News Round Up

Former Hereford striker Montel Gibson has left Hednesford and signed for Ulster Club Larne. He could feature for them against Red Star Belgrade on Tuesday evening.

Forest Green Rovers have agreed a deal with goalkeeper Ethan Ross who trialled for Hereford in August 2017.

Hereford have thanked supporters who gave up their time this morning to help clean up Edgar Street. 'It’ll make a massive difference ahead of our first home friendly on Tuesday night.' 

 

Regulator Gives Morecambe A Warning

National North League Morecambe Football Club have received a warning notice issued by the Independent Football Regulator ("IFR").

These are the circumstances as noted by the FSA (Football Supporters Association)

The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) has issued its first warning notice, to the owners of Morecambe FC, for failing to respond to their requests for information about the running of the club.

Clubs have a legal requirement to comply with requests from the IFR, and this marks the first time that the IFR have taken action in this way since they came into being last year.

Club directors Kuljit Singh and Harjit Singh failed to reply to two requests for information, and so have been served with the warning notice.

“The IFR has issued a warning notice to Morecambe Football Club Limited and to the club’s two owners,” an IFR statement read.

“It has been provisionally determined that the owners breached information requirements imposed upon them without reasonable excuse and, in accordance with the Football Governance Act, the IFR is therefore minded to issue a censure statement against these individuals and the club.”

Although Morecambe were relegated to National League North last season, the IFR are able to enforce their regulations as the requests came at a time when Morecambe were in the National League and thus under their scope. The IFR covers the top five divisions in the men’s game. 

This is Morecambe's response:

Whilst the Club and its owners can confirm that they fully support and respect the regulator’s oversight of the football industry, they are disappointed by the decision to issue this warning notice, particularly in light of the extensive cooperation, transparency and engagement demonstrated by both the Club and its directors throughout the regulatory process.

The Club and its owners strongly dispute that a warning notice is justified in the circumstances. They consider that insufficient weight has been given to the significant mitigating factors, the unprecedented operational challenges inherited following the acquisition of the Club in August 2025, and the considerable efforts made to work constructively with the IFR at every stage.

Notwithstanding that this alleged breach is at the IFR’s lowest level of seriousness, the Club and its directors are taking legal advice and will submit detailed representations within the 14-day period prescribed by the IFR. They remain confident that those representations will demonstrate why no further regulatory action is warranted.

Morecambe FC thanks its supporters, sponsors and staff for their continued support and loyalty throughout this period and continues to welcome informed and transparent engagement via appropriate and professional channels with any of its supporter and community representative parties, as it was pleased to see yesterday with the Shrimps Trust.

Following the Club’s rescue last August by Panjab Warriors, the Club and its owners are proud of the many positive steps taken in recent months both on and off the pitch in preparation for the new 2026/27 football season and are looking forward to it with renewed optimism. 

Updated Steve Bull Evening Details

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/aceevents/2302619

Match Report: Bishops Cleeve v Hereford FC

Bishops Cleeve v Hereford FC in a pre-season friendly.

Following on from last Saturday's 1-1 draw with Uhlsport Hellenic Football League Premier Division side Hereford Pegasus in the first pre-season friendly of the campaign on Friday night the Bulls made their first trip to the Everyone's Energy Kayte Lane Stadium since 2017/2018 to take on Pitching In Southern Football League Division One South side Bishops Cleeve in their second pre-season outing.

From that side trialist A who wasn't involved on Saturday came into the starting XI and there was a selection of U18’s involved on the bench which was again superb to see along with trialist B believed to be Jordan Williamson who came on in the second-half on Saturday.

The game kicked-off with Hereford kicking from right to left with early possession before the friendly sprang into life after a loose pass across the back from the Bulls allowed the Mitres to gain a free-kick on the edge of the box, their left winger stepped up but his shot flew high over the bar.

Luke Spokes had the first shot for Hereford on 6 minutes but his effort was blocked by a Bishops Cleeve defender and it trickled through to goalkeeper Sam Gilder.

The first corner was awarded to the host on the left which was played in but the header from a defender went over the bar before the Bulls went up the other end and Luke Spokes' right footed shot beat Sam Gilder but also fizzed past the right post.

After quarter of an hour a worrying sight when Fin Holmes pulled up after going on a run down the left flank, he was visibly upset and had to be replaced by trialist B. Hopefully it's not serious.

5 minutes later the Bulls had their first corner which Luke Spokes played short to newly introduced trialist B who played it back to him before crossing into the area but Bishops Cleeve managed to clear.

On 28 minutes the referee called for a drinks break, after the restart trialist A went on a good run down the right channel before delivering into the box where Cawley Cox rose highest but couldn't direct his header on target.

Shortly before the half-time whistle on 47 minutes Billy Phillips drove into the box, shifted the ball onto his right foot before curling the ball goalwards but Sam Gilder collected.

Hereford had played well in the first-half without finding a way through and had pushed towards the break especially but it was goalless at the interval.

Half-time: Bishops Cleeve 0-0 Hereford FC 

The Bulls came out for the second-half with Ollie Lewis coming on to replace Theo Richardson in goal which was the only change.

The first chance of the second 45 came 10 minutes in on 55 minutes with Hereford having a corner on the left, Spokes lofted the ball in but he put too much on it and it drifted out for a goal-kick.

Bishops Cleeve had their first opportunity with a free-kick on the right near the touchline, their right winger delivered into the area which found a centre half at the back post but his header went narrowly wide.

Luke Spokes then did well to ride a couple of challenges before laying the ball off to trialist B who's snapshot was well blocked for a corner by a Bishops Cleeve defender, from the resulting corner the ball found it's way out to Luke Spokes on the edge of the box but his shot was saved by Bishops Cleeve replacement goalkeeper Lewis Clayton.

On 61 minutes a raft of chances we're made by the Bulls with Ollie Bradley, Josh Lloyd, Kayode Sahabi, Harry Jones, Riley Bevan and Harley Jones Williams all coming on.

Bishops Cleeve then had the best chance thus far to break the deadlock with a drive from inside the box from close range which was superbly repelled by Ollie Lewis for a corner.

The Bulls' Keziah Martin then found space on the right hand side of the box after a good Hereford move before his left foot shot went narrowly wide.

On 68 minutes the hosts opened the scoring in fortunate circumstances after an error by Kam Kandola who lost the ball midway inside the Hereford half which allowed Adulai Sambu to nip in before taking the ball round the advancing Ollie Lewis and calmly roll it into the empty net before Jude Gaudin came on to replace Keziah Martin.

The Mitres then had a good chance to double their lead after a good one-two inside the box allowed a striker to volley goalwards but it was wide of the right post before another change for the Bulls with Josh Mills coming on.

Substitute Riley Bevan tried his luck from the edge of the box but it was into the arms of Lewis Clayton, the hosts we're starting to have a lot more of the possession with the Hereford side now made up predominantly of U18’s.

On 85 minutes the Mitres doubled their lead after a corner on the left was played into the area which was headed home by Reegan Messenger before on 91 minutes the hosts’ left winger cut in and aimed for the bottom-right corner but his effort whistled narrowly wide.

A first defeat of pre-season for the Bulls after an unfortunate error for the first and a set-piece for the second with five minutes remaining, plenty to build on but it was another good exercise and more valuable experience for the U18’s.

Full-time: Bishops Cleeve 2-0 Hereford FC

Hereford FC Starting XI:- 21 Theo Richardson, Trialist A, 17 Joseph James, 4 Kam Kandola, 3 Lewis Hudson ©️, 20 Preston Bitemo, 7 Keziah Martin, 14 Luke Spokes, 23 Billy Phillips, 9 Cawley Cox, 11 Fin Holmes.

Substitutes:- 21 Ollie Lewis, Harry Jones, Ollie Bradley, Josh Lloyd, Harry Metcalfe, Kayode Sahabi, Davyd Antoniuk, Jude Gaudin, Josh Mills, Harley Jones Williams, Riley Bevan, Trialist B.

Another good runout in the second pre-season fixture of the campaign despite a first defeat, more minutes in the legs and more game time for the U18’s that we're involved. Hopefully the injury to Fin Holmes in the first-half isn't serious and he'll be available for the upcoming friendlies as we build upto the start of the season.

Next up the third pre-season friendly and our first back at the MandM Edgar Street Stadium against Worcester City. COYW

Words by Sam Cummins 

Hereford lose tonight's friendly

Hereford lost 2-0 at Bishops Cleeve in tonight's pre-season friendly.

Second half goals from Adulai Sambu and Reegan Messenger secured the win for the Gloucestershire side.

Goalless at the break

It's 0-0 between Bishops Cleeve and Hereford in tonight's pre-season friendly.

There's been few chances for both sides.

However, Fin Holmes had to go off injured for Hereford.

Starting line-up against Bishops Cleeve

Hereford line up as follows for tonight's friendly against Bishops Cleeve.

Theo Richardson, Trialist A, Joseph James, Kam Kandola, Lewis Hudson, Preston Bitemo, Keziah Martin, Luke Spokes, Billy Phillips, Cawley Cox, Fin Holmes.

Amazon Support Darlington's Community Programmes

This from the National League:

Darlington have announced a new partnership with Amazon who will support the club's community programmes.

Announced earlier this week, the wide-ranging programme is designed to strengthen support for communities across the North East, growing Darlington's existing work in mental health, disability and youth engagement - supported by a £25,000 donation from the retail giant.

The partnership, which runs through to 2027, will also see employees from Amazon's Darlington fulfilment centre volunteer alongside the Foundation at community activities and events throughout the town.

Amazon's donation will help expand the Darlington FC Foundation's Think With Your Feet mental health football programme, which uses football to support adult mental health through a safe, informal setting where participants can be physically active while accessing peer support. 

The funding will also enable the launch of new pan-disability football sessions, alongside focused engagement work with vulnerable children and young people.

Jack Docherty, Site Lead of Amazon's Darlington fulfilment centre, said: "Amazon cares deeply about serving the communities where our employees live and work, and our partnership with Darlington Football Club and its Foundation reflects that. We've been a proud supporter of the Darlington community since we opened our doors here in 2020, and we're delighted to build on that support through this new partnership with Darlington Football Club."

Mick Dawson, Commercial Director of Darlington Football Club, added: "This moment marks an important milestone for Darlington Football Club and will help us extend the reach of our programmes to support many more people across our community. It's fantastic to welcome Amazon to the club as a supporter, and we're looking forward to working together to make a positive difference for people across the North East."

The donation and volunteering programme form part of Amazon's broader community investment across the country. The company co-founded the Multibank initiative with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support families in need, including the Junction Multibank, which opened in Middlesbrough in 2024 in partnership with local charity The Junction and has since distributed more than 12 million surplus goods to over 800,000 families across Wales, Scotland, Greater Manchester, London, Tees Valley and Birmingham.

Volunteer Helping Day At Edgar Street On Sunday

 

Hereford FC is holding a 'volunteer helping day' next Sunday at Edgar Street.

The details:

Hereford FC is inviting supporters and volunteers to take part in a Volunteer Helping Day at the MandM Edgar Street Stadium on Sunday 19th July.

From 10am until 2pm, willing volunteers are welcome to help complete a range of jobs around the stadium and get the MandM Edgar Street Stadium looking its best.

Tasks on the day will include cleaning, painting and general tidying, along with a number of other small jobs around the ground. No previous experience is required and there is no need to bring any tools or equipment. All we ask is that you come along with a willingness to get stuck in and help us prepare our home for the new season.

Whether you can stay for one hour or all four, every bit of help will make a difference.

For Health and Safety reasons, this registration form must be completed in advance.

Thank you, as always, to our fantastic volunteers and supporters for their continued help and backing. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on the day. 

Steve Bull At Edgar Street

Bishop's Cleeve On Friday Evening

Hereford FC's second pre-season friendly is at Bishop's Cleeve.

The game takes place on Friday evening with a 7.45pm kick-off.

Address:

Bishops Cleeve Football Club

Everyone’s Energy Stadium

Kayte Lane, Bishops Cleeve 

Cheltenham, Gloucestershire 

GL52 3PD

Admission:  

Adults £10

Concessions £5

14 to 17 £3

Under 14 Free

PLEASE NOTE: Under 14s MUST be accompanied by a paying adult.

MATCH INFO:

Date: Friday 17th July

Gates: 6pm

Kick Off: 7.45pm

Free Parking (inside the ground)

Cash and Card accepted

Food Truck

Donut Stand

Live DJ

Raffle

Dogs on leads are allowed. 

Founding Shareholders Boost Squad Builder

As in previous years Hereford FC's founding shareholders have made a significant donation in support of the club's Squad Builder.

The news, confirmed this afternoon, has lifted the amount raised to £65,000. The target is £75.000.

In addition to the founding shareholders 133 supporters have helped the cause to date.

Chairman Chris Ammonds commented:

"I think it is important to specifically thank the Founding Shareholders for their generosity once again – their sizeable and brilliant donation to Squad Builder comes on top of the contribution they made to the pitch refurbishment work this summer, along with West Ham United captain and former Hereford United star Jarrod Bowen.

“As I have said many times, we as a club are very fortunate to have a group of supporters who care so much about it, and the money raised through Squad Builder – from the Founding Shareholders and wider fanbase – is a clear demonstration of that.

“While we all know that times are tough, it would be amazing to hit £75,000. I know this would make a huge difference to Aaron and Harry as they look to put together the final pieces of our squad for the National League North season that lies ahead.”

 

 

Why World Cup games are not being shown at Edgar Street

Hereford chairman Chris Ammonds has explained why the club has not been showing World Cup games.

The country is currently at fever pitch with England reaching the semi-finals, where they will face old foes Argentina on Wednesday.

Many pubs and clubs in the city have been full of fans whenever the Three Lions have played, where "fan zone" type atmospheres have been created. 

Westfields have been open during matches, with an outdoor projector showing Thomas Tuchel's side.

Hereford fan Steve Thomas therefore asked fans on the HFC Exiles and Friends Facebook page if the Bulls "could have been making a good few pounds" towards the squad builder club could have opened up like other clubs have.

"Maybe the cost would've been too much. Any thoughts on this?"

In reply, Mike Meddins said: "They have done it in other tournaments but very few turned up. Less than 20 people at most."

Responding to that comment, Ammonds said tht was exactly the reason.

"Historically it hasn't worked at the club as many people already have their 'go to' pubs for the big live sporting events," he said.

"It’s quite complex really as people have habits they tend to stick too. We did talk about opening but you have to take into account what has happened in the past and make a ‘reasoned’ decision using all the info available.

"It’s different for clubs who have social clubs that are open every night with less alternative options nearby."

Around Pegasus Yesterday

Pictures from around Pegasus yesterday.

As ever at this well run club, Hereford's players and supporters were made very welcome.

Second Half Pictures Pegasus v Hereford

Five second half pictures from yesterday's friendly at Pegasus.