West Brom Have Been Outstanding With Parker Said Caddis.

During his post match interview at South Shields, Hereford manager Paul Caddis spoke about Michael Parker who is back at Edgar Street from West Brom until December 13th.

Parker scored Hereford's only goal of the game early in the second half. It was his first goal for the Bulls.

"I've got to say West Brom have been outstanding with us," said Caddis.

"Michael Parker almost never went back, he's always been on the radar, he's always been that he's going to come back.

"He struggled a bit with injuries, West Brom are brilliant looking after their players, they wanted to get him into their building and look after him for a couple of weeks which they did.

"He had a bit of game time on Wednesday.

"They've helped us out financially. When he wasn't available we didn't have to pay. They've been first class.

"And you can see the quality he's got.

"Today we started him as left of a three but the way the game was going I felt we weren't getting into the areas we had hoped to especially in the early part of the game.

"So we switched and he ended up playing left wing, just for his physicality and his blistering pace, his pace is ridiculous, got in a few times down the sides.

"Big player for us, keep him as long as we can, as it stands we've got him until December 13th."

Parker's goal came on 48 minutes.

"His goal was brilliantly worked.

"It was nice and calmly finished.

"Really pleased for Mike to get his goal." 

 

 

Paul Caddis frustrated with officials but proud of players after South Shields defeat

Paul Caddis has said he was proud of the effort from his players in today’s 2-1 defeat at South Shields.

But the Hereford boss admitted he was frustrated as the officials lost some control in the last half an hour, including what he felt was a handball from the hosts in their box being missed.

Press play to listen in full. 

Today's National North League Results

Results from the National North League:

AFC Telford 4 Scarborough 1

Buxton 3 Chorley 2

Chester 1 Kidderminster 1

Kings Lynn 1 AFC Fylde 2

Leamington 0 Darlington 1

Macclesfield 3 Curzon Ashton 2

Oxford City 1 Southport 2

Peterborough Sports 1 Alfreton 1

Radcliffe 0 Bedford 0

South Shields 2 Hereford 1

Spennymoor 6 Merthyr 4

Worksop 1 Marine 2

Hereford drop to 14th place in the league table. 

 

Full Time: South Shields v Hereford

Hereford have been defeated at South Shields this afternoon.

Final score: South Shields  2 Hereford 1  

The home team took the lead mid-way through the first half when Caden Kelly had a shot deflected into the net.

But just three minutes into the second half Michael Parker equallised from eight yards following a cross by Andy Williams.

However South Shields were back in the lead on 61 minutes when Sean McGurk lifted the goal past keeper Richardson.  

On 80 minutes Remaye Campbell had a good chance to level the score when one on one with the keeper.

Then Hereford had their best spell of the game and Sterling-James had the ball in the net but it was ruled out for off-side.

At the other end Kyle Howkins cleared off the line. 

Overall after a disappointing first half, Hereford matched South Shields for most of the second. 

1835 watched the game including around 50 Hereford supporters. 

Half-Time: South Shields v Hereford

At half-time it's:

South Shields 1 Hereford 0 

The home team took the lead on 22 minutes when a Caden Kelly shot looked to hit defender Matt Preston and found its way into the back of the net.

A few minutes later Hereford were awarded a free kick in a good position but Amari Sterling -James couldn't take advantage.

South Shields have had much of the possession and look a good footballing side.

However they are only one goal to the good so far. 

 

Hereford Team News - Parker Starts

Back on loan, Michael Parker goes straight into the Hereford starting eleven at South Shields this afternoon.

Gus Mafuta is also starting having recovered from injury. 

Starting XI: Richardson, Skinner, Hudson, Preston, Howkins, Parker, D'Ath, Mafuta, Williams, Campbell, Sterling-James 

Subs: Lewis, Quansah, Rooney, Bitemo, Richards, Edwards, Osborne 

Parker Is Back With Hereford

Michael Parker is back with Hereford for a second loan spell.

The young West Brom defender/midfielder will stay until December 13th. 

17 Years Ago Today - Bulls Take A Point At Brighton

Continuing BN's look back to the 2008/9 season, Hereford made the long trip to Brighton and came back with a point.

A look back to October 18th 2008.

Seagulls held by Battling Bulls

Hereford United gained a credible point at the Withdean Stadium this afternoon against Brighton and Hove Albion. Glenn Murray went close for Brighton in the first-half, whilst Hereford's Kris Taylor had the away side's best chance in the second-half with a free-kick in front of 5608 supporters.

Suspension to Stephen O'Leary allowed Clint Easton to take his place in midfield, with Kris Taylor slotting into the middle alongside Toumani Diagouraga. Surprisingly, Sam Gwynne was also included with Bradley Hudson-Odoi demoted to the bench. The hosts named former Welsh international Robbie Savage in their starting eleven, whilst former Bulls' loanee Joe Anyinsah started on the right-wing.

Brighton had the better of the early exchanges, with a long-ball forward sitting up nicely for Dean Cox who struck a half-volley goalwards, but Darren Randolph held with ease. At the other end, Richard Rose found himself well forward and tried his luck, with his shot deflecting over. A cross from the left by Cox saw Murray's deft touch fall wide before the former Carlisle and Rochdale man should have opened his account for the day. Rose misplaced a header and Murray pounced running in on goal, but his shot across Randolph was pushed past the far post by the Irish 'keeper. Andy Williams neat touch and shot from Richard Jackson's throw-in called home goalie Michael Kuipers into action, holding onto the ball well. Cox and Matthew Richards were both denied by Randolph after shots from the edge of the box, whilst Rose struck from long-range, but again failed to trouble Kuipers.

The Bulls started the second-half well with Gwynne finding space 25 yards before tamely shooting goalwards, but Kuipers saved easily. Good work down the right-hand side from Steve Guinan saw him cross into the box; the ball was cleared but only as far as Taylor who tried his luck with an acrobatical effort which fell wide of Kuiper's post. Kevin Thornton and Kevin McLeod were introduced in place of Cox and right-back Andrew Whing as the home side looked to increase the productivity in the final third. Instead though, it was Hereford who continued to threaten. Kris Taylor had two free-kicks in dangerous positions; the first saw a curling effort from the left fall over the bar, before minutes later, from the other side, Taylor forced Kuipers to tip over his effort from 20 yards. Karl Broadhurst headed over from an Easton corner after rising well in the area, with the former Bournemouth man perhaps feeling he could have done better with the chance.

Anyinsah used his pace and skill to beat Bruno N'Gotty before shooting wildly into the Withdean wilderness, whilst soon after, he had a penalty appeal turned down. The Preston loanee tried to meet a Thornton low cross but he went down after tussling with N'Gotty; strong appeals were heard from the home crowd but the referee waved played on. Nick Chadwick and Hudson-Odoi were bought on to replace striking duo Williams and Guinan, and both were involved as Hereford squandered a fine chance to nick the points. A short back-pass was only just dealt with bu Kuipers under pressure from Hudson-Odoi, and the ball fell to Chadwick, but the former Everton youngster saw a shot blocked as did Easton who tried his luck on the rebound. In the final moments, Brighton rallied but to little avail with two efforts from Thornton straight at Randolph.

A draw seems the fair result, although reflecting on the game Hereford may be slightly disappointed not to have snatched the points. Easton looked assured on the left-hand side, serving his defensive duties well whilst Williams looked a menace up front with some neat touches and runs. The clean sheet will be welcomed, but the problem appears to be up front, with Hereford failing to score from open play in the league since September 5th, when Hudson-Odoi scored against Swindon. Next up for The Bulls is a home match against Carlisle on Tuesday.

Hereford: Randolph, Jackson, Broadhurst, N'Gotty, Rose, Gwynne, Diagouraga, Taylor, Easton, Guinan, Williams.

Subs: Samson, Beckwith, Smith, Hudson-Odoi, Chadwick.

Brighton: Kuipers, Whing, El-Abd, Hawkins, Richards, Cox, Savage, Thomson, Anyinsah, Virgo, Murray.

Subs: Fraser, Robinson, Livermore, Thornton, McLeod.

Hard Earned Point - Broadhurst

Hereford United's captain Karl Broadhurst admiited in a post match interview that today's draw at Brighton had given the Bulls a hard earned point.

"We knew it was going to be a difficult place to come. It's a strange stadium with a very tight pitch," Broadhurst told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"We came with a game plan to try and frustrate them and maybe hit them on the break and I think it worked quite well.

"Towards the end we had some good chances to maybe nick all three points."

Interviewer Keith Hall thought Kris Taylor had one of his best games for Hereford today.

"Kris done very well today," said Broadhurst.

"He's had a run of games when he's done well.

"I think Kris would say his consistency was the big thing with him last year. He would have a couple of good games then be sloppy in other games.

"The management have got hold of him and said you can play a major part in the team this year. We need to rely on you a bit more and I think he has taken that on board.

"The way he goes about in training he starts right from the start and it's paid dividends.

"He had a very good game today, marshelled the midfield very well and a good partnership with Toumani. They negated Savage who is an experienced player and he never really did anything in the game." 

Coach Travel to Brighton Next Time

You have to go to Brighton to appreciate the constraints their football club has to work under. And having been there you will realise that whatever some people might say about Edgar Street, it's a better stadium and in a better position than Brighton's.

Planning problems, not helped by a difficult council, have stopped a move to a new ground for the Seagulls. Their move to the Withdean Stadium was meant to be temporary but they've now been there for a decade or so.

A new stadium is planned but as a local policeman said he'll believe it when he sees it.

Going to the game by car, you are directed to a park and ride site. But it's not a site, they close a road and park the cars across the one side of it. A bus then takes you for a tour of a leafy suburb and eventually lands up at the stadium.

However, just to complicate matters, the return bus leaves from a different spot. Whilst waiting for what seemed an eternity (probably no more than fifteen minutes) the HUISA coach sails by and there's just the thought would it have been easier to have gone with them.

The cost to Brighton of the park and ride coaches and extra stewards must make a dent in their income. Probably why they need to charge £20 for an adult ticket in the away end.

Yesterday was a sunny and, for the time of year, reasonably warm day. Especially if you were sat on certain sides of the ground. But as the sun dipped behind the trees the away end soon cooled with the loss of the nature's warmth from the sky. What it would be like on a cold wet winter's evening doesn't bear thinking about.

And it is true you are sat thirty yards or so behind a running track. Trying to watch play at the far end of the stadium was difficult.

Still the day wasn't without some 'comedy'.

Andy Williams bringing two pairs of boots onto the pitch for the warmup, Robbie Savage being taunted about how he had dropped down to a club like Brighton, the Fun Bus crew nearly missing the start of the match because they had firstly gone for a paddle on Brighton beach and then found a pub which had Weston's Cider on tap and certain songs about holding hands. 

News Round Up

Chorley have brought in Lucas Weaver, a 23 year old winger, from Altrincham on loan until the end of December.

19 year old Callum Tripp has joined Bedford on a month long loan from MK Dons.

Altrincham have used nine different goal-keepers since March 2024. It may be ten this afternoon if they don't select 18 year old Louie Fallon. 

 

Today In The National North League

A list of today's fixtures in the National North League.

AFC Telford v Scarborough

Buxton v Chorley

Chester v Kidderminster

Kings Lynn v AFC Fylde

Leamington v Darlington

Macclesfield v Curzon Ashton

Oxford City v Southport

Peterborough Sports v Alfreton

Radcliffe v Bedford

South Shields v Hereford

Spennymoor v Merthyr

Worksop v Marine 

 

Hereford 17/5 To Win At South Shields

The bookmakers are offering prices of around 17/5 for a Hereford win at South Shields tomorrow.

In Hereford's favour they didn't have a game last Saturday whilst South Shields defeated Spalding 4-0 in the FA Cup.

Currently South Shields top the National North Leaguw with 26 points from 10 games.

Hereford are 12th with 14 points from 10 games.

South Shields' goal record is plus 16, Hereford's is minus 3.

South Shields 4/5  Draw 14/5  Hereford 17/5.  

Roberts Goes Out On Loan To Gloucester

Hereford defender Mitch Roberts has joined Gloucester City on a one month loan deal.

'Gloucester City AFC are delighted to announce the signing of left-sided defender Mitchell Roberts on loan from Hereford FC.' 

Roberts joined Hereford in June but has seldom been in the starting eleven. 

To date he has made four starts for the Bulls. 

Alfreton Have A New Manager

Alfreton have appointed former Derby County defender Jake Buxton as their new manager. He repleaces Billy Heath.

Buxton joins from Derby where he was 'senior transition coach', helping youngsters bridge the gap between youth and senior football.

He is a former Alfreton player, he made eight starts for them whilst on loan in the 2003/04 season. 

 

Mitchell Joins Leamington On Loan

 

Dylan Mitchell has joined Leamington on loan from Swindon for three months.

Last season he had a spell on loan with Hereford.

Earlier this season the midfielder was loaned to Weston super Mare. 

Shields and yardsticks

Hereford FC make the long trip to the northeast this weekend to face league leaders South Shields. This really will be an excellent yardstick for measuring what might be achievable this season for the Bulls, after a hit-and-miss start to the season.

The Mariners have started like they’re hellbent on getting promotion by Christmas. They’ve won eight of their opening ten league games and lost none. They’ve beaten Chorley twice recently, in league and Cup, scoring six goals in those two games. Given that Hereford conceded four at home to Chorley, this looks at first glance like a foregone conclusion.

However, a patched-up Bulls squad has now gone five games unbeaten in the league, beating Alfreton, Worksop and Leamington in the process. Admittedly, none of those sides could be termed divisional big-hitters, but that run and the dogged determination shown by Hereford in recent league games do offer some encouragement in terms of this match being more competitive than it may at first appear.

Full-time South Shields were promoted to the NLN two seasons ago, and seemed to have the profile (well supported, healthy financial backing) to suggest that they’d immediately go up again and push for advancement into the Football League. That didn’t happen, and 8th and 17^th-placed finishes since promotion suggested that they’d found their level.

That notion has been firmly left behind so far this season, with star striker Paul Blackett already into double figures for goals scored in all competitions, but for once his goals aren’t the only show in town. Strike partner Cedwyn Scott, who joined the club in the summer from Carlisle for a fee, has also been scoring freely. He scored 24 in 42 games for Gateshead when he last played at this level, and is the sort of player who illustrates the difference in spending power between South Shields and Hereford.

However, the biggest factor in their success so far has been the concession of just four goals in their opening ten league games - astonishing defensive frugality.

Ian Watson replaced Eliott Dickman as manager in the summer and has completely transformed the fortunes of the club. He oversees a young side, with an average age under 24, so the pressure to maintain their place at the top of the table may grow to affect them as the season progresses, but for now they look like the real deal.

The Mariners eased past Spalding in the Cup last weekend with four unanswered goals, Blackett and Scott scoring three between them. They’ll be hosting the Sloppies in the first round in a fortnight, which could perhaps be a bit of a distraction, although that’s possibly clutching at straws a little from a Hereford perspective, and also overplaying the box office pull of our erstwhile neighbours. On current form, despite there being two divisions between the sides, you’d possibly make the home side marginal favourites.

For Hereford, the injury situation has presumably alleviated slightly over the course of the recent fortnight lay-off, which arose as a result of the exit from the FA Cup. The effects of any lingering aches and pains will presumably be lessened by travelling up to the northeast on Friday night if club coffers can stretch to an overnight stay.

Loanee Madou Cisse was on the bench for the last game at Leamington, but prior to that he did come on very briefly as a substitute at Hemel Hempstead. That was the best part of a month ago, so presumably in the interim his fitness has improved enough for him to finally get his season started with a more significant contribution here.

Fellow midfielder Gus Mafuta is still missing, but like Cisse must surely be approaching the point where he can make a contribution soon. The Leamington game offered more evidence that the side is more competitive when Aaron Skinner is playing at full back, so a fit three of Dath, Mafuta and Richards available to cover the middle of the park would allow Skinner to do what he's best at, and give the side the balance and look of a side with play-off aspirations.

Sam Osborne continues to be one of the new recruits who a/ isn’t injured, and b/ seems to be making a positive difference to the side as his season goes from strength to strength.

Lawson Dath returned from injury against Leamington last time out, and continues to grow into being a really influential and effective member of the side, and a positive presence at the club. He’s looking good this season, and his experience will be invaluable here.

You’d assume that any success the visitors get from this game will be the result of quick counter-attacking football, and key to this will be a fit and flying I-Lani Edwards, who showed real threat against Leamington.

In goal, Theo Richardson, that one aberration in the Cup aside, continues to consistently pull off the sort of saves you don’t see too much at this level — in so doing he will earn the side bucketloads of points this season.

Manager Paul Caddis masterminded a wonderful win last time out against the odds, with the side returning to playing some good passing football on the floor after the thoroughly miserable product on offer against Hemel Hempstead.

He’ll presumably be salivating at the prospect of pitting his tactical wits against the league leaders here, and another win would be a significantly greater achievement than that one at Leamington.

Shields will lose one at some point — why not this one?

Finally a word on the NLN generally. With both Alfreton and Leamington both trying to play football against Hereford this season rather than prioritising conning the ref, and Southport last season far less inclined that way, have we seen off the worst of the gamesmanship years? Here’s hoping.

COYW

News Round Up

Former Aldershot manager Tommy Widdrington has returned to Eastbourne as first team manager. He knows the club well as he previously had a five year spell in charge.

Last night Hereford Under 18's won their HFA Giantkillers Cup tie against Hereford Pegasus. The tie went to penalties which Hereford won 9-8.

Chester have signed 21 year old defender Lewis Leigh who has EFL experience.

'Head Safe Fixture' At Spennymoor

Spennymoor are to dedicate their game against AFC Fylde next Tuesday as a 'head safe fixture'.

The game will honour 'the legacy of Bill Gates' who died two years ago.  

This from Spennymoor:

The fixture will be an opportunity to celebrate the Club strengthening its position as the first National League team to become “Head Safe Educated”, setting a new standard in safeguarding players, raising awareness and educating about brain health.

The Club has been a key supporter of Head Safe Football since its launch, backing the cause through landmark matches, a book launch, and a pioneering coaches’ clinic. From pin badges at Wembley to coaching sessions at Middlesbrough FC, the club has consistently shown its commitment to protecting players and promoting brain health.

As part of the celebrations, we are delighted to be welcoming former Sunderland and Middlesbrough boss Tony Mowbray and former Middlesbrough, Manchester United and England defender Gary Pallister as our guests for the game.

“As a club, we are proud to stand at the forefront of positive change in football,” explained Chairman, Brad Groves.

“Partnering with Head Safe Football allows us to honour Bill’s legacy and protect the next generation of players, both in Spennymoor and far beyond.

“We encourage our supporters and the wider community to join us for this dedicated Head Safe Football fixture at The Brewery Field.”

Bill Gates, who began his football journey at The Brewery Field, died two years ago from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) – football’s elephant in the room.

In his memory, his wife Dr Judith Gates founded Head Safe Football to protect players and ensure no other families face the devastation of football-related brain injury.

Head Safe Football is the only organisation committed to stopping CTE in football by focusing on prevention through limiting heading in training.

“Bill’s legacy is that he wanted us to do something to protect future players,” said Dr Judith Gates.

“We are not calling for a ban, but we advocate reducing heading in training.

“Bill never headed a ball seriously after 30, all the damage to his brain was done when he was a young man, which is why it’s vital we protect the next generation of players through partnerships like this one.”

Families, fans and the wider community are invited to join us at The Brewery Field on Tuesday 21st October to remember Bill Gates, celebrate Spennymoor’s leadership, support Head Safe Football’s mission to make brain safety central to the future of the game and protect young players by spreading the word. 

THROWBACK THURSDAY | Hereford United 5-0 Colchester United - 16th October 1993

Chris Pike scores a hat trick against three different goalkeepers.

Hereford 1 Judge 2 Davies 3 Downs 4 Abraham 5 Smith 6 Morris 7 Hall 8 Fry 9 Brain 10 Pike 11 Nicholson Sub Anderson Colchester 1 Keeley 2 Locke 3 Roberts 4 Kinsella 5 English 6 Cawley 7 Dickens 8 Brown 9 McDonough 10 Gavin 11 Smith Subs Ball, Munson Attendance 1,848

Exeter City In Trouble?

Problems at Exeter City?

So a meeting last night of the club's Supporters Trust to answer some of the questions.

But what has gone wrong? 

As usual in football it's reported to be financial.

According to Devon Live: 'There was also a suggestion that the club will be short of money in November, such that the club would not be able to meet its financial obligations.' 

However the Supporters Trust has its critics and a new group 'Trust In Charge' has been formed. They weren't happy about the Supporters Trust giving the club £400,000 to pay the wages.

This from Exeter City: 

Exeter City Supporters’ Trust board last night unanimously voted to approve the appointment of Richard Pym as a Club board director.

Richard will become the new Chair of the Club board at the Trust AGM on November 8, replacing outgoing interim Club board Chair Clive Harrison. Clive will step down as part of the usual governance process, having served a full nine-year term on the Trust board.

Richard, who has vast financial experience from his senior executive and non-executive career in the retail and banking sectors, was previously Chair of Exeter City Football Club from June 2020 to December 2021.

The Trust board last night also unanimously voted to approve the appointment of Laurence Overend as a director, and he will take up the role of Club board Vice Chair. Laurence, a solicitor, was previously Chair of Exeter City Supporters’ Trust from 2012 to 2016, whilst also serving as a director of the Club.

Clive will stay on at the Club in the role of General Manager until the end of the 2025-26 season, to assist the board.

Upon his appointment, Richard said: “I am pleased to have been invited to rejoin the board as the new Independent Club Chair and am determined to resolve the current issues at Exeter City Football Club.

“First of all, I want to thank outgoing interim Chair Clive Harrison for the way he has professionally handled the Club, and for what is going to be his ongoing assistance as General Manager for the remainder of this season. 

“On behalf of the Club board, I want to thank Exeter City Supporters’ Trust and all fans for their patience over the last few months whilst both the Club and Trust boards worked together on a number of issues that arose this summer. 

“As the incoming new Independent Club Chair, I want to provide you with greater insight into these issues, what has been happening behind the scenes, and how the Club board intends to fully resolve them. The Club has prepared a list of questions and answers which hopefully fill in some of the gaps, and they follow.” 

Q1. What exactly were the issues?

In early June, the Club became concerned about certain operational matters. At that stage, Joe Gorman, the Chief Executive, tendered his resignation. He was placed on garden leave.

Three main issues emerged, and these were the subject of an investigation by the Club board. An external partner was engaged to review the detail of this investigation and report back to the board. The summary findings were:

Firstly, financial forecasts which the Club and Trust boards relied upon to make decisions for future years were found to have been overstated.

Secondly, the Club and Trust have an agreement to ensure that contracts costing £50,000 or over per annum or in total, including management staff but excluding players’ contracts, are all approved by the Trust board. The investigation found that one material transaction had breached this agreement.

Thirdly, there is one further matter which at this time is still subject to legal process. We anticipate this will be resolved in the coming weeks, and as soon as it is we will explain that in detail.

As a result of the investigation, a disciplinary process involving Mr Gorman began, and concluded in early September, when he departed the Club with immediate effect. We cannot go into more detail on what is a confidential staff management matter.

Q2. How did the Club allow these issues to happen?

There were checks and scrutiny measures in place at the Club to stop the above issues emerging. They did not work, and for this the Club apologises. There are clear lessons that have been learnt. The Club is now putting stronger safeguards and controls in place to ensure that such matters do not arise again. 

As previously stated, there is no money missing, no-one has taken any money out of the Club, and the board is now continuing its close financial and operational management to ensure financial stability.

Q3. What is the Club now doing to resolve all these issues?

In summary, here are some of the changes which have been brought in by the Club board, and are currently underway:

The Club board is taking immediate action to tidy the share register and look at options for utilising shares to raise funding, perhaps via a rights issue, while maintaining Supporters’ Trust majority ownership.

We are interviewing third parties to become retained financial advisers to the Club to advise on future funding requirements, and to work alongside the Trust and the minority shareholders if additional capital investment is required in future.

The review also assessed the strength of recruitment processes behind a number of key appointments and suggested recommendations for future improvements. These are now in place for future leadership team hires.

We are restructuring our finance function and will soon be appointing a new financial controller with a football background, along with a new accountant.

Q4. What impact will the issues have on the Club?

We are working with an independent financial expert to revise and reduce our overhead base back to manageable levels. This means that further cost reductions will be made across the Club and we have begun this process.

We will ensure that these changes are fully implemented. Importantly, across the Club and Trust, we are also focusing with renewed energy on a number of new income and membership initiatives. 

Q5. How has the Club board changed and why?

The planned departure of three Club board directors has taken place to ensure continuity and a handover to new board members. 

Richard Pym will be the new Independent Club Chair, and Laurence Overend will be the new Vice Chair. Other voting directors on the Club board are: Julen Beer and Nick Edwards (Trust representatives) and Andrew Rothwell. A further voting Trust director will be appointed to replace Clive Harrison who will continue as a director until the Trust AGM, along with a new independent director.

Julian Tagg will remain as President and Director of External Affairs and work alongside the Trust-elected representatives and independent directors. Sue McQueenie will step down as an associate director but will continue to work with the Club.

Q6. Why has all this taken so long?

When dealing with financial and staff matters, it is important to follow processes and confidentiality, in order to protect the integrity of ongoing, complex investigations. The Club understands that this has left many people concerned and questioning transparency. However, the confidentiality was vital to protect the rights of everyone involved and, ultimately, the Club itself.

Richard Pym said: “I am sure that other questions will arise, but I am hoping that these initial answers will help everyone inside and outside the Club to begin to see what has happened, and how the Club is planning to move forward. There will be opportunities to ask more questions, particularly at the Trust AGM in November which Clive and I will be attending. 

"It is important to recognise the challenges that the staff have had to deal with this summer, and we are extremely grateful to them for their hard work and the commitment that they have shown to improve the club for the future.

“The Club and Trust boards are determined to make sure all the issues that emerged this summer are resolved and not repeated. Supporters will be very angry, and they are entitled to be, they have been let down badly. I am sorry, I wasn’t here, but I can still say sorry, but I am here to help put it right. There are some excellent people around Exeter City and we shall be working as one team to fix this as soon as possible. Let’s crack on!”  

News Round Up

Kidderminster have brought in Stuart Watkiss as assistant manager to Adam Murray. Watkiss managed Kiddy from 2004 to 2006. Before then he played for Hereford United in 1996.

Hereford Under 18's have an HFA Giantkillers Cup game this evening. They play Pegasus at Hinton FC.

Last night former Hereford favourite Yusifu Ceesay scored for his new club Spalding in their 4-1 win at Bishops Stortford.

And another former Hereford player was on the scoresheet last night, Montel Gibson now with Hednesford scored a consolation goal in their 2-1 defeat at Whitby Town. 

 

Eight Years Ago Today - Cup Victory At Eastleigh

A look back to eight years today and a trip to Eastleigh in the FA Cup.

Eastleigh 1 – Hereford 2

For Hereford’s first game in the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round since reforming, three changes were made to the side that beat Banbury midweek.

Mike Symons, Calvin Dinsley and Garyn Preen came back into the side at the expense of Lance Smith, Rob Purdie and Adam Page.

Pete Beadle’s men started the tie looking bright, and within the opening two minutes of the game called the keeper into action. Some good work by John Mills and Garyn Preen on the left wing saw an eventual cross into the box, but Ross Flitney was quick to react and punched clear.

Seconds later, a foul 30-yards out led to a free kick for the visitors, but the Bulls failed to make the most of the chance.

In the fifth minute, Eastleigh should’ve done better to open the scoring. An initial shot was parried by Martin Horsell, and then a follow up shot was blocked, much to the relief of the travelling support.

The Bulls were forced into making an early substitution after Calvin Dinsley pulled up with a possible calf-strain. He was replaced in midfield by Rob Purdie.

Another free kick in the 14th minute saw Hereford take the lead. Mike McGrath’s 30-yard effort took a deflection off the wall, and it was enough to deceive the keeper as the ball nestled in the bottom left-hand corner of the net.

Eastleigh then went close with a couple of set pieces, an initial free kick from 25-yards was handled by Garyn Preen, with the second going behind for a fruitless corner.

Sam Wood was next to try his luck, but after carving out a shot, fired well over the target.

After conceding early, things went from bad to worse for the Spitfires as they were reduced to ten-men with 32 minutes on the clock. A long ball forward from the back was well-controlled by John Mills, before he played the ball out wide for Symons. The 31-year old found pace from somewhere, getting onto the end of the ball before being scythed down from behind by the last man. Andrew Boyce was subsequently given his marching orders by referee Carl Brook.

The resulting free kick on the edge of the area was anti-climatic as Mills blazed his shot well over.

Five minutes from the break, Mike Symons was perfectly positioned to make it two. Keyon Reffell picked out the unmarked Symons within the penalty area, but he failed to control his shot as it sailed over.

Hereford continued to create chances, with their second goal of the afternoon sending the side into raptures.

Some superb work from Keyon Reffell on the right flank saw him skip past his marker, before playing a low cross into the box. The ball worked its way to Garyn Preen on the opposite side, and with a twist and turn he round the keeper and fired home.

The second goal was exactly what Hereford needed going into the break, and playing against ten-men, there was a definite confidence amongst the fans on the terrace at half time.

HT: Eastleigh 0 – Hereford 2

Buoyed on by a vocal travelling contingent, the Bulls looked to add to their goal tally after the break. In the 49th minute, John Mills was teed-up by Mike Symons, but the marksman saw his weak effort easily gathered by the keeper.

Garyn Preen was then left unconscious following a hefty challenge from right-back Gavin Hoyte. After hitting the ground, he was knocked out for a time before being stretchered off and taken to hospital. Thankfully, he’s now recovering well.

After the lengthy stoppage, Hereford appeared to lose some of their momentum. Eight minutes after play resumed, a free kick in a promising position failed to come to anything. Mike McGrath’s floated ball from the edge of the area couldn’t find a Hereford shirt as the ball went wide.

Eastleigh then looked like they may be able to forge their way back into the game as they reduced the deficit in the 78th minute. A corner was headed back across goal by Paul McCallum, with Callum Howe on hand with a downward header to beat Horsell.

Eastleigh’s goal put Hereford slightly on edge, especially with 14 minutes added time. The Bulls seemed happy to try and run the clock down, holding the ball up near the corner flags for long periods.

Despite this, they were still on the look out for a third goal. Substitute Adam Page forced the keeper into tipping his rasping effort over the

bar, before Reffell’s driven right-footed effort went wide at the far post.

In the 12th minute of added time, a second straight red card for the home side saw them down to nine men as they searched for the illusive equaliser. Gavin Hoyte was immediately dismissed by the referee after fouling Mike Symons.

In the remaining four minutes of the game, little in the way of action happened. The referee finally blew for full time, with Hereford elated that they’re in Monday night’s draw for the First Round Proper – 7pm on BBC2.

FT: Eastleigh 1 – Hereford 2

Att: 1,345

Hereford: Horsell, Oates, Bowen, Dinsley (Purdie – 11’), Green, Deaman, Preen (Page – 63’), McGrath, Mills (Haysham – 87’), Reffell, Symons.

Subs not used: Preston, O’Shea, Bird, M. Harris.

Eastleigh: Flitney, Hoyte, Green, Togwell (Constable – 46’), Wood, Yeates, Stevens, McAllister (McCallum – 73’), Boyce, Williamson (McSheffrey – 73’), Howe.

Subs not used: Cresswell, Zebroski, Obileye, Miley.

Next Game: Farnborough at Home on Tuesday 17th October at 7.45pm

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