31 Years Ago - Hereford's Supporters Club Was Burnt Down.

A look back to reports from October 2nd 1995:

Pictures From Ron Parrott's Collection

Football club bosses last night pledged to play on despite an arson attack which caused hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of damage at Hereford United's Edgar Street ground.

More than 100 firefighters tackled the blaze at its peak in the early hours yesterday.

The Third Division club is now in a race against time to make the ground safe for its game against Torquay United on Saturday.

Structural engineers have been called in to assess any damage to the main stand and the Football League will have to be satisfied with the safety of the ground before the game can go ahead.

The blaze started shortly after midnight on Sunday and gutted the Sportsman's Social Club and then swept into the second floor Starlite Rooms above.

Severe damage was caused to offices and the bootroom with footballs distorted out of shape by the heat.

Police believe an accelerant was used to start the fire.

The club will have to assess damage to the electrical systems, computers, phones, security TV, public address systems, photocopiers and other machines.

Arsonists are believed to have struck at the club last Tuesday but petrol poured through a door failed to set it alight.

Managing director Robin Fry, dressed in a tracksuit as he cleaned up said "We have had two years of vandalism - this is the ulitimate."

But he reassured fans everything would be done to make the ground useable for Saturday.

Director and club secretary David Vaughan stressed "The main business of football goes on.

"Assuming the fire was started deliberately I fail to understand the mentality of people who do that sort of thing."

To add to the problem of the fire it was later revealed that there had been problems with the insurance.

The club was built in 1973/74 at a cost of £200,000. It was officially opened by Joe Mercer in a special ceremony in 1974.

And for the next 21 years it became a much loved part of Edgar Street. 

Fireman Dave Pascoe later told the Hereford Times it was one of the biggest fires he had ever attended.

"When we got into the building to tackle the fire we had a feeling that something really bad was about to happen – difficult to define but somehow the crackling noise sounded 'different – we got back out really fast and seconds later the ceiling caved in."  

 

This Day In 2000 - Hereford Win At Kingstonian

A look back to October 3rd 2000.

KINGSTONIAN 0 - 3 HEREFORD UNITED

The second 3-0 away win of the season came tonight at Kingsmeadow as United triumphed in a match which included an awful refereeing performance by Steve Rubery of Ilford. To say the least, the game was eventful if not for completely the right reasons, but United let the football do the talking as they outclassed Kingstonian.

Geoff Chapple, Kingstonian's boss, was away from the match for medical treatment and this result will not make him feel any better, and the refereeing performance will make it even worse!

United started well but the first chance went Kingstonian's way after a third of the first half. A cross from Eddie Akuamoah was hit well by Sammy Winston but Scott Cooksey blocked the effort, before the rebound went wide from Winston.

McIndoe got the first goal from a swerving free kick on eighteen minutes, and it came in off the far post, a superb effort from twenty yards to give Hereford the lead. It was the second free kick, after Chris Lane's first attempt had been cleared and Pitcher booked for a foul.

The second came just eight minutes later from a Gavin Williams left hand cross, which was headed in by Robin Elmes past Farrelly, the helpless Kingstonian goalkeeper.

Chris Lane almost made it 3-0 to the Bulls on thirty one minutes. Eddie Saunders held back Gavin Williams, and the referee awarded Chris Lane a penalty kick. However, the right back hit a low ball towards the corner before Farrelly dived to save superbly.

On thirty four minutes, Gary Patterson and Phil Robinson clashed after Patterson had performed a late challenge on the former Stoke captain, and the result was a sixteen man brawl! After the fracas, Colin Luckett was sent off for violent conduct whilst both Robinson and Patterson got away scot-free. Luckett could count himself unlucky to have been sent off as he didn't seem to have played a huge part in proceedings.

The game was not a dirty one but the statistic of twenty something freekicks reveals its niggly nature. Ian Wright, however, came off at half time with a neck injury and replaced by Matt Gardiner.

After half-time, Kingstonian came out attacking the Hereford goal and with just one minute of the half gone, Winston hit wide. Hereford came back with Lane, as his low shot was eventually scrambled away by the Kingstonian defence. Elmes then hit a shot wide from six yards out on fifty five minutes, and then Mark Harris' header called Cooksey into action at the other end.

On sixty four minutes, Steve Farrelly was sent off for serious foul play after the referee had consulted with the assistant. He waited for the referee to turn away, and then lashed out at Gavin Williams, perhaps accidentely through the follow-on from the clearance.

Hereford's domination enhanced with a two man advantage and eventually got their third goal on seventy nine minutes. Matt Clarke hit a superb fourty yard pass to Gavin Williams, who controlled well before hitting an excellent ball from fifteen yards past the sub-keeper Richard Hurst.

Hurst kept United at bay for the final ten minutes. He made several good saves, and prevented several potential goals. However, Williams and Elmes looked impressive in attack and yet again McIndoe made a superb contribution to the Hereford shire from his left sided role.

The referee, as previously mentioned, played a huge part in proceedings. He was fussy, and penalised many offences in a normal game which included just one bad foul. Despite that, the following were booked; Pitcher (18), Winston (29) and Harriott (31) for fouls, and also the Hereford three of Wright (5), McIndoe (36) and Williams (65), all also for fouls.

An attendance of just 833 saw the game, and the next United match is vs Yeovil on Sunday, which should be a good turn out as the Somerset side are now top of the league. They went top with a 4-0 home win as Rushden crashed to a one goal defeat at Leigh RMI. Dagenham also won so remain in third position, just above Hereford.

Hereford - Cooksey, Lane, Clarke, Robinson, Wright, James, Rodgerson, Snape, McIndoe, Elmes, Williams
Substitutions - Gardiner (46).

Man of the Match - Michael McIndoe   

Highlights Bedford v Hereford

 

The highlights from last Saturday's game between Bedford and Hereford are now available to view.

They were delayed because of a problem with the commentary and also some clever editing because of bad language.

To watch: https://herefordfc.co.uk/2026/09/highlights-bedford-town-1-1-hereford-fc/ 

FA Cup Preview

Hereford have a free weekend after losing at Stafford in the FA Cup a fortnight ago.

However a number of National North and South League clubs remain and they will play their next ties tomorrow.

This preview from Sam Elliott:

More FA Cup headlines are about to be written, and with one more round before the Enterprise National League clubs enter every tie counts this weekend.

Our National League North and National League South sides continue their journeys on Saturday - and there will be plenty of them in the hat for Monday’s draw.

That’s because after mission avoid an upset last time, there are a ton of same-division ties this time around.

Macclesfield fans are dreaming again and the bar is of course high after sending the FA Cup holders packing last season.

It’s Scarborough Athletic next and the Seadogs watched their incredible adventure unfold last time and want a slice of the action themselves this time!

It’s far from the only all National League North tie.

Morecambe meet Darlington, Buxton host South Shields and Chester face Spennymoor Town, whose new manager Peter Hartley is hoping to make a flying start.

There is a meeting of South sides too - who will come out on top when Torquay United take to the road and face Tonbridge Angels.

The draw is regionalised for one final time but in an odd quick, have a North v South tie to look forward to as Brackley Town take on Chelmsford City.

A number of our sides are looking to avoid becoming the third qualifying round story.

Paul Doswell once guided Sutton United to glory over Leeds United and to a tie with Arsenal.

His Sholing side are on the march and have Ebbsfleet United in their eye-line.

Dagenham & Redbridge nearly were a headline last time out but after finally seeing off Waltham Abbey, they face another Essex outside - Brentwood Town.

But this time they do it in front on an upset-hunting nation! The match will be shown live on BBC iPlayer, Red Button, as well as on the BBC Football’s YouTube channel and the BBC Sport website, with kick-off at 12:30pm.

Andy Preece’s Chorley hoping it’s a smooth side at Barton Town.

Chesham United are happy to be at home, they take on Real Bedford, while the same could be said for Salisbury - who welcome Dulwich Hamlet.

The prize money goes up - with £5,625 earned by the winners, and £1,875 collected by the defeated sides.

The weekend ties

1 Macclesfield v Scarborough Athletic

2 Marine v Warrington Town

3 Trafford v Atherton Collieries

4 Guiseley v Bradford (Park Avenue)

5 Gainsborough Trinity v Anstey Nomads

6 Morecambe v Darlington

7 Buxton v South Shields

8 Bury v Bromsgrove Sporting

9 Barton Town v Chorley

10 Worksop Town v FC United of Manchester

11 Stafford Rangers v Halesowen Town

12 Spennymoor Town v Chester

13 Mulbarton Wanderers v Gloucester City

14 Bury Town v Spalding United

15 Harborough Town v St Albans City

16 Bedford Town v Wingate & Finchley

17 Kettering Town v Worcester City

18 Cambridge City v Alvechurch

19 Brackley Town v Chelmsford City

20 Chesham United v Real Bedford

21 Oxford City v Enfield Town

22 Brentwood Town v Dagenham & Redbridge

23 Leiston v Coventry United

24 Redditch United v Berkhamsted

25 AFC Rushden & Diamonds v Braintree Town

26 Dorking Wanderers v Chatham Town

27 Truro City v Cirencester Town

28 Tonbridge Angels v Torquay United

29 Weymouth v SE Dons

30 Sheppey United v Chertsey Town

31 Cray Wanderers v Chippenham Town

32 Wimborne Town v Crowborough Athletic

33 Plymouth Parkway v Horsham

34 Uxbridge v Hungerford Town

35 Ebbsfleet United v Sholing

36 Salisbury v Dulwich Hamlet

37 Thame United v Eastbourne Borough

38 Hanwell Town v Dover Athletic

39 Tadley Calleva v Dartford

40 Leatherhead v Hanworth Villa

 

Incident At Worksop

When Hereford played at Worksop on August 22nd one of the home team players was sent off late in the game. At the time it was thought it was for kicking the ball into the Hereford supporters.

This from the FA:

INCIDENT OUTSIDE THE JURISDICTION OF MATCH OFFICIALS BUT REPORTED TO THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION – NONSTANDARD CASE
Mr Aleksandrs Starcenko, Player, Worksop Town FC

Worksop Town FC vs Hereford FC
National League – North
22 August 2026

Breach of FA Rule E3.1-
It is alleged that in around the 82nd minute of the above fixture, following your dismissal, you acted in an improper manner.

Aleksandrs Starcenko has until 6pm on 8 October 2026 to provide a response. 

 

Hereford Away In Next Round Of The FA Youth Cup

Hereford will travel to Easington Sports in the third qualifying round of the FA Youth Cup.

Last Wednesday the Under 18's defeated Stourport Swifts 4-2 in the previous round. 

Easington is based in Banbury, OX16 9DH. They defeated Bracknell Town after a penalty shoot out in the previous round.

The tie will take place in the week commencing Oct 12th. 

The London Bulls Podcast - Episode 42 OUT NOW!

Join KD and Tom as they assess the last few games.

From that 6-0 win against South Shields, the FA Cup at Stafford and the point away at Bedford.

Hereford are still top, so there is much to be positive about!

KD and Tom look at the next few games and how Hereford can capitalise on being at home and their goalscoring prowess. 

They talk about the Women’s team so far this season and their games coming up.

But most importantly, Kam Kandola is the greatest South Asian player to ever play in Non League football (or something like that!)!!!

Come on you Whites!

Link to the podcast:

YouTube: Cup Over, League Still On | The London Bulls Podcast | Ep.42

https://youtu.be/NeyjJfRsYCk

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2dr5Xl3ovRzbwDID7MPsM7

Also available wherever you get your podcasts!! 

Link to Hereford FC Women's Fixtures 🔗 https://herefordfc.co.uk/fixtures/women/

Link to the Membership!🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/londonbulls

Duffy Confirmed As Southport Manager

This from Southport FC:

We are delighted to confirm the permanent appointment of Mark Duffy as manager of Southport Football Club. 

Mark becomes our 37th permanent Non League manager. 

After a period as assistant to Neil Danns and a stint as caretaker manager during which Mark has demonstrated how much he cares and what the club means to him, we want to support him taking the club forward and Mark, as permanent manager, is now able to put his own stamp on things. 

Mark is bringing in Craig Noone as his assistant. 

Former Player James Walker Has Died

A former Hereford United player has died. He was only 38.

James Walker who came on loan to Edgar Street from Southend in 2009 had suffered from heart problems for many years.

The striker had a 'cardiac arrest' in 2019 which left him with both physical and mental impairments.

Whilst with Hereford Walker made six appearances and scored two goals.  One was against Dagenham and Redbridge:

Finally, on 80 mins., Hereford's pressure was rewarded. There seemed little danger when James Walker collected the ball, fully 30 yards from goal. With a trademark swivel, he turned his marker, cleverly created space, and in one movement unleashed a fierce shot. Although the flapping Roberts got a hand to it, scenes of celebration were triggered as the net billowed. 

Below is how BN reported about Walker joining Hereford.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Walker joins Bulls from Southend

James Walker has joined Hereford United on a one month loan deal from Southend.

Southend United have loaned striker James Walker (pic from Wikipedia) to League Two outfit Hereford United today, southendunited.co.uk has confirmed.

Walker, 22, will spend the next month at Edgar Street as he looks to get match practice under his belt.

The Blues forward has made 43 appearances for Southend and scored eight goals after signing from Charlton Athletic in February 2008.

However, he has found opportunities hard to come by this season with Lee Barnard in fine form and the arrival of Sunderland striker Roy O'Donovan on loan last week.

And now Walker will add a loan spell with Hereford to those he has enjoyed at Hartlepool United, Bristol Rovers, Leyton Orient, Notts County and Yeovil Town during his career.

Walker was originally going to join Southend from Charlton in January 2008 but at a medical the club doctor discovered that Walker had an irregular rhythm of the heart. He was then sent to Southend hospital for further tests.

However Walker was aware of the problem as 'similar anomalies' had been found at previous examinations when Walker was 14 and 17.

The consultant at Southend hospital then sent him to the Royal Brompton Hospital in London for further tests.

Whilst this was going on his move to Southend was delayed but eventually the deal was done. 

All The Goals From The FA Youth Cup

 

All the goals from last night's FA Youth Cup game at Edgar Street are online.

To watch:  https://x.com/HerefordFC/status/2105682056680267904/video/1

Second Half Pictures Hereford v Stourport Swifts

Second half pictures from last night's FA Youth Cup match at Edgar Street.

News Round Up

Hereford vice-captain Kam Kandola, was awarded the Non-League Player prize at Tuesday evening's Asian Football Awards held in London.

Players and staff at bottom of the National League Gateshead have not been paid last month's wages. Director Mark Nellist  has resigned from the board of directors and withdrawn his funding support.

Both Hereford manager Aaron Downes and his assistant Harry Pell watched Hereford's Under 18's win their FA Youth Cup tie last night. 

Next Wednesday will mark 40 years since former Hereford United manager Graham Turner was appointed manager of Wolves. 

Hereford FC are looking to assemble a small team of volunteers at the MandM Edgar Street Stadium on Saturday morning, to help tidy and fold the pitch frost covers ready for the winter. More at: https://herefordfc.co.uk/.../volunteers-frost-cover.../ 

 

 

Spennymoor Report Profit Of £185K Last Year

National North League club Spennymoor have reported a profit of £185,000 for the year ended Dec 2025.

However the club is still being supported to stay in business. This is mainly by director's loans.

Spennymoor's net liabilities are £959,580. A year ago they were £1,145,070.

The club had an average of 57 employees during last year. 

First Half Pictures - FA Youth Cup

A selection of first half pictures from last night's Cup tie between Hereford and Stourport Swifts.

Starting XI For Hereford In FA Youth Cup

A few pictures from before kick-off in the FA Youth Cup Tie at Edgar Street last night.