supporters Association have experience in this process and have confirmed to our group they would be happy to support the club in their application to take on the history and honours of the original club.
How to vote
At the HUST AGM (at the Richmond Club opposite Edgar Street, 19:00 start on Thursday 14th November) you will be able to vote in favour of the name change.
The vote format
HUST members are voting on 2 resolutions on the same ballot paper.
VOTE 1: RESOLUTION ON HEREFORD FC NAME CHANGE
"HUST to call a general meeting of Hereford FC Limited at the earliest opportunity, at which HUST shall propose a special resolution to change the name of the Football Club to Hereford United Football Club, and whereby HUST shall vote all its shareholding in Hereford FC Limited in favour of such a motion."
This vote is for Hereford FC to change its playing name to Hereford United Football Club.
VOTE 2: RESOLUTION ON HEREFORD FC NAME CHANGE FUNDRAISER
"If a vote of Hereford FC shareholders to change the name of the football club to Hereford United Football Club is successful, HUST shall run a ringfenced fundraiser; and shall, upon receiving quotes from HFC and subject to HUST's approval of such quotes, either pay such quotes directly or provide the club with funding of up to the amount raised within the fundraiser (minus any actual administration cost). Further, that all monies raised in excess of the final costs to change the name shall be donated to the club for use on the playing budget"
This vote is for HUST to run a fundraiser to cover the costs of the name change (estimated at a maximum of £9,570). This will ensure that the football club does not have to spend any money on this change.
You should vote 'FOR' both resolutions in order to Bring Back United.
What happens after a successful vote
If at least two-thirds of votes cast in the HUST vote support a name change then HUST will trigger a vote of Hereford FC shareholders.
In the football club vote, HUST will vote yes with all 50% of their shares in the football club. It is then up to the other shareholders to decide whether or not they want to follow the fans wishes and Bring Back United.
Much more information about the name change can be found on our website www.bringbackunited.co.uk. If you have any further questions then please email us at bringbackunited@gmail.com.