From The Archives - Unkind To Hereford

 

A look back to an article published on June 28th 2003 in which Hereford United manager Graham Turner talks about the fixtures for the upcoming season.

His views are interesting given Kidderminster have been promoted so it's uncertain whom Hereford will play over the Xmas/New Year period this year.

Unkind to Hereford

Graham Turner feels that the computer that selects the Conference fixtures could have been kinder to Hereford United.

"It seems to be our lot that we get a real challenge on the opening day of the season," Turner told BBC Hereford and Worcester. "To go to Tamworth was always going to be a difficult one, especially a side that won the Dr. Martens League.

"We are particularly disappointed with the Christmas/New Year games. To have to travel to Exeter and for them to come to us, it's a long way for these games. I know they are geographically a long way from any other Conference clubs but for instance we pass Forest Green going south and they are going north past us up to Telford. It leaves me baffled how we've got a fixture like that and I'm sure our supporters will be disappointed with the amount of travelling involved in the New Years game."

Trevor Owens then asked Graham Turner how the fixtures were selected.

"What happens is that you get a form which asks if we want to be paired with anybody, are we close enough to a premiership or league club we want to avoid being at home on the same Saturday. There is no problem with us in that respect. Then we get a choice of games over Christmas. We put down our three preferences which were Shrewsbury, Telford, or Forest Green. So as luck has it we have got none of them.

"And then any other dates we want to avoid so we asked for Grand National Day, to avoid being at home on that day simply because last season it coincided with a big race meeting at Hereford. It wasn't just the National although there is a lot of interest in that but I think we lost a fair bit of support to the local racecourse so we asked if we could avoid that day and they have done that for us."

Returning to the first game of the new season at Tamworth, Turner continued: "It's a big challenge for them and we know what we will face a ferocious game. I made the comment after the game when they played Burscough in the Umbro Trophy might come back to haunt me. Some Tamworth supporters asked me how I thought they would do in the Conference and I said they would be relegated by Christmas on the evidence of what I saw against Burscough.

"But I have seen them other times than that and I know they are a decent side with a lot of experience there. We could not ask for a tougher opening game. It's a tight little ground and there will be plenty of vocal support for them from the terraces but we have got to prepare right through pre-season. We have a well-balanced programme now and we shall be ready for the day and we shall have completed our squad of players by them."

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Another NLN club jumps on boost the budget hype

Chorley boss Andy Preece

Chorley are the latest club to follow a growing trend across non-league football, launching a supporter-backed initiative aimed at directly boosting the playing budget ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The club said the scheme will sit alongside existing planned income and will provide manager Andy with additional funds to strengthen his squad, offer improved terms to targets and add further quality to the group as they look to compete next season.

It mirrors similar supporter-led campaigns that have gained traction across the pyramid, with clubs such as Chester, Darlington, Merthyr Town and Marine all seeing strong backing from fans in recent months.

At Chester, supporters have already raised more than £100,000 towards their Boost the Budget drive, with the Blues pushing towards a £125,000 target as they aim to build on another play-off campaign. Meanwhile, Darlington fans have set the benchmark after smashing their £180,000 goal, eventually raising £188,320 through more than 700 pledges.

Closer to home for Chorley, Hereford fans have also made a major impact this summer. Over 1,200 season tickets were sold early on, while more than £20,000 has already been generated through the club’s Squad Builder initiative, with supporters continuing to back Aaron Downes’ plans on and off the pitch.

Chorley officials said their own scheme gives supporters the chance to make a tangible difference, with every donation going straight into the first-team playing budget rather than general club finances.

The club added that even small contributions can make a significant impact as they look to build a squad capable of challenging in the season ahead.

Bulls Battalion trying to take matchday atmosphere to the next level

Hereford FC supporters have wasted little time getting behind Bulls Battalion after the fan group launched a fundraiser to help create even bigger and better matchday displays next season.

The GoFundMe campaign, organised by Owen Bucher, has already raised £547 towards its £700 target, with dozens of Bulls fans chipping in to support the atmosphere group.

Bulls Battalion completed its first full season in 2025/26, becoming a familiar sight in the Meadow End with its flags, banners, balloons and sdrum helping to generate noise during one of the most dramatic campaigns in the club's recent history.

The group played its part as Hereford completed the 'Great Escape' from relegation, with the Meadow End in full voice during the memorable final-day against Peterborough Sports when the Bulls escaped relegation.

Now the supporters behind the initiative want to build on that momentum.

In a message on the fundraising page, Bulls Battalion said its aim has always been simple: to "boost the atmosphere and matchday experience, win, lose or draw, with 100% inclusivity across the fan base".

Members say every flag, flagpole, drum, drumstick, balloon and roll of heavy-duty tape has so far been paid for out of their own pockets, but admit that is no longer sustainable as the group continues to grow.

The money raised will not only fund new flags and displays but also help repair existing equipment, including replacing broken flagpoles and worn drum skins.

Organisers say the number of volunteers has now caught up with the number of flags they own, meaning they're already looking at adding new designs ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Thanking supporters for their backing throughout last season, the group said any contribution, no matter how small, would help them continue creating the atmosphere that has become a key part of matchdays at Edgar Street.

With the target now well within reach, Bulls Battalion looks set to head into the new National League North season with even more colour and noise behind Aaron Downes' side.

To donate, click here.

Caddis Signs Hamilton

 

Former Hereford midfielder Harley Hamilton is joining Kings Lynn.

Manager Paul Caddis brought Hamilton to Edgar Street last season and was impressed by him enough to sign him for a second time.

"Harley is someone I know from my time at my previous club and I’m absolutely delighted to be working with him again," said Caddis.

He possesses some outstanding attributes and has the versatility to play in all three central midfield roles, while also being a real threat for us in the attacking areas of the pitch.

"He has a great presence about him and is someone I know and trust completely.

"We have a fantastic relationship and I’m delighted to bring him back into a full-time environment after he left Birmingham City to work with me previously.

"I have no doubts that Harley will become a big player for this football club – not only because of his size and stature, but also because of his personality and quality. He has the character and ability that our supporters will love watching, both home and away.”

 

News Round Up

Winger Isaac Buckley-Ricketts has joined Morecambe from Macclesfield. He has agreed a one year deal with an option for a second.

Hereford will hold a 'meet the players' session after the home friendly against Solihull on Saturday July 25th. 

Chester have signed centre-back Jack Griffin from Stoke City on a two year deal. 

Jon Ustabasi has joined Macclesfield after leaving AFC Fylde. 

 

 

FA Cup Prize Fund

The prize fund for this season's FA Cup has been confirmed.

THE EMIRATES FA CUP
SEASON 2026-27
PRIZE FUND PAYMENTS
Extra Preliminary Round winners (219)  £1,125
Extra Preliminary Round losers (219)  £375
Preliminary Round winners (136)  £1,444
Preliminary Round losers (136)  £481
First Round Qualifying winners (112)  £2,250
First Round Qualifying losers (112)  £750
Second Round Qualifying winners (80)  £3,375
Second Round Qualifying losers (80)  £1,125
Third Round Qualifying winners (40)  £5,625
Third Round Qualifying losers (40)  £1,875
Fourth Round Qualifying winners (32)  £9,375
Fourth Round Qualifying losers (32)  £3,125
First Round Proper winners (40)  £47,750
First Round Proper losers (40)  £15,800
Second Round Proper winners (20)  £79,500
Second Round Proper losers (20)  £21,200
Third Round Proper winners (32)  £121,500
Third Round Proper losers (32)  £26,500
Fourth Round Proper winners (16)  £127,000
Fifth Round Proper winners (8)  £238,500
Quarter Final winners (4)  £477,000
Semi Final winners (2)  £1,060,000
Semi Final losers (2)  £530,000
Final winners (1)  £2,120,000
Final runners-up (1)  £1,060,000 

FA Trophy Prize Fund

The prize fund for this season's FA Trophy have been revealed.

THE FA TROPHY
SEASON 2026-27
PRIZE FUND PAYMENTS
Winning Club  Losing Club
Preliminary Round £1500  £400
First Round Qualifying £1500  £400
Second Round Qualifying £2250  £575
Third Round Qualifying £2450  £625
First Round Proper £3000  £775
Second Round Proper £3750  £1000
Third Round Proper £4500  £1250
Fourth Round Proper £5250  £1500
Fifth Round Proper £6000  £1750
Quarter Final £7500  £2000
Semi Final £15000  £5000
Final £60000  £30000 

Fixtures Released Two Weeks Today

The National North League fixtures for next season will be released at 11am on Friday July 10th, two weeks today.

It's not known why the fixtures are released so close to the opening of the season as it hasn't always been this way.

For contrast when Hereford United were in the Conference the fixtures for the 2002/03 season came out on June 13th and the 2003/04 season came out on June 19th.

These earlier dates gave supporters more time to arrange trips to venues at the other end of the country especially when planning to stay over-night or a weekend break. 

Caddis Is Five Or Six Players Short

 

Kings Lynn manager Paul Caddis has said he is looking for several more players to complete his squad.

Currently the former Hereford manager has a squad of 14 including his assistant Adam Rooney. 

"We made the decision at the end of last season that we were going to move quite a few players on, so there was a lot of recruitment to do,"  he said as reported by the Lynn News.

"I’d say we’re still probably five or six players short.

"We’re looking for another goalkeeper, another defender, another central midfielder and potentially one or two more wide players and forwards.

"It’s still very early. It’s only the first day of pre-season and we’ll have more bodies in next week, including some trialists we want to take a closer look at.”

Pre-season training took place with the temperature approaching 30C.

"The players might disagree, but it was only a yo-yo test today and a little bit of passing work just to get the legs moving again,” he said. 

"Tomorrow will be a bit tougher. I’ve never been able to say this as a Scotsman, but I’m mindful of the weather.

"It’s meant to be around 28 or 29 degrees by 10am tomorrow, so we’ll have to take that into account." 

News Round Up

Brackley have signed Ewan Williams from Leamington for an undisclosed fee. The midfielder made 137 appearances foe the Brakes.

Former Hereford United midfielder Luke Webb has joined Rossall School in Fleetwood as new Head of Football Performance. 'Throughout my career, I have been focused on creating environments, systems and coaching practices that enable young people to accelerate their learning and development within a supportive and appropriately challenging setting.' 

Another Brackley signing, right-back Kieran Coates has joined following his departure from AFC Fylde. The 24 year old has also played for Chester and Boston United.

 

 

Mitre Matchballs - The Ultimax Pro

The Enterprise National League and Mitre have today revealed the official match ball for the coming season - the Ultimax Pro, a product of more than 30 years of performance-led innovation.

The ball pays homage to a classic Mitre design synonymous with the Football Conference era of the 1990s, reviving a beloved aesthetic for the modern competition nearly three decades on.

The ball honours Mitre's enduring relationship with non-league football through a contemporary reimagining of one of its most recognisable looks.

Rendered in Mitre's current brand palette, the ball incorporates striking gold keylines running through the iconic Delta graphic - a hallmark of its elite-level credentials.

Beneath the surface, the Ultimax Pro's FIFA Quality Pro-accredited construction remains unchanged, offering the same levels of performance, reliability and longevity and delivers:

• Power & Responsiveness: Engineered to match the pace and demands of the modern game
• Aerodynamic Stability: Precision construction ensures true flight and consistent accuracy
• Hyperseam Technology: Guarantees zero water uptake and outstanding durability across all conditions

The official 2026/27 Enterprise National League Ultimax Pro Match Ball will be available to buy exclusively at mitre.com, priced at £45, from Thursday 25 June.

For further information, visit mitre.com or find @MitreSports across social media platforms.

From The Archives - Beadle Gets A Load Of Balls

Back to June 25th 2015 and the start of Hereford FC's first pre-season is just days away. 

Following on from last weeks opportunity to contribute towards Hereford FC’s maiden season, Pete Beadle has just taken a sizeable delivery of match and practice balls ready for the start of next weeks training sessions – although it was Roger Lloyd and Jonny Evans who had to physically lug them round. Pete is delighted as it symbolically heralds the imminent start of the club – and he extends his thanks to all the supporters who are backing the club before a ball is actually kicked.

As part of the deal Pete struck with the ball supplier, it also included 20 balls for the UITC youth teams. Steve Brotherwood of UITC is also is delighted to receive them - although his mind did appear not to be so much on the ball as he only has 2 more days left of being a singleton.

The monies raised for the balls were part of a HUST sponsored package to receive a signed ball off Pete and the contracted players after the FCUM match on Saturday 13th July. 

Did you miss out on the chance to sponsor a ball last week? The cost is £50 with a signed ball and you get to meet the manager and players after the FCUM match. We have crammed in 3 more spaces. You’ll need to be quick, email modnite@hotmail.co.uk to secure your spot and we’ll confirm if you’ve made the cut.

News Round Up

South Shields have signed left back Jordan Marshall from Welsh League champions The New Saints where he has played for the last three seasons.

Defender Cian Harries has joined Kidderminster on a season long loan from Forest Green Rovers. 

Tamworth have signed Joshua Bailey. The young left back was with Worcester City last season. 

Liam Mason is staying with Darlington. The 20 year old was their reserve keeper last season. 

Daly To Hearts?

 

Cormac Daly could be playing with Hearts next season if speculation in the Daily Record is correct.

19 year old Daly who had a loan spell with Hereford last season was recently released by Nottingham Forest and so is a free agent.

Daly was with Hamilton before joining Forest. 

 

Hereford's Pre-Season Starts On Saturday

Hereford Manager Aaron Downes Along With His Right Hand Man Harry Pell.

Hereford FC's pre-season starts on Saturday and manager Aaron Downes is really looking forward to it.

"We start on the 27th so we'll hit the ground running and full on," said Downes.

"We're fully planned and prepared, we know what we are going to be doing.

"The schedule is clear so everybody what is expected.

"A lot of hard work, a lot of tactical work as well.

"I'm really excited to get them all in, get working with them.

"There are still a few more signings that need to come but I feel we have the platform and the basis of a very good squad.

"There are a couple of extras that need to be added but I think we have a solid start.

"So going into pre-season I'm very happy where we are." 

Quotes from https://herefordfc.co.uk/.../interview-downes-talks-new.../