News round up

Paul Downing, with the captain's armband at Edgar Street, has joined Worcester

Paul Downing, one of five players released from Kidderminster Harriers, has dropped down a divisions to join Worcester City, who have just won promotion to step three. 

Manager Chris Cornes said the signing of the 33-year-old former Walsall centre-back, who was at Hereford for the 2023/24 season, was a huge signing, would bring invaluable experience and showed the Sixways club's intent with what they want to achieve this season.

Brackley Town have retained midfielder Shane Byrne. The club said he was a key figure in last season’s remarkable title-winning campaign, playing an instrumental role in helping the Saints lift the National League North trophy.

The club said the former Harrier's leadership, composure on the ball, and wealth of experience were vital and he picked the Saints despite having other offers on the table.

Hereford have had 60 people contribute to the Squad Builder so far, raising £10,000. With two weeks left of early bird season ticket prices, more than 750 have been sold. For fans wishing to pay in instalments, the deadline is this Friday (20th June).

Scunthorpe United captain and midfielder Michael Clunan is leaving the club to rejoin his former side King’s Lynn Town.

The 31-year-old originally penned a one-year contract after departing the Linnets in 2023, where he was their long-term captain and had spent the last eight seasons, skippering them to promotion from the Southern League and National League South in his time there. Clunan then extended that stay to include last season, where he added a further promotion to his CV, guiding the Iron to promotion from National League North.

Kidderminster Harriers' submitted accounts for 2023/24 show losses exceeded £200k for the year, taking total cumulative losses to almost £4m.