Ten Years ago - Talking about Edgar Street

Ten years ago this week Councillor Terry James the (then) leader of Herefordshire Council pledged his full support for Hereford United to stay at Edgar Street. He suggested that a move to the outskirts of the city was 'ill-conceived'. However his plan did suggest that the Bulls might have to share the ground with another club.

James hoped that a trust should be set up, hopefully with developers on board and attracting grants from the lottery and other sources.

At the time the football club was reported to be struggling to pay their bills on a weekly basis.

Several comments from those connected with the Bulls:

GEORGE HYDE (Chairman of Herefordshire Council and a club director) : "As a director of the club, I cannot discuss or vote on anything concerning the Edgar Street ground in Council.

"As a councillor I agree with Terry's statemant which is a positive one and I will be looking forward to seeing whether any money for the possible redevelopment of the stadium in the next budget.

"In my role as a United director, however, I have to say the previous board of directors entered into a legally-binding agreement with the property companies to pursue the commercial development of Edgar Street and the eventual relocation of the football club. And, as things are, that is the course we are obliged to follow."

GRAHAM TURNER (Chairman of Hereford United, and Director of Football) : "In principle, it would be fine to stay at Edgar Street. To rebuild the Len Weston stand and the Blackfriars and Merton Ends would probably cost around four million pounds, however.

"To obtain funding from European Union sources any scheme would need to entail work creation. We require a stadium with sufficient commercial and community potential to be operational throughout the week and not just of matchdays.

"We would need to know a lot more detail of Terry James' plan would be funded. Perhaps they would look at how Morecambe received council aid to redevelop their ground."

RICHARD TOMKINS (Chairman of Hereford United Independent Supporters Association) : "We note the Council leader's statement with great interest and await further development."

MARTIN WATSON (Secretary of United Vice-Presidents Club) : "Are the Council prepared to give any plan to stay at Edgar Street the required funding? Otherwise, what Terry James is saying knocks on the head any hopes of relocation."

PETER HILL (Former Chairman of Hereford United) : "The advice my board received was that to obtain grants and to use the latest technology we would have to relocate. Sentimentally, we would all like to see football stay at Edgar Street. I hope, whatever the outcome, Hereford get the best stadium."

(adapted from an article on www.hu-fc.co.uk)

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