Exciting year for community-owned clubs

This from the FSA:

It’s been another exciting year for our community-owned clubs, with more than a fair share of success on the pitch, as network manager Richard Irving explains…

Firstly, congratulations go once again to Bury who led the way with a second successive promotion up into the Northern Premier League from Step 4. With a final home league crowd of 7,052 it’s testament to the support the club has built since the original club’s expulsion from the Football League back in 2019. 

Also rising a level as champions are Wythenshawe AFC, who will be making the step up from the North West Counties Premier Division to Step 4 after amassing 106 points in their title-winning campaign. 

Nuneaton Town were another club to win their title, in the United Counties Premier Division, as they move back up into Step 4 for the first time since becoming community owned.

Elsewhere, in Wales CPD Bangor City 1876 were runaway winners of the the third tier Ardal North League and will compete at step 2 once again next season, after a year away.

In the play-offs, we had an interesting match up on many levels, involving our two Northwich clubs with 1874 taking on Victoria in the Step 5 Midland League Premier Division Play-off Final. Northwich 1874 ran out victorious on penalties at the home that the Vics share with Runcorn Linnets.

However, probably the most interesting battle of all involved four of our clubs in a tussle for the play-off places in the National League North with Merthyr Town, Scarborough Athletic, Chester and Darlington all in the mix until the final day of the season. 

Sadly, both Darlington and Merthyr Town missed out on that final day, while both Chester and Scarborough were defeated in their respective play-off semi-finals, but it was a great season for all concerned nonetheless. 

Unfortunately, there were also home play-off semi-final defeats for FC United of Manchester, Runcorn Linnets and Fisher FC. 

Clapton CFC secured promotion from Step 6 by beating Rayleigh Town 4-2 in the Eastern Counties First Division South in front of a crowd of 2,375, while Peacehaven and Telscombe achieved promotion from the Southern Combination Premier Division play-offs, where they beat Guernsey 4-1.

Mention must also be made of the finest FA Vase performance by one of our clubs since Peacehaven and Telscombe made the quarter finals in 2023. Bilston Town from the Step 6 Midland League Division One also made it to the quarter finals where they were finally defeated at home by Droylsden.

Meanwhile, in their first season in existence, Blyth Spartans’ women’s team achieved promotion from the Northumberland Women’s League Division Two, finishing in second place, while our members at Exeter City and AFC Wimbledon both consolidated their positions at Step 3 in the women’s National League Southern Premier Division. 

Friendly Against Worcester City

Hereford are to play Worcester City in a pre season friendly on Tuesday, July 21.

The match will be at Edgar Street with money split between St Michael's Hospice and St Richard's Hospice. 

Kick off is at 7.45pm. 

Hereford chairman Chris Ammonds commented:

"We are very pleased to be hosting Worcester City in our first home pre-season friendly, and it is even more pleasing that the match will help raise funds for two amazing local charities – St Michael’s Hospice and St Richard’s Hospice. 

"The work both charities do is remarkable and incredibly important for so many families across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

"Like our friends at Worcester City, when we were approached about making this game a reality, we were very keen to play our part. 

"Hosting the game is something we are very proud to do and we hope that supporters of both clubs come out in force to help the two charities, as well as throwing their support behind their teams on the night."

Worcester City owner Simon Lancaster commented:

"We are proud to be supporting St Michael’s Hospice and St Richard’s Hospice in this pre season fundraiser friendly.

"St Richard’s Hospice and St Michael’s Hospice provide invaluable care, comfort, and support to patients and families facing life-limiting illness, offering compassion and dignity when it matters most, we are proud that both clubs can come together and help to raise awareness and vital funds for these amazing charities." 

News Round Up

Tom Owen-Evans has joined Gloucester. The former Hereford midfielder left Chippenham earlier this week. 

Hereford FC Under 18's are looking out for new players. The team competes in the Midland Floodlit Youth League Southern Division and last season played their home games at Hinton FC.

Hornchurch are to go full time after their promotion to the National League.

Rob Elliot is to manage Carlisle after the club parted company with Mark Hughes. 

 

 

NLP National Game Awards

This from the National League:

The National League was well represented amongst the winners at the Non-League Paper National Game Awards last week.

The annual awards were hosted on Wednesday at AFC Wimbledon's Plough Lane.

York City were in the spotlight for their incredible title tussle with Rochdale with manager Stuart Maynard and Golden Boot winner Ollie Pearce both recognised.

Elsewhere, Boreham Wood's Abdul Abdulmalik won the Young Player of the Year award, Oli Whatmuff won Goalkeeper of the Year while his Rochdale side won Team of the Year.

Giant-killers Macclesfield took home the award for FA Cup Run of the Year for their heroics that saw them clinch what was dubbed the greatest upset in the famous competition's 155-year history after knocking out then holders Crystal Palace.

There was also special recognition for National League Chair, Jack Pearce MBE who received the NLP's Lifetime Achievement award.

After receiving his award, Jack told the Non-League Paper: "It's always nice to get recognition for the hard work that you have put in. 

"But I am one of the lucky ones because there are so many people in the Non-League game who do so much but don't get recognition. 

"I joined Bognor Regis in 1970 and am still there now, which is quite a long period of time. I have enjoyed every minute. Sport is a wonderful thing to be involved with - I don't feel like I am going to work.

"If you actually enjoy doing something, it does make life very easy."

Full list of National League winners at NLP's National Game Awards:
The NLP Lifetime Achievement - Jack Pearce MBE
Team of the Year - Rochdale
Sports Ground Development Manager of the Year - Stuart Maynard (York City)
The FA Cup Run of the Year - Macclesfield
Reusch Goalkeeper of the Year - Oliver Whatmuff (Rochdale)
The Sports Circle Player of the Year - Ollie Pearce (York City)
Sportsbeat Young Player of the Year - Abdul Abdulmalik (Boreham Wood)

 

Halesowen captain departs club

Halesowen captain Josh Smile has left the club.

The midfielder was with the club for two seasons, making 92 appearances.

The Yeltz - who were eliminated from the Southern Premier Central play-offs last season - have already lost winger Fin Holmes to Hereford.

Could Smile be joining him? 

The End Of Plastic Season Ticket Cards

Hereford FC have taken the decision to stop producing plastic season ticket cards.

A few supporters are unhappy with the change.

However the club say that it costs a lot of money to produce these cards.

One supporter emailed BN with his view.

My brother has learning difficulties and cannot use digital devices like mobile phones. I also sit in the stands with an elderly group of people who I know will not be able/happy to use these cards. 

Here's another view.

I emailed them after buying my ticket only to have a long email reply explaining all the reasons they will not issue cards anymore. Very clever to do this after you've paid. I think this will affect many supporters especially older members. So, a future with no parking at the club (and no club statement on this) and now no season ticket cards - are they trying to tell us something! 

The club say that producing these cards costs a lot of time and money.

Producing physical cards creates a significant amount of additional workload for the office, much of which falls on our volunteers. For example, last season it took approximately 9 hours simply to sort the cards into categories ready for collection. This does not include the time required to process orders, prepare and send data to the printers, and manage delivery and quality checks once the cards are received. 

The club also mention the 'environmental consideration' of producing plastic cards.

However the club has noted that the change will not suit every supporter.

We do recognise that this is a change, and we will continue to support any supporter who requires assistance accessing or using their digital pass, including options to print at home if preferred. 

Given the costs involved perhaps Hereford could charge for anyone wanting a physical card.

Altrincham offer supporters an option to have a physical card when ordering a season ticket. But that comes at a cost of £10. 

News Round Up

Sam Osbourne has left Alfreton. Hereford tried to coax the player to Edgar Street after a loan spell but Osbourne turned down the opportunity.

Earlier today Hereford reported that they had sold 750 season tickets so far.

Hereford Women play Redditch United Women on Sunday Afternoon at Bromyard. Currently, according to the FA, Hereford are on 25 points from 20 games. But Sunday will be their last game of the season.

Hereford's Squad Builder has passed the £10K mark. If you wish to contribute please go to: https://herefordfc.co.uk/squad-builder-2026-27/

Kidderminster Appoint Paul Wotton As Manager

Paul Wotton has been confirmed as the new first team manager of Kidderminster.

Previously he has managed or coached at Plymouth, Truro and Torquay. 

Director of football at Kidderminster Dean Holdsworth commented:

'From our first conversation with myself and the Chairman, Paul stood out as exactly the type of leader we wanted for this football club. 

'He has the experience, qualifications, standards and mentality to drive us forward, and his ambition matches our own. 

'He knows what it takes to build successful, competitive teams and we’re confident he is the right man to lead us into the next challenge, we are looking forward to an exciting new season.' 

Wooton was last employed at National South League Torquay but that came to an end last March after losing 5-0 to Chelmsford. 

News round up

Jamie Grimes with Steve Burr

Former Hereford defender Jamie Grimes has left Chesterfield after five seasons with the Spireites.

Grimes, a standout performer for the Bulls during the curtailed 2020/21 Covid campaign, went on to captain Chesterfield back into the Football League. The centre-back made 191 appearances and scored 11 goals for the club, including a memorable brace in their National League title-winning victory over Boreham Wood.

Wharton Construction have been unveiled as Darlington’s new front-of-shirt sponsors for the 2026/27 season following the end of Ebac’s eight-year partnership with the club.

The local firm previously featured on the back of the Quakers’ shirts but have now expanded their backing in what the club described as a “major show of support and commitment”. Director Matthew Wharton said the company was “proud to be part of the journey for the season ahead”.

Paul Holleran, who left Leamington last season after 16 years, has returned to Halesowen Town as assistant manager to former Kidderminster Harriers boss Russ Penn.

The 55-year-old previously managed the Yeltz between 2004 and 2006 and later oversaw 789 games at Leamington and leading the Brakes to promotion to National League North in 2024. Holleran said Halesowen had “always been special” to him and believes the club are “ready to push on” after two strong seasons.

Curzon Ashton have signed midfielder Harvey Roberts on a one-year deal from West Didsbury & Chorlton.

Roberts made 65 appearances and contributed 20 goal involvements during his time with the North West Counties side before making the jump up two divisions to National League North. Curzon boss Adam Barton described the midfielder as “very positive” and “a great character” for the dressing room.

Former Hereford midfielder Tom Owen-Evans has left Chippenham after five years at the club. 

Morecambe Lose £1.1M In The 24/25 Season

Morecambe lost £1.1M in the season 2024/25.

Their borrowings have risen to £3.1M.

Projections from their directors suggest that they will lose £2M in the year to May 31st 2026. 

The club have been relegated three times in the last four seasons and will be in the National North League this coming season.

Below is some information about the club's finances.Click to enlarge.

Season ticket deadline looming

Hereford supporters have just days remaining to secure discounted early bird season ticket prices for the 2026/27 campaign.

Season ticket renewal emails have already landed in inboxes, with fans urged to act before the early bird deadline expires at the end of May.

Supporters who held season tickets last season will have their seats reserved until May 31, after which any unrenewed seats will be released for general sale.

General sales have also been launched as Hereford continue preparations for the new National League North season following better campaign under manager Aaron Downes.

Full details on season tickets can be found on the ticket website here: https://herefordfc.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/season_pass_2627

Fans can renew online via the email sent by the club, while in-person renewals are also available from the club shop between 10am and 4pm on Tuesdays and Fridays throughout the summer.

Hereford have also confirmed ticket categories for the new season, with adult tickets covering supporters aged 16-64, concession prices available for over-65s and full-time students, and under-16 tickets available to anyone aged under 16 on August 1, 2026.

The club has also moved to a fully digital season ticket system for the upcoming campaign, meaning supporters will no longer receive printed season cards. In recent years, these have been available on request. Instead, tickets can either be added to a smartphone wallet or printed at home.

Supporters requiring assistance with digital passes, or those needing to apply for carer season tickets, have been encouraged to contact the club directly.

Meredith signs for Halesowen

Dan Meredith has joined Halesowen from Leamington.

The right-back left the Brakes following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.

With him being born in Hereford, there was a feeling that maybe he could be heading to the Bulls.

However, Halesowen have announced that they have signed him. 

News round up

Josh Gowling

Darlington’s Boost The Budget campaign has passed the halfway mark after supporters pledged more than £87,000 towards next season’s playing budget.

The Quakers have received 310 pledges so far, leaving them just under £93,000 short of their £180,000 target with six days remaining. The fan-owned club previously revealed more than £1.1million has been contributed through the scheme over the last nine years.

Chester have completed the signing of defender George Burroughs from fellow National League North side Oxford City.

The 23-year-old right-back has signed a one-year deal at the Deva Stadium after making 40 league appearances during Oxford’s successful battle against relegation last season. Burroughs previously worked under Chester boss Phil Parkinson at Altrincham after coming through the ranks at Coventry City, while also enjoying spells with AFC Telford United, Redditch United and Stafford Rangers.

Former Hereford loanee Jak Hickman has joined Southern League Premier Central side Redditch United after leaving Halesowen Town.

The 27-year-old, who briefly featured for the Bulls on loan from Coventry City in 2019, arrives at the Valley Stadium following a three-year spell with Halesowen where he made 129 appearances. Redditch boss Mike Fowler hailed Hickman’s “incredible ability” and said the versatile right-sided player would bring “experience, maturity and a voice” to his squad.

Former Hereford manager Josh Gowling, who spent three years at the helm at Edgar Street, has been accepted onto the Premier League Elite Coach Accreditation Scheme.

Gowling, who now works in the youth set-up at Coventry City and is a UEFA A-licensed coach, described the opportunity as a chance to “stay curious” and continue developing within the professional game.

Danny Janes Appointed To Manage Westfields

Westfields have appointed Danny Janes as their new manager. 

He takes over from Danny Moon.

This from Westfields:

Westfields Football Club are delighted to confirm the appointment of Danny Janes as our new First Team Manager ahead of the 2026–2027 season. 

Danny arrives with a proven track record across regional and senior non‑league football, including successful spells with Pershore Town, FC Stratford, Alcester Town, and within the England Schoolboys coaching structure. 

Known for his modern, player‑centred approach and strong dressing‑room culture, Danny brings experience, energy and a footballing identity to Allpay Park. 

This is an exciting new chapter for the club, and we look forward to seeing Danny and his staff shape the team in the coming weeks.

 

News round up

Montel Gibson has left Hednesford

Chester have made experienced striker Jacob Hazel their first signing of the summer following his departure from Boston United. The 32-year-old arrives at the Deva Stadium with a proven National League North record, having scored 19 goals for Darlington during the 2022/23 campaign before helping Boston win promotion to the National League via the play-offs a year later.

Hazel, a St Kitts & Nevis international, has also enjoyed prolific spells with Frickley Athletic and Whitby Town. Chester boss Phil Parkinson described him as “powerful, aggressive, quick” and “a real attacking threat”.

Former Hereford United defender Darren Jones has been appointed manager of Lydney Town. Jones also played for Forest Green Rovers and Newport County.

Barrow will relocate their first-team training base to Curzon Ashton’s Tameside Stadium ahead of the new season following the arrival of former Kidderminster Harriers boss Adam Murray.

The National League club said the move followed a “detailed review process”, with Murray heavily involved in assessing potential facilities. Barrow cited the quality of the grass and artificial pitches, alongside recovery and staff facilities, as key reasons behind the switch.

The move mirrors Hereford’s current arrangement of training away from Edgar Street, with the Bulls using facilities at Studley in the West Midlands.

Former Hereford forward Montel Gibson will leave Hednesford Town ahead of the new National League North season after deciding against extending his stay with the promoted Pitmen.

Gibson, who had two spells with the Bulls, played a key role in Hednesford’s promotion-winning campaign. Director of football Andrew Reed described the striker as “a terrific player” and admitted the club were disappointed he would not be part of “something exciting” next season.

Darlington have announced the end of Ebac’s eight-year spell as the club’s front-of-shirt sponsor.

The County Durham-based appliance manufacturer first partnered with Quakers in 2018 and the club said Ebac had donated “many thousands of pounds” during their time together. Darlington thanked the company for its “generosity, loyalty and support”, describing Ebac as an “outstanding supporter” whose community values closely aligned with the club’s own.

On The Fans Side

This from the FSA:

The Government has launched a new initiative – On Fans’ Side – which explains in simple terms what the Football Governance Act means for clubs and supporters.

More from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport…

 

Fans are the beating heart of our football clubs. Government has created new laws to protect your club and give you a greater say in it. The Football Governance Act 2025 means:

1. You will be heard. Clubs have to, by law, involve their fans in a meaningful way before they make decisions.

2. Your club’s heritage is now protected by law. Your badge, colours and name cannot be changed, or ground sold off, without proper consultation.

3. New, tougher ownership tests will protect your club against unsuitable owners who put your club at risk. Anyone who wants to buy your club will have to show they have the finances to run it.

4. You will finally know who is calling the shots at your club. The new Independent Football Regulator (IFR) can identify those individuals putting a club at risk – and has the power to remove them if necessary.

5. Your club’s financial future will be protected. The IFR’s licensing system will guide clubs to a more secure financial footing. Clubs must provide financial plans to the Regulator, showing they have the means to operate and could withstand relegation.

6. You will be able to see where the money goes in football and how it flows through the leagues, in the unprecedented State of the Game report.

7. The Independent Football Regulator has the power to stop clubs joining prohibited breakaway competitions to protect the football pyramid.

We believe football belongs to its fans.

Footnote - Currently these new laws do not apply to National North and South clubs. 

More About Fin Holmes

Ricky Lee has watched Hereford's latest signing Fin Holmes and wrote about him last February.

Club: Halesowen 

Strong foot: Right

Fin Holmes is my favourite player to watch in the Southern League Premier Central since he was sold to Haleoswen by Solihull Moors in September.

He can play across the front line, he’s incredibly fast and plays with more intensity than any forward in the league I’ve watched this season. At Halesowen, he’s played in a front 2 with license to move into wide areas and utilise his ability in 1v1 situations. He regularly beats his man but isn’t disheartened by being tackled and will run at his man throughout the 90.

For his size, he’s strong and gets his body between defender and ball to hold play. He makes a lot of runs behind, doesn’t give up on loose balls. Always tries to at least force a defensive mistake. Recently, he’s become more effective at attacking the box after linking play, which is something I thought he struggled with in his loan at Stourbridge.

Technically, he looks raw, but in the things that matter for a forward, he’s effective. He generates space for shots well and finishes from wide areas. He’s decent in 1v1 situations, but could need some technical refinement to make the most of his tenacity higher up. He weighs passes well and has started to show a more creative side to his game recently. His decision-making is good around the box and has formed a fruitful relationship with Jason Cowley this season.

He’s shown he can perform in senior football with 11 goals this season at step 3 and against top-level academies. He could be playing in an EFL academy at the moment, and I think he’ll have a career in the football league.

Read more from Ricky Lee at: https://substack.com/@rickyleescout  

Hereford Sign Fin Holmes On Two Year Deal

Halesowen Pic

Hereford FC have signed winger Fin Holmes on a two year deal.

20 year old Holmes scored 17 goals for Halesowen last season.

Previously he was with Solihull Moors. 

Hereford manager Aaron Downes commented:

“I’m really excited to sign Fin.He has had a brilliant season at Halesowen. 

"His numbers are excellent, he’s a player that suits our style and recruitment plan, and he’ll get our supporters off their seats. 

"We welcome Fin to our amazing club and look forward to working with him next season." 

Halesowen confirmed the move:

We can confirm Fin Holmes has departed the club to join National League North side Hereford FC

 Everyone at the club would like to thank Fin for his contributions, and wish him all the best for the future 

News Round Up

Former Hereford defender George Forsyth has joined Alvechurch. Last season he was with Kettering.

Spennymoor Town legend Glen Taylor has signed a new two-year deal to continue his remarkable stay at The Brewery Field.

The 36-year-old striker is the club’s all-time leading scorer with 233 goals in 441 appearances and is also National League North’s record marksman.

Taylor scored more than 20 league goals again last season and helped Moors reach the FA Trophy final, with boss Tommy Miller insisting “there is still nobody better than him in the league”. 

Chester forward Dylan Mottley-Henry will leave the Deva Stadium this summer despite being offered improved terms following an impressive campaign.

The 28-year-old scored 17 goals in 73 appearances for the Blues and was named the club’s CFU men’s player of the season for 2025/26. Mottley-Henry has opted to pursue opportunities elsewhere as Chester begin preparations for next season, with their pre-season schedule set to start away at Vauxhall Motors on July 11.

King’s Lynn Town have secured a major boost by tying defender Reece Hall-Johnson to a new one-year deal. The 30-year-old, who previously worked under former Paul Caddis at Hereford FC, was one of the Linnets’ standout performers last season and had attracted interest from elsewhere.

Caddis praised Hall-Johnson for turning down more lucrative offers to stay at The Walks, with the full-back’s attacking threat, experience and defensive reliability seen as key assets heading into the new National League North campaign.

Oxford City captain Josh Ashby has signed a new deal to extend his seven-year stay at the MGroup Stadium.

The midfielder has swept the club’s major awards in each of the last two seasons, winning Players’ Player, Manager’s Player and Fans’ Player twice. Ashby said the Hoops were “heading in the right direction” towards the end of last season and hopes they can build on that in 2026/27.

Boss Ross Jenkins described the skipper as the club’s “stand out player” and praised his leadership qualities.

Westfields sack manager

Westfields have sacked Danny Moon as manager.

Both Moon and his assistant, John Haycox have departed the club after one season at the club.

Westfields finished 14th in the Hellenic Premier Division last season. 

"The club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Danny and John for their hard work, commitment, and dedication throughout the season and wish them every success in their future endeavours, reads a statement.

"Further updates regarding the new first‑team management structure will be communicated in due course."

News Round Up

Hereford FC Women are looking for new players for next season. To apply please fill in this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXvfOTYWBjkfh91M5MQ4cuniJ_Fq2QsMz63XEFHD4Wm_A2GA/viewform

Tyrone Marsh has joined Oxford City. Last season he scored 27 goals for Bedford in all competitions. He is Oxford's first summer signing.

Former Hereford United goalkeeper Dan Connor has left his post as a coach at Forest Green Rovers. Four other 'staff' are also leaving.

Striker Glen Taylor has signed a two year deal to stay at Spennymoor. 

Merthyr Town Football Club have announced that Paul Michael has signed a new two-year full time contract with the club, keeping him in charge at Penydarren Park until the Summer of 2028. 

 

 

Parking In Hereford Becoming More Difficult On Match Days

Hereford supporter Colin Butler has sent BN a copy of a letter he had published in the Hereford Times this week.

'Back in April just under eighteen thousand people attended the final five home games of Hereford FC. An incredible amount considering the poor season the club have had. With less parking now available football fans are now having to find other places to park for a couple of hours like on the forecourts of closed businesses and a bit further a field in to local housing estates. Not ideal but that's what people have been driven to do (no pun intended) since the closure of the lower Merton Meadow car park in November. 

It's been closed for the creation of a flood alleviation pond, one of three planned in the area. Perhaps it would have been more sensible to create the other two ponds first . Then there would been no loss of many thousands of pounds of council car park revenue. Likewise shoppers are now finding it a lot more difficult to park up in the centre of the city now especially on football match days. I can see some shoppers choosing not to travel in to the city when Hereford are playing at home.

In the age of online shopping and decreasing shop footfall Herefordshire council need to realise that ease of parking and affordability are paramount. They pinpoint spare capacity within Hereford car parks but those spaces are not always in the right area and come at a much increased cost.'

The council are currently encouraging residents to air their views regarding the council's parking strategy over the next 15 years. May be good for supporters who want to add their opinion on the Merton Meadow . 

Here's the link:  https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/consultations/may/herefordshire-parking-strategy-consultation/

Downes and Pell met player at hotel

Hereford manager Aaron Downes and his assistant, Harry Pell met with a player at a hotel today (Thursday).

In a social media post, the Bulls management duo said they were at a hotel having just met with a player.

📱 Live from the transfer trail, manager Aaron Downes and assistant Harry Pell wished to thank everyone who has generously contributed to the Bulls' Squad Builder so far. More details if you'd like to get involved 👇https://t.co/JLBJDPSMRb#COYW 🐮 pic.twitter.com/gplYChxTYh

— Hereford FC (@HerefordFC) May 21, 2026

They are stood in front of a Village Hotel sign, which is next to a Starbucks. 

The firm's Coventry branch, as captured by Google Maps, looks very similar.

Downes went on to thank supporters who had contributed towards the Squad Builder, which he said "would give ammunition" when meeting players. 

"We showed at the back end of last season how strong we are as a football club when we all come together," said Downes.

"We had unbelievable support and it got us over the line.

"What I want moving forward is for all of us to maintain that and take this into the new season. I really appreciate any bit of money you can give.

"I know how hard it is at the moment. With your hard earned we all make sure we use it as best we can."

Bowen to miss out on World Cup squad?

It seems that Jarrod Bowen is set to miss out on an England place at the World Cup.

Despite being in a relegation battle with West Ham, the former Hereford United striker has still had a good season, scoring eight goals and making 10 assists.

However, media reports are saying that he is set up miss out on Thomas Tuchel's England squad for next month's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

It seems that Arsenal's Noni Madueke is due to earn a call up instead.

Harry Maguire, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Luke Shaw are other big name players have reportedly missed the cut.

Tuchel will be naming his 26-man squad tomorrow (Friday). 

Altrincham's Season Ticket Prices

National League Altrincham recently announced their season ticket prices. They look to be good value compared with the turnstile price.

The details are from the AltyFiles:

The savings figure quoted in the image issued by the club is the amount for an early bird purchase compared with paying £23 at the turnstile for each of the season's 23 league fixtures.

The price to be paid for a season ticket after the Early Bird offer window closes is unknown.

The club adds the following details...

✅ "What’s Included:

• Entry to all 23 National League home matches
• Priority access to FA Cup, FA Trophy, and play-off tickets
• Save up to 9 matches’ worth compared to matchday pricing
• 10% discount in-store and online at Alty retail
• 10% off stadium room hire
• Partner perks from local businesses
• Digital season ticket delivered instantly via email
• Option to add a physical card for £10

Early Bird pricing available until: 11:59pm on Sunday, 7th June 2026

Physical card (if selected): Order by Monday, July 13th

Pick-up only, from Monday, August 3rd

Default delivery: Season tickets are digital by default and will be emailed immediately after checkout. 

Hereford Look To Recruit Sports Therapist

Hereford FC are looking to recruit a sports therapist for the first team.

Duties will include delivering top-level care, injury prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.

The person appointed would need to be able to attend all fixtures both home and away and also training sessions at Studley.

Full details:

Sports Therapist – First Team

Hereford Football Club are actively recruiting for a First Team Sports Therapist. This is a key role within the football club, responsible for delivering top-level care, injury prevention, diagnosis,treatment and rehabilitation for our men's first team. 

You will work closely with the manager and first team staff to optimise player availability and ensure elite-level medical provision. 

We are looking for someone with a proactive and organised approach, who thrives in high-pressure environments and is passionate about sports medicine.

Experience of working within a professional/semi-professional sports environment would be an advantage. You will be required to attend all training sessions (Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Studley) along with home and away First Team fixtures.

Required Qualifications

Sports Therapy degree or equivalent
ITMMIF
FA DBS and Safeguarding certificates or a commitment to completing before commencement of role 

To apply, please send a CV and covering letter to nmarsh@herefordfc.co.uk

Fixed Term Contract

Closing date: Monday 1st June 5pm – We reserve the right to close applications early if a suitable candidate is found 

Hebburn Midfielder Leaves Because Of Priorities

Newly promoted to the National North League Hebburn Town are losing one of their longest serving players because of 'priorities'.

Midfielder Arron Thompson has been with the club for four seasons but has decided to play for a lower level side this coming season.

"The club got in touch with me after the season finished and they offered me a contract to stay for another year,"said Thompson as reported by the Shields Gazette.

"It was an offer I reluctantly turned down because I looked at the National League North and the time and travel involved and there was just a lot to commit to with my work and family life. 

"It was a very tough decision because I’ve had four great years and it’s been an unbelievable journey - but my priorities had to be with my work and family and that’s why I made the decision. 

"It’s been three trophies in four seasons and two league titles - and I think this one was even more special because everyone wrote us off. It’s been an unbelievable four years and I wish them nothing but the best. 

"I’ve had a lot of interest when Hebburn released their retained list.

"People see it on social media and that brought interest, people got in touch and I had a decision to make.

"I have agreed to sign with a club, I am dropping down but I am signing for the club because I believe they have major ambition and the move fits around my work life and family life. I am looking forward to getting going and seeing where it takes me." 

News round up

Chorley have confirmed the departures of five players, including club legend Matt Urwin after nine-and-a-half years and 384 appearances before taking up a coaching role with Blackburn Rovers’ academy.

Joe Nolan, Milan Lalkovic, Tom Walker and Jack Griffiths are also leaving Victory Park, although both Nolan and Lalkovic were offered new deals.

The Magpies, who were under a transfer embargo for part of last season, have retained midfielder Jack Moore, who has made 85 appearances for the club and registered three assists last season, including the winner away at Macclesfield.

Worksop Town’s retained list includes three players under contract, six who have signed new deals, and two with options triggered. Contract talks are ongoing with two players, while two rejected new terms. A total of six players are leaving at contract expiry, with five returning to parent clubs.

Macclesfield have confirmed Sam Heathcote will remain at the club for a fourth season after agreeing a new one-year deal.

The centre-back has made over 125 appearances for the Silkmen since joining from Runcorn Linnets in 2023, becoming a key figure in their backline. Last season he made 37 league appearances, plus play-off and FA Cup outings, including the win over Crystal Palace, as he continues as a mainstay for 2026/27.

Hednesford Town have retained another two of the players from their title-winning side. Jamie Morgan and Jacob Gwilt have agreed terms with the club for 2026/27 ahead of the club's step up to National League North. Former Bulls Omari Sterling-James, Montel Gibson and Ahkeem Rose are among the other players to have already agreed terms.

Striker Kane Simpson has signed for Merthyr from Gloucester. 29 year old Simpson is no stranger to Merthyr as he played for them during the 2024/25 seaso.

Andy Peaks is staying with Tamworth for another season. He was appointed as manager in February 2022 and is by far the longest serving National League manager.

Kidderminster have reported that both Assistant Manager Stewart Watkiss and First Team Coach Mario Oliveira have left the club. 

Scarborough Continue Pitch Improvements

Scarborough - Picture From NYC

Scarborough are hopeful that they will be able to return to their own ground in August following extensive repairs to their pitch.

It's a council owned ground and in a recent meeting councillors were told that 'repairs are progressing well'.

"Works are progressing well at the Scarborough Sports Village, with the initial phase of works to the pitch almost complete and the final stage of work, to resurface the pitch, expected to commence in June. 

"Final completion is expected well ahead of the start of the new football season." 

During last season the Council loaned the football club £150,000 to help secure its finances as they had to play their home matches at Bridlington. 

 

Hereford FC Launch Squad Builder 2026/2027

Hereford FC have launched squad builder 2026/2027 with the aim of raising as much money as possible to help manager Aaron Downes's budget.

Last season the total raised was just £80,000 not helped by news that then manager Paul Caddis had spoken to at least one other club and the view that his pre-season signings were not very exciting.

This season it is hoped that the total raised will be quite a lot more, hopefully over £100,000.

And the signing of striker Cawley Cox, who is a Hereford born player, will no doubt help the cause.

Chairman Chris Ammonds has commented about the launch. 

"We are determined to give our management team as much financial support as possible for their first full season at the helm, and have pushed as hard as we can to provide them with a competitive budget.

"Even taking into account the fact that we are likely to have made a loss during the 2025/26 financial year, due to playing three matches away from the MandM Edgar Street Stadium, our ambitions are only to be competing at the top end of the table.

"While we appreciate that times are tough financially, any money that fans feel they can contribute will have a huge impact, as it is funding that comes in from outside our usual income streams. As Aaron has said on several occasions, for this club to progress we all need to work together to drive it forward, and that is why a bumper Squad Builder total can make an enormous difference to his recruitment options.

"If we all work together, we can ensure that the worry and stress suffered last season are never experienced again, and that our future is much, much brighter."

More details: https://herefordfc.co.uk/2026/05/news-bulls-launch-squad-builder-for-2026-27-season/