Saturday, May 27, 2023

Chester Sign Charlie Caton

Chester have signed 20 year old forward Charlie Caton on a two year deal.

Caton was released by Shrewsbury recently after finishing a loan spell with Chester.

He is the son of the Bala manager.

"Charlie made an enormous contribution during his loan spell last season in terms of goals and assists and I am ecstatic that we have secured him on a two-year deal," said Chester manager Calum McIntyre.

"There aren’t many players at this level that can match Charlie’s work ethic and quality and I know he will be a superb signing for us this season."

 

 

News Round Up

Brackley Town have announced the signings of Danny Newton and Alex Gudger, both of whom return to the club for a second time.

Fleetwood Town chairman Andy Pilley has stood down. The 52-year-old has been found guilty on two counts of fraud and one of money laundering.

The 'Inflatable' Weekend starts at Hereford FC this morning.

Friday, May 26, 2023

Miles Storey Joins Curzon Ashton

Miles Storey

Former Hereford FC striker Miles Storey has joined Curzon Ashton.

He is their first summer signing.

"I'm glad it's over the line it was quite an easy decision for me," he said.

"I’m looking to add more goals to my game, although I’ve worked hard and played well, I’m looking to score more. I think I can add pace and power to the team.

"I’ve been to Curzon twice and I’ve always been impressed, they’ve always played good football on a good pitch."

Chester's Boost The Budget Has Raised £51K

Chester FC have had a great start to the Boost the Budget campaign.

In five days £51K has been raised from 316 supporters.

Their target is £100K.

'Boost the Budget is ringfenced and it gives us, the owners, the chance to support Calum (McIntyre manager) and contribute to what happens on the pitch. 

Last summer it enabled us to sign Kurt Willoughby and if we can beat our target again this year, it will create those kinds of opportunities again.'

 

Hednesford Face Uncertain Future

Hednesford face an uncertain future after a sale of the club fell through.

Hereford former assistant manager Steve Burr had a spell in charge last season.

'It is with huge sadness that we write to confirm that the prospective new owner and chairman has withdrawn from the takeover late this afternoon.

Due to recent meetings with the League & the FA, the timing of this means that unfortunately, Hednesford Town FC will be unable to play in the 23/24 season.

All options will now be explored to try and ensure Hednesford Town FC can restart for the following season.'

 

Babos Scores At Edgar Street

Hereford's latest signing Alex Babos scored against the Bulls at Edgar Street last January.

'Hodgkiss came on taking the armband off Lloyd and playing at left back. Banbury brought Babos on and the game changed. Banbury flooded midfield going to three at the back. They had five and sometimes six players across the middle and started to force the Bulls back. They overloaded on the left with KTS and Andoh regularly trying to combat three attackers. A cross from the left was not cleared and fell to Babos who poked it home as Amadi-Holloway desperately tried to block.





Banbury had control.'

Article About Alex Babos

Interesting article about Alex Babos who signed for Hereford yesterday.

It's a seven minute read.

https://alfie628.wixsite.com/spencerreds/post/alex-babos-the-welsh-iniesta

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Hereford Sign Banbury Midfielder

Hereford have signed central midfielder Alex Babos from Banbury.

Babos made 45 appearances for the Puritans last season and scored in a 3-2 win at Edgar Street.

"Alex is a player who, after speaking to him about the possibility of joining our club, was really hungry, enthusiastic and excited to become part of our rebuild moving forward," said manager Paul Caddis.

"After a successful season at Banbury in 22/23, in which he showed the robustness and fitness base that is needed to be a part of my squad by making more than 50 appearances, I am absolutely delighted to have secured his signature on a one-year deal."

More here: https://www.herefordfc.co.uk/news-babos-joins-the-bulls/

Hereford FC Has A New Director

Hereford FC has a new director.

Darren Ball, a former police officer, has joined the board. 

"I feel proud, honoured and privileged to become a Director at Edgar Street, but most all I am extremely excited by this opportunity," said Ball

"I have been watching football at Edgar Street for over 30 years and in recent times have volunteered for the club, including working on the Meadow End turnstiles.

"I very much see myself as a ‘doer’ and I can’t wait to get started in this role as I feel I have a lot to offer given my background in policing. 

"I’d like to thank my fellow Directors for approving my appointment and putting their faith in me and I can guarantee all supporters that I will be giving my all to try to play a part in moving our club forward positively."

With the new appointment the club board has seven directors.

 

Bamber Bridge Thank Skinner

Aaron Skinner joined Hereford yesterday and his former club has thanked the defender and wished him well for the future.

'We can confirm that Aaron Skinner has today left the club to join Hereford FC.

Aaron has been a fantastic servant of the club over the past 2 years and always give 100% for the shirt. Aaron was an ever present as we reached the playoff final last season.

Although we are naturally gutted, we are always incredibly pleased for Aaron for getting the opportunity and he massively deserves it. We all wish Aaron all the best in his move and next stage of his career. He’ll always be welcome back at the Irongate.' 

 

THROWBACK THURSDAY | Ian Bowyer leaves Hereford United - May 1990

Hereford United Manager Ian Bowyer is relieved of his duties as Hereford United manager.



Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Raison Signs For Evesham

Toby Raison has signed for Evesham.

Raison came through Hereford's youth set-up and has been with the first team for the last two years.

However much of the time he was sent out on loan.

'So after I spoke to Mike (Ford - manager) I could tell how ambitious he was and it really matched my ambition. I am really looking to progress and I think Mike will be the perfect gaffer to help me kick on and improve and have a successful season. 

It is a really good set up with great facilities. We obviously have the 3G as well for training which is perfect. I am really looking forward to getting to work.'

Aaron Skinner Joins Hereford

Aaron Skinner (@aaron_skinner24) / Twitter
Aaron Skinner

Left back Aaron Skinner has joined Hereford.

Last season he was with Bamber Bridge.

He is 21.

Skinner started his career at Bury playing in the their youth sides up to Under-18 level, including playing in the squad which reached the quarter-final of the FA Youth Cup in the 2018/19 season.

In October 2019 he moved to Bolton Wanderers Under-18s, however within two months he was snapped up by Tottenham Hotspur.

He earned a pro contract with the Premier League side featuring in their Under-23s.

He joined Bamber Bridge in November 2021.

"Aaron played a huge role at left back for Bamber Bridge last year as they reached the play-offs and ended the season by picking up a Player of the Year award," said manager Paul Caddis.

"He is a versatile footballer who I’ll be able to trust in several positions across the pitch and he is very competent in 1 v 1 situations, both defensively and offensively. 

"He is also an incredible athlete with an all or nothing style of play which I think our supporters will appreciate."

News Round Up

Darlington's Boost The Budget has reached £100,000.

Kings Lynn have released six players. 

Former Hereford loanee keeper Will Henry is staying with Chippenham. Two other former Hereford players, Luke Haines and Tom Owen-Evans joined yesterday. 

Striker Harry Williams is expected to rejoin Gloucester City from Swindon Supermarine.

Hay Festival Starts Tomorrow

Hay Festival starts tomorrow and once again BN will be raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

BN will be running a car park right next to the Festival Site.

Parking costs £8, £6 after 6pm, and can be paid by card or cash.

A donation to Macmillan will be forwarded from the proceeds.

The sat nav for the car park is HR3 5PL

More information about Hay Festival can be found at: https://www.hayfestival.com/home

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Brandon Hall Joins Telford

Former Hereford keeper Brandon Hall has joined AFC Telford.

30 year old Hall has signed a one year deal.

Telford is close to Hall's home in Shrewsbury.

Last season Hall played for Gloucester. Previously he spent three seasons at Edgar Street.

Chorley FC Has New Owners

Chorley FC has new owners.

Reset Events Ltd have taken over. The company is led by Prince Yamoh.

Chorley said 

'Prince is a former graduate student at Manchester University, where he studied Architecture, before joining one of the world’s leading Architectural practices, where he was a key member of the team responsible for community redevelopment projects such as Bracknell, driven by his core values of community.'

Yamoh said

'First and foremost, I want to assure you that my commitment to the success and development of Chorley FC is unwavering. With my extensive business experience, ambitious vision, and outstanding team, we are determined to lead the club into an exciting new chapter. Together, we will reach new heights and solidify our position as a formidable force in the football world. We understand the importance of transforming our club into a sustainable business model that propels our growth and prosperity. Rest assured, our new ownership is dedicated wholeheartedly to forging a trajectory that guarantees not only the club’s survival but also paves the way for expansion and development. Transparency, inclusivity, and collaboration will be at the heart of our approach as we value the input and support of our stakeholders, sponsors, and community' – Prince Yemoh

Read more at: https://www.chorleyfc.com/2023/05/23/a-new-era-at-chorley-fc/

This Weekend At Edgar Street

TOE and Haines sign for same club

Former Hereford players Tom Owen-Evans and Luke Haines have joined National League South club Chippenham.

Both have played for the club before.

Owen-Evans tweeted:

Buzzing to be back! So happy to be back down south and close to home after 5 years up north… Excited to get back to enjoying my football again and doing what I do best!

Haines tweeted:

Buzzing to be back at Chippenham and like I stated before… once a bluebird

Klukowski Appointed Assistant Manager At Gloucester

 

Former Hereford interim manager Yan Klukowski has been appointed assistant manager at Gloucester City.

And another former Hereford player, Stuart Fleetwood, is the club's new head coach. 

"I am absolutely delighted to be joining Gloucester City AFC," said Klukowski.

"Gloucester is a fantastic City which is passionate about its football and the fans demonstrate this on a daily basis. The opportunity to work with Tim Flowers is an exciting one, and something I am thoroughly looking forward. 

"I believe he will help with my personal development and we will be a strong management team, producing a team the fans will be proud of. It fills me with great pride on becoming Assistant Manager so I thank Patrick, Nicky and Tim for bringing me to Gloucester City."

Klukowski was well respected by many of the players at Hereford. It will be interesting to see if any of them who were recently released now move to Gloucester.

500 Season Tickets Sold At Edgar Street

Hereford FC have sold 500 season tickets as at earlier this morning.

Update 4pm: Now 550.

The early bird period for sales ends June 4th. 

Tickets can be purchased face to face and over the phone as well as on the internet.

Face to face and phone sales are on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am to 4pm. 

Internet sales at: https://herefordfc.ticketco.events/uk/en

Monday, May 22, 2023

Caddis And A Remarkable 24 Hours

Hereford manager Paul Caddis made his debut for Celtic against Barcelona in the Champions League in 2008.

However the day after he was accused of fathering a child in a Scottish newspaper.

"I played on the Tuesday night but on the Wednesday morning I was on the front page and the back page on the same day," said Caddis as reported in the Sun.

"Some girl had come out and said I had fathered her child, which was a load of s***.

"I was looking at the back page buzzing, saying ‘look at that picture of me and Ronaldinho,’ then looking at the back page seeing a munter in the front saying I was…

"[The paper] had the story ready for about six weeks. It was a load of s*** but she sold this dream to the papers and they printed it.

"I had to do a DNA test, at the time she made me think [the baby was mine] but three months later it turned out it wasn’t."

 

Flowers Signs Three

Gloucester City's new manager Tim Flowers has signed three players today.

Former Forest Green Rovers and Cheltenham Town striker Danny Wright, who is 38, has joined on a one-year contract.

Also signed are Spencer Hamilton and Joe Hanks. Both have played for Gloucester before making 350 appearances between them. Last season they played for Chippenham.

Chester Aim For £100K From Their Boost The Budget

Chester are aiming to raise £100,000 for their 'Boost The Budget' which has just been launched.

They have five levels of support ranging from £5 per month to £100 per month. Or one-off donations from £60 to £1200.

All levels of support will receive rewards.

The launch comes after the club revealed that it had sold 1500 season tickets to date. Their average attendance last season was 2287.

Whing Leaves Banbury

Andy Whing

Andy Whing has stepped down as manager of Banbury.

Whing has been in charge for three seasons. Before then he was assistant manager at Hereford.

Below is his statement:

I would like to begin by thanking everyone connected with Banbury United Football Club for their love and support throughout my time at the club.

I am extremely proud of our achievements over the past 3 years; securing the club’s National League North status, then reaching the FA Cup Round 1 both last season and the previous season, before building a side that was competitive in the National League this season. At the start of my journey as Manager, I said that “ I cannot wait to get started in developing a football club that the community and fans can become even more proud of” and I hope that you all agree that I have put my heart and soul into delivering that promise.

To the incredible fanbase, you will always hold a place in my heart.

To the BUFC Board of Directors, I cannot thank you enough for your friendship and support, and for giving me the opportunity to manage this special club.

To my staff and players, thank you for giving me everything and for giving me satisfaction, on the way we have played, throughout our time together. I wish you all the best for next season and beyond.

I have taken this Club as far as I believe I can and I leave the Club, in a great position going forward.

I will now take time to rest, recharge and focus on my own personal development.

I am certain that the experience I have gained during my time with Banbury Utd will help me as I continue my coaching journey. I am proud to have been promoted whilst the BUFC manager, taking the club to its highest ever league position and I am both excited and ambitious to face my next challenge, wherever that shall be.

Sunday, May 21, 2023

From The Archives - Elmo Looks Forward

BN goes back to May 2000 for this article.

Rather than looking back on his best ever season as a striker, Rob Elmes is looking forward. The simple goal for the Hereford United forward is helping the club secure a return to the Football League.

Hitting the Bulls' eye has made it a season to remember for Elmes, who finished the club's joint top scorer with Paul Fewings, netting 15 goals all told.

Not bad for a player in his first season in the Conference - at the age of 29 - and who 18 months ago was only pushed up-front to ease an injury crisis.

But Sutton-based Elmes, typically for a school teacher, is the first to admit he is still learning.

'I don't think I was seen as a goalscorer as such when I signed for Hereford,' said Elmes, who joined Hereford last summer from Halesowen Town. 'I was seen more as a target-man and a nuisance to defenders.

'The goals really have been a bonus and to finish with my highest tally of goal at any level has been great.

'But next season I feel I can go on and do better. Though I'm 30, I'm still learning. I had not played in this position until 18 months ago at Halesowen and it's a question of the more you play the better you get.'

Elmes has just pledged his future to the Bulls with a new two-year contract, and it's a sign of how highly he is regarded by manager Graham Turner that he is only one of two part-timers in the professional Hereford ranks.

But the respect is mutual. After Turner revived a club heading into oblivion, Elmes believes Hereford are now ready to sustain a Conference title challenge.

'I was more than happy to sign a new deal,' he said. 'I don't think we are that far away from being a top-three side.

'Hereford is an excellent club, well run and very professional under Mr Turner. Everything is geared up to success and to get back into the Football League.'

Hereford proved they should fear nobody after their FA Cup giant-killing exploits, plus a mid-season unbeaten run which lifted to third in the table at one point.

'I wouldn't want to swap the FA Cup for anything,' said Elmes, whose match-winner against Hartlepool earned a never-to-be-forgotten third round tie with Premiership Leicester City.

'It gave us a lot of confidence and we took that into the league form. After the Leicester replay, we went unbeaten for 13 games. We know we can get results against anybody and now we want to prove that in the Conference next season."  

Saturday, May 20, 2023

Scunthorpe Fans Forum Report

Scunthorpe will be playing in the National North League next season.

Last January the club was taken over by former Ilkeston Town chairman David Hilton.

Two weeks earlier the club was served with a winding up order because of unpaid tax.

Following relegation the club held a fans forum last Thursday.

'Due to recent rumours circulating, David Hilton confirmed during the first 40 minutes of the meeting that he had recently provided proof of funds to Simon Elliot who is a well-respected representative of supporters. He went on to also confirm that the club is not currently under a transfer embargo as falsely reported and have not been since he took the club out of the one he inherited in February. HMRC payments are continually paid on time along with all staff wages. However, he did confirm that after inheriting a pension debt, it has risen further since the takeover. This is not an oversight, it is a simple mandate issue which allows the new regime to access all of the relevant information required to understand fully the clubs current position. Payments will be made in due course and the account bought up to date.

Mr Hilton also confirmed that he plays no part in the recruitment process. He has provided a budget only and the instructions to build a top seven National League (Step 1) side. Acquisitions moving forward, along with the recent completed signings, are solely down to the hard work of Jimmy Dean and Lee Turnbull.

A new training facility has been secured, however its location at this stage cannot be disclosed. It was described as an excellent facility and a further £2m has been set aside to enhance the current facilities to provide everything required away from matchday. This is to include a gymnasium, players restaurant, medical facilities and, hopefully, temporary player accommodation. A state of the art 4G surface will also be installed along with several grass pitches and LED floodlighting. 

It has been confirmed that the club will move away from the current kit provide Macron. Mr Hilton felt that the relationship was at an irreparable stage, and we could not gain the required commitment in respect of delivery times despite the club being signed into a long term contract. It was said that he believed the breakdown was caused by the current league position of the football club, along with the absence of payments over the season despite the club receiving and selling the stock a year ago. Kelme will provide our kits for the forthcoming season.

The two recently acquired sites at Warren Road and Glebe Road were then discussed and Mr Hilton confirmed that, subject to the relevant planning consents, a new stadium will be erected and hopefully completed in time for the start of the 2025-26 season. Civil contractors, stadium construction experts, architects and various surveyors have all been instructed and a comprehensive ground testing survey has already been provided to the relevant parties. He confirmed that North Lincolnshire Council are extremely supportive of the potential development and are working closely with the club to ensure things happen quickly. Enabling development, potentially retail, will be key to the application to help fund the new stadium and it was explained that this was the reason for acquiring both sites. The government levelling up fund is also to be discussed and many more options that are not open to a Glanford Park modernisation. Mr Hilton has also confirmed that the amount of personally allocated funds will obviously rise significantly. Long term he feels the move is in the best interests of the club and supporters.

The purchase of Glanford Park from Peter Swann was next on the agenda. It was confirmed that the two parties were no longer on speaking terms and that the deal had stalled. Mr Hilton confirmed that this was due to various legal issues such as unregistered parcels of land (potential ransom strips), the inability for him to purchase the stadium in the clubs name due to Mr Swann not following the correct procedure for a sale of an asset of community value, previously undeclared access rights for a third party, expired planning consents, flood risk and a much lower valuation. Mr Hilton went on to reiterate that at no point did he want to withdraw from the process however was insistent that the legalities were carried out correctly in order to protect the club moving forward. An extension was requested in order to complete the processes professionally and a rent offered of £20,000 per month in order to show that there is no benefit to the club to create unnecessary delays. All of this was offered despite the fact the legal issues are the responsibility of Mr Swann to remedy, despite the insistence in January by Mr Swann that all of this work had recently been carried out during the extraction of the stadium from the club to his company. Mr Swann declined the offer and insists that the club, the Iron Foundation and Study United, all of which have been occupiers of Glanford Park for many years, will have to vacate on May 24th unless £3m is paid without legal works being completed or him even acknowledging the serious issues.

Mr Hilton confirmed that he has instructed his own legal team and Barristers to act on behalf of the club moving forward and feels that after taking their advice and carrying out certain administration processes he has protected the club ensuring its stay for the foreseeable future at its rightful home.

This unfortunate scenario has left some uncertainty surrounding the Club 1899 membership. Mr Hilton confirmed that he would certainly implement measures in new facilities to ensure members have protection over the club. They will continue to receive all benefits apart from an 1899 lounge. This is due to the cost of creating such a facility with only five current members wanting tickets in this area. These five members will be offered executive lounge access and all members who do not request a refund will be entitled to a share in the football club which are not currently available.

Finally, Mr Hilton has decided that due to us all wanting to forget the past mistakes, he has taken the steps to remove all banning orders at the football club and hopes we can all unite and see this as a fresh start for all. He has requested that people remain respectful of players, staff and most importantly each other throughout the coming season and enjoy the ride.

During the meeting, first team manager Jimmy Dean stated he would be working hard to ensure that the club rediscovered its family feel. He stated there needs to be a strong presence of the football club within the community and he will be working with the relevant people to ensure that he, his players and his staff regularly undertake visits and appearances within this local area. He would also like to extend this to the players and staff returning upstairs to the Executive Lounge, and also the Iron Bar, after a home fixture where supporters will be able to meet and talk to, as well as gain autographs and pictures of the squad.'

1300 Season Tickets Sold At Chester

Chester City football club has sold just over 1300 season tickets to date. Their early bird deadline is 8pm tomorrow (Sunday).

Season tickets can be paid in five instalments.

The club has frozen the price of parking at their season. A 'parking' season ticket costs £40.

Fleetwood Town Owner Found Guilty Of Fraud

Andy Pilley, the owner of Fleetwood Town FC, has been found guilty of fraud after an eight-month trial at Preston Crown Court according to the Blackpool Gazette.

'After a complex fraud trial at Preston Crown Court which began in October, Pilley has been found guilty on all counts of the charges facing him, in relation to charges of mis-selling energy supplies. The jury reached a unanimous verdict on Friday afternoon and Pilley has been remanded in custody to await sentence.

His Honour Judge Knowles KC has indicated that Pilley, the chairman of Fleetwood Town FC, is likely to face a prison term.'. 

Pilley has since said that the verdit will not affect the running of the football club. However the club is in talks with the EFL.

Hereford's new manager Paul Caddis was a coach at Fleetwood last season.

Friday, May 19, 2023

Summers Back At Westfields

 

Harrison Summers is back at Westfields.

Former Hereford manager Josh Gowling signed Summers before the start of last season but he hardly featured for the first team and spent much of the season on loan firstly at Cinderford then at Pegasus.

"Harry was outstanding for us before moving to Hereford and last year would of been frustrating for him as I know how much he loves playing football," said Westfields manager Phil Glover. 

"The challenge for Harry now is to settle back in to the group, which I have no doubt he will do, knuckle down, battle to get his shirt back and show us and the rest of the county just how good a player he really is."