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.
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.
Chris Pike scores a hat trick against three different goalkeepers.
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!”
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.
A look back to eight years today and a trip to Eastleigh in the FA Cup.
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Following a difficult weekend, Kidderminster have brought in defender Paul Kalambayi from Dagenham on an initial one month loan deal.
On Wednesday evening Hereford U18's play Hereford Pegasus in the HFA Giantkillers Cup. The tie is at Hinton FC.
The draw for the first round of the FA Cup took place earlier this evening.
Weston-super-Mare vs Aldershot Town
Salford City vs Lincoln City
Luton Town vs Worthing/Forest Green Rovers
Gainsborough Trinity/Hartlepool United vs Accrington Stanley
Colchester United vs Milton Keynes Dons
Tranmere Rovers vs Stockport County
Wigan Athletic vs Hemel Hempstead Town
Newport County vs Gillingham
Cheltenham Town vs Bradford City
Barnsley vs York City
Reading vs Carlisle United
Bromley vs Bristol Rovers
Peterborough United vs Cardiff City
Oldham Athletic vs Northampton Town
Crewe Alexandra vs Doncaster Rovers
Tamworth vs Leyton Orient
Stevenage vs Chesterfield
Boreham Wood vs Crawley Town
Farnham Town or Sutton United vs AFC Telford United
Bolton Wanderers vs Huddersfield Town
Chelmsford City vs Braintree Town
Spennymoor Town vs Barrow
Wycombe Wanderers vs Plymouth Argyle
FC Halifax Town vs Exeter City
Slough Town vs Altrincham or Harborough Town
Wealdstone vs Southend United
Rotherham United vs Swindon Town
Grimsby Town vs Ebbsfleet United
Buxton vs Chatham Town
Burton Albion vs Banbury United or St Albans City
Woking or Brackley Town vs Notts County
Blackpool vs Scunthorpe United
Cambridge United vs Morecambe or Chester
AFC Wimbledon vs Gateshead
Mansfield Town vs Harrogate Town
Macclesfield vs AFC Totton or Truro City
South Shields vs Shrewsbury Town
Fleetwood Town vs Barnet
Port Vale vs Maldon & Tiptree
Eastleigh vs Walsall
The Northern Premier League has responded to United of Manchester's statement, see previous article, about 3pm kick-offs.
“It is disingenuous of clubs to suggest that there was no consultation. Three consultation surveys were undertaken with all members across the Trident Leagues.
“The League notes a statement by one member club that contains a number of detail inaccuracies.
“The NPL has not and will not force clubs to move Saturday kick-offs. This has been stressed in all written communication issued to clubs across the three separate consultations with member clubs.
“FA standardised rules also require the agreement of both clubs for a Saturday kick off time to be moved.
“So where one club doesn’t wish to do so, there is no further action.
“Together with an assurance that the NPL would not force clubs to move Saturday kick-offs offs, this was made clear in the consultations which also included a 1-2-1 call with the complaining club.
“Whether or not a club opts into the scheme is a matter for them alone. All fixture changes must be approved by the Northern Premier League.”
Interesting statement from FC United of Manchester has been released about the importance of staying with 3pm kick-offs on a Saturday afternoons.
Football at this level should mean 3pm on a Saturday — not shifting kick-offs for TV schedules.
FC United of Manchester have opted out of the ClubberTV live streaming scheme promoted by the Trident Leagues — covering the Northern Premier, Southern and Isthmian Leagues — in all cases. We expect the Northern Premier League, our own league, to respect that position this season and in the future.
Non-league football is built on match-going supporters. Changing kick-off times to suit TV schedules undermines that and risks damaging the fabric of the game. It disrupts the routines and habits that generations of supporters have built around their local clubs — travelling together, meeting friends, and creating the atmosphere that defines non-league football.
Moving fixtures in most cases will not help grow attendances; it will make it harder for home and travelling fans to attend, reduce volunteer participation, and impact players, sponsors, and the wider club community. It also affects bar and hospitality income — vital sources of revenue that help sustain clubs like ours.
We are not opposed to live streaming or innovation in how the game is presented — when used appropriately, it can help raise the profile of clubs and attract new supporters. But any such development must support the matchday experience, not replace it. Football at this level relies on people turning up, not tuning in.
Equally concerning is how this proposal has been handled. Clubs were not asked to approve or reject the Trident Leagues’ scheme through any formal process, nor given a meaningful opportunity to consider its implications. Decisions of this scale must be transparent, democratic, and made only with the clear consent of clubs.
We would welcome an open and genuine discussion across all Trident Leagues about how live streaming could strengthen — rather than undermine — attendances, atmosphere, club identity, and the long-term sustainability of non-league football.
Non-league football belongs to its supporters, players, volunteers, sponsors, and local communities — not to subscription platforms or shifting broadcast schedules.
Defender Owen Evans has joined Kidderminster. He had a trial pre-season but picked up an injury.
Former Hereford United mid-fielder Nicky Featherstone has been placed in charge at Hartlepool following the sacking of Simon Grayson.
With the news that Grayson had left Hartlepool, the total number of managerial changes in the National League this season has already reached eight.
Hereford Women lost their home game at Edgar Street this afternoon.
Hereford FC Women 0 Bromsgrove Sporting 2
The attendance was reported to be 80.
Next for Hereford Women is the short trip to Hereford Pegasus for a League fixture on Sunday October 26th.
Hemel Hempstead, who defeated Hereford in the last round of the FA Cup, have knocked out National Premier outfit Yeovil Town in the fourth qualifying round this afternoon.
It ended Hemel Hempstead 2 Yeovil 1.
It's the first time for 11 seasons that Hemel have reached the first round of the Cup.
Several National North clubs had Cup ties today.
Here are some of the results:
Darlington 0 AFC Telford 6
Macclesfield 1 Stamford 0
Morecambe 1 Chester 1
Runcorn 0 Buxton 1
South Shields 4 Spalding 0
Scunthorpe 4 Kings Lynn 2
Southport 1 Halifax 3
Spennymoor 1 Billericay 0
Five National North League fixtures this afternoon:
AFC Fylde 2 Worksop 3
Chorley 3 Oxford City 3
Kidderminster 1 Radcliffe 5
Marine 0 Curzon Ashton 4
Scarborough 2 Leamington 0
Hereford drop to 12th.
Possibly surprise of the day was Kidderminster losing at home by such a margin. They played with ten men from the 60th minute.
Reportedly four of Radcliffe's goals came from corners.
Kidderminster manager, Adam Murray, is a former player of the club. He was appointed last may. It's thought he is on a two year deal.
Morecambe have added a goalkeeper to their squad bringing the total in their squad to 36. The keeper, Jamal Blackman, is 6ft 6in tall.
On November 15th all National League games will keep off at 3pm as part of the campaign to try and secure three promotion places to League Two. It's the second round of the FA Trophy for National North and South clubs on that day.
Keeper James Pardington has joined Telford from Lincoln on a one month loan deal.
Hereford director George Webb has praised the contribution to club funds from badge selling supporter Doug Marshall. Since the club reformed in 2015 Marshall has raised over £15,000, a 'just amazing' amount said Webb.
A look back to this very day 17 years ago.
Some
may argue that three wrong penalty decisions by the referee did
Hereford no favours, but it has to be said not only were the Bulls
outplayed by The Latics but they also contributed to their own downfall.
As
early as the fourth minute, Craig Davies cut in from the left to fire a
speculative shot from the angle of the box. Broadhurst was marking Lee
Hughes some ten yards from goal but when Randolph spilled the ball,
Hughes was the only one to move and tapped in from inside the six-yard
box. Shortly after the restart, The enthusiastic Andy Williams who
looked to be revelling in the chance to play as a central striker made a
diagonal run before collecting a through ball and squaring for
Diagouraga whose useful effort was deflected clear. Despite a difficult
start, The Bulls grafted to find a way back into the game and although
failing to create real opportunities the effort did give hope for the
remaining part of the game. Then, on fifteen minutes came the first of
two penalty errors by referee Shoebridge. As the ball was lofted over
the Bulls defence, Hughes and N'Gotty chased it towards the bye-line.
Hughes appeared to get a touch to the ball deflecting it away from the
goal but instead of following the ball he leant into N'Gotty before
collapsing to the ground. The reaction of most reasonable football fans
would have been "nice try Lee...but the Ref won't buy that one". He
did and awarded the softest penalty I've witnessed in fifty years of
watching football. Hughes should be ashamed to call himself a
professional. Andy Liddell slotted home the spot kick. Two down in
fifteen minutes.
Jackson lifted a cross over the bar before both
Kris Taylor and Williams saw efforts squeeze wide of the target.
Hudson-Odoi drifted into the centre to fire a crisp effort from about
twelve yards but appeared to be having difficulty with grip from his
boots and was substituted after thirty minutes when he was replaced by
Simon Johnson. On thirty-five minutes, Daniel Jones not for the first
time left Jackson for dead as he cut inside to fire home a low drive
from 18 yards diagonally across Randolph into the far corner of the net.
A rare decision in favour of the Bulls came when Williams drew a foul
from Hazel on the edge of the box. Hazel received a deserved yellow for
his effort and Kris Taylor's free kick was just inches high as it
clipped the crossbar before going out for a goal-kick. A penalty that
wasn't, a decent goal that could have been prevented and a spilled save
that was tapped in by an unmarked player!
HT Oldham 3 HUFC 0
The
Bulls started the second period brightly and should have been awarded a
penalty within minutes of the kick-off. Andy Williams was fed by
O'Leary and turned his marker before firing for goal. The ball was
palmed away by a defender but neither the ref or the adjacent linesman
felt inclined to award what was a clear penalty and probable card
offence. A period of ten to fifteen minutes saw United produce their
best period of the game in terms of possession and passing but still the
goal threats were few and far between as only occasionally did we have
more than one player close enough to the opponents goal to pose any
danger to the Latics defence. Williams, again, turned his marker and
fired goal-ward only to see substitute 'keeper Fleming tip his effort
over the bar. As the Bulls pushed forward, even Richard Rose found
himself in a position to try a pop at goal. In fact, it was Rose who
produced probably the best cross of the game when he checked back to
leave the defender flat-footed before delivering a fine clipped cross to
the far post. However, the early promise of the second half was
short-lived as Oldham resumed control and United's passing movements
returned to the sideways non-penetrative mode seen all too frequently
this season.
To add insult to the injury of his earlier penalty
misdemeanours, Referee Shoebridge then conspired to produce two cards in
as many minutes to Hereford's hardworking midfielder, Stephen O’Leary.
Both challenges looked fairly innocuous but the second appeared to draw
a straight red from the stage-struck official. Despite being reduced
to ten men, the Bulls still produced a couple of late attempts on goal
and, indeed, had another clear penalty shout as the game drew to a
close. A deep Kris Taylor corner was arrowing it's way towards
N'Gotty's head before he was hauled to the ground by an Oldham defender
when about to head at the open goal. Naturally, Shoebridge didn't see a
thing. Then just before the two added minutes, Danny Whitaker fired a
fourth Oldham goal from just inside the box.
Whilst a good number
of decisions did not go our way, the best football and goal efforts
certainly came from The Latics. Once again, poor defending was punished
and although the return of Steve Guinan was a welcome boost The Bulls
still look way short of what is required to survive or progress in this
League. Square pegs rarely fit in round holes although one talented
winger who was the only "paid for" close season signing did seem
comfortable in his seat amidst the visiting Bulls fans who numbered a
creditable 334 amongst the total of 5468.
Not a good day at the office Gaffer, although the sight of 4-4-2 might be a step in the right direction!
Oldham
Athletic: Crossley (Fleming 46), Lomax, Hazell, Byrne, Jones, Liddell
(Smalley 62), Allott, Whitaker, Taylor, Davies, Hughes (Alessandra 78).
Subs Not Used: Maher, O'Grady.
Hereford United: Randolph,
Jackson, Broadhurst, N'Gotty, Rose, O'Leary, Diagouraga, Taylor,
Hudson-Odoi (Johnson 30), Williams, Guinan Subs Not Used: Samson, Smith,
Chadwick, Beckwith.
Speaking after the match to BBC Hereford and Worcester, Graham Turner didn't mince his words:
"I've been fairly quiet on any criticism of the players, but I thought the first 45 minutes we were out-fought, out-worked, out-muscled, we just didn't compete in that 45 minutes and effectively the game was over at 2-0 let alone three. At least for 30 minutes of the second half we did up the workrate, the competitive edge to our game."
"It's been an eye-opener, we have lost a lot of games by the odd goal but the first 45 minutes - that's unacceptable. I know we've stepped up a league, I know they're better players we're playing against - sharper - and the front two caused us all sorts of problems. Having said that we've got to do better than we have today."
In regards to Stephen O'Leary's dismissal Turner believed it to be harsh - but couldn't confirm whether it was a straight red or not: "It was never a single red card if that's what he's (the referee) done."
But he ended the interview on a blunt note: "Unfortunately we can't take another eleven (on loan) which I would like to do right at the moment."
If O'Leary did receive a straight red card it would mean an instant minimum of a two match ban. A pair of yellow cards is a one match ban.
Because of the FA Cup there are only five fixtures in the National North League tomorrow.
AFC Fylde v Worksop
Chorley v Oxford City
Kidderminster v Radcliffe
Marine v Curzon Ashton
Scarborough v Leamington
The London Bulls Podcast interview Marc Pugh in their latest release! Available to watch/listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Below is a summary:
Join KD and Tom as they speak to former Hereford United winger Marc Pugh. Marc comes across as an incredibly nice and down to earth guy even when you consider that he made it all the way to the Premier League with Bournemouth.
KD and Tom start at the very beginning with Marc talking about his youth days signing for Burnley, the club that he supports and getting incredibly close to making his professional debut. Sadly for us Hereford fans, Marc went on loan to Kidderminster but it is a time that he remembers fondly and he learnt a lot in the conference. He then discusses just how he felt on being released by Steve Cottrell at Burnley. Marc had great self belief to continue on, eventually ending up at Shrewsbury which we won’t hold against him. Although it does feel like he was trying to taunt us Hereford fans!
Then of course he went on loan to Hereford towards the end of the League One season. Then signing permanently for us at the start of our League Two season. Marc talks about how influential that period with Hereford was for him how he still has friends within that squad, his travel arrangements whilst at Hereford and the indescribable Tony Ford and his fantastic strength workout techniques. Marc was very impressed with how in shape Tony Ford was from a man of his age and regaled the boys with some fantastic stories about their time together.
Marc of course caught the eye of Bournemouth scoring against some three times in that League Two season so no wonder Eddie Howe wanted to sign him. We talk through the tribunal which Marc attended alongside the Bournemouth chairman and just how much he ended up going for.
We talk through the start of what turned out to be a nine year journey with Bournemouth from League One all the way up to the Premier League making his debut in his first ever Premier League season and scoring a couple of goals in that season.
KD and Tom quiz Marc on his favourite teammates, the toughest opponents that he faced and of course talking about what he does now. Marc is an advocate for eating well and in fact discussed throughout the podcast how much of a difference the right nutrition can make. The ‘Foodie Footballer’ as he is known on social media now goes into clubs and speaks to players and young players about what to eat and how to cook it.
Tom and KD would like to thank Marc for his time, for his fantastic stories and for telling us what Jason Tindall is really like.
------------------------------------
00:00 - Intro
01:05 - Early Life
04:48 - Burnley, Kidderminster, Bury and Shrewsbury
17:45 - Hereford United
30:48 - AFC Bournemouth Years
56:20 - Hull City, QPR, Shrewsbury
01:07:35 - Foodie Footballer
01:12:31 - Quick Fire Questions
01:22:49 - Outro
Former Hereford striker Montel Gibson has joined Hednesford.
'We’ve strengthened our attacking options with the signing of 27-year-old centre forward Montel Gibson, adding proven experience, presence and power to our front line.
A familiar face to Pitmen fans, Montel first pulled on the black and white in 2016 before carving out an impressive career across the divisions. Since then, he’s represented Notts County, Grimsby Town, AFC Telford United, Matlock Town and most recently Hereford, where he featured in the National League North on loan.
Born in Birmingham and a graduate of the Notts County academy, Montel signed his first professional contract at Meadow Lane and quickly built a reputation as a quick, strong and confident striker – one who leads the line with authority and has a natural instinct for goal.
Manager Gavin Hurren said: “This is a fantastic signing for us. Montel’s played at a good level and brings that quality and know-how you only get from competing higher up the pyramid. He’s quick, powerful, and has a great instinct for goal. Having been here before, he understands what this club is about and what the fans expect. We’ve had our eye on him for a while, having worked together earlier in his career, and it’s great to bring him back. I know he’ll make a big difference.”
Montel added: “It feels really good to be back at Hednesford. I’ve played for some great clubs since I was last here and learned a lot along the way, but this move feels right. The club’s going in a positive direction and I can’t wait to get started, help the team and play my part.”
Montel’s arrival underlines our continued intent to combine local roots with best-in-class standards – attracting players of real calibre who share our ambition and drive for success.'
The AGM of HUST, Hereford United Supporters Trust, will take place on Thursday November 20th at the Richmond Club with a 7.30 start.
As is usual there are vacancies on the HUST Board. One of the current seven elected directors is standing down and so with nine positions, it means there are up three vacancies. Any HUST member interested in standing should return a nomination form along with a statement by 5pm on Friday October 17th.
As regards any resolutions from members they should also be submitted by next Friday.
More details on the HUST site: https://www.hust.org.uk/
Weymouth FC have sacked their football commentator after he wasn't too pleased about recent results.
He had a go in particular at the club's directors following a 2-0 defeat by local rivals Wimborne.
Ben Ashelford was speaking on the radio station owned by the cub.
“You’ve done this, six years of abject c***.
“I’m deadly serious as well. I would invite any member of the board of directors on to a podcast – come on and debate me.
“I’ll tell you the truth but I suspect there’s not a set of nuts between you so we both know it’s not going to happen."
Weymouth, who are currently managed by former Salisbury manager Steve Claridge, have dropped down from the National League to the Southern Premier League.
The club released a statement.
“Following a review of this week’s radio commentary, Weymouth Football Club confirms that it has parted company with Ben Ashelford.
“Ben will no longer be commentating on matches or participating in any official club activities.
“While we recognise that football often evokes passionate opinions, we are disappointed by the tone and content of Ben’s recent remarks, as well as the subsequent misrepresentation of events."
Not all Weymouth supporters agree with the decision to part company with Ashelford.
Stuart Puckett said: “Ben only stated the truth. I listen to most away games and find Ben very unbiased. Had the board met with Ben I am sure a better outcome would have been reached.”
The home side run riot as Hereford capitulate at Gresty Road. This was a joint record Football League defeat at the time. 17 year old YTS goalkeeper Brian Thomas in goal.
Hereford 1 Thomas 2 Clark 3 Downs 4 Anderson 5 Smith 6 Morris 7 Hall 8 Fry 9 May 10 Pickard 11 Nicholson Sub Brain Attendance 3,509
Macclesfield chairman Rob Smethurst has stood down from the post.
Also standing down is first team coach Peter Band.
Smethurst bought the assets of the previous club, Macclesfield Town FC, in October 2020.
"I feel the best way to move this football club forward is to bring someone in with more experience than me that can handle a lot of what this club is about and that is the first team,"said Smethurst.
"The lads on the board, who own the club now, will step forward and really start to make this club move onto the next level."
Losing manager Robbie Savage to Forest Green Rovers was a blow to Smethurst.
"Me and Robbie were very close there's no doubt about it. We lived and breathed it.
"We had a really special bond and since Robbie has gone, I've struggled with that. I've had added pressures. I just want to do now what is right for the club.
"I feel like the next evolution for this club is bring in someone better than I am, who has the energy and can carry on with the high expectations and keep driving this club forward."
Hereford were due to play Macclesfield on Saturday but the game has been postponed as Macclesfield remain in the FA Cup.
Talking Bull is looking for contributions for its next issue. Deadline is October 24th.
Hereford FC has revealed that the wheelchair area of its Edgar Street stadium has had a 'new look' thanks to Kingspan.
Hereford 'Awaydays' will hold its Christmas Party en route to Chorley FC on December 20th.
Because some clubs remain in the FA Cup only five National North League fixtures are set to take place on Saturday.
Just one result from the National North League this evening.
AFC Fylde 1 Leamington 1
The result means that Hereford remain in 10th place in the table.
Fylde move into 2nd place three points behind leaders South Shields.
Fylde's Danny Mayor was sent off in added time. If confirmed he may miss the game against Hereford on Saturday week.
A selection of pictures from the second half of last Sunday's FA Womens Cup at Edgar Street.
Hereford FC's goal of the month of September was scored by Sam Osborne in the game at Darlington.
Player of the month was Omari Sterling-James in particular for his free kicks.
Hereford FC Under 18's have a league fixture away at Lye Town on Thursday evening.
New Jersey born Nick Semaca is set to become the major shareholder in National League club Wealdstone. He recently sold his shareholding in Leyton Orient.
Just one National North League fixture this evening:
AFC Fylde v Leamington
Should Fylde win the game, they will move into second place in the table.
Should Leamington win, they will move into ninth position and Hereford will drop to eleventh.
A selection of pictures from the first half of yesterday's FA Womens Cup at Edgar Street.
