Sterling-James transfer latest as Caddis addresses 'falling out and shouting match' rumours

Omari Sterling-James looks set to leave Edgar Street

Omari Sterling-James was absent for a second game in a row after Hereford were beaten 4-2 by Chorley.

The 32-year-old Birmingham-born winger has impressed since arriving at Edgar Street in March, particularly with his set pieces.

But he looks set to leave Edgar Street, wanting a move to a side that isn't full-time nor higher up the pyramid.

Giving an update after the Chorley defeat, Caddis said "it's probably now a matter for the board to go and try and sort out of a fee or whatever it is that's involved".

While an offer has been made, Caddis said it was one "the club didn't think was acceptable", but he added: "Marz is looking at going elsewhere. We'll shake his hand, try and find a solution and move on."

Caddis was asked what the attraction was for Sterling-James to move on from Edgar Street, given that the club interested is said to be part-time and not higher up the pyramid.

There had also been rumours online of a falling out between the pair, which Caddis rejected.

"I'm guessing it's financial," he said.

"I don't mind getting slaughtered for it because we just lost again of football but you need to understand these lads are part-time, they want to get as much money as they possibly can.

"I'm not saying Marz is driven by money because he absolutely isn't. We've still got loads of respect for each other. There hasn't been a falling out, there hasn't been a shouting match. 

"We had a private meeting that I won't get into detail, [but] he's had an opportunity that he sees as a lot more attractive than us.

"We've got to respect that and now it's about finding a solution."

Sterling-James, whose previous clubs include Cheltenham Town, Kidderminster Harriers and Ebbsfleet United, has made 22 appearances for Hereford this season and scored five goals.

Caddis points to lack of desire as Hereford drop into relegation zone

Paul Caddis, centre, said Hereford have a mentality issue

Hereford manager Paul Caddis has said a lack of desire is hampering his side who now look set to be dragged into a relegation battle unless improvements finally come.

While Hereford went into the break level as Andy Williams's looped effort cancelled out Anjola Popoola's opener after just four minutes, three goals for the hosts in the second half put even a point out of Hereford's reach.

One of those goals in the 4-2 defeat came from a set piece, which the downbeat Scot said has become "a bit of a theme".

"Just a desire to mark your man and keep the ball out the net," he said in his post-match interview.

"It's happened way too often, different people as well. It's spread right across the team and it's become a thing now. Then to go and concede another one so soon after, which again, we've done time and time again this year. 

"You give yourself a real mountain to climb. We thought, first half, Chorley started well, then I thought we got a goal back and came into the game. But it was sort of a non-event, the first half.

"We've got a mentality issue because we keep conceding goals very, very early on."

Asked where it comes from, Caddis reply: "Honestly, I'm unsure at the moment because it's not like we are getting absolutely battered in those early moments. It's two, three, four, five minutes into the game.

"So, it's nothing to do with tactics. It's nothing to do with formations or anything like that. It's just an individual desire to do your job from the off and we've struggled for the full season with that."

The result leaves Hereford in the bottom four and they face a daunting prospect of the Boxing Day derby against Kidderminster Harriers - and side who beat AFC Fylde 1-0 on Saturday, causing them to drop to second.

The BBC's Carson Wishart asked whether Caddis and the coaching team can do anything to improve things from the first whistle, to which Caddis said: "Trust me, Carson, we look nonstop at what we can do.

"We've changed a little bit in the last couple of weeks. It's got us a little bit more success.

"I'll probably get slaughtered for coming out and saying that the early part of the season that we were more possession-based. It wasn't working because we were losing games and we've got a little bit bigger, a little bit more direct and keep the ball away from a goal to be brutally honest.

"That's worked the last four out of the last five games. We wanted to do that again. We set out to do that, but when you're on the pitch, individuals have got to take responsibility."

While Caddis said Hereford did well to get back into the game thanks to Williams' goal, he admitted: "We can't keep doing that though. We can't keep trying to get back into games. 

"We have to go and take a lead in the game. It's really difficult and it's the frustration in the dressing room."

Listen in full: Caddis dissects Hereford’s 4-2 defeat at Chorley

Hereford manager Paul Caddis has given his verdict on Saturday’s 4-2 defeat at Chorley.

Press play to listen in full.

Enterprise National League North results and updated table

Saturday's Enterprise National League North results are: 

Bedford Town (0) 1-1 (1) Marine [799]
Buxton (0) 0-2 (1) AFC Telford United
Chester (0) 1-3 (0) South Shields
Chorley (1) 4-2 (1) Hereford
Darlington (0) 1-1 (0) King's Lynn Town
Kidderminster Harriers (1) 1-0 (0) AFC Fylde
Merthyr Town (1) 2-1 (0) Curzon Ashton
Peterborough Sports (0) 0-4 (0) Scarborough Athletic
Radcliffe (0) 2-1 (0) Leamington
Southport (1) 1-1 (0) Worksop Town
Spennymoor Town (0) 1-1 (0) Oxford City

The updated league table can be found here: http://bullsnews.blogspot.com/p/league-table.html

Williams brace not enough for Hereford

An Andy Williams brace was not enough stop Hereford leaving Chorley empty handed.

With the score 1-1 at half time as a looping Andy Williams goal cancelled out Anjola Popoola's opener, the visitors looked to be growing in confidence. 

But conceding three goals in 12 minutes in the second half, with Mark Ellis, Tom Carr and Tom Walker finding the back of the net.

Williams did reduce the deficit with a second but it's another defeat - 4-2 the final score. 

1- 1 At The Break

At half time it's:

Chorley 1 Hereford 1

Chorley took the lead four minutes into the half.

Hereford equalised on 27 minutes.

Andy Williams the scorer.

Hereford team news for Chorley trip

This afternoon's team news for Hereford's game at Chorley is in. 

There is no Omari Sterling-James who was made unavailable last weekend with interest being shown in him from other clubs. 

Hereford: Richardson, Skinner, Howkins, Quansah, Hudson; D'Ath, Mafuta, Osborne, Hamilton, White, Williams. 

Subs: Lewis, Preston, Richards, Nto, Edwards, McFarlane, Rooney. 

17 Years Ago Today - Huddersfield v Hereford

A look back to December 20th 2008: 

Huddersfield humble hearty Hereford

Huddersfield Town got their Lee Clark era under way with a 2-0 home victory over Hereford United this afternoon at the impressive Galpharm Stadium. The Bulls created a host of chances at the start of either half but failed to convert any of them. United were ultimately punished by their hosts when Nathan Clarke scored from close-range and the advantage was doubled when Gary Roberts finished a flowing move.

The Bulls were unchanged following on from their two match unbeaten run although Robbie Threlfall returned to the bench in place of Clint Easton, after a lengthy period out injured. Huddersfield included three ex Accrington men in their starting line-up with Roberts joining Robbie Williams and Ian Craney. Keigan Parker returned after a three match ban with former Everton striker Danny Cadamarteri having to be content with a place on the bench.

The away side made a lively start to the game with Josh Gowling nearly scoring his first goal for the club; Lionel Ainsworth sent in a corner which was nodded on and at the back-post Gowling headed towards goal and was only denied by a goal-line clearance. Richard Rose had a powerful effort blocked before Andy Williams sliced over the rebound whilst a Guinan header, this time from a Done corner, was held by the impressive Huddersfield ‘keeper Alex Smithies. The home side came into the game and soon started creating chances of their own with Jim Goodwin hitting the side-netting with a placed effort after good hold-up work from Parker. Goodwin then turned provided as he sent in a deep cross which was met the back-post by R. Williams but his header was denied by a fine save from Craig Samson as he pushed the ball over the bar.

The Scottish ‘keeper was again the hero moments later as Roberts sent an in swinging corner with Clarke meeting it in the area but once more, Samson made an excellent close-range save. The former Ipswich man was starting to get into the game and he sent a shot into the body of Samson, before setting up Craney who shot wildly into the away fans. The combative central midfield man went a little closer with his next effort however, as a pass from Parker made its way to Craney and he fired just over from 20 yards. United looked threatening on the break and a snapshot effort from Guinan from all of 30 yards had Smithies scrambling to hold the shot.

The home side continued to press with Roberts running at the Bulls’ back-line, eventually turning past Beckwith before curling just past the far-post with his un-favoured right-foot.Two neat passing moves, a highlight of Huddersfield’s play, resulted in chances for both R. Williams and Roberts once again but Samson was on hand to make routine saves. Clarke ventured forward from the back to skip past Toumani Diagouraga but gave a ‘defender’s finish’ as he failed to trouble Samson whilst at the other end, Dean Beckwith headed at Smithies from an Ainsworth corner. The Terriers won a corner of its own and it wasn’t cleared, falling nicely to Roberts whose control set him up for a strike which he hit truly but it went just over. In the final moments, Hereford had arguably their best chance of the half with Ainsworth instrumental in a superb counter-attack; the Watford loanee used some tricks to get Hereford out of trouble at the back, before bringing both Guinan and A. Williams into play whilst continuing his run. The ball made its way to Ainsworth down the right-wing and in front of the back-line but he decided to take the shot a little early and sent it just past the near post.

The Bulls came out in the second-half in confident fashion and dominated the opening proceedings to silence the vocal home support. A. Williams used his body to spin past a defender before touching past another but he couldn’t beat the ‘keeper from 20 yards as Smithies denied his powerful strike. Ainsworth was the danger man, as has been the case in the last two matches, playing a one-two with Guinan before breaking into the box but he couldn’t keep his composure as he blasted over from a fine position. A beautiful left-footed cross from Kris Taylor was flicked onto the roof of the net by Guinan at the near-post before a looped cross from Ainsworth was tamely headed wide by A. Williams. In a carbon copy of the earlier chance, Taylor again whipped in a superb cross for Guinan with this time the experienced striker heading, under pressure, inches past the back-post. Phil Jevons replaced James Berrett as Clark added another attacking threat to his team and the former Bristol City man nearly made an instant impact as he headed just over after good-work on the wing from Roberts.

Guinan picked out a decent pass to release Matty Done down the wing and he crossed into the danger-area where Ainsworth popped up at the back but his half-volley was hit into the ground and was easy for Smithies. Guinan was also involved in setting-up Ben Smith after good hold-up work, the Bulls’ captain smashed goal wards with Smithies finger-tips diverting it over. United were denied a penalty after A. Williams appeared to be tripped inside the area but the referee turned down the strong appeals; he did however send John Trewick to the stands for his protests. Cadamarteri took to the field in place of Craney and was involved as Huddersfield broke the deadlock. Taylor had deflected a shot from Parker out for a corner and after this was cleared, the lack of players up-field for United contributed to it coming straight back into the box; Cadamarteri found room on the right-wing and crossed into a superb area where Guinan tried his best to head it clear but it went straight to Clarke who tucked in from close-range.

It appeared to be the story of Hereford’s season, too many chances not taken and teams then going onto punish them. The Whites had a golden chance to equalise but failed to take it; Taylor again gave an excellent option on the wing by crossing and it made its way to Ainsworth who saw a powerful right-foot effort parried before the re-bound was sliced just wide from a stretching Guinan. Clarke tried his best to double his goal tally for the day but a header was denied by Samson. Parker curled past the far-post after turning 25 yards out before the Terriers doubled their lead. Roberts and Jevons linked up superbly down the left-hand side and into the box before the ball made its way to the winger who made no mistake by powerfully toe-poking past the despairing dive of Samson.

Credit must be handed to Hereford who kept on going with Guinan having a 20 yard shot pushed behind by Smithies whilst Parker dragged a shot past the post at the other end. A. Williams was nearly rewarded when he closed down a sloppy back-pass to challenge the ‘keeper but the ball deflected off the striker and bounced just over the open goal. Simon Johnson and Nick Chadwick came on for A. Williams and Done late on and the pair linked-up to release Chadwick but the former Plymouth striker saw his shot deflect wide. Jon Worthington came on for Parker before in stoppage time, Taylor saw his curling free-kick from 25 yards well saved by Smithies.

Under the guidance of the new manager and the backing of the majority of the 13,070 crowd, Huddersfield came through a tricky test although the away following of 214 will be encouraged by Hereford’s performance. If United had managed to get the first-goal, the game could have taken a much different path but the killer instinct still appears to be lacking up front. For all A. Williams hard-work up top, he rarely looks like he will pop up with a goal. Next up United is the Boxing Day visit of Tranmere Rovers, before a trip to league leaders Leicester City two days later.

Hereford: Samson, Rose, Gowling, Beckwith, Taylor, Ainsworth, Diagouraga, Smith, Done, Guinan, Williams.

Subs: Broadhurst, Threlfall, Gwynne, Johnson, Chadwick.

Huddersfield: Smithies, Berrett, ,N. Clarke, Goodwin, Butler, Williams, Holdsworth, Craney,Collins, Parker, Roberts.

Subs: Glennon, Worthington, T. Clarke, Jevons, Cadamarteri.

Reaction From Huddersfield

Speaking to BBC Hereford & Worcester, Graham Turner though the Bulls should have won the game: "First of all I though we played ever so well second half. I think that we started the game well in the first half but got a bit disorganised with the method that Huddersfield were playing with three centre halves and a deep lying midfield player. We sorted one or two things out at half time and I thought we had a terrific second half and I can't believe we've lost the game - and nor can the players.

"I think we had a good shout for a penalty right before they scored, but we created a string of good chances, some of which we didn't do very well with others that the goalkeeper made some very good saves.

"Disappointed with the outcome of it all, encouraged by the level of work, performance, spirit in the side. And if they show that repeatedly we'll get out of trouble."

Huddersfield boss Lee Clark was delighted with the win, telling their official site: "It was very good! I knew I was inheriting a good, confident group of lads but what they did show in the second-half, when we had a twenty minute spell of being under pressure, was that they are all prepared to stand up and be counted.

"Hereford came into the game in the second-half and caused us a few problems down the wide areas - their full-backs were getting on the ball too easily. We were getting a bit stretched and we had to stop that, so we switched to a 4-4-2 to try and get on the ball ourselves and build some momentum. Basically, we had to stop their full-backs dictating the pace of the game and once we changed we started creating chances again before getting the first goal at a vital time. To be fair to the lads they might have been a little bit flat after the interval because they have given me absolutely everything in training this week; perhaps that took a little bit of a toll on them."

 

This Afternoon's National North Fixtures

A list of the games set to take place in the National North League this afternoon:

Bedford Town v Marine

Buxton v AFC Telford United

Chester v South Shields

Chorley v Hereford

Darlington v King's Lynn Town

Kidderminster Harriers v AFC Fylde

Merthyr Town v Curzon Ashton

Peterborough Sports v Scarborough Athletic

Radcliffe v Leamington

Southport v Worksop Town

Spennymoor Town v Oxford City  

National North Weekend Preview

This preview from the National League is written by Tom Scott.

The Enterprise National League North returns after a brief FA Trophy hiatus - so who will stake their claim to Christmas number one?

It can only be one of two sides but both AFC Fylde and South Shields face tough away days.

The Coasters head to Kidderminster Harriers on the back of three straight wins while Ian Watson takes his side to Chester who haven't tasted defeat since late October.

The only side to have gone longer unbeaten - ten games in all competitions - currently are Southport who host Worksop Town.

Third-place Merthyr Town know they can't be top for Christmas but know a win against Curzon Ashton could edge them even closer.

Just below the Martyrs things could not be any more wide open - just four points separate Kidderminster Harriers in fourth and Marine down in 12th. 

The Mariners - who could jump up to sixth with a win - head to Bedford Town while Radcliffe will be desperate to get back to winning ways at home against winless-on-the-road Leamington.

Despite their humbling defeat to Oxford City last time out Darlington are still one of the form sides in the division and meet another side in good shape in King's Lynn Town.

After two weekends on the road Chorley will be hoping their Victory Park home will live up to its name as Hereford arrive. 

Could this weekend be the one where Oxford City end their winless run on the road? 

The Hoops haven't won a league game away from home since April and head to Spennymoor Town who are unbeaten in their two December games so far.

Elsewhere, Scarborough Athletic head to Peterborough Sports while AFC Telford United - fresh from their heroics in the FA Trophy last weekend - head to Buxton.

This weekend's fixtures:
Bedford Town v Marine
Buxton v AFC Telford United
Chester v South Shields
Chorley v Hereford
Darlington v King's Lynn Town
Kidderminster Harriers v AFC Fylde
Merthyr Town v Curzon Ashton
Peterborough Sports v Scarborough Athletic
Radcliffe v Leamington
Southport v Worksop Town
Spennymoor Town v Oxford City 

It's Always Tough At Chorley

 

Ahead of tomorrow's away game Hereford manager Paul Caddis has told BBC Hereford and Worcester that it's always tough at Chorley.

"A really tough game, it's always tough up there," said Caddis.

"I think our record over the past two years has been pretty good.

"I think we've drawn one and won one.

"The game here they rolled us over, well and truely deserved winners that afternoon.

"We won't be up there for revenge, that's not how it works.

"We'll be up there to go and try and win a game of foootball, simple as that." 

Corner being turned?

Is a corner gradually being turned in Hereford FC's season? If that's too much to ask, can a corner be turned into a goal at the right end at least?

The Bulls travel to Lancashire on Saturday as they continue their quest to pull away from the National League North relegation zone, after being on FA Trophy duty last weekend with that rare beast, an Edgar Street home game. Whether there’ll be another one in 2025 is in the lap of the gods (and the forecast suggests that the gods might be in quite a good mood for a change next week), and, more prosaically, Ben Bowen’s new drains.

Chorley won at Edgar Street in August in second gear, but Hereford are, like the tortoise to Chorley’s hare, chugging into some sort of form for the second half of the season after starting it like they were still on the beach, and this could be more of a closely-fought encounter as a result.

In fact, the Bulls are approaching the season in the same way they approach individual matches – awful start and then gradual warming to the task. Match warm-ups should actually be 45-minute simulated matches, so that they then play the actual first half of games the way they typically play second halves. Where that leaves the actual second half in terms of energy levels is of course an issue. It’s all very odd though how lethargic the first fifteen minutes, and often the first 45, almost always are, and is something that needs rectifying.

Whether it’s right or wrong that the Bulls came into the season undercooked (some of those early-season no-shows make it very difficult to argue otherwise), there are signs, very tentative signs, of them now being capable of turning their multiple games in hand into cold, hard points, and seeing how far those points can take them up the league.

This will be something of a progress report. Just over a year ago at Victory Park Hereford confidently went toe-to-toe with the Magpies and would have won but for a late Andy Williams penalty miss.

If something similar emerges here it will strongly suggest that the side really is belatedly finding its feet, is on the up, and that things haven’t gone backwards over the last twelve months, despite the multitude of hassles since August, hassles that have been entirely out of the control of Paul Caddis and his players.

Something that is much more the remit of Caddis, Adam Rooney and their players, is that there was another early concession of a facile goal from a set piece last Saturday; they wouldn’t be quite so frustrating if one or two similarly easy goals were scored by the Bulls rather than conceded by them. There’s a distinct feeling this season that Hereford have to work for their goals (as should be the case), whereas opponents are continually given gifts.

The hosts sit twelfth in the league; that league position is unusually low for an ultra-consistent top-end play-off side, and gives some cause for optimism for the away side.

Long-serving goalie Matt Urwin remains one of the better keepers in the division, ex-Bull Harvey Smith continues to be a defensive lynchpin for them, and Adam Blakeman is both their free-kick expert and long-throw slinger.

Manager Andy Preece expects 18-year-old Preston North End midfielder Max Wilson to go on to have a decent career in the game, and despite his tender years the loanee’s quality could cause the Bulls some headaches here.

Preece is a shrewd cookie and he will have diligently done his homework ahead of this match. He’ll also be quite cross at Chorley’s start to the season, and I wouldn’t want to cross a cross Andy Preece.

No new arrivals in the Hereford dressing room this week despite Omari Sterling James reportedly leaving for pastures new. A four-game unbeaten run owes at least something to the following positives though: Jaiden White looking delighted to just be playing football again which is lovely to see and adds significantly to the side’s attacking threat. Gus Mafuta growing into his ‘thou shalt not pass’ midfield role, a role sorely needed when the Bulls midfield was being ridden roughshod over repeatedly earlier in the season. Also, Sam Osborne continues to be a livewire, Keenan Quansah is starting to come into his own and is offering some mobility at the back, and finally Aaron Skinner is hinting that he’s getting back to his best. Quite a long list, all in all.

All of a sudden the next game is, possibly, Kidderminster at home on Boxing Day, and as has been the case recently all eyes will be on the weather rather than the latest big-money signing our fancy-dan Worcestershire neighbours have brought in to drag them up and out of this division. A P-P for that one would possibly leave the club’s beancounters weeping (although not on the pitch please as it can’t take any more moisture) as losses from whatever has caused the issue will start to match the profit returned by the club for the last reporting year, and then all that financial prudence is undone.

That’s not a particularly bright note to end on though, so I’ll just say goals for Willo and I-Lani here wouldn’t be a surprise. And one for a centre back from a corner in the right net for a change. OK, maybe I’ve gone too far with that.

COYW

News Expected About Sterling-James

 

It's now six days since Hereford manager revealed that he had left Omari Sterling-James out of the squad to play Radcliffe in the FA Trophy because of 'interest' in the player.

Since then nothing more has been revealed by the club.

However matters should become clearer in the next 24 hours or so.

Either the player will have left for another club or he will be in the squad to play at Chorley.

If he has left then he will be thanked for his contribution to the club, if he has decided to stay let's hope his undoubted ability will continue to help the club back up the table.     

Hereford 9/4 To Win At Chorley

Andy Williams At Chorley Last Season

Hereford are away at Chorley tomorrow and the bookmakers are pricing a Hereford win at around 9/4.

Last Saturday Hereford defeated Radcliffe on penalties in the FA Trophy.  Chorley were away at Worksop in the League and drew 1-1.

Currently Hereford are 20th in the league table whilst Chorley are 13th.

However Hereford have played 18 games gaining 20 points whereas Chorley have played 21 games for 27 points.

Chorley's home record is won 5, drawn 3 and lost 2.

Hereford's away record is 3 wins, 2 draws and 5 defeats.

Chorley's goal difference is plus 3, Hereford's is minus 7.

Recent form (league only):

Chorley DWDLD

Hereford DLLDW

Chorley 21/20  Draw 3/1  Hereford 9/4 

Important update to Hereford fans heading to Merthyr Town

Merthyr Town have contacted a number of supporters by email as they carry out additional checks ahead of Hereford’s visit to Penydarren Park later this month.

The South Wales club confirmed on Wednesday that a system error meant not all address details were captured when tickets went on sale for the segregated fixture on Tuesday 30 December. As a result, some supporters are being asked to provide missing information retrospectively.

In addition, Merthyr say they have identified a small number of supporters who purchased tickets in the Home areas of the ground despite having addresses registered in the Hereford area. Those supporters have also been contacted by email and asked to verify their situation.

Merthyr have stressed that both emails are legitimate and have urged recipients to respond as soon as possible. The club also reiterated that the fixture is all-ticket, with no sales on the night.

For Hereford fans, the checks come with several ticket categories already close to selling out. At the time of writing, Merthyr’s ticketing website shows concession and Under-16 terrace tickets as sold out, with limited availability remaining in other sections.

As previously announced, Hereford supporters have been allocated 680 tickets in total – 600 terrace tickets and 80 seats – available on a first-come, first-served basis via Merthyr Town’s online ticketing platform. All away tickets must be purchased in advance, with sales closing at 11.59pm on Monday 29 December, unless sold out earlier.

Only supporters who purchase a Grandstand ticket are permitted to sit in the unreserved seating area in Block A, while concessions are available for juniors, seniors and students, with valid ID potentially required.

Hereford supporters who receive an email from Merthyr Town are advised to respond promptly to avoid any issues with their ticket ahead of the festive National League North clash.

Pell signs for National League South side

Harry Pell being interviewed when he was at Hereford 

Former Hereford United player Harry Pell has signed for Bath City. 

The midfielder left signed a two-year deal for Cheltenham in the summer of 2024. 

However, he suffered a serious injury just before the season started and his recovery took so long that he didn't feature. 

This season, he's only made one league start and was sent off before half time. 

The 34-year-old initially joined Hereford on loan in 2011 before joining permanently making a total of 60 appearances. 

Takeover Completed At Farsley Celtic

Former National North League outfit Farsley Celtic have confirmed that the takeover of the club has been completed but at the cost, it appears, of the former owners going into voluntary liquidation.

 40 year old David Stockdale is a former professional goalkeeper.

Newport County Face Financial Problems

A fans forum at Newport County last night was told by Huw Jenkins, who owns 52% of the club, that efforts to increase investment in the club had not, as yet, been forthcoming.

County are currently bottom of League Two and haven't won at Rodney Parade since last March.

The turnover of the club is around £4.5M per year with £1M spent on Rodney Parade on which they have a long lease.

Jenkins took a stake in the club in 2003. In 2004 he increased his shareholding to over 50% by taking over supporters trust shares. 

But keeping the club afloat is costing Jenkins a fortune.

He told the meeting he had invested £3M with £300,000 last month alone to keep the club in business. 

"I took the challenge on so there is no excuses," said Jenkins.

"I know how difficult it is. It can't go on forever, whether it's me in charge, or somebody else taking over." 

Given their position manager Christian Fuchs would like funds to beef up his squad in the transfer market but how much extra funding he can expect to have is uncertain. 

 

Tribute To Bill Clayton

 Former Hereford United chief scout Bill Clayton sadly died on Monday December 1st aged 70.

He became chief scout at Hereford following the departure of Ron Jukes to Telford.in November 2004 and continued in that post until Graham Turner sold his shares in Hereford to David Keyte in June 2010.

During that time Clayton helped bring players such as Richard Rose, Dean Beckwith, Clint Easton, Toumari Diagouraga, Mansel Manset and Gary Hooper to Edgar Street.

The following appreciation of Bill Clayton was written by Jay Holsgrove of One Sport Management 

William “Bill” Clayton (1955–2025)

 

William “Bill” Clayton, much-loved, friend, mentor and one of English football’s most dedicated scouting professionals, passed away peacefully on Monday, 1st December 2025, aged 70.

 

Born in 1955, Bill devoted more than four decades of his life to the game he loved. His career took him to every corner of the English football pyramid—from youth football to the Premier League—and he earned a reputation as a sharp, instinctive judge of talent and a warm, steady presence in every club he served.

 

Bill’s journey through football was extraordinary in both breadth and longevity. He began his professional coaching work in the mid-1980s with the Shropshire FA, where he helped shape youth development across the county. His passion for nurturing young footballers led him to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1988, where he contributed to back-to-back league title-winning seasons and built relationships that would follow him throughout his career.

 

Across the 1990s and 2000s, Bill became an integral figure at some of the country’s most historic clubs, including Derby County, Bolton Wanderers, Gillingham, and Fulham, where he worked under Kevin Keegan during the club’s 1999 Division Two championship-winning campaign. His time at Preston North End from 2000 to 2005, supporting managers David Moyes, Craig Brown, and Billy Davies, coincided with two Championship Play-Off finals—and the club’s rise into one of the most admired sides in the division.

Bill also contributed to the early Academy recruitment strategy at Chelsea, working under José Mourinho and Gwyn Williams during a pivotal era for the club. His talent for spotting potential in young players became a hallmark of his reputation nationwide.

 

One of the most fulfilling chapters of his career came at Hereford United, where he served as Chief Scout from 2005 to 2010, playing a vital role in the club’s 2006 promotion from the Conference and 2008 promotion from League Two. His leadership, professionalism, and unwavering standards earned him deep respect throughout the football community.

 

Bill later continued his scouting work at Crystal Palace, Watford, and finally Colchester United, where he served from 2013 until the end of his career. Even in part-time roles, his love for the game and his commitment to helping clubs unearth talent never waned.

 

More than his achievements, Bill will be remembered for his kindness, humour, humility, and loyalty. He was a man who believed in people—especially young players trying to find their path—and he treated everyone, from academy hopefuls to Premier League executives, with the same unfaltering respect.

 

Away from football, Bill was known for his generosity, his love of family, and his deep pride in his roots. Though he travelled widely for work, his home in Walmer, Kent, remained his anchor and the place he cherished most.

 

Bill leaves behind family, friends, colleagues across generations, and countless players whose careers were shaped—sometimes unknowingly—by his guidance and belief. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched, the clubs he served, and the game he helped to build from the grassroots upward.

 

He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.

THROWBACK THURSDAY | Scarborough 0-1 Hereford United - 18th December 1993

Max Nicholson lobs home the winner in front of the loyal away support.

Scarborough 1 Evans 2 Knowles 3 Swales 4 Calvert 5 Davis 6 Rockett 7 Charles 8 Murray 9 White 10 Whitington 11 Toman Sub Hawke Hereford 1 Judge 2 Clark 3 Preedy 4 Davies 5 Smith 6 Reece 7 Hall 8 Harrison 9 Pickard 10 Pike 11 Nicholson Attendance 1,209

Hooper Scored In All Five Leagues

Gary Hooper

A recent article in Sports Illustrated has noted five players who have scored in every league from the  Premiership to the National League and former Hereford United player Gary Hooper is one of those five.

The others are Jimmy Willis, Steve Finnan, Ryan Yates and Sammie Szmodics.

'Former Celtic striker Gary Hooper went one step further than Wallis and Finnan, becoming the first player to score in each of England’s top six divisions—from the Conference South all the way up to the Premier League—within the space of just nine years.

Hooper began by finding the net in non-league football with Grays Athletic, scoring in both the Conference South and the Conference. He then climbed the pyramid, netting in League Two with Hereford United, League One with Southend United and the Championship with Scunthorpe United.'

 

Kidderminster sell out Boxing Day allocation

It seems that Kidderminster have sold out their allocation for the Boxing Day match at Edgar Street.

No tickets are being shown as available in the away section of the Len Weston Stand on Hereford's website. There are still plenty of home tickets, although Block C is closed to being full.

Kick off for next Friday's match is 3pm.

Prior to that, Hereford have an away match at Chorley this Saturday. 

Macclesfield's emotional tribute to striker killed in crash

Macclesfield have paid an emotional tribute to forward Ethan McLeod who was killed in a car crash on the M1 while travelling back from a game on Tuesday.

McLeod, 21, was returning from his team's National League North match at Bedford Town in which he had been a substitute.

The crash happened around 10.40pm near Northampton when his white Mercedes crashed with a barrier, the BBC reports.

In a tribute posted on the club's website, Macclesfield said:

"With the heaviest of hearts and an overwhelming sense of surrealism that Macclesfield FC can confirm the passing of 21-year-old forward Ethan McLeod.

"Travelling back from Bedford Town last night, Ethan was involved in a car accident on the M1 which tragically took his life.

"Ethan was an incredibly talented and well-respected member of our First Team Squad, who had his whole life ahead of him.

"But more than that, Ethan’s infectious personality endeared him to everyone that he came into contact with.

"In giving his all in everything he did, Ethan effortlessly pushed us all to be the best we can be – both on and off the pitch.

"Ethan’s professionalism and unwavering work ethic inspired everyone, and his lust for life put smiles on all our faces – even on the darkest of days.

"News of Ethan’s passing has devastated our entire Club and no words can convey the immense sense of sadness and loss that we feel now.

"The deep mental scars elicited from Ethan’s passing will undeniably never heal – but one thing is for sure, and that is Ethan’s vibrant legacy will never fade, no matter how much time passes in the future.

"Ethan will live in our hearts and minds forevermore and no matter what the future holds, his unique smile that mesmerised us all will never be forgotten.

"Our deepest sympathy goes out to Ethan’s family and friends at this deeply traumatic time, together with an assurance that we will provide as much support as we can to those who need it.

"May you rest in peace Ethan – you will forever be a Silkman."