National North League Clubs 2024/25

A list of clubs set to play in the National North League for the 2024/25 season.

The list is subject to confirmation at the National League AGM which takes place on June 8th.

Alfreton Town
Brackley Town
Buxton
Chester
Chorley
Curzon Ashton
Darlington
Farsley Celtic
Hereford
Kidderminster Harriers
King's Lynn Town
Leamington
Marine
Needham Market
Oxford City
Peterborough Sports
Radcliffe
Rushall Olympic
Scarborough Athletic
Scunthorpe United
South Shields
Southport
Spennymoor Town
Warrington Town

First Friendly Announced

Hereford have announced that they will travel to Halesowen for a pre-season friendly on Saturday July 27th.

The Hereford friendly is one of six set to be played by Halesowen this coming pre-season.

Mooney Joins Stanley

Former Hereford foward Kelsey Mooney has signed a two year deal with Accrington Stanley.

Last season Mooney scored 16 goals for Boston.

"As soon as the opportunity arose, it was one of those things," said Mooney.

"It's an easy decision and then obviously I've come here and met the gaffer and everyone, and it's just swayed me." 

Clarke Stands Down At Redditch

Matt Clarke has stood down from the post of manager at Redditch United FC.

The former Hereford United defender was in court again yesterday and is set to be there again on June 21st.

He has been charged with being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis and is also accused of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

This statement from Redditch:

"We can today confirm that Matt Clarke has stood down as Men’s First Team Manager with immediate effect.

"Matt has recently been defending himself over a number of allegations that followed his arrest and bail on February 14th. Matt was then issued with a temporary suspension due to the nature of the charges.

"A hearing was scheduled at Worcester Crown Court yesterday, which followed previous appearances that had already been delayed on several occasions. The case was adjourned again with a new date set for June. Matt will continue to defend himself in what has become a protracted court case, well outside of the initially expected timescales."

 

 

THROWBACK THURSDAY | Darlington 2-1 Hereford United - 15th May 1996

A bad tempered game at Feethams see Hereford lose 4-2 on aggregate in the 3rd division play offs.

Darlington 1 Newell 2 Carmichael 3 Barnard 4 Appleby 5 Crosby 6 Gregan 7 Bannister 8 Gaughan 9 Painter 10 Blake 11 Brumwell Hereford 1 MacKenzie 2 Watkiss 3 Fishlock 4 Smith 5 Cross 6 James 7 Stoker 8 Wilkins 9 White 10 Lyne 11 Pitman Subs Brough, Pounder Attendance 6,584

News Round Up

Former Hereford player Martin Riley is running a poll about VAR. At the time of writing some 92% of those responding want it scrapped.

Another Hereford player,  Jordan Cullinane-Liburd, is in the news. He has signed a two year deal with promoted Tamworth.

As of this morning Hereford supporters have raised over £10,000 towards 'Squad Builder'. 

Tuesday Evening Round Up

Former Hereford defender Jamie Willets has agreed a new deal with promoted Tamworth.

Altrincham FC have decided to scrap fees for their Womens Team. Last season players paid a £40 signing on fee and £25 per month.

York FC are to continue with 'stadium familiarisation sessions' with the aim of ensuring that individuals of all abilities and conditions are welcome.

Hereford FC have signed up to the Mirror's campaign to 'Save FA Cup Replays. Over 120 clubs are backing the 'Mirror Crusade'. 

New Lease Contains Rent Reviews

 

It was recently announced that Hereford FC and Herefordshire Council had agreed a new deal for the club to play at Edgar Street.

A few of the details about the lease have been made public including the inclusion of a piece of land behind the Meadow End.

This land was required for storage given that the club had been using the area behind the Blackfriars End as a store.

And as well as a storage area the club needed room for water tanks which are used for the sprinklers used on the pitch. 

Another part of the lease will be the cost to the football club.

Whilst not confirmed it appears the club will be paying £10.000 per season to start with.

There will be rent reviews every five years but it's thought that the rent will increase by the rate of inflation.

If this is correct then the deal agreed looks a good one for the club.

News round up

Jak Hickman (right) with Kieran Thomas

Former Hereford loanee Jak Hickman is one of Halesowen Town's first signings of the summer. The wing-back made a handful of appearances for the Bulls in 2019 on loan from Coventry City.

After leaving Coventry, he had short spells at clubs including Bolton Wanderers, St Patrick's Athletic and King's Lynn Town. He joined step three Halesowen on a permanent basis last summer, having previously spent time at the club on dual registration from Banbury United. He has played 41 games and scored three goals for the club. Former Kidderminster Harriers boss Russ Penn is now in charge at Halesowen.

National League South side Weston-super-Mare have retained three former Hereford players. Right-back Keiran Thomas, along with former Exeter City pair Jason Pope and Jacob Cane who have spent the majority of their playing careers at Weston, are all committed for the 2024/25 season.

Leaving the Seagulls are striker Marlon Jackson, who had three different spells at Edgar Street in 2009, 2012/13 and 2018, and keeper Max Harris, who was in the youth set up with the Bulls, has returned to parent club Cheltenham Town.

News round up: Pearce leaves Harriers, Tamworth keeper stays and more

Krystian Pearce has left Kidderminster Harriers

National League North side Spennymoor Town have published their retained list. Two players are already under contract and options have been triggered for two more. Three have signed new contracts and seven are still in talks. Former Bull Ben Pollock is one of two players leaving, with three released and one retiring.

Tamworth have made their first signing of the summer as keeper Jas Singh agrees to stay at The Lamb for a seventh season. His strong performances throughout the season helped Tamworth to be crowned National League North champions.

At one point, he went 910 minutes without conceding a goal and only let in 27 goals in the 45 league games he played. He was selected as the Vanarama National League North goalkeeper of the season and he was Andy Peaks’s choice as manager's player of the season as well.

Rushall Olympic, who finished 19th in the league, have said manager Liam McDonald has left. He has been at the club for nearly seven years and said he knows now is the time to move on.

During his tenure, he oversaw the club being promoted to step two for the first-ever time and the club said he has 'maintained their position at that level among much loftier peers'. He also guided the club to four Walsall Senior Cup triumphs and two Staffordshire Senior Cup successes.

Darlington defender Kallum Griffiths has signed for another season. He joined the club from York City in 2021 and has made 79 appearances in three seasons, scoring twice.

The club said in the season just ended, he played at right back and in the centre of defence, and played a big part in our escape from relegation when manager Steve Watson replaced Josh Gowling.

Former Hereford defender Krystian Pearce has left Kidderminster Harriers after their relegation back to the National League North. The centre-back, who had been offered terms to join the backroom staff in a coaching capacity, said that after two eventful seasons with Harriers, his time has come to an end.

In a post on Instagram, he said: "I had the honour of captaining this great club on many occasions and also the privilege to experience collective and individual success. I have truly enjoyed my time here and wish the club every success in the future. Big Chief!! 👊🏾❤️"

He made 22 appearances for Hereford in the 2021/22 season after registration issues delayed his debut. He was released at the end of the season and joined Harriers.

Also at Aggborough, Kidderminster Harriers goalkeeper Christian Dibble has re-signed. His deal will run for the next two seasons and the club described him as a "consistent, stoic figure" who had put in "some commanding performances and making crucial saves aplenty" last season. The former Wrexham racked up a total of 15 clean sheets.

News Round Up

Promoted Tamworth have not issued a retained list as every player is out of contract. Manager Andy Peaks is hoping to keep the majority depending on finance.

National League Dagenham is being taken over by 'Club Underdog'. 

Hereford chairman Chris Ammonds has been interviewed by Toby Brick. Watch the update at: https://www.herefordfc.co.uk/interview-an-update-from-chris-ammonds/

Banbury have a new manager Simon Hollyhead who is involved with Northampton's Academy.

News round up: Awards for former Bulls, Darlo's fundraising and more

Former Hereford player Kyle Finn

Chester have announced utility player Kevin Roberts has signed a new one-year deal with the fan-owned club. It will be the 34-year-old's sixth season at the Deva, having made 168 appearances for the Seals since his 2019 return on top of 100 appearances for Chester City.

Manager Calum McIntyre said Roberts is an important part of the group, on and off the pitch, and will feature mainly in defence this coming season. He will also continue with his physiotherapy role with the first team and academy.

Tamworth have been dishing out their end-of-season awards, with two former Hereford players honoured. Kyle Finn won top goalscorer having netted 14 goals in 44 appearances. Since joining Tamworth, his tally is 27 in 108 appearances.

Jordan Cullinane-Liburd was voted as the supporters' player of the season. Regularly playing alongside Jamie Willets, Tamworth were able to keep 26 clean sheets last season, with keeper Jas Singh being picked as the manager's player of the season.

Darlington's boost the budget has already raised £75,000. £45,000 of their £175,000 target was raised during the first day. The club raised £162,070 last year and since the idea was introduced seven years ago, more than £800,000 has been raised.

Former Hereford United youngster Jarrod Bowen has been crowned Hammer of the Year for 2023/24 by West Ham United supporters. Tens of thousands of votes were cast by fans, the proud forward scored 20 goals and registered 10 assists across all competitions.

He said he felt like he'd had a good year, showing he can be effective in a variety of positions up front. He added that he has loved his time at West Ham, joining from Hull City, and is "really excited about what I can achieve here going forward". 

Alfreton's first signing of the summer is Max Hunt from Buxton. The 25-year-old centre back was players' player of the season at the Bucks. Formerly with Carlisle United and Yeovil Town, Hunt scored three goals in more than 30 appearances last season.

Alfreton said manager Billy Heath has been "working extremely hard in the transfer market in the close season to bolster a Reds squad full of team spirit and camaraderie".

Which Hereford players has Paul Caddis already re-signed? See full list here

Preparations are well underway for next season at Edgar Street.

Groundsman Ben Bowen has just started pitch renovations after junior sides played in cup finals at the stadium over the last couple of weeks.

Season tickets are on sale, a membership scheme has been launched and the squad builder is open for generous fans to chip in.

And, of course, manager Paul Caddis has been busy re-signing players ahead of the new National League North campaign.

Last year, it was a blank canvas for the rookie boss as he had a completely new side come the first game of the season - except young defender Mark Derricott.

But this August, the spine of the team should be the same as the one that played together in April.

Here's who the Bulls have already got on the books for next season: 

Defence

• Aaron Skinner - On April 10, Caddis said he was absolutely thrilled the 21-year-old had committed his future to the club, agreeing a deal for next season. Skinner said he was delighted to be staying and said his time at Edgar Street so far had been "one of the most enjoyable periods" of his career.
• Lewis Hudson - On January 31, the Bulls signed Hudson on a deal for the 2024/25 season from fellow National League North side Rushall Olympic.
• Kyle Howkins - Initially joining the club last July, the towering centre-back has agreed an extended stay at Edgar Street for the coming season. Having spent two years out of the game due to an ACL injury, Howkins has stayed fit and Caddis said he has the "upmost respect and admiration for his mental strength and toughness".

Midfield

• Aurio Teixeira - The midfielder left West Brom and had been getting experience at Alvechurch when he became Caddis's second signing last summer, penning a two-year deal. At the time, Caddis said the club had "beaten off a lot of full-time clubs to capture Aurio’s signature" and "he is a player that epitomises what I see this football club as, hard-working with an abundance of character and a desire to get better".
• Alex Babos - a fans' favourite in the middle of the park, Babos joined last summer from Banbury United. Paul Caddis said he has been exceptional over the last season, contributing 10 goals and 11 assists. Babos said it was a "no-brainer" to stay, despite Caddis admitting there had been some interest from other clubs offering better financial terms.
• Lawson D’Ath - a relative newcomer to Edgar Street, initially joining the Bulls at the end of March from relegated Banbury United. His former club, announcing his departure, called him a lynchpin of the side and praised his experience and mentorship as captain. On May 2, it was announced he'd be staying at the club for the 24/25 season and Caddis said he was a "top character with a calming influence both on and off the pitch" and he had "slotted into the group with ease". 

Forwards

• Adam Rooney - Caddis's assistant, Rooney joined on a two-year deal last summer. With both Jason Cowley and Andy Williams out injured last year, Rooney soon became a regular starter. He made 33 appearances in total last season and was consistently praised by Caddis.
• Andy Williams - Willo needs no introduction to Hereford fans and has agreed to stay for another season. The 37-year-old scored 10 goals in 22 games for Hereford and Caddis, when the extension was announced on May 2, praised Willo for how he had transitioned from being a full-time pro for more than 20 years to working full-time and playing part-time. He called him the "ultimate pro". 
• Jason Cowley - Another big signing last summer, the Bulls paid a fee as they signed Cowley from Stourbridge. The 28-year-old had, according to Caddis, had "mind-blowing financial offers" from other clubs but opted to stay at Edgar Street. Caddis said the signing shows intent and that the Bulls "are here to try and make a mark in this difficult division", with a strike force that "can be a real asset to our football club".

BOLSA website now fully archived on Bulls News - how to read

Players honoured with an open-top bus parade and a civic reception in Hereford in May 2008 after winning promotion to League One

The Bulls Online Supporters Association (BOLSA) website has now been archived on Bulls News.

BOLSA was formed in 2002 and harnessed the power of the internet to raise money for Hereford United and help with paying some of the outstanding and day-to-day bills.

This is how BOLSA tugged at fans' heartstrings back then: "Sadly, due to a combination of circumstances, which you can read more about on another page, massive debt means that this great club is struggling to meet its everyday running costs and is unable to develop as it would like.

"In order to stay alive the club, its supporters and friends must raise money on a regular basis.

"On these pages we will try to explain, by showing you some of our glorious past, why Hereford United is more than just another football club and why it has such a unique place in the national (and international) footballing psyche.

"We will then explain the various ways in which you can help the club survive."

Years later, when the Hereford United Supporters Trust was formed in dying last years of the former club, BOLSA pledged its support.

Now, the website is being retired so Bulls News has stepped in to ensure the history on its webpages is not lost forever.

To see the site, click here or the image below.

If you notice any problems with the archived site, email us.

Please note, while the BOLSA website was updated and redesigned over the years, it was never made 'responsive'. That means it does not display very well on mobile phones, so for the best viewing experience, use a tablet or computer.

Cranston released? Left-back thanks Hereford

Jordan Cranston has wished Hereford the best for the future

It looks like defender Jordan Cranston has been released by Hereford.

The latest official word from the club came almost two weeks ago when an update from Caddis said no discussion had yet taken place as he was on loan at Redditch United.

The 31-year-old left-back failed to make an impact at Edgar Street, despite joining the club from National League North champions AFC Fylde.

On Saturday, he posted on X, formerly Twitter: "Thank you Hereford FC. All the best going forward."

Cranston had also had spells at Morecambe, Gateshead, Cheltenham Town and Solihull Moors but after signing for Hereford last summer, had made 17 appearances before joining Southern League Premier Division Central club Redditch United on loan.

The deal was initially for a month but was extended until the end of the season.

He helped Redditch secure a play-off place but they could not gain promotion, being beaten by eventual play-off winners Leamington.

He made 17 appearances for the club during his time there. He is also Chasetown FC's lead coach for the under-16s side and has a UEFA B coach licence.

There is still no news on fellow defender Mark Derricott. He joined step three Bromsgrove Sporting on loan after suffering an injury at Hereford.

Like Cranston, two weeks ago the club said discussions were yet to take place as he was on loan.

Derricott was the only player who was retained by Hereford at the end of the 2022/23 season.

News Round Up

Ben Pollock has joined Chester. Now 26, the former Hereford defender was at Spennymoor last season.

In the FA Vase Romford defeated Great Wakering 3-0.

In the FA Trophy the game went to extra time with the score Solihull 1 Gateshead 1 at 90 minutes. Solihull took the lead in the first half of extra time. Then on 111 minutes Gateshead scored to make it 2-2. And that's how it was on 120 minutes so the game went to penalties. Gateshead won 5-4.

Kevin Roberts has signed a new deal with Chester. It will be his sixth season with the club.

There will be six 'new' clubs in the National League this coming season - Forest Green Rovers, Sutton United, Tamworth, Boston United, Yeovil Town and Braintree Town.

News Round Up

Former Bull Adam Livingstone is one of 12 players released by Buxton after their second season in the National League North, finishing 14th. Livingstone joined the Bucks for an undisclosed fee in February and said he "really enjoyed the second half of the season".

The side have only offered a new deal to one player so far, with negotiations "ongoing or pending" with five others. The side, now with new manager John McGrath who made more than 200 appearances for Burton Albion as a player, could also be looking to go full time.

The finals of both the FA Vase and the FA Trophy take place this afternoon.

In the Vase it's Great Wakering Rovers v Romford.

In the Trophy it's Gateshead v Solihull Moors

POSITIVE AND SUCCESSFUL – HUST REVIEWS SEASON 2023-24

It started with a home attendance of 3,000 and finished with a home attendance of 4,000. Something must have been good! Indeed, it was.

Stig (Chris Ammonds) became HFC Chair and during the close season the Club selected a new manager. HUST’s Chair, Richard Tomkins (and for a very brief period, we had our ‘fourth HFC Director’!) was invited to the final round of interviews that agreed to offer the job to Paul Caddis. Paul has brought a new spirit between himself, the team, and supporters. 

The playing style is what Hereford fans are eager to see. We were in contention for a play-off place right to the end and even snuck in good cup runs getting to an FA Cup First Round against Gillingham and in the FA Trophy it took the eventual finalists, Gateshead, to beat us. Supporters provided a great voice throughout the season both home and away. We thank them for creating such a wonderful atmosphere during matches.

Off the field there were some enterprising developments with the extended lease, to 2070, on Edgar Street and the commencement of the re-development of the Blackfriars Street End. Very timely following HUST’s strong case that delivered the renewal of our ground as an Asset of Community Value.

HUST was delighted to launch the Social Inclusion Project where exiled Bulls donated ticket/s monies of various denominations to “pay it forward” enabling over 100 seats to be used  by organisations supporting Dementia, Veterans, Herefordshire Mind, Refugees and the Disabled. The Project has allowed so many that would not normally have had access, to enjoy live football and the thrill of large crowds.  

A huge thank you to all fans who have donated and made those visiting welcome at every match.  We are also pleased that replica shirts and a few season tickets have now been purchased for the 2024/25 campaign following a visit to Edgar Street.  We still have some of those donated funds left over which we will continue to use next season.  

We will be relaunching this again, in the coming weeks, ahead of the season. 

We must thank the hardworking HUST members who volunteer on matchday, and behind the scenes, to deliver the sales of 50/50 Draw and Golden Goal tickets.  Over 40 hours a week is spent to make this the success that it is.  We are pleased to report that the HFC board have confirmed that HUST will continue with the service, under licence to HFC, for next season. 

HUST continues to make monthly payments to HFC of the profits from the 50/50 Matchday Draw and Golden Goal and we dusted off our ‘Big Cheque’ again in April, to do a celebration presentation of the latest donation of the proceeds for January, February and March 2024.  

Thank you all for your support with this season's Matchday Competitions. Amazing ticket sales meant we awarded £27,500 in prize money over the season. Some of these prizes were even donated back to the Club! This makes the total HUST donation for the season £28,757. A major injection of cash when it was most needed.

In addition, HUST continues to fundraise via the Prize Bull 500 Club, HUST Unity Lottery & Easyfundraising.  

With HFC eliminating a paper version of the Matchday Programme and going digital, HUST has emailed this digital product to HUST members ahead of matchday to read directly from their inboxes, in a magazine format.  If you have missed any programmes this season, you can find them all listed, alphabetically, by Club, on the HUST website. 

The London Bulls has been re-launched this season and HUST was delighted to support them to get the group up and running!  Other groups are in the process of being set up, Manchester Bulls, Derby Bulls and a generic Northern Bulls initially.  We are also working on overseas versions too!  These will be hosted on the HUST website for Bulls fans around the globe to access a group near them!  If you are keen to set one up or find fellow Bulls in your area, please get in touch with us. 

Three HUST Board members visited Exeter City Supporters’ Trust to view their club model. It’s taken 20 years of development down there, and we believe we will be able to purpose elements of it for our Club. One being that we can work with the Club by contributing towards infrastructure projects which will have a lasting benefit for supporters, given the excellent news of an extended lease on Edgar Street to 2070, and the forthcoming re-development at the Blackfriars End.  We have requested the Club provide us with a list of infrastructure developments and likely costs, so that we may invest in that direction.

The HUST Board worked well behind the scenes. Currently comprising Mike Langford, Tony Taylor, Joanie Roberts, Gerry Harrison, Justin Ratcliffe and Richard Tomkins. We are sad to lose Simon Wright and Mark Nottingham who made the decision to stand down at the end of the season to attend to personal projects. They continue to fully support HUST, as members, and we thank them for their valuable contributions. 

The FSA now delivers a series of Director training sessions covering Governance & Your Board, Planning & Purpose, Finance, AGM’s & Elections. These are useful for HUST Directors to keep up to date with latest thinking and changes in boardroom legislation.

The Annual Nominations for Directors onto the Hereford FC board is now open and members have been invited to apply. Mike Langford stands down by rotation as a HUST Nominated Director on the Club Board and he has indicated he will be a candidate for the renewal process. Closing dates for applications is Friday 24th May 2024. 

HUST & HFC Director, Joanie Roberts, was elected to the Board of the National League in June 2023 serving an initial term of 3 years. The National League, led by its new General Manager, Mark Ives, is embarking on a programme of change to its operation. The Fan Led Review of Football panel discussed the National League which HUST Chair,  Richard Tomkins, participated in.  Joanie’s election is as significant to our Club today as when Len Weston was appointed to the Southern League. Get your history books out for that one!

HUST contributes to the wider world of football through its membership of the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) where Richard Tomkins is one of three National Game representatives. The Parliamentary Bill for a Football Regulator has seen its second reading in the House of Commons. So many MPs wanted to speak in support they took 5 hours to applaud it!

Finally, the battle is on to save FA Cup replays. Perhaps the FA did not realise the warmth the fans have towards their competition. Heritage is only something you cherish when you’ve lost it. It’s a tough fight to get it back. Something we know only too well at Edgar Street!

Initial Shareholders To Help Squad Builder

Hereford FC have reported that the initial shareholders in the club have agreed to help this coming season's 'Squad Builder' campaign which aims to raise money to support manager Paul Caddis.

The agreement means that for every £1 raised the initial shareholders will put in an equivalent amount.

The initial shareholders put in £250,000 when the club was launched in 2014.

Last season 'Squad Builder' raised over £60,000. The aim this season is to 'smash that total'.

"I am hugely grateful for this generous offer as it creates a fantastic opportunity for individual supporters to really help boost Squad Builder, because any money donated will be doubled," said chairman Chris Ammonds.

News round up: Warnock in National League South, Jack Holmes released and more

Jack Holmes during a spell at Edgar Street

BBC Sport has reported Neil Warnock is likely to take on a role at National League South side Torquay United following the club's takeover. The Bryn Consortium of local businessmen have bought the club, subject to creditor approval.

Warnock, 75, managed Torquay in 1993 and has been advising the consortium as they bid to buy the club, which had been in administration. His last role in football was a short-lived spell in charge of Aberdeen.

Midfielder Jack Holmes appears to have left step three side Halesowen Town. The 22-year-old had a spell with Hereford on dual-registration from the West Midlands side but walked away from the Bulls after ‘not having the right mentality for a relegation scrap’.

The club's new manager Russ Penn, who guided Kidderminster Harriers to promotion last year, has not yet publicly confirmed the release but Holmes posted on X, formerly Twitter: "Thank you to all the players, staff and the chairman for the last few years. All the best for the future."

Darlington have announced midfielder Matty Cornish has signed a contract for the new season.

The 26-year-old originally joined the club in January on a non-contract basis after leaving Marske United, and impressed very quickly with his performances, to the point that a few weeks later the club put him on a contract until the end of the season.

Chester will be heading to the Isle of Man for two pre-season games. As part of a Summer Festival of Football, Calum McIntyre’s side will face hosts FC Isle of Man on Friday 19th July at 7pm Lancaster City at 11am on Sunday 21st July.

The Dolly Blues and Radcliffe FC are both also making journey across the Irish Sea for the weekend as part of the festival.

Tom Pugh speaks out after Scunthorpe release

Tom Pugh has said he is grateful for every moment at Scunthorpe

Midfielder Tom Pugh, who spent time on loan at Edgar Street last season, has spoken out after being released by Scunthorpe United.

The National League North club missed out on promotion after losing to Boston United in the play-offs, and off-the-field problems have plagued the former Football League side.

Pugh is one of nine players to be released from Glanford Park, including striker Marcus Carver, who had been on loan at Southport, and former Kidderminster Harriers winger Joe Leesley.

The 23-year-old was in the youth set up at Scunthorpe aged 15 and went on to sign a professional contract with the club and play for the first team.

Pugh was previously released from Scunthorpe at the end of the 2021–22, but in September he re-signed after a brief spell at Scarborough Athletic.

On X, formerly Twitter, Pugh said: "Leaving the club that I called home since I was 15. 

"Grateful for every moment, every teammate, and every fan who made this journey unforgettable. Thank you all for your support and memories. Onto the next chapter with a heart full of gratitude."

In the replies to Pugh's post, one Iron fan said: "Thank you for your efforts, Tom.

"Always tried during the darkest times and that is something the SUFC fans will never forget. All the very best for the future!"

Pugh spent more than two months on loan at Edgar Street, scoring one goal, and quickly became a fans' favourite.

Tom Pugh among players released from Scunthorpe

Tom Pugh, pictured on loan at Hereford, has been released by Scunthorpe

Former Hereford loanee Tom Pugh is one of nine players to be released by Scunthorpe.

The former Football League side were promotion hopefuls throughout the season but Tamworth were crowned champions and they failed to win the National League North play-offs.

The club said planning for the 2024-25 season started immediately after the semi-final defeat against Boston United, with budgeting put in place and confirmed for a second year in Vanarama National League North.

Aiming for sustainability, bringing expenditure in line with the level, and what the football club can afford, the club said it became apparent that a reset was required moving forward into the new season.

So manager Jimmy Dean left, to be replaced by Andy Butler - a former Walsall and Doncaster Rovers player, who managed Rovers briefly in 2020 and 2021.

But Tom Pugh is among the players leaving.

In the 23-year-old's first month out on loan at Edgar Street, he made seven appearances (five starts, two from the bench), scoring one goal and adding one assist, along with man of the match accolades. 

That loan spell was extended for a further month in December and the midfielder made a further six appearances for the Bulls, fast becoming a fans' favourite.

A 24-hour recall was part of the agreement for Pugh's loan to be extended until the end of the season and without it, Bulls boss Paul Caddis said the deal would not have happened.

After heading back to Scunthorpe, Pugh said he "loved every minute" being with Hereford.

"The fans were class, the group of lads were class, the manager and assistant, all of them helped me out and believed in me," Pugh said in an interview with the club.

"I've just put a good few performances on and it just got me a recall."

Ross Barrows, Alfie Beestin, Andrew Boyce, Jacob Butterfield, Tyler Denton, Danny Elliott, Will Evans, Reagan Ogle and Fin Shrimpton have been offered new contracts with negotiations ongoing.

Kian Scales has had an option in his contract activated.

Leaving the club are Richie Bennett, Marcus Carver, Joe Leesley, Liam McAlinden, Harrison Poulter, Tom Pugh, Josh Robertson, Dion Sembie-Ferris and Cameron Wilson

Flynn Clarke, Kai Corbett and Daniel Langley are loan players returning to their parent clubs.

Under contract already for next season are Michael Clunan, Ross Fitzsimons, Michael Kelly, Maxim Kouogun, Jason Law, Callum Roberts and Danny Whitehall.

Cowley staying at Edgar Street despite 'mind-blowing financial offers'

Jason Cowley

Striker Jason Cowley has put pen to paper to stay at Edgar Street next season - despite "mind-blowing" offers to play elsewhere.

Paul Caddis said the 28-year-old, who he signed from Stourbridge last summer, is someone you want in your team and not playing against you.

"Cowls works tirelessly for his team-mates and it goes without saying he knows how to score goals," the boss told the official club website.

Talking about offers Cowley had received, Caddis added: "Jason Cowley has had, in truth, some mind-blowing financial offers thrown at him and he has always made it clear to me he wants to stay and play in front of proper supporters at a club that is looking to continuously improve. 

"Cowls deserves a huge amount of credit for putting his happiness and enjoyment of football ahead of finances.”

Cowley started 30 games for the Bulls last season, came on as a substitute in seven others, and scored 12 goals.

Defender Howkins agrees Edgar Street stay

Kyle Howkins

Defender Kyle Howkins has agreed a deal to stay at Edgar Street next season.

The centre-back made 35 appearances for Hereford last season after two years out of the game due to an ACL injury.

The 28-year-old former West Brom and Newport County player, who has had loan spells at clubs including Mansfield Town, Port Vale and Solihull Moors, became a staple in Hereford's defence for much of the season.

Speaking to the official club website, boss Paul Caddis said: “I have the upmost respect and admiration for his mental strength and toughness. He is a big presence for us and a real popular person in and around the dressing room.

"I am delighted to spend another year with Kyle and he will be an important part of the team for the season ahead.”

Read more here.

THROWBACK THURSDAY | Halifax Town 0-1 Hereford United - 8th May 1993

Derek Hall scores the winning goal against his former club.

Lineups Halifax 1 Bracey 2 German 3 Barr 4 Hardy 5 Lucketti 6 Bradley 7 Peake 8 Ridings 9 Megson 10 Paterson 11 Craven Sub Greenwood

Hereford 1 Judge 2 Downs 3 Anderson 4 Davies 5 Abraham 6 Morris 7 Hall 8 Pickard 9 Rowbotham 10 Jones 11 Nicholson Attendance 7,451

News Round Up

Former Hereford United winger Sam Clucas is looking for a new club. The 33 year old has been released by Rotherham.

Yan Klukowski, who briefly managed Hereford in Spring 2023, has been appointed Head of Academy at Forest Green Rovers. 

Hay Festival starts two weeks today and once again BN is running a car park next to the site. As ever a donation will be made to Macmillan Cancer Support from the proceeds. Tickets cost £8 per day if purchased in advance from the festival site:

https://www.hayfestival.com/c-236-parking-at-hay-festival.aspx?skinid=2&currencysetting=GBP&localesetting=en-GB&resetfilters=true

Update From Caddis

 

Hereford manager Paul Caddis has updated supporters on his work to agree new deals with players.

He also mentions that he is now actively looking for additions to the squad.

"I offered each player a deal to continue with us next season but in a different structure to how we did this season.

"I then gave the players a respectful 7 days to go and chat with whoever they needed to and made it clear that for those 7 days we would not actively seek new additions. 

"Those 7 days have passed and we are now in the market to strengthen in areas we feel we need to in a clever and stringent financial manner."

There's no news of any deals in the article.

The full article: https://www.herefordfc.co.uk/a-message-from-manager-paul-caddis-2/

Stansfield Returns To Fulham

Jay Stansfield, son of former Hereford United striker Adam Stansfield, has returned to Fulham after a loan spell with Birmingham.

Whilst there he scored 13 goals and at last Sunday's end of season dinner he won five awards.

He also struck up a friendship with Welsh International Jordan James, son of former Hereford United defender Tony James.

"My mate JJ, I’m going to have to say goodbye to him,” said Stansfield. “

"Our dads played together when they were at Hereford and we played for England with each other. We just seemed to connect straight away."

News Round Up

Spennymoor report that they have sold 100 season tickets in the first week of early bird sales. They say their season tickets at £230 are the cheapest in the National North League.

BN is looking at the possibility of adding the BOLSA, Bulls Online Supporters Association, site to its contents.  

Former Hereford defender Krystian Pearce has been offered a deal by Kidderminster to become a coach at the club.

Striker Ethan Freemantle, who had a spell on loan at Hereford this season, is not being retained by Kidderminster. Others leaving are Regan Griffiths, Kai Lissimore, Matt Preston, Sammy Robinson, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, Gerry McDonagh, Nat Knight-Percival.

News Round Up

John McGrath has been appointed manager of Buxton. He joins after eight years in charge at Mickleover.

Hereford have sold over 500 season tickets to date.

Stuart Fleetwood has signed a new two-year deal as manager of Southern League Premier side Swindon Supermarine. The 38-year-old former Hereford United striker, and his assistant Dan Gillespie, helped mastermind a great escape on the final day of the season. They joined the club in September 2023 with Marine languishing at the foot of the Southern League Premier Division table with a solitary point.

Former Hereford FC midfielders Jamie Edge and Joe Tumelty are among the players to be offered new terms by Swindon for next season.