Skinner signs on

Aaron Skinner is staying with Hereford after signing a new deal.

Earning the player-of-the-year award last season, Skinner has proved to be popular amongst Bulls supporters.

Shrewsbury friendly confirmed

Hereford are to host Shrewsbury in a friendly.

It will be the Bulls' final home game in their pre-season schedule, with the match taking place on Tuesday, July 28. The two rivals last played each other in a friendly five years ago. 

Hereford's friendlies 

Saturday, July 11: Hereford Pegasus (a) - 3pm

Friday, July 17: Bishops Cleeve (a) - 7.45pm

Tuesday, July 21: Worcester City (h) - 7.45pm

Saturday, July 25: Solihull Moors (h) - 2pm

Tuesday, July 28: Shrewsbury Town (h) - 7.45pm

Saturday, August 1: Bromsgrove Sporting (a) - 3pm

Pell teasing fans over another summer signing

Hereford's assistant manager Harry Pell has been teasing fans by posting on social media platform X.

He shared a picture showing two takeaway Starbucks cups, a laptop, a notepad and a loyalty card for the Village Hotel club.

This is believed to be the same hotel in Coventry where he and manager Aaron Downes had met one of their summer signings.

In response to the post, chairman Chris Ammonds said: "You do know I'll get 20 private messages because you've posted this don't you?"

We’ve only been offered a loyalty card this morning. 🤷🏼‍♂️🤣 pic.twitter.com/dDE2h5K51P

— Pelle (@Harrypell_7) June 4, 2026

Hereford have already been active in the transfer market this summer as manager Aaron Downes continues to shape his squad ahead of the new National League North campaign.

Joe Willis, Luke Spokes, Cawley Cox and Fin Holmes are all new additions this summer, with Ollie Lewis, Lewis Hudson, Kyle Howkins and Keziah Martin joining Theo Richardson in staying at Edgar Street for the 2026/27 season.

News Round Up

Former Hereford assistant manager Steve Burr is leaving 1874 Northwich after two seasons.

James Melhado has joined Bury. He spent a month on loan with Hereford in November 2022.

Former Hereford midfielder Jordan Lyden is to become first team coach at Bromsgrove Sporting.

Hereford General Manager Jamie Griffiths is taking part in a tandem skydive on Saturday to raise funds for Birmingham Childrens Hospital.

Defender Will Smith has joined Morecambe from Halifax. 

Downes Speaks About His Two Latest Signings

 

Hereford manager Aaron Downes has spoken about his two latest signings, Joe Willis and Luke Spokes.

First Joe Willis: 

"Really happy to get Joe.

"I think he is exactly the sort of player we want and need in the way I want to do things, in the way we want to play.

"He gives us great leadership qualities, great aggression.

"He's good at first and second contacts, keeps the game simple, brings our attackers into play and he can secure us from counter attacks.

"Great age, good experience under his belt, he's excited to step up and come up a level.

"I'm absolutely confident he's going to do that and thrive at this level.

"We'll make sure we give him the platform so he can be successful.

"A real good signing, really happy with him and glad to get that one done. 

"He's come through Walsall and had that taste of league football. Hopefully we can be that bridge for him.

"Supporters will love him, he gives everything, he leaves everything on the pitch, he's vocal and aggressive but also a good footballer."

And Luke Spokes:

"A brilliant signing.

"Luke has got great quality going forward and real creativity and technically very, very good.

"Works ever so hard.

"Again he's a player I'm really happy and excited to bring in.

"I think him and Joe dovetail and compliment each other.

"He's got great experience at this level. He's been at this level for a long time. And he's played higher in the leagues so good experience.

"Good age, 25 years old, good experience behind him but probably his best football is still to come.

"I'm really glad to agree with Luke and get him over the line.

"He's excited and we're excited so another good piece of the puzzle."

The quotes come from: https://herefordfc.co.uk/2026/06/interview-downes-on-signing-spokes-and-willis/ 

Former Hereford Striker To Feature In Adverts For John Lewis.

 

Former Hereford FC striker Lenell John-Lewis is to front an advertising campaign for John Lewis in the run up to the World Cup.

Now 37 and playing for Boston he was approached by the department store  because he is known as 'The Shop'.

“It feels surreal to me to have heard this chant my whole career, and now to be signed by the actual John Lewis… it's mad, and I love it,” he said.

“This summer is going to be packed full of amazing sporting events, and I'm buzzing that 'The Shop' and the shop are finally teaming up to help people create the perfect set up for hosting friends and family - as that's what it's all about.”

John Lewis brand director, Rosie Hanley said: “This year, more people are choosing to watch football from home, so expectations around the viewing experience are at all time high.

“We're making it easier than ever to bring the football home, offering everything fans need to create the ultimate set up under one roof.

“With visuals sharp enough to rival a VAR check and sound so immersive you'll feel like you're right in the stadium, we want to bring fans closer to the action this summer.” 

News Round Up

Kidderminster have appointed Mike Edwards as their assistant manager. He has worked with manager Paul Wotton previously at Truro and Torquay.

Kings Lynn have announced they have frozen season ticket prices for 2026/27. 

Defender Ben Crompton has joined Kidderminster. Last season  he played for Ross County but started his career at Shrewsbury. He's also played for Sunderland and Tamworth.

Former Hereford striker Lenell John-Lewis is to feature in adverts for John Lewis ahead of the World Cup.

'Bigger and better': Junior Bulls make exciting announcement

The Hereford FC Junior Bulls Supporters Club has revealed plans for the 2026/27 season, promising a "bigger and better" programme of activities for young Bulls fans.

Organisers say work has been taking place behind the scenes to review last season and prepare a packed calendar of events, while mascot Edgar the Bull has already been busy attending community events and school fetes across the county.

Memberships are set to go on sale soon, with the annual fee remaining at £7.50. As well as saving money on match tickets, members will receive a 10 per cent discount in the club shop and free away travel on selected official supporters' coaches.

The Junior Bulls have also announced several changes ahead of the new campaign.

Due to high demand, popular matchday parties will now be available exclusively to Junior Bull members. Memberships must be active for at least 28 days before bookings can be made.

The group is also expanding its Guard of Honour programme in a bid to involve more grassroots teams from across Herefordshire. Older age groups will be invited to selected Tuesday evening fixtures, while younger teams will have the opportunity to share matchday experiences with another side.

Junior Bulls will continue to organise Hereford FC mascot packages, with members receiving discounted rates.

A series of special "Members Days" will also return next season. On selected matchdays, members will have the chance to walk out with players, act as ball carriers and take part in the Guard of Honour free of charge, although a match ticket will still be required.

The Junior Bulls Supporters Club, a community interest company, says further announcements will follow closer to the start of the season.

Supporters are being encouraged to keep an eye on Hereford FC's community channels for details on when memberships become available.

Last Day For Parking Comments

Today Wednesday June 3rd is the last chance for Herefordshire residents to air their views regarding the council's 15 year parking strategy .

 It's important that as many people possible have an input in to this,especially those who shop in the city and attend Edgar Street for the football.

 More details: Herefordshire Council seeks residents’ views on new parking strategy - Herefordshire Council

 

News Round Up

Striker Sam Pearson has joined Merthyr Town. He has previously played for Yeovil and Eastleigh.

Hereford's season tickets are selling well with over 1200 sold to date. 

Dan Jarvis has joined Spalding from Peterborough Sports.

Jacob Maddock has moved to Merthyr from Yeovil. 

King's Lynn have signed Zac Mills who was captain of Boston last season. 

 

Luke Spokes Biography

 

Some more details about midfielder Luke Spokes, picture from Kidderminster, who has signed for Hereford after his contract at Weston-super-Mare ended.

Midfielder Spokes joined Weston on loan from Kidderminster Harriers in January 2026, the move made permanent in February.

During his time at Weston he played in 26 games and scored 2 goals. 

He joined the Harriers from Chippenham Town in the summer of 2025 after two successful seasons at Hardenhuish Park.

Bristol born Spokes  started out with the likes of Mangotsfield United, Yate Town and Taunton Town where his impressive form earned him a move to Grimsby Town, then managed by Ian Holloway.

During his time in Cleethorpes, Luke also had loan spells at Spennymoor Town and Boston United, before returning south and joining Bath City in 2022.

 

Luke Spokes Signs For Hereford

The second signing of the day and another midfielder.

25 year old Luke Spokes has signed for Hereford. 

Last season he was with Kidderminster before moving to Weston-super-Mare. 

Hereford manager Aaron Downes commented:

“I’m really excited to have Luke at Hereford.

“He’s got great technical ability and the creativity that we need to compete at this level. 

"He’ll suit playing alongside Joe Willis and is a player with vast experience, helping Weston to reach the play-offs last season. 

"We’re thrilled to have his quality with us." 

Hereford-born player leaves Gloucester

Hereford-born midfielder Aaron Wilding has left Gloucester. 

The 34-year-old joined the Southern Premier Division South side last year.

Wildig started his career at Cardiff before joining Shrewsbury in 2012 following a loan spell.

He then joined Kidderminster on loan before signing for Morecambe in 2015 where he would amass over 200 appearances over seven years.

Another 75 appearances followed at Newport, whom he joined in 2022, before Wilding linked up with Gloucester.

Joe Willis Signs For Hereford

 

Midfielder Joe Willis has joined Hereford.

Willis is a 24 year old midfielder. 

Recently he has played for Alvechurch.

This from Alvechurch:

'Joe Willis has moved onto pastures new and signed for a club higher up the pyramid. We would like to thank Joe for his hard work and performances in a Church shirt and wish him well.

Fantastic player and even better person. Go well Joe.'

 

5ft 11in Willis was born in Walsall and started his football career at his home club signing his first professional contract in July 2020.

 

However he was released in 2022 and joined Stafford Rangers making 72 appearances before moving to Avlechurch two seasons ago. 

 

 

News Round Up

Katy Huntbach is retiring from Women's football. She played her last game for Hereford yesterday. 

Darlington's 'Beat The Budget' campaign has passed the £188,000 mark. The aim was to raise £180,000.

Kidderminster have announced their retained and released lists. Nine players are already signed for next season with five more in discussions. Eleven are set to leave, among them are Christian Dibble, Joe Foulkes, Tom Palmer, Alex Penny and Amari Morgan-Smith.

 

 

 

Sponsor your season ticket for £25

Hereford fans are being given the opportunity to sponsor their season ticket seat.

For £25, the seat will be adorned with a "high-impact sticker" displaying your name.

It is part of an initiative between Hereford FC and AdVantage Sponsorship.

Hereford Women Defeated By Redditch

Hereford Women lost their final league fixture of the season which was played at Bromyard.

Redditch won the game 7-1.

Mylie Jordan scored Hereford's goal. 

Hereford finished 10th in the table with 25 points from 22 games. 

Final League Game Of The Season

This afternoon Hereford Women play their last league game of the season.

They are at 'home' to Redditch United Women.

The fixture is being played at Bromyard's Delahay Meadow with a 2pm kick-off. 

Currently Redditch are 5th in the table, whilst Hereford are 10th. Should Hereford win they will finish 9th. There are 12 teams in the league. 

Last Sunday Hereford Women were set to be away at Crusaders Women but the game did not go ahead and the points were awarded to Crusaders. 

News Round Up

Eno Nto has signed a one season deal with Bedford. The 23 winger played for Hereford part of last season.

ORY Investment Holdings, owned by capital markets lawyer Jason Ye, have acquired a majority holding in South Shields. Geoff Thompson will remain as chairman.

Chester have signed 21 year old Fleetwood goalkeeper Luke Hewitson for an undisclosed fee. 

Merthyr have launched a 'boost the budget' campaign with every penny going to the playing budget. 

 

 

Milestone reached in season ticket sales

Hereford have sold 1,000 season tickets in the early bird window.

The Bulls confirmed the news earlier today (Saturday) with the window closing tomorrow (Sunday).

From Monday, the prices go up.

If you haven't got yours yet, you can do so here. 

There is also the option to spread the cost over four instalments. 

 

The Grass Is Growing At Edgar Street

Given all the recent dry weather the newly sown grass on the Edgar Street pitch is growing very nicely.

Groundsman Ben Bowen put his mower over it for the first time yesterday and as his pictures shows it does look to be coming along well.

Hereford's first home friendly is on July 21st. 

News Round Up

Macclesfield have signed goalkeeper Christian Dibble following his departure from Kidderminster Harriers. 

Bromsgrove Sporting have made a fourth signing ahead of the 2026/27 season with the addition of former Hereford midfielder Simeon Maye.

Cian Tyler has joined Leamington. The former Coventry City goalkeeper spent a spell on loan with Hereford during the 2024/25 season. 

Left-back Jordan Cranston, formerly at Hereford, has agreed terms with AFC Telford United for a third season at the club. 

Hereford have sold 875 season tickets as of yesterday. 

 

Sohna Joins Woking

Harrison Sohna has joined Woking.

This from Woking:

Woking Football Club is pleased to announce the signing of Harrison Sohna.

The 23-year-old midfielder joins on a two-year deal from National League North side Hereford.

Sohna developed through the Aston Villa Academy, making his senior professional debut in January 2021 against Liverpool in the FA Cup Third Round.

In July 2021, he transferred permanently to Sunderland. He featured heavily in their U21 side and made a senior appearance against Sheffield Wednesday in the EFL Cup.

After a successful trial in July 2024, he joined League Two side Cheltenham Town on a two-year contract. Sohna made 15 competitive appearances for the Robins. In January 2025, he went out on loan to Wealdstone, where he made 18 appearances.

On February 24th, 2026, he signed for National League North side Herford, making his debut the same day in a 5-2 victory.

Director of Football Jody Brown said: “Harrison was brought to our attention in January whilst at Cheltenham, we couldn’t do anything then, but I was really impressed that he went to Hereford, got games, and performed at a good level”

“He was in the Sunderland squad with Jermain at one point, and he identified him as a player that could add something to our group – So it’s great that we were able to make it happen”

“Left footed, loads of energy, dead ball specialist, can operate in deep areas building play, but equally as comfortable playing as an 8 and making those forward runs, and being a goal threat.”

Update Saturday: Hereford are expected to receive some compensation from Woking for Sohna.

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/