News round up

Russell Slade

Former Hereford manager Russell Slade is going to be speaking at The National Grassroots Show 2025 at the NEC in Birmingham on Sunday 20th July. Slade, who also used to manage Cardiff City, Grimsby Town and Leyton Orient, was in charge at Edgar Street for four months at the end of 2019 before leaving by mutual consent.

Chester will host EFL League Two side Salford City in pre-season on Saturday 19th July.

Former Hereford defender Keiran Thomas is back at Gloucester City after leaving National League South side Weston-Super-Mare. The right-back joined Weston in 2020 after leaving Edgar Street, making 155 appearances over the past five years. Thomas, formerly Gloucester City's captain, has been called a brilliant servant to the club by manager Scott Bartlett.

North Yorkshire Council will meet on Tuesday 17th June to decide the future of Scarborough Sports Village’s football pitch, which may require £3.2m in repairs due to serious drainage issues. The preferred plan involves full drainage repairs and resurfacing. Upgrades would see a new FIFA Pro surface installed. While repairs are underway - potentially lasting 10 months - Scarborough Athletic will ground-share with Bridlington Town. More than 3,300 people have signed a petition urging repairs. 

Kidderminster Harriers have signed defender Emeka Obi, who helped AFC Fylde win the National League North title in 2023. Harriers said the 6ft 5in, Nigerian-born former Wigan youngster will bring physicality and technical ability to the backline.

Defender Jordan Piggott, 26, has agreed terms to return to AFC Telford United for the 2025/26 season. 'Piggo’ is the Shropshire club's longest-serving player; he reached a century of appearances for the Bucks last season and is now closing in on 150 appearances for the club since signing, initially on loan from Solihull Moors, in January 2022. Jordan is the eighth confirmed player ahead of the club's return to National League North football in August.