One Result From The National North

One game was played in the National North League this evening.

Farsley Celtic 0 Scarborough 5

Redfearn To Manage Farsley

Neil Redfearn has been appointed manager of Farsley Celtic.

This from Farsley:

Neil needs very little introduction with a playing career of over 1000 games, almost 800 of which were in the EFL as well as over 20 years of managing experience at clubs such as York City, Rotherham United and of course Leeds United!

We received a huge number of applicants for the role, many of whom were really stand out candidates. But Neil’s experience, quality, knowledge of the game, his positivity and affiliation to Leeds and the local area made him the right choice for us!

He will be assisted by Pav Singh, who has worked with Neil before at Leeds United. Having left the club a week ago, Pav has decided that his love and passion for the club, the project, the players and the fans is too great to walk away from completely. This role will allow Pav to find a better work life balance and still have a significant involvement in the club he loves.

Chairman Paul Bathorpe stated: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to welcome Neil to the club, a manager of his reputation, standing in the game and his obvious qualities will help us achieve what we want to achieve!

Neil has said : “I’m looking forward to the challenge and helping to progress and evolve Farsley Celtic FC. I know the history of football in Leeds and how proud everyone is at Farsley to be part of that history.” 

Farsley are playing Scarborough this evening.

Caddis Still Missing Players

 

Hereford are back in action tomorrow at Edgar Street but manager Paul Caddis will be without a few players despite not having played since New Years Day.

"We're still missing a few," Caddis told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"We've got a bit of illness.

"But we'll have a squad available for tomorrow that we'll pick that we think will be competitive.

"There might have to be a few changes, just the best players that are available." 

Ryan Bartley, pictured, who has returned to Hereford is expected to feature.

News Round Up

Max Brogan has joined AFC Telford from Scunthorpe on a short term deal.

Brackley have agree to take keeper Joe Young from Shrewsbury on a one month loan.

Defender Oliver Rose has moved to Scunthorpe on a one month loan deal from Peterborough.

Another player going to Scunthorpe on loan is York City's Mo Fadera. He recently had a spell on loan with Farsley Celtic.

Bartley Returns To Edgar Street

 

Excellent news from Edgar Street this afternoon, Ryan Bartley is back.

Derby County have agreed a further one month loan deal for the young defender.

Bartley had returned to Derby following his previous spell with Hereford which ended on January 1st.

"Ryan deservedly had interest from above but both Ryan and ourselves always wanted to work together and we are pleased it’s happened really quickly once again," said manager Paul Caddis.

"He’s a player that needs no introduction to our supporters and we hope Ryan can continue where he left off for us."

Rock DJ

Hereford FC host Southport on Saturday at what promises to be a fully lit and fully defrosted Edgar Street, as the big freeze melts away into a more general January chilliness.

New striker DJ Campton-Sturridge scored three goals in 18 games for his previous club Farsley this season, a club unfortunately struggling on and off the pitch, so it’ll be interesting to see how the ex-Villa player, like Jaiden White still only 23, gets on with hopefully better service and better players around him. Hereford FC’s history since John Mills hasn’t exactly been littered with prolific strikers – could this DJ play the right tune? Having Celtic and Villa on your CV sounds impressive after all, even if the ‘Celtic’ element may be a bit misleading and something a football agent would attempt to get away with, not that I’d ever mock that most honourable of professions.

He comes into a side that has flirted with disciplinary issues, so the Linekeresque no yellow cards this season is a side of his game to be welcomed. His cousin Daniel was always a player I enjoyed watching, and any genetic footballing similarities DJ possesses will be gratefully received.

At the other end of the pitch, new goalie Theo Robertson should make his debut, behind the solid centre-back partnership of Kyle Howkins and Matt Preston. With Aaron Skinner still some way off a return, Sammy Robinson should start at right back.

The Bulls go into this one off the back of two defeats and two postponements. It was a shame that last weekend’s match against Warrington couldn’t go ahead as it had the makings of a good one to get back on the bike or horse or whatever the metaphor is for returning to winning ways. However, this looks similar, albeit slightly less obvious as a golden opportunity. On the minus side, Southport are higher up the table than Warrington and more of an established outfit at this level. On the plus side, they’re absolutely awful away from Haig Avenue. They’ve won fewer games away than bottom club Rushall, and their overall record on their travels is only rivalled by Marine for its uselessness. From that perspective, therefore, the fixture computer has been an absolute sweetheart.

They did actually beat Warrington at home recently, only a second win in their last 11 league games. Despite their overall poor form, they haven’t conceded too many goals lately, and Hereford will have to work hard to get in front.

They beat Bamber Bridge 3-0 in a county cup game on Tuesday, although that may not have been any more taxing than the training session Hereford would have undertaken on the same evening.

The Sandgrounders’ form isn’t too surprising given how they finished last season. They flirted with the drop having lost their last eight matches, and the season before that avoided relegation by a point. Fallow times indeed then recently, for a club perhaps more associated with being a division higher.

They’ve generally been the sort of outfit that glories in doing niggly things the referee doesn’t see, and celebrates goals and good results in front of the Meadow End just to cause bother, but under Jim Bentley that side of things will presumably not be so prevalent, which will be good for the blood pressure of home fans.

Nathaniel Knight-Percival arrived in the summer at centre back. The ex-Sloppie finished the 2023-24 season on loan at Tamworth from Kidderminster, following the latter’s promotion in 2022-23. He’ll turn 38 this season, which may leave him open to being exposed by pacy young attackers. DJ C-S is known to possess a bit of pace – join the dots and there’s only one possible conclusion – a hattrick for the Hereford debutant. However, despite his age, NKP has been more or less ever-present for them this season so far.

Right-back Sam Minihan was at Buxton last season and picked up the supporters' player of the year award. He signed a two-year deal in the summer at Haig Avenue, and if his availability came about as a result of the Bucks going full-time it was a shrewd move to pick up one of their better performers. He also played nearly 200 games for Stockport County, and indeed is considered a ‘legend’ at Edgeley Park.

Fan favourite and main goal getter Marcus Carver finally actually properly signed for the club in the summer, having been on loan from Scunthorpe for most of the last two seasons. He got 12 goals in a poor season for his club last time, but hasn’t kicked on from that, with only two goals so far. He’s also been out of the side since mid-December.

More than making up for Carver’s lack of goals is Danny Lloyd, who returned to the club last February after 12 years away. He has ten in 27 appearances, so is clearly the danger man.

Following the weather-induced winterval, the Bulls should be well-rested and motivated to the max. This is a must-win to keep up with the leaders. It’s time to remount the bike or horse. A goal or two on debut please DJ.

COYW

Hereford 10/11 To Defeat Southport On Saturday

Alex Babos Goes For Goal When The Two Teams Met Last Season

After over two weeks without a game Hereford will be back in action on Saturday when Southport visit Edgar Street.

And the bookmakers are offering 10/11 for a Hereford victory.

Currently Hereford are 10th in the National North League whilst Southport are 15th.

Hereford have gained 37 points from 24 games, Southport have 31 points from 24 games.

As for goal difference Hereford's is plus 8, Southport's is minus 6.

Hereford's home form is 6 wins, 3 draws, 3 defeats.

Southport's away form is 2 wins, 2 drawa, 7 defeats.

Recent form:

Hereford WWDLL

Southport DLWDL

Hereford 10/11  Draw 13/5  Southport 29/10

Badges On Sale At Southport Match

A large selection of HFC pin badges will be on sale this Saturday v Southport. All the badges pictured are available at £1 or £3 each ( cash only ) from a sales point adjacent to the matchday ticket office. As usual all net proceeds go directly to HFC.

THROWBACK THURSDAY | Rochdale 1-3 Hereford United - 16th January 1993

Goals from Derek Hall, Simon Brain and Richard Jones earn the points. The videos are split into two. The first one shows Hall's free kick, the 2nd shows the rest of the goals.

Line Ups Rochdale 1 Rose 2 Thackeray 3 Parker 4 Reid 5 Reeves 6 Jones 7 Ryan 8 Payne 9 Flounders 10 Whitehall 11 Bowden Sub Howard

Hereford 1 Judge 2 Fry 3 Devine 4 Davies 5 Titterton 6 Anderson 7 Hall 8 Jones 9 Pickard 10 Brain 11 Nicholson Sub Downs Attendance 1,751

News Round Up

Leamington striker Calley Stewart has signed for Shrewsbury. There is a fee but it's undisclosed.

Stewart has thanked Leamington. 

"A massive thank you to the fans, players, the gaffer and everyone at the club. Without the gaffer I wouldn’t have been able to develop in the way I have and sign for a League One club. I’ve made so many special memories made at the club in the 18 months I’ve been here. Hearing my chant from the terraces sung every week has been brilliant, and they are memories I’ll always take with me.

"It’s been a privilege as a local lad and a fan to be given the chance represent the club and even captain Leamington. I was a Brakes fan before I joined and I’ll carry on being a fan forever. It’ll be the first result I check every week, and I definitely won’t be a stranger. 

"Wishing everyone at the club all the best for the future, and a massive thank you for the special memories made. I’ll see you all very soon.

"Once a Brake, always a Brake."

 

Southport Kick-Off Confirmed As 3PM

Hereford's game against Southport on Saturday will kick-off at 3pm.

The floodlight which failed before Christmas has been repaired.

It appears the cable serving the particular floodlight failed. 

Local company CF Roberts was called in to replace the cable. 

It's also been revealed that new LED bulbs will be used on the existing towers fot the next home game which is on February 1st.

"Starting on Monday our new LED bulbs are going to be installed to the current pylons as an interim measure to take us through to the end of the season," said chairmam Chris Ammonds.

"One of the issues we faced was to install new floodlight pylons involves taking a crane across the pitch. This time of year the pitch can get pretty damp, we would have to lay a load of track down for the crane to drive from the Blackfriars End to the MeadowEnd.

"There is agreement now that the contractor will install the new LED bulbs to the current pylons as a short term measure. It will see us through to the end of the season with proper floodlights.

"Then we can address the issue of the full installation come the closed season. That work can take place before Ben (Bowen) starts his pitch refurbishment.

"The work should only take two, three, four days and that should take us to the end of the season without any further concerns." 

The chairman's comments came from https://www.herefordfc.co.uk/chris-ammonds-and-jamie-griffiths-give-floodlight-update/

Four National North Results

Four National North League fixtures took place this evening.

Alfreton 3 Brackley 4

Chorley 0 Peterborough Sports 0

Leamington 1 Chester 4

Scarborough 2 Kidderminster 3

Kidderminster top the table after their win at Scarborough.

Hereford remain in 10th place.

 

Smith To Manage Community U18's

Anthony Smith has been appointed manager of Hereford FC Under 18's

James Harris will be coach.

Meanwhile the Under 18's are expected to chosen to play against AFC Kempsey in the HFA Cup next Monday.

The tie is set to take place Old School Road, the home of Pegasus.

Ten Years Ago Today - HUST Meeting To Discuss Proposals For New Club

A look back to January 14th 2015. Hereford United was no more and plans were going ahead to form a new club Hereford FC.

Full House For HUST Meeting

Full House For The HUST Meeting

There was a full house for last night's HUST meeting which was arranged to discuss the proposals for a new club which hopes to play at Edgar Street next season.

Around 300 supporters filled the venue at the Welsh club with around 30 more in an 'overfill' room.

Chris Williams - HUST Chairman

HUST's Chris Williams chaired the meeting.  With him on top table were Jon Hale and Phil Eynon from the business group and Hust vice-chairman Martin Watson.

After welcoming everyone he said that the meeting would discuss the principles of the formation of a new football club.

Jon Hale - Leader Of The Business Group

Jon Hale, leader of the business group, explained the proposal. The timing was crucial given that an application had to be made to the FA by March 1st.

"We need to go in with everyone behind us."

The ground must be ready for day on, hopefully in August.

Hale reminded supporters that lots of problems could arise especially if the stadium needs expenditure. That was why they were pleased to have the promise of £50K each from three benefactors.

Shares in Hereford FC will cost £1 each with a minimum purchase of 2000. There will be strict rules for anyone wanting shares. The reasoning behind this is to only sell shares to supporters. There will be no dividends from shares.

The Hereford FC business plan has been sent to Herefordshire Council.

The budget for the new club will be 'very cautious'. It's 'got to be right'.

The aim is to employ a commercial/office manager on a full-time basis. Manager and players would be part-time for at least the first few seasons.

The budget is working on home gates of 650 with around 200 season tickets holders. It was hoped this would be higher but 'the budget has to be right' so a prudent approach is being taken.

Another aim will be to seek maximum advertising revenue. One way will be by using branded merchandise with the Hereford FC logo.

It was hoped that UITC will come under the Hereford FC banner.

The set up of the new company aims to protect the club for 'generations to come'. 

Phil Eynon Answering A Question

The articles of association will be written by a corporate lawyer.

Never again will there will be 'run and ruin' situation.

In the next month, meetings will be held with the Herefordshire council and the FA to try and get the lease of Edgar Street and, if successful an application to the FA for a league to play in.

It's not known what level that might be. Could be the same league as Westfields. As it's a phoenix club it might have to start two leagues below the Southern League.

The case will be put to the FA with the hope of playing just one league lower. It is hoped that the police might help Hereford FC's case because of the expectation of decent away following.

The FA had been 'very impressed' so far. The HFA had also been 'very helpful'.

"What's gone has gone.

"Forever United - Let's make it happen."

Chris Williams said that there had to be compromise.

"The offer is a good one".

HUST members will vote on the offer in an online ballot next week.

There followed an hour or so of questions.

A couple of points from the answers.

Everyone pays.

Trust have £30K in the bank. They need to raise £250K in total to take 50% of the shares. Hopefully in three years.

There will only be ordinary shares.

1555 HUST members.

The bars might be put out to tender.

Several questions about the benefactors and whether their names should be made public.

And also about the articles of association. Some felt they should be made public before the HUST vote but that couldn't happen according to Eynon.

The minimum £2K share purchase was raised. One supporter felt this limit was too high especially as the club needs to embrace all supporters. The answer given was that a £2K minimum would be easier to manage and that supporters could help HUST buy shares.

Woods Joins Chester From Warrington

Striker Connor Woods has joined Chester from Warrington.

The 26-year-old forward has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Blues, keeping him with the club until summer 2027, for a transfer fee of £12,500.

He can play for his new club against Leamington tomorrow.  

Chester manager Calum McIntyre commented:

“I’m really pleased to have got Connor on board. The number of clubs that wanted his signature speaks volumes about highly rated he is, and we are delighted that he has turned down better financial offers elsewhere to be a part of what we are doing at Chester.

“He is a dynamic, energetic forward that can both score and create goals. He strengthens us at a vital time of the season.

“It is the first time we have paid a fee for a player in my time here and we feel it is a good investment. This is the second time Connor has been the subject of a transfer fee and we feel we have got him at a great time for him to kick on and become and even better player.

“We have been able to get this deal done due to the way we continue to manage and maximise what we can get from our playing budget."

Four Mid-Week National North Fixtures

Four fixtures are set to take tomorrow evening in the National North League but Hereford are without a game.

Alfreton v Brackley

Chorley v Peterborough Sports

Leamington v Chester

Scarborough v Kidderminster

 

Change Of 'Parking Partner' At Merton Meadow

As quite a lot of Hereford supporters use the Merton Meadow car park, this press release from Herefordshire Council may be of interest.

One app to make parking easier for Herefordshire drivers

Herefordshire Council has announced that JustPark will become its official parking provider for those who wish to pay online for council-owned parking spaces across the region, as of 7 January 2025.

Parking sessions can be booked via the JustPark app, available on iOS and Android, which is free to download and is rated highly for its simplicity and ease of use*. Payment through the JustPark website and via calling a local rate number - 01432 805339 - will also be available, ensuring residents can pay using their preferred method.

In addition to using JustPark for drive-up parking needs in Herefordshire’s on-street spaces and off-street car parks, those using the JustPark app and website also gain access to JustPark’s nationwide marketplace of pre-bookable spaces, ideal for attending events or traveling further afield.

The council is making the switch as the previous contract is expiring and JustPark were successful in an open tender process.

“Cllr Barry Durkin, Cabinet Member for Roads and Regulatory Services at Herefordshire Council, said: "We are pleased to partner with JustPark. Their seamless offering, exceptional customer service, and innovative approach will deliver immediate benefits for Herefordshire residents and our many visitors. This partnership reflects our commitment to improving parking services across the county. Motorists should be assured that their parking may also be paid for by cash and with cards.”

“I ask that those who frequently choose to pay for parking via the app download the JustPark app as soon as they can, and only from their official app store.”

Jonathan Hampson, Chief Commercial Officer at JustPark, added: “We look forward to working with Herefordshire Council to deliver a reliable, secure, and user-focused parking solution. Our priority is a smooth switchover, followed by delivering high satisfaction rates. JustPark is on a mission to make parking easier, more accessible, and more affordable for everyone across Herefordshire.”

Old Programmes - 1973-74 Season - Hereford United v Southend United - Division Three - Saturday March 16th 1974

Result: 1-2 Loss (HT 1-1) Rudge 6; Moody 7, Silvester 90.              

Attendance: 7,138

Hereford United: Hughes, Radford, Naylor, McLaughlin, Tucker, Bell, Rudge, Tyler (Lee), Redrobe, Brown, Evans. 

Opposition: Webster, Worthington, Dyer, Elliott, Townsend, Moody, Coulson, Brace, Guthrie, Silvester, Johnson. 

League Position: 19th 35 games in (11 to go), Hereford are four points above the drop (2 points for a win). 

On the Pitch: Described in the good book as a drab encounter, this would be the only home game of the season that Hereford would lose after going ahead through what is described as a fine goal by David Rudge. 

Click on photos to enlarge. 

Colin's Comments: The combination of a good showing in the FA Cup and winter weather meant that Hereford had to fit in 8 matches during March 1974. This sounds ridiculous just 50 years later, but that caused problems due to them not being able to power their floodlights, apart from this game - courtesy of Smart and Brown Lighting Ltd., whose general manager Stan Hetherington gets a shout out from Colin Addison for loaning the club their generator. He goes on to reveal that they have been a good friend to the club over recent years. Below is a We Grew Up in Hereford article on the company.

https://www.herefordtimes.com/news/24255835.former-workers-share-memories-hereford-factory/

Third Division Round Up: Brian Clough hogs the limelight in this edition, which is fair enough - he is still the gift that keeps on giving thanks to an anecdote-laden internet. Back in his prime, he provided entertainment both on and off the pitch wherever he went. His disastrous spell at Leeds was worthy of a film, though his time at Brighton was also a blip on his otherwise magical 1970's. The league table shows Brighton in 10th place in an admittedly congested mid table. Brighton would go on to finish up in a lowly 19th, winning just 12 of their 32 games with him at the steering wheel. Perhaps bizarrely, this would earn him the short lived "throw all your medals in the bin" spell at Leeds. 

In the Opposition: During this era, it was common for the players to go round a reasonably close-knit local circuit. So in this case you would think that the Southend team would be well stocked with players from Colchester, Ipswich, West Ham, Orient and so on. Instead, this team seems to have a very North East vibe going on. 

Chris Guthrie was on Newcastle's books in the 1971-72 season, making 3 appearances. Newcastle born Willie Coulson was also on their books during "that match", although he never made their first team before moving to Southend in 1973, where he would stay for three seasons, making 52 league appearances in midfield. His career would take him to Australia via Hong Kong, with him spending 20 years in Melbourne, before he perhaps inevitably settled down in Newcastle in New South Wales. 

Terry Johnson had also started his career at Newcastle, again not breaking into the first team. He left in 1971 though. David Elliot played 80 times for Newcastle, again leaving in 1971. Alan Moody was from nearby Middlesborough, whom he had played for 46 times before playing an impressive 446 league games for Southend over a 12 year period. Beyond that and for good measure, Malcolm Webster and Kevin Johnson were both born in Doncaster with David Worthington hailing from Halifax. 

I think what I have gone a very long way about saying is, if you were a young kid from Essex in that dressing room, it would have a very modern feel to it, with you unable to understand a word that any of your fellow players are saying. 

Fan of the Week: Not sure whether these lads have just been away "on business" from a nearby military camp or whether they are about to break out into a sea shanty? Either way if they want the tickets let them have them I say.  

Edgar Street Chatter: If you ever wondered where the Len Weston clock came from (a clock that has been anxiously observed literally a million times), it was courtesy of the jewellers Oswin & Co. Ltd. who are now located on Widemarsh Street in Hereford. Although floodlight angst hasn't changed much, the piece stating that the clock striking 4:40 may not necessarily mark the end of the game shows how relaxed to timekeeping football has become. Being two goals down at 4:40 on a Saturday these days would probably lead to you leaning over to your fellow fan and suggesting "if we don't get a goal in the next 10 minutes I think we may struggle to get anything from today".

There is also news that a Mini 1000 is up for grabs the next day - that must have been a big deal (worth north of £12,000 in today's money, the Mini being a proper Mini then, not the fancy pants present day Mini).

Supporters' Corner: A nice description of the proposed and much drawn out social hub is overshadowed by news that the Supporters Club old headquarters are to be converted into a ladies' powder room.  

Going by Car: A trip to Oldham is accompanied with an intriguing view of the ground as a back drop to the impressive specimen that is Billy Tucker. I am guessing that is what is now Block A?

Vital Statistics: As a (HUFC) child of the 80's onwards, the player stats have a familiar look - not too many goals in the team, hence they are languishing perilously close to the drop in 19th spot. In brighter news, featured substitute Alan Gane is not at all annoying by being both clever and good at football. He also has a rather sophisticated feeling love of Dover sole to keep the brain ticking over.

In the News: 18th March sees the end of the oil embargo on Europe, Japan and the US by the OPEC countries. 

In the Singles Charts: Billy Don't be a Hero by Paper Lace reaches No.1.

In the Album Charts: The Singles 1969-1973 by the Carpenters is in its customary 1974 No.1 spot.

Not much happening in mid March 1974 sorry, don't panic though there is an attempted kidnapping next home game. Not at Edgar Street though, it happened in the big town.

Pictures Hereford Women v Ludlow Town

A selection of pictures from today's Hereford Women game against Ludlow Town.