Saturday, August 05, 2023

After Caddis's big summer clear out, where are last season's players now?

The Hereford team before kick-off at Blyth in April

We all remember that harrowing 5-0 loss at Blyth Spartans on the final day of last season... and it came just days after a chunk of the Hereford squad found out they were being released.

Paul Caddis came in and said he was going to make tough decisions and big changes - and that's exactly what he did. The timing, however, was controversial, but the players would've been eager to know their futures.

There had already been changes at Edgar Street with Josh Gowling sacked and his assistant Yan Klukowski temporarily taking the reins.

But after the big summer clear out, the likes of Harry Pinchard, Jack Evans and even Aaron Amadi-Holloway have left Edgar Street.

So, where are the released and departed players now?

Departed

Harry Pinchard, right, with Zak Lilly behind, watching Ryan McLean
Harry Pinchard was offered a deal but joined National League North rivals Gloucester City for an undisclosed fee.

Dale Eve was invited back for pre-season training but joined Alvechurch, linking up with last season's goalkeeping coach Neil Reeves.

Ryan McLean was also offered a deal, but joined League Two side AFC Wimbledon - with the Bulls getting some compensation.

Seb Osment, right, with Mark Derricott

Seb Osment was offered non-contract terms, but he's opted to look elsewhere.

Jared Hodgkiss had also been in talks with Caddis, but he dropped down a league to join AFC Telford United.

Aaron Amadi-Holloway was the only player under contract for the coming season when Caddis arrived, but the second year of that deal was cancelled by mutual consent and he joined Chippenham Town in the National League South.

Jack Evans has recently signed for Halifax
Jack Evans had also been offered a deal, but that expired. He had been on trial with FC Halifax Town before officially signing this week. Hereford will be due compensation as part of that deal too.

Released

Tyrone Barnett joined Leamington, who had just been relegated from the National League North. He's trying to gain coaching badges and will be working in the academy set up alongside his first team duties.

Dino Visser has not yet signed for a new club.

Miles Storey joined National League North side Curzon Ashton.

An emotional-looking Ryan Lloyd after the final whistle
Ryan Lloyd has not yet signed for another club.

Kane Thompson-Sommers joined FC Halifax Town in the National League, where he was later joined by Jack Evans.

Luke Haines captained Hereford at Blyth... until he was sent off
Luke Haines re-joined Chippenham Town in the National League South, where Tom Owen-Evans, Alex Bray and Aaron Amadi-Holloway also play.

Orrin Pendley joined AFC Telford United at step three.

Jethro Hansen joined Hemel Hempstead Town in the National League South.

Zak Lilly had a change of heart after re-signing for Telford
Zak Lilly joined step three side Stourbridge... and then signed for National League North side Brackley to link back up with manager Gavin Cowan. The Northamptonshire side got the play-off final last season, but were beaten by Kidderminster Harriers.

Harrison Summers rejoined Westfields.

This list excludes those who were on loan at Edgar Street.