.jpg)
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Football Creditor Money "Paid Into Wrong Account"
The Southern League have told at least one football creditor that he has not been paid as his money has been sent to the wrong account.
With dozens of creditors still awaiting money, former club media man Jamie Griffiths has been told his money has been sent elsewhere:
The monies that have arrived at people's accounts have come from the client account of club Director Philip Gambrill's accountancy company Gambrill & Co, the company that shares an office with Insolvency Practitioner Marc Landsman.
With his phone number in the public domain, another fan has called Tommy Agombar and has been told today that just four football creditors are left to be paid.
A series of creditors confirmed last night, including Burnley FC, that they had received money, but both Griffiths and former Club Secretary Lee Symonds are still awaiting outstanding sums, as well as several former players including Rhys Evans, Chris Sharp, and Jarrod Bowen.
More than half of those who have confirmed they have been paid to Bulls News have acknowledged that they are still owed further sums.
Friday, July 25, 2014
HUISA Chairman Runs Border Leisure
Border Leisure, the Hereford entertainment agency who put on last night's Queen Alive event at the Starlight Rooms, is run by Keith Dodd and Ken Shepherd.
Dodd is currently the chairman of HUISA, the Hereford United Independent Supporters Association.
Initially it had been suggested that HUISA were behind the event but this was later denied.
HUISA recently polled its members about the situation at Edgar Street.
65% of the replies expressed a view to a boycott of Edgar Street. 23% expressed a wish that HUISA should affiliate with the Trust and 12% revealed a willingness to carry on supporting the club.
HUISA will hold their AGM at the Richmond Club on August 4th at 7.30pm.
According to the HUISA site, Dodd has tendered his resignation from the HUISA committee, with effect from the AGM.
According to the HUISA site, Dodd has tendered his resignation from the HUISA committee, with effect from the AGM.
Fans Call On Southern League To Make Statement
Bulls fans are calling on the Southern League to make a statement with confusion over what deadlines Hereford United have to make payment.
BBC Hereford & Worcester have reported that the club are expected to pay football creditors today, but other media sources have not been able to confirm that.
Bulls News has found only five football creditors to be paid, with the fifth saying their bank was credited two days ago, while two of those are still owed further sums.
In amongst the large number of articles the Hereford Times have published in the last two days are claims that the club have signed 19 players. However the Southern League have confirmed a transfer embargo and not one signing has been officially announced with the season due to start two weeks tomorrow.
Several fans have, this afternoon, reported conversations with Tommy Agombar with his apparent phone number published on Twitter.
One fan was told that all football creditors would be paid by 2pm, while another had an offer of putting down a deposit on the flats planned to be built on the Meadow End declined by Agombar.
Update: Kingsley James, Danny Leadbitter, Dan Pilkington, Jon Brown, and Cory Williams say they have been paid - but both Pilkington and Williams say they have not been paid the full amount.
Update: Kingsley James, Danny Leadbitter, Dan Pilkington, Jon Brown, and Cory Williams say they have been paid - but both Pilkington and Williams say they have not been paid the full amount.
MP Responds To Lonsdale Claim
A statement from Jesse Norman MP:
"Mr Lonsdale says I have not replied to an email of his. But in fact I gave Mr Agombar a courtesy call soon after his investment was announced, and was cut off. That spoke for itself.
"I am a member of HUST and I support the HUST boycott 100%. It appears that Messrs Lonsdale and Agombar have made endless promises which they have failed to discharge. They failed to pay all local creditors, as they promised. They failed to post the bond required to keep Hereford United in the Conference, as they promised. They appear to have moved Mr Agombar on and off the Directors' register in order to bypass the rules. They have not published the result of Mr Agombar's "Fit and Proper" test, or authorised the FA to reveal the outcome.
"Mr Lonsdale wants to have a conversation. But this isn't a time for talk, it's a time for action. We must do everything we can to safeguard the future of football in Herefordshire. Mr Lonsdale and Mr Agombar need to engage with HUST, hold an open meeting and address the fans' concerns in full. Then perhaps we can talk."
Youth Team Set Standard With Opening Performance
This from UITC:
The newly formed UITC U18 Youth team produced an exceptionally performance in their first pre season outing on Wednesday evening.
Played on a beautiful surface produced by former Hereford United Groundsman Ian Pritchard, the Young bulls enjoyed long spells of dominate possession against Gloucestershire Counties Premier Division First Team side Ellwood FC. Ellwood FC had beaten Cinderford Town only 7 days earlier on their home turf.
Ryan Davies, Matt Owen and James Obern all opened their scoring accounts in an entertaining encounter, however it was the effort of the collective unit that impressed the home supporters with a display of hard work, entertaining football and battling qualities that defied their young years.
With only 10 of the 14 man squad who travelled still only 16 years of age, and the remaining 4 U18 for the coming season, the future certainly looks to be an exciting prospect.
We would like to thank Ellwood FC for their wonderful hospitality and wish them all the best for the coming season.
We are in action once again this coming Wednesday, when we face another trip to Gloucestershire to take on AFC Lydrook with a 7.30pm Kick Off. All supporters welcome.
Cargill To Focus On UITC Funding
Cargill have issued a statement on their sponsorship of Hereford United:
"For the last few years our long term support of Hereford United has focussed on the Hereford United Community Trust, which supports youth football, school and disability development programmes in and around Hereford.
"We are currently talking to the Trustees to explore future support for their efforts in these areas.”
The funding for their sponsorship of the club is understood to come from a company 'community fund' and they cut their first team funding last summer, dropping the sponsorship of the Len Weston Stand.
The blue chip company has sponsored the club for the last 24 years, believed to be one of the longest sponsorships in football.
The blue chip company has sponsored the club for the last 24 years, believed to be one of the longest sponsorships in football.
Business Group Continue To Monitor Edgar Street Situation
Earlier today, Bulls News made contact with Jon Hale and asked him if he had anything he’d like to say in response to the comments from Joel Nathan and Andy Lonsdale that were reported on the Hereford Times website yesterday afternoon.
Mr Hale, who is one of a group of local businessmen who have put together a business plan - which has been shared with Herefordshire Council and the HUST Board - to launch a phoenix club at Edgar Street should Hereford United (1939) Limited go into liquidation, said:
“All the members of our group have read the various comments from Mr Nathan and Mr Lonsdale with great interest but we do not feel any need to respond directly to them.
“We would, however, like to express disappointment that they have both been critical of the fans who attended the supporters’ team game at Ledbury Town on Monday night and are attempting to belittle their reasons for being there.
“I was at the game on Monday – as were several other members of our group – and it was a fantastic night. The fact that more than 650 supporters attended the match clearly demonstrated the grave concerns that a significant proportion of Hereford United’s fan base have about what has been going on at the club.
“Our position relating to the current situation remains unchanged. We believe we have a strong business plan in place to launch a phoenix club should the worst happen and Hereford United (1939) Limited cease to exist. Importantly, a significant underwritten investment remains in place to help us launch a new club and help sustain it in its early days.
“We are also confident we have all the expertise we need available to us to run a sustainable, progressive, community led football club and manage all the work that goes with it.
“We remain in contact with Herefordshire Council about our plan and they are in no doubt about how serious our proposals are and how quickly we are willing to move should the opportunity to take on the leases at Edgar Street become available.
“As I have said before, sadly our group feels that the level of debt built up by Hereford United (1939) Limited means that realistically the company has no long-term future and is simply not a viable business moving forward.
“It will give none of us any pleasure if the club we have supported all our lives goes into liquidation, but we are determined to ensure that fans of the club have a sustainable, alternative option to throw their support behind – if they wish to – should the worst case scenario actually occur.”
Comedy Genius and the Rewriting of History
Andy H writes again...
The Hereford Times headline that screamed "Tommy Agombar is man who saved Hereford United" is a statement that doubles up as comedy genius and the rewriting of history.
As Bulls fans, we are well aware of the timelines here. Agombar pitches up, we get relegated two divisions, creditors are told umpteen times they will be paid. Majority are still waiting. Ground can't be played in. CVA/winding up on the cards. All but a handful of fans have seen any alleged HUFC player play. But the fans team gets a brilliant turnout, which looks set to continue. Saviour. My arse.
That piece was not the only article that the HT published yesterday. It transpires that HUFC is looking to line up a blue chip company or two to sponsor it. Of course the HT, BN and Bulls Banter has already put off some other, unnamed, blue chip companies from doing same. Maybe one of them was Google? Picture their PR department looking up "Hereford United FC". I wonder if they would have liked what they saw and would want to be associated with it?
But wait, there was a third article published by the HT. Mr. Nathan seems somewhat aggrieved that the fans team got a lot of press, whilst the HUFC game against Besiktas got little mention. It was actually announced in the HT, but about an hour before kickoff. And it took place in Yorkshire. Since Edgar Street still can't host any games.
Whilst in the process of writing this I have found that yet more articles are appearing on the HT website. What is happening here? Silence for weeks and then communication overload! You know, frankly I haven't got the time to read all of them. I have read three and they were chock full of guff. My lie-o-meter is broken. And it's time to cut to the chase and set one thing straight with what is a rewrite of history. The club appear to suggest that the slow motion car crash that we are witnessing is the fans fault.
I would humbly suggest that the blame lies squarely at the feet of the club's owner and advisors. All of these articles have the powerful whiff of desperation and , yes Mr. Lonsdale, you really should have got your ducks in a row, because the ones I can see appear to be ailing, and look set to shortly depart this mortal coil.
Update From Hereford United IP
Marc Landsman who is the Insolvency Practitioner appointed to produce a CVA for Hereford United has kindly given BN an exclusive update.
The proposal is now almost finished - there is just one section that needs a little bit more information.
We always expected that there would be differences between the list of creditors, that the company has given us and the final version that votes in a couple of weeks’ time – invoices get lost in the post, more interest is charged on a loan and so on. To be honest, with a few groups of exceptions most of the claims have been pretty much what we expected to see but I know that just by saying that I’ll be putting a curse on the list!
The offer itself is a good one – everyone will be paid in full over three years, that part has been out there for a while, so we expect to see some people increasing their claims – we will just be looking quite carefully at the differences since any extra money the company pays a creditor means there’s less money to spend on the football.
There have been specific types of claims that are hard to adjudicate, and we’ve tried taking a practical view – we’ve asked for any evidence someone can provide but to be fair there is still time for the claims to be received. We haven’t uploaded the proposal and the Nominee’s Report and Comments onto the web, let alone sent the letters out yet saying the proposal pack with claim forms and proxies can be downloaded from www.hufc-cva.co.uk – I expect to send those out on Monday when we know the position with the Winding Up Petition, we’ll also be sending out emails to everyone that emailed our office about debts or shares to make sure they know what’s happening. There’s plenty of time to submit claims and proxies, but it’s a lot easier to deal with them at an early stage in case we need to ask for more information. It also means that if someone puts in proxy to vote to accept it the proposal but with a change to something, there is time to see if that would work rather than make a decision at the meeting that might be regretted later.
Club Need To Pay Or Face Expulsion
BBC Hereford & Worcester are reporting that Hereford United needs to pay it's football creditors today or face expulsion from the Southern League.
'Advisor' Andy Lonsdale claimed yesterday that 10-12 of the football creditors had been paid on Wednesday, with further payments due yesterday, today, and Monday.
Bulls News could find only four people who had received sums, two of them incorrect amounts, and that figure has not increased since yesterday afternoon.
"Most People Have A Chequered Past"
'Advisor' Andy Lonsdale has told the Hereford Times that 'most people have a chequered past'.
He admitted to the paper that Tommy Agombar 'may not pass' the FA's Owners And Directors Test due to his history, while Joel Nathan claimed that Agombar's namesake son was no longer a Director of the club - despite still being listed at Companies House.
Agombar junior is banned from football sine die by the Essex County FA for non-payment of fines.
Nathan also says that a new Chairman will be announced shortly - despite the Southern League handbook listing Lonsdale, who is not currently a Director according to Companies House, as holding that role.
Meanwhile, Lonsdale has taken another swipe at Bulls News for our coverage of his environmental terrorism at Feltham's former ground. Lonsdale claims our coverage comes from speaking to 'a local resident':
“I was exonerated by the council and Bulls News have spoken to a local resident about his side of the story – they haven’t asked me for my side. The council set up a strategic review and I was exonerated."
The Council's Scrutiny committee (press report here) said 'there is reason to doubt' the evidence Lonsdale presented to the committee, while the dozen or so Councillors and local residents we spoke to were somewhat less than complimentary of Lonsdale's actions.
Ex-Bull Watch
Former Bulls loanee Sam Winnall has signed for Barnsley for an undisclosed fee from fellow League One side Scunthorpe. The 23 year old had a year left on his deal after 23 goals for the Iron last term as they won promotion from League Two.
Barnet have opened negotiations with Gavin Mahon after a successful trial. The 37 year old previously played for Martin Allen at Notts County, and played for the Bees in their friendly against Brentford on Tuesday night.
Rob Purdie continued his trial at Worcester in Tuesday's draw with Redditch. Also playing in that game, for Redditch, was Ashley Sammons. The former Birmingham trainee has been with them since leaving Worcester in March 2013.
Former youth teamers Tom Brock and Callum Brennan turned out at Allpay Park for different sides on Thursday night. Brock turned out for Westfields having signed for them, while Brennan appeared for a Worcester XI as they played out a 5-5 draw.
Hereford born midfielder Jamie Price has rejoined Newtown after 18 months away. The 26 year old has played for Cheltenham, Gloucester, and Worcester in a career that also took in a spell with Birmingham City.
Rob Purdie continued his trial at Worcester in Tuesday's draw with Redditch. Also playing in that game, for Redditch, was Ashley Sammons. The former Birmingham trainee has been with them since leaving Worcester in March 2013.
Former youth teamers Tom Brock and Callum Brennan turned out at Allpay Park for different sides on Thursday night. Brock turned out for Westfields having signed for them, while Brennan appeared for a Worcester XI as they played out a 5-5 draw.
Hereford born midfielder Jamie Price has rejoined Newtown after 18 months away. The 26 year old has played for Cheltenham, Gloucester, and Worcester in a career that also took in a spell with Birmingham City.
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Problems For IP Say Trust
The Insolvency Practitioner looking into the affairs of Hereford United is having problems sorting out a list of creditors according to the Hereford United Supporters Trust.
"The suggestion is that new debt is coming out on an almost daily basis," said Martin Watson of the Trust.
"There doesn't seem to be a definitive list of either shareholders or creditors
"They are getting new claims from people they have no knowledge of at all."
Meanwhile Jamie Griffiths, formerly Hereford United's press officer, has told BBC Hereford and Worcester that he is still owed money by the club.
"It's not only the £1800 I'm owed it's also the fact that I was forced to make a decision to leave. So I don't have that wage coming in each month.
"Not only is it three months without pay it's now a further two months without pay because I felt I had to leave."
Meanwhile Jamie Griffiths, formerly Hereford United's press officer, has told BBC Hereford and Worcester that he is still owed money by the club.
"It's not only the £1800 I'm owed it's also the fact that I was forced to make a decision to leave. So I don't have that wage coming in each month.
"Not only is it three months without pay it's now a further two months without pay because I felt I had to leave."
Lonsdale's Quotes From The Hereford Times
Andy Lonsdale, an advisor to Hereford United's majority shareholder Tommy Agombar, has given an interview to the Hereford Times. For the record here are some of his quotes.
"If we had not come in when we did – Hereford United would now be dead.
“David Keyte could not go forward and the local businessmen did not come forward. “David Keyte was on his last legs and all the other directors – Grenville Smith, Bob Pritchard and Nick Nenadich – not one of them stepped up – and one of them has called us amateur.
“If we are amateur and we have saved the club – what does that say about them?
“They have killed the club.
“The club was £1.3 million in debt under their watch – not ours – and they call us amateur.
“All we have done is try to mop up their mess.
“We are getting hammered over the state of the club – but we never caused it.
“The Football creditors have been owed money – and that was not created under our watch.
“We are here to build for the future.
"We have not destroyed Hereford United Football Club – that was done before we got here.
“Tommy Agombar has got some great footballing contacts and so too has Mark Ellis and Joel and I.
“We are going to use those for the benefit of Hereford.”
“The cheques were written out to pay the football creditors and big sponsors were due to drop the money in but, at the last minute, the sponsors backed out.
“That was due to the bad press from Bulls Banter, Bulls News and the Hereford Times and they said 'Sorry, we can’t be associated with this'.
“There were two backers and they both pulled out.”
“You have had a lot of comment in the local press about us being bad people.
“You had the local MP Jesse Norman asking for comment. I e-mailed Jesse Norman about three weeks ago and have not had a response.
“How can a local MP voted in by the locals endorse a phoenix club knowing that nobody will get paid if Hereford United went into liquidation?
"How can a local MP endorse that and he has not even offered to speak to us.
“I want him to listen to us and let’s engage in conversation and so he buys into our ethos."
"We started paying them yesterday - about 10 or 12 - and the rest should be paid today as long as we have all the bank details and references.
“We will pay today, tomorrow or Monday.
“The Southern League have been very good to us.
“We had to put up a bond to the Southern League and if we can’t pay the football creditors, why should we be allowed to play in the league?
“There are people coming out of the woodwork.
“David Keyte agreed to give all the first team a £500 bonus for when he couldn’t afford to pay the wages.
“We have to pick up the tab for that and we are looking into that.
“A lot of people did not have contracts.
"They showed David Keyte a lot of loyalty and they didn’t show us any – yet they still expect us to pay.
“They didn’t have a contract –a lot of people here only had verbal contracts.
“We are doing everything by the book – as far as that is concerned.”
“I have had to resign from the club (Bedfont and Feltham Football Club) due to the Hereford fans which I was really happy about.
“They got hold of the FA and said that I was involved with two clubs.
“Because I want to see Tommy Agombar see this through, I made my decision to resign.
“I had been there 17 years but, because of the fans’ hatred here, I have had to resign.
“ I am not very happy about that but I am not going to walk away from this club because I gave Tommy my word that I would help him."
“Jon’s (Taylor) father owns a property company.
“But Jon’s a football man and he is passionate about his football.
“What does your father do and does that have an impact on the job you do?
“If you dig too far back you might find out that your father owned Edgar Street
“I was exonerated by the council and Bulls News have spoken to a local resident about his side of the story – they haven’t asked me for my side.
“The council set up a strategic review and I was exonerated."
“Mark Ellis has taken six to eight weeks out of his life to rebuild Hereford football club.
“He is not getting paid a penny and, for someone to do that, they have got to believe in what they are doing.
“Mark has put the team together and he’s getting stick all the time.
“I am a great believer in Mark.”
“He will be here until the first game and then spending one day or two days a week here on a consultancy basis.
“He is an asset for the club and his credentials are real.”
“I have met one man at this club – Colin Addison – since I have been here and he’s a lovely man and that’s the sort of people we want to be dealing with. He’s 74 years old and he’s a legend.
“It can’t be nice when you get Bulls Banter, Bulls News and Hereford Times all against you.
“When we first got involved in the club, we were told the overall debt was £300,000.
“But every week I came down, the debts got bigger and bigger.
“Due diligence was done when Andrew Green was involved but he’s no longer involved with the club.
“We are running a football club – we are not Herefordians or Hereford supporters. But we are going forward – we do not want to dwell on the past. This club has got a massive future.”
At Least They're Consistent At One Thing
The following is a screen grab of text messages sent between former club media man Jamie Griffiths and Hereford United 'owner' Tommy Agombar.
In the messages, dated June 25th, Agombar claims to have sent cheques out two days before:
The cheques never arrived, however some employees received payslips - but no money - that week.
"Today, Tomorrow, Or Monday..."
Despite claiming earlier today that Hereford United would complete payments to football creditors today, Andy Lonsdale now says it will be "today, tomorrow, or Monday".
Lonsdale told the Hereford Times: “We started paying them yesterday - about 10 or 12 - and the rest should be paid today as long as we have all the bank details and references. We will pay today, tomorrow or Monday."
Bulls News has found only four football creditors to have received payment, with Rhys Evans saying that he had not actually been paid. A fourth person has confirmed receipt of some money, but both he and Luke Graham say they have not received the full sum owed.
Photocopied Cheques? There's An Explanation For That...
Andy Lonsdale claims that the late withdrawal of a sponsor saw the club show staff photocopy cheques that they did not post.
He told the Hereford Times: “The cheques were written out to pay the football creditors and big sponsors were due to drop the money in but, at the last minute, the sponsors backed out,”
“That was due to the bad press from Bulls Banter, Bulls News and Hereford Times and they said sorry, we can’t be associated with this.
“There were two backers and they both pulled out.”
Lonsdale adds that they have a new sponsor lined up: “The company is not a local computer shop, this is a multi-national company.”
The reference to the local computer shop is in reference to the sponsor of the HUST Fans Team shirts. The same computer shop sponsored the club's fixtures cards last season, has an advertising board on the Edgar Street/Blackfriars Street corner of the ground, and also an advert in the programme.
None of these are being renewed for the new season because of the current regime.
I Would Have Got Away With It If It Wasn't For You Pesky Fans
In the latest of a series of articles on the Hereford Times website today, Andy Lonsdale claims that Bulls fans made him quit his role at Bedfont & Feltham - by reporting him to the FA for breaching rules.
The the FA abundantly clear on their rules on having influence at two clubs, Lonsdale blames supporters for contacting the FA:
“They got hold of the FA and said that I was involved with two clubs. Because I want to see Tommy Agombar see this through, I made my decision to resign.
“I had been there 17 years but, because of the fans’ hatred here, I have had to resign."
I think you'll find that's the rulebook, Andrew...
Southern League Handbook Lists Lonsdale And Nathan As Club Officials
The newly published Southern League handbook, sent out to clubs this week, lists Andy Lonsdale as Hereford United's new Chairman.
And, in an even more bizarre appointment, the handbook also lists Grays CEO Joel Nathan as Club Secretary. The news was reported on a forum earlier today, and has been confirmed by Bulls News this afternoon.
Nathan, who remains listed as their CEO on Grays' website, claimed today he still hasn't decided whether to take a job at Edgar Street.
Football Creditor Payments "Will Be Finished Tonight"
Bulls 'advisor' Joel Nathan claims today a major sponsorship deal will see Hereford United avoid a CVA deal.
He told the Hereford Times: “We are negotiating at the moment with a major blue-chip company to sponsor this club which, if it comes off, means we would not go into a CVA.”
Fellow 'advisor' Andy Lonsdale also told the Hereford Times that football creditors would be paid today: "Football creditors will be paid today and everything will be in place for the game against St Neots Town on August 9. We were always going to pay the football creditors.
“We have sat down and had an overlook of everything. We had two very big sponsors who were going to come in and invest in the club for a great deal of money.
“But because of the bad publicity through the Hereford Times, Bulls Banter and Bulls News they decided to pull out. There’s no point in coming out and talking until you are 100 per cent ready to do so.
“I am not a great believer in giving lip service just for the sake of it. You have to get all your facts straight and your ducks in a row before you come out and talk because you get shot down."
Lonsdale, who told fans on June 21st that football creditors had already been paid, had previously assured Bedfont & Feltham supporters that he was not leaving the club prior to his departure, and has been accused of lying by several former staff members at Edgar Street.
Turner Would Help Phoenix Club
Former Hereford United chairman and manager Graham Turner has told the Hereford Times that he would be prepared to help any new club set up by Hereford United supporters.
Turner also made it clear that he is 'desperately sorry' for both players and staff who have not been paid.
"I don't see where it is going now other than to start up again," said Turner
"Chester is a good example of what can be done and that seems to be the only way here, too."
In his time at Hereford Turner and other staff went without pay for a while.
"I am desperately sorry for the staff who have gone without pay, and that includes last season's players.
"It's outrageous that this has gone on to decent people.
"There has been tremendous hardship for a lot of people, especially those with families and it's especially sad after such a tremendous effort to avoid relegation on that last day at Aldershot Town."
Council Discussing Whether CVA Is Breach Of Leases
The Hereford Times reports that the Council are in a behind closed doors meeting to discuss whether the proposed CVA breaches the terms of the club's lease on Edgar Street.
Bill Tanner reports that senior Council leaders and political group leaders are in talks this morning, and have refused to speak about the meeting. Some Council members have already called on the Council to rescind the leases and seek a new deal with HUST.
The full HT article is at http://www.herefordtimes.com/news/11363468.Hereford_United___Creditors_Voluntary_Agreement__could_be_a_breach_of_ground_leases/
Only Four Football Creditors Paid
Bulls News can find evidence of only four football creditors being paid.
The trio of senior players - Luke Graham, Rhys Evans, and Rob Purdie - and youngster Billy Murphy - who was one of only two players to have contracts for the 2014/15 season and has since joined Bristol City - received money yesterday.
Graham, who had a contract running to the end of June, was only paid up to the end of May leaving him still owed money. The other 50-odd football creditors - including several clubs - are yet to receive any money.
The Southern League are expected to release a statement at some point, with their original deadline now understood to have expired.
YourHerefordshire reported yesterday that they had received a response from Secretary Jason Mills: 'I am receiving numerous emails from Hereford United Supporters. Unfortunately I am unable to respond to these.'
Update: Rhys Evans now says he was NOT paid by Hereford United yesterday.
Supporters Team Confirm Ex-Players For Worcester Game
The Hereford United Supporters Team have confirmed that eight former Bulls will be involved during the forthcoming game against Worcester City XI.
Wayne Brown, Alex Jeannin, Tony James, Steve Guinan, David Titterton, John Snape, Rob Purdie, Scott Goodwin.
The Supporters Team hope to reveal more signings, and a manager for the game in the coming days.
Preedy 'Keeping Powder Dry At The Moment'
Former Hereford United director Dave Preedy spoke briefly to BN earlier this morning.
BN - How do you see things going at the moment?
DP - It changes every day, it's really hard to say.
I've kept my counsel. I've got a statement to make. I've had professional advice because of the CVA and all that's going on. I've got to be careful what I say.
BN - How do you see things going at the moment?
DP - It changes every day, it's really hard to say.
I've kept my counsel. I've got a statement to make. I've had professional advice because of the CVA and all that's going on. I've got to be careful what I say.
The Council might be doing an enquiry into what's gone on so I've got to keep my powder very dry at the moment.
I have got a story to tell. The reasons why I stayed, the reasons why I left. It's all about timing.
BN - Another High Court hearing next Monday. What do you expect from that?
DP - I would imagine an adjournment again. The CVA hasn't been finalised. I'm a big creditor and I've had no correspondence at all so I'm waiting on that.
I've had no paperwork from Hereford United since I left. But my claim is on record.
BN - People who don't know what happened in the boardroom in the weeks before the sale to Agombar might be critical of you?
DP - I expect that. But I know why I was there and a lot of people know why I stayed.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Council Slow To Move On Petition Decision
Bulls News understands that Herefordshire Council are yet to act on the petition handed to them by fans nearly a month ago.
The petition, submitted at the end of the march by supporters through the city last month, called on the Council to refuse transfer of the leases away from Hereford United 1939 Ltd.
The Council, under their own rules, should have responded to the submission of the petition with details of how they would proceed within ten days but, at the time of writing, are yet to give an answer. The petition, of well over 7,000 signatures, should trigger a public debate by the full Council.
When questioned yesterday afternoon, by the petition's submitter, they stated the delay was down to the number of signatures needed to be processed and that a response is expected to be supplied by the end of next week.
Yet Another Diversion
Nailswortholdbull isn't impressed by today's reports that three ex-Hereford United players have received some back pay from new majority owner Tommy Agombar.
Below he explains why.
So, at long last, it appears that Tommy & Co, have dug into their collective pockets, and managed to pay a whole 3 players, all at once, and only 4-5 months late, and after (approximately, as we've all given up counting!) probably 6-8 recent promises to meet deadlines that were never kept.
Significantly, the players paid, Bobbie P, Rhys Evans, and Luke G, appear to be those who were most vociferous in both their condemnation of this regime, and their demands for their money. Am I cynical in thinking that Tommy & Co are trying to shut down the most articulate of their footballing creditors? Nah, it's just a coincidence, ennit?
Significantly, the players paid, Bobbie P, Rhys Evans, and Luke G, appear to be those who were most vociferous in both their condemnation of this regime, and their demands for their money. Am I cynical in thinking that Tommy & Co are trying to shut down the most articulate of their footballing creditors? Nah, it's just a coincidence, ennit?
Allow our cynicism a little more rein, and we now hear that Tommy & Co (I refuse to shame our great little club further, by naming it as the culprit) have applied for some extra time to pay the balance of footie creditors. Do they really think that the Southern League is as weak & toothless as they appear to be? Does Joel Nathan's claimed "relationship" with a senior member of the SL board get him favours which would NEVER be granted to any other club in the division? The SL HAS to stick to it's imposed deadline, otherwise their credibility will be totally destroyed. And NOT just with Bulls fans, but more particularly, with their member clubs.
Do Tommy & Co think that paying just 3 players, out of ALL the football creditors they told the local council they would pay 2-3 weeks ago, has influenced the views of the Council? Do they think that Tommy's own admission, that he is budgeting for gates of 500, this coming season, will give him sufficient income to pay this year's rent, let alone the chunks of the £65k outstanding debt, that he has promised to pay out over the next 3 seasons?
The lies have gone on long enough, and they are all, mostly, well documented. They have been made, not only to supporters, employees and players, but also, to people in authority, at the Council, HMRC, the Hereford Times (who, thankfully, now appear to have seen the light), and to the Southern League. It has to stop, and soon. We have people of intelligence being made to look stupid, and people with responsibilities to others who are neglecting those responsibilities, in letting TA & Co carry on with this charade.
You can fool some of these people some of the time, but not ALL of them ALL of the time.
To those that can do something to stop this rot, I say, PLEASE, do not be swayed by the small amount of money that TA & Co have handed over today. It does NOT prove ANY intent whatsoever, to pay others. Don't take my word for it, just examine the trail of broken promises leading up to this point!
Payments Begin To Trickle Through To Creditors
It is understood that a couple of players have received their back wages from the club today.
A number of the other football creditors have confirmed that they are still waiting payment.
Update: As of 4.30pm three players had confirmed they had received payments, but more than a dozen players and staff said they had received nothing as yet.
Update: As of 4.30pm three players had confirmed they had received payments, but more than a dozen players and staff said they had received nothing as yet.
Club Seeking More Time For Payments
The Hereford Times reports that Hereford United have asked for more time to make payments to football creditors.
Despite having had nearly two months to settle debts, the paper says the club have asked the Southern League for more time. So far today, none of the football creditors have received payments despite the latest round of promises.
The paper also reports that their calls to Joel Nathan are not being returned, while the Southern League are expected to make a statement on the situation.
Update: BBC Hereford and Worcester report that the Southern League are unlikely to make a statement today.
Update: BBC Hereford and Worcester report that the Southern League are unlikely to make a statement today.
Rent And Proposed Land Swap At Edgar Street
Yesterday BN carried some information from Herefordshire Council about the rent, the leases and proposed land swap at Edgar Street. (http://bullsnews.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/council-deny-1-rent-claim.html)
Former Hereford United director Bob Pritchard has added his thoughts about the issue.
The rent has always been agreed at £10k p/a and is reviewed every 10 years within the 30 year lease.
As far as the triangle of land swap, there is a tenancy of will in place for the council to use their land and the club to use their land for a period of 12 months and at the end of the term both parties take possession of the swap land to square the land up.
It can take place earlier by notification by either party however this is unlikely to happen, the 12 months is up in Feb 2015.
The Council require their triangle for the development of Merton Meadow land and the club requires theirs for the squaring up of the strip of land for the development of the apartment scheme at the back of the Meadow End.
There is an obligation for the club to fence this land on vacant possession with no direct access to the Merton Meadow car park land to the north, so all supporters will have to exit via the sides ie Edgar Street and the new car park road located beyond the current boundary below Radfords.
Silkmen Face Further Cash Problems
Macclesfield manager John Askey says he will have to build a squad with the lowest budget in the Conference this season.
The Silkmen continue to have money troubles after a season of struggle last term, with Askey describing their budget last season as 'bottom 2 or 3' but now seeing it cut further. He says he still needs eight new signings this summer and will speak with club owner Amar Alkhadi over finances this week.
He told the Manchester Evening News that his set budget was 'unrealistic' and 'way below anybody else' and hoped that Thursday's talks would get the club somewhere near to last year's comparative 'fortune' of a budget.
The Silkmen stayed in the Conference only after Alkhadi put money in at the last minute to settle debts at the AGM, with Director Andy Scott having set up a takeover deal following the collapse of moves to turn the club into a Community Interest Company.
Meanwhile, Worcester City have announced a loss of £43,175 for the 2012/13 season. They say that it is 50% cheaper for them to stage matches at Kidderminster, where it costs around £2,000 a game, compared to St George's Lane due to the ageing state of their former ground.
They have already sold 250 season tickets for the coming season, and also operate a successful lottery scheme that generates £50,000 a season.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Former Staff Await Payment Arrival
Former staff and players are again awaiting news of payments hitting their bank accounts today after being told they will arrive by Tommy Agombar and Andy Lonsdale.
With the clock ticking on the Southern League's deadline for payment, a string of football creditors were told over the last two days that funds would arrive in their accounts on Tuesday or Wednesday.
However some football creditors have heard nothing at all from the club intensifying frustration at the lack of communication from the new regime, with anger at the broken promises of payments overflowing.
The Insolvency Practitioner handling the CVA process has told some of the football creditors that they will not be part of the CVA deal, with the CVA offer still to be sent to creditors.
The trialist side went to Leeds to face Besiktas in a hired minibus and some cars, and took to the field in used kit from seasons past - some carrying the Football League logo - with the game receiving limited coverage in the English press, most of it bemusement at the game's existence against the plight of the club.
With little evidence that the influx of money that Agombar had promised weeks ago has actually arrived, the situation remains grave at Edgar Street.
Ex-Bull Watch
Marlon Jackson is the latest ex-Bull to link up with Eastleigh. The forward, who ended last season at Halifax, is on trial with the Spitfires after turning down an opportunity with Carlisle. He got the chance after his agent contacted the club, and manager Richard Hill spoke to Chris Todd.
Steve Jennings has signed for Port Vale. The former Tranmere and Motherwell midfielder has signed a one year deal with the Valiants, joining fellow former Bulls loanee Mark Marshall at the club.
Danny Leadbitter is now on trial at Southend. He played in their game with Braintree at the weekend and also faced a Colchester side today.
Danny Leadbitter is now on trial at Southend. He played in their game with Braintree at the weekend and also faced a Colchester side today.
Supporters Team Confirm Groundshare With Pegasus Juniors
The Hereford United Supporters Team have confirmed that they will have use of the pitch and facilities at Pegasus Juniors for any home Supporters Team matches this season.
The news article released on the Supporters Team website reads: "We would like to thank the support of everyone at Pegasus Juniors, we look forward to using their fantastic facilities throughout the coming months, and building on our already strong relationship between the two sides."
Council Deny £1 Rent Claim
Herefordshire Council have denied that the rent on Edgar Street dropped to £1 with the new leases.
In updating their FAQ on Hereford United yesterday (link) the Council say the rent on the ground is still £10,000 a year. The FAQ also notes that the Council have been told that £52,500 of their debt will be settled this financial year, with the remaining £12,500 next financial year.
The FAQ also says that a proposed land swap on the site, swapping two triangles of land to 'square up' the site, has not been completed with the Council saying the club 'has not taken this option forward'.
Fans Team Announce New Fixture
 |
| 'Oxo' Talking To Trevor Owens For BBC H&W |
We are pleased to announce we have arranged a friendly with Royston Town, this will be played before the their 1st team play Aylesbury United on August 23rd. We hope members of the London Bulls will be taking part, as well as those ex players who live closer to the capital. More info will be released when we have them.
This game has been designated as a HUFC solidarity day, so we hope as many fans can support this day, as well as the supporters game earlier.
More details on the fixture will be released in due course.
Prize Bull Draw 9
This from HUST:
Prize Bull draw No.9 took place on Monday night at Ledbury Town.
The winning numbers are 6, 8, 12, and 18
Should you have the winning combination, please contact liaison@hufctrust.co.uk to claim the jackpot.
The winning numbers are 6, 8, 12, and 18
Should you have the winning combination, please contact liaison@hufctrust.co.uk to claim the jackpot.
Lower League Football To Be Debated in Parliament
Hereford MP Jesse Norman is to take part in a debate about lower league football.
As you will know I remain deeply concerned about the situation at Hereford United. To highlight the situation I have been pressing for a parliamentary debate on the future of non league football.
I am very pleased to let you know that I have now been granted time in the Commons chamber for a debate on Thursday, 4 September 2014. The debate will be held at around midday, and a minister from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport will have the opportunity to respond.
The priority for my speech will be the situation at Hereford United, but I also hope to cover some of the broader issues facing lower-league football.
I will be working on my speech over the next few weeks and would be interested to receive any contributions from fans, HUFC creditors or anyone else who cares about football in the community.
The announcement of the debate is online at tinyurl.com/onj4v7u. It would help if you could tweet this link or put it on Facebook or other social media, with this email address so that interested parties can get in touch. .
I am very pleased to let you know that I have now been granted time in the Commons chamber for a debate on Thursday, 4 September 2014. The debate will be held at around midday, and a minister from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport will have the opportunity to respond.
The priority for my speech will be the situation at Hereford United, but I also hope to cover some of the broader issues facing lower-league football.
I will be working on my speech over the next few weeks and would be interested to receive any contributions from fans, HUFC creditors or anyone else who cares about football in the community.
The announcement of the debate is online at tinyurl.com/onj4v7u. It would help if you could tweet this link or put it on Facebook or other social media, with this email address so that interested parties can get in touch. .
Thanks From Supporters Team
654 Hereford United fans turned out to support an 'alternative fixture' for those Bulls fans who are currently taking part in a boycott of the Edgar Street club.
 |
| Ledbury And Hereford Together |
The match was not about winning, and despite the 6-2 defeat the players thoroughly enjoyed their 90minutes. We hope that you enjoyed watching the game with over 650 like-minded fans.
We would like to thank Ledbury Town for their extremely warm welcome, they played fantastic hosts both to the players and the supporters.
We would also like to thank Pete Beadle, Steve Jenkins and Jonny Evans who all gave their time, passion and expertise for free.
We’d also like to thank Sam Gwynne, Jon Hill, Callum Brennan and Max Kontic for pulling on the famous white shirt once more.
This isn’t the end, and our next game against Worcester City could be even bigger and better (is that possible?).
Supporters club secretary Chris Oleksy has already lined up former players who were members of the Conference Play Off Final win in 2006 and who also turned out for The Bulls during their League 1 spell. The players confirmed so far are Steve Guinan, Wayne Brown, Tony James and Alex Jeannin.
Nathan To "Agree Terms With New Safety Officer"
Despite claiming to have no influence at the club, and having to resort to quoting a 'reliable source', Grays CEO Joel Nathan says he is set to agree terms with a new Safety Officer at Edgar Street.
Nathan told the Hereford Times: “I will be agreeing terms with a new safety officer for the ground on Wednesday" as he spoke about the ground being ready to comply with Council demands on Friday.
Council officer Marc Willimott confirmed a meeting at the club yesterday, tweeting that the club had been told what it needed to do and he had been told the work would be completed for the start of the season.
Nathan also told the paper that a 'reliable source' had told him that football creditors would be paid: “I know that I said that I would not be saying anything but, to the best of my knowledge, football creditors are being paid today or tomorrow.
“I have been told by a very reliable source who knows what’s going on and that is football creditors will be paid.”
Some former staff members were informed by text message yesterday that they would be paid today.
Monday, July 21, 2014
Post Friendly Beadle
 |
| Pete Beadle Being Interviewed By Trevor Owens And John Williamson |
Manager of the Hereford United Supporters Team Pete Beadle spoke to BBC Hereford and Worcester after last night's friendly at Ledbury which was watched by 654 supporters.
"What they've done tonight is the start of something that could become quite big.
"And it makes a statement.
"They've done it in the right manner.
"They've played in the right fashion with respect, it was really good.
"And the supporters have come out and made it what it was."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)