A Year Since The Embargo Was Lifted

It is a year to the day since the Transfer Embargo that haunted the Bulls during the first half of last season was lifted.

On November 21st, 2012, Bulls chairman David Keyte told the official site (link) that agreement had been reached with HMRC over an outstanding tax bill. In the statement, he noted:

'I have estimated that a figure of some £30,000 per month is required to settle the ship as we move forward. My suggested approach to this is that we follow three avenues:

1) Cost savings within the club structure.
2) Continue to seek an increase of 300-400 supporters for our home matches
3) A balancing figure of possibly £7-8,000 per month through fundraising activities.'

Roll on 12 months and the monthly shortfall remains around £30,000, Keyte told the Hereford Times last week. While the club has exercised more than one round of cost-cutting already, and is in the process of completing another, gates have remained low at Edgar Street. 

Reducing admission charges for the season, without increasing the overall attendances, has unfortunately served to compound the problem leaving the Bulls with lower matchday revenues - a problem further worsened with the increase in season ticket sales also leading to less matchday revenue through the season.

The third avenue, fundraising activities, remains somewhat in its infancy. The successful Mod/Punk/Ska 'Nites', arranged by Supporters Trust board member Paul Stevens and Club Photographer Steve Niblett, are regular income bringers, with the next one scheduled for Friday, December 6th.

Fans have also arranged Comedy Nights, Quiz Nights, and other entertainment to help bring revenue to the club. However the current total figure for all these events is well short of that targeted by the club 12 months ago and more events and overall support is needed.

Fans support at these event is currently needed more than ever with both November's wage bill and a substantial tax bill looming.

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