Relegated Harriers hand manager new deal and eye up quick National League return

Hereford fans at Aggborough

Kidderminster Harriers' boss Phil Brown has signed a new deal to stay at Aggborough until 2026 despite their relegation from the National League.

Set to return to the National League North next season, Harriers struggled after a stunning run at the end of last season saw them gain promotion.

But Russ Penn, mastermind of the unexpected promotion, couldn't turn Harriers' poor form around and was replaced by Phil Brown at the start of the year.

The 64-year-old former Hull City and Southend United boss, and assistant Neil McDonald, have now agreed to stay at Aggborough and bosses at the Worcestershire club are already eyeing up a return to non-league's top flight.

Chairman Richard Lane told the official club website: “Relegation has been a huge disappointment to myself personally, and everyone connected with Kidderminster Harriers football club, not least our partners and sponsors, loyal supporters and the local community.

“I have seen the connection Phil and Neil have forged from our players to our fans and believe it can be a foundation for us going forward.

“As a business, we have worked tirelessly in the last few years to create a financial stable platform with a springboard for success. Although this season hasn’t met our expectations and ambitions, we have achieved so much and made so many memories in a short space of time. Because of that, everything is in place to try and make sure our journey together continues, undeterred, towards more success in the future with Phil and Neil at the helm.”

Director of football Dean Holdsworth said: “Relegation hurt us all, we must turn that hurt into determination to bounce back. The arrival of Phil Brown gave the players, supporters and the whole club a new sense of belief, and the re-signing of Phil indicates the chairman’s ambition to return to The National League as soon as possible.

“Although we didn’t reach our goal of staying up, to take that fight into the final weeks of the season given the position we were in is remarkable, as is the drive and passion, Phil, the backroom staff and the players have shown.

“We’re delighted to secure their services for another two seasons. We look forward to pressing the ‘Reset’ button; plenty of hard work is already going on to ensure we are in the best possible shape to compete next season.”

National League boss concerned about football regulator and says game isn't in a mess

The boss of the National League has said a new independent regulator for football could be a burden and the game isn't in the mess some people think.

Ahead of the second reading of the Football Governance Bill, which will see an independent regulator formed for men's elite football, National League general manager Mark Ives said the costs could hurt small clubs.

The Premier League has already raised concerns about the new plans, which it says could "weaken the competitiveness and appeal of English football".

The announcement comes following the Tracey Crouch review, triggered by an attempt to form a European Super League three years ago.

With well-respected broadcaster Manish Bhasin on hosting duties at the House of Lords event, the National League said questions were put to the panel in front of representatives from a number of clubs ahead of the Bill, "ushering in a new era for the game".

The league said Ives was keen to make clear the competition’s stance as he laid bare the positives and negatives regarding the arrival of a regulator. He told the audience in London: “We didn’t wake up one morning and think ‘we want a regulator’.

“However, we accept it is here and we have to embrace that. That doesn’t mean we agree with everything that is proposed, there are parts we are comfortable with and parts we are not. It is those parts which we are asking to be looked at.

“Naturally, we are concerned about the costs. The expectation of how much it is going to cost clubs at a National League level is a huge concern, it may be a small amount of money, but it is a lot to our clubs.

“We are worried about mission-creep within the Bill and the additional bureaucracy. There is a lot of duplication of work, such as the licensing system. There is an expectation for clubs to do two lots of licensing. This was all started by the Fan-Led Review and my concern is the expectations are not what they were expecting.

“So things dear to our heart such as, three-up, three-down with the EFL, protection of players and 3G pitches were all raised within the Fan Led Review but are outside the scope of the regulator. I understand but we talk about financial sustainability - and all of these issues have an impact on financial sustainability of the clubs.

“If we carry on with the Bill the way it is, it is going to put all of that burden on our clubs instead of actually having an advocacy-first approach. Let the leagues take control of it. My desire is for the leagues to do their piece first and if we fail to do our piece then regulate us.

“People are talking about the need for a regulator because of the mess the game is in. My view is that the game is not in a mess. All the competitions – the Premier League, the EFL, the National League, the FA – they are obviously all doing something right.

“So allow the people to deal with it appropriately and if we are not doing it in the right way, then let the regulator step in. Otherwise, you will put too much bureaucracy, too much burden on the clubs and it will be damaging to them.“

He went on to say: “We urge MPs and Peers for certainty on the Bill. It is written loosely, which allows for mission creep. Think about the impact on our member clubs and don’t put more burden on them.”

Solihull Chairman Comments On Recent National League Decisions

As has been posted on BN and elsewhere the National League has come in for some criticism about recent decisions involving clubs in play-off positions.

Yeterday Darryl Eales the chairman of Solihull Moors, one of the clubs in the play-offs. released a detailed statement.

Solihull Moors has digested the various announcements published yesterday by the National League.

Firstly and foremost, whilst we are obviously unaware of the details behind the decision, we share Gateshead’s disappointment. They have had a wonderful season and we send our thoughts and best wishes to their players, fans and officials. We would much prefer promotion to be decided on sporting merit.

As a club of a similar size, we completely understand the challenges and costs of meeting EFL ground regulations.

We look forward to meeting them again at Wembley on May 11th and having a wonderful day out - and allowing football to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Turning to the decision making, we would welcome more clarity in the near future as to the rules and their application following the Gateshead decision.

What surprises us is why addressing this issue was not planned for well in advance. The League must have been aware that it was a possibility and could easily have planned for this contingency rather than being seemingly influenced by who shouts loudest and being driven by events.

It is critical for the integrity of the game that everyone, - fans, managers, players and owners - has complete transparency and understanding of the interpretation of the rules and the League’s decision making process.

Having said this, we are fully in agreement that, on sporting merit, Altrincham should receive the bye rather than Solihull Moors. The rules should be explicit on this. If they are not, they should be changed.

The decision making thereafter seems somewhat illogical, most specifically putting the winner of the Moors versus Halifax game at a newly created disadvantage.

The play off rules are clearly articulated, especially the need for a full 3 day gap between the quarter final and semi final, which was agreed following debate 2 years ago re the scheduling.

These are amongst the biggest games in any club’s history and this situation has taken much of the joy away at a time of celebration.

We simply don’t know why the Moors game against Halifax could not have been played on the Tuesday - the original date for Moors versus Gateshead - or why the game against Barnet for the winners could not have been moved to the Sunday.

There was plenty of time to arrange this yesterday.

Moors, at the request of the League did not start selling tickets after our game against York on Saturday, as previously planned, causing us significant inconvenience and we have held our own counsel throughout yesterday’s events with Moors having originally been given a bye - and planning accordingly - then to be told to play on Wednesday not Tuesday - and now to be placed at a playing disadvantage of the League’s making.

The position both Halifax and Moors find themselves is prejudicial to two teams who have acted with professionalism throughout and is contrary to the spirit of the sporting integrity of the playoffs.

Moors registered a formal complaint at the situation that the League has created, of its own making.

The League has hitherto failed to explain why the dates of the two semi finals could not be reversed - this would have been straightforward and equitable and there was plenty of time over the weekend to do this.

Moors have had to change opponents and timing with far less notice - and with far more disruption.

We are sure this issue will be debated in full by all clubs at the upcoming League AGM when we hope the executive of the League will explain everything in appropriate detail and be open to a full debate to ensure the rules explicitly cater for such situation and all its consequences.

Ultimately, Solihull Moors are dismayed that they are the only team prejudiced by the series of events and poor management by the League.

Nevertheless, we will now abide by the decision and look forward to welcoming Halifax on Wednesday. 

Farsley chair 'living the dream' but admits club sold less than 10 season tickets

Farsley Celtic at Edgar Street last month

The chairman of National League North club Farsley Celtic has said he is 'living the dream' after avoiding relegation for another season.

The club, between Leeds and Bradford in West Yorkshire, sees some of the lowest attendances in the league, with an average of just 668.

But chairman Paul Barthorpe pointed out that while some clubs, such as Hereford and Chester, can sell thousands of season tickets, his side sold "less than 10".

In a statement after avoiding relegation on the last day of the season - for the third season in a row - he said they absolutely celebrate and explained why.

"It’s easy to criticise and mock our achievements but we couldn’t be any prouder of who we are," Barthorpe said after the 2-0 win over Buxton on the final day of the season.

"We are a small village club, the population of our village is only double the capacity of our ground and you could fit our whole population into the grounds of some of the teams we play against.

"Our gates are one of the lowest in the league, and while many clubs at our level sold hundreds of (sic) not thousands of season tickets, we sold less than 10. We might not have (as) many fans as others, but the ones we do I wouldn’t swap for any others!"

He confessed that his club "should be playing The Dog and Duck or The Miners Welfare" but they are not.

"We are punching well above our weight and have done so for half a decade, and we are still here ready to go again next season," he added.

"We manage to beat the odds every season because everyone at this club bleeds green and white! Our fantastic team of volunteers from board members to coaches, to the guys who choose to help out in their free time to litter pick are all Farsley!

"We are blessed to have a first team squad full of players who would run through walls for this club and have played with injuries at times this season and between them have amassed hundreds of appearances for this club!"

"We are who we are and we are proud to be it! I absolutely love this club and I can guarantee you there isn’t a chairman feeling prouder than me anywhere today!"

Thanking everyone for another "history-making season", he said: "We are all living the Farsley Celtic dream!"

Bulls' director slams FA Cup changes and expects more backlash

Hereford director George Webb has hit out at the decision to axe FA Cup replays from the first round proper onwards and said the FA needs to start protecting clubs.

The agreement between the FA and Premier League - which clubs from the Championship down the lower echelons of non-league have heavily criticised - will come into force from next season.

But Webb, who rejoined the Bulls' board as commercial director last summer after a four-year stint from 2015, said that the club is protesting the move and had already put out a statement. He still expects more pushback.

That statement called for the decision to be suspended until a full consultation takes place and pointed out that the 1972 Newcastle United giantkilling would never have happened under these new rules.

It criticised the decision which was "taken with the views of a small minority of clubs to the fore, placing little or no importance on how significant and special the FA Cup is to hundreds of others – both financially and through the additional interest that is often created in local communities".

Webb said Premier League clubs have got to realise a lot of their players come from lower leagues, using Leicester's Jamie Vardy and Herefordshire-born West Ham star Jarrod Bowen as examples.

"We have to make sure that clubs like us survive," Webb told Bulls News.

"The FA Cup is a major part for a lot of lower league clubs to make money, to keep them sustainable. We obviously don't budget for the FA Cup, like a lot of clubs don't, but it's a major part of where we can boost our income during the year.

"I think the FA need to start to look at this seriously and protecting lower league football."

Webb, who wasn't surprised by the backlash to the decision, also spoke about FA Cup replays Hereford United faced against Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, and how much money United would have made.

"It's not just that, it's memories for football supporters as well and it spurs on and brings on the next generation," he added.

Asked what's next, Webb said: "We have to see what happens. I think there's going to be engagement with the representatives of all the leagues and we'll see what happens, but I'm expecting quite a bit of a pushback."

Pictures From End Of Season Presentations

A selection of pictures from last Saturday's end of season presentations at Edgar Street.

Highlights Hereford v Boston

 

Highlights of the final home game of the season are now available to watch.

Please go to: https://www.herefordfc.co.uk/highlights-hereford-0-2-boston-united/

National League Back Scrapping Of FA Cup Replays

According to the Daily Mail, The National League have written to their clubs saying they back the abolition of FA Cup replays from the first-round next season, but that they could be retained in the competition's qualifying rounds. 

In another sign of the growing divisions within the game it is understood that the National League are supporting the stance of the FA and the Premier League to scrap replays in direct opposition to the EFL who were vocal in their condemnation of the move when it was revealed last week.

In a letter to the 24 National League clubs chief executive Mark Ives is understood to endorse the controversial decision to abandon replays from the first-round on the grounds that there is insufficient space in the calendar to accommodate them. 

Non-league clubs experience problems with fixture congestion in the same way was those at the elite levels of the game, as many of them compete in a wide variety of cup competitions and suffer more from postponements due to poor weather during the winter.

Ives is also understood to have said that replays could be retained in the qualifying rounds however, with a decision to be taken this summer following talks between the clubs.

 

John Davis Has Died

Bulls News has just received the following from Club Historian Ron Parrott:- “As you may or may not have heard, I recently returned home after a five-week stay in hospital. I somehow managed to contract pneumonia and came very, very close to not being here to witness Hereford United’s centenary next season!
Apologies to all concerned if I’ve missed any obituaries during my time away. However, I’m getting stronger by the day and I’ve just picked up on the passing of John Davis a few days ago. I have quite a nice piece on John, who I remember very well indeed. He was a smashing lad and being a local boy through and through, he gave all us aspiring footballers of that era, hope and proof that a local boy could make the grade. Here goes with his pen-pic”:-
 
Appearances:  83 (83+0 sub.) Goals: 0
Seasons played: 1968/69 to 1970/71

Born Hereford September 1946, died Hereford 5th April 2024

John joined United from local club Credenhill in the summer of 1968 and soon became a crowd favourite. He was young, agile, athletic and fearless, making 81 appearances between 1968 and 1971. A very effective goalkeeper, he remained as an amateur despite offers to turn professional and was rewarded when he was selected to join the England amateur squad in May 1970  leaving for a tour of Iceland and France. John lived through some exciting times with United and he was part of a party that toured Mauritius and Madagascar. John was a local lad through and through and started working at Redhill Stores at the age of 13 and he became a familiar face for thousands of people who walked through the doors over the years. John worked there for an amazing 55 years and saw youngsters coming in after school then growing up to bring their own children in years later. John loved his time there and was given a very emotional send-off when he eventually retired. John’s eldest son Kevin became a pro golfer at Belmont Golf Club and his younger son Mark became a prolific goalscorer for Pegasus Juniors and later for Westfields.

Chester fans feel like club has gone backwards after missing out on top-seven finish

Hereford at Chester during the 2023/24 season

Club bosses at Chester have said they understand why fans feel like the club has gone backwards after the side failed to secure a top-seven finish.

A goalless draw on the last day of the season against Darlington saw fan-owned Chester finish 10th, one place above Hereford on goal difference.

In a lengthy statement to rally fans, the board of City Fans United, which owns the club, thanked supporters for their commitment over the past season which has seen crowds at the Deva average 2,183 - the fourth best in National League North.

But they admitted the goal was to secure a top-seven finish and another opportunity at promotion through the play-offs, but performances and results, particularly since the turn of the year, have been below the level needed to achieve this.

"Everyone has worked tirelessly to recapture the form of the first half of the season, which saw us sitting in the top three and reach the FA Cup first round proper (vs York City) for the first time since 2013, but we have fallen short of our target.

"We understand your disappointment, and that this feels like a backward step, but we are confident the lessons learned, and barriers encountered, will ensure we are better equipped for 2024/25."

The statement added that everyone remains committed to the goal of promotion and making the club ‘National League ready’ on and off the field, so that when it is achieved, we will be able to consolidate and then progress again.

The board also admitted that would be challenging to do so sustainably, not wanting to wrack up debt by boosting the playing budget to be more competitive.

They said the door would be open to investment.

"It goes without saying that as Chester fans, we have experienced the very worst of private ownership, and collectively we have built a club that we should be proud of, but this does not mean the door is closed," the board said.

"If a serious and credible offer is received, the board will bring this to the members for discussion and a vote. But until then, we plan to work tirelessly to push our club forwards, meeting challenges head on and making the most of our strengths, including you, the fans.

"The board is continually striving to grow the playing budget, but this must be done sustainably to ensure we remain a debt-free club. While we may not be able to match what other clubs can spend, often running up huge losses, we strongly believe this shouldn’t temper our ambitions, but strengthen our resolve to fulfil them.

"For Chester to get back to the National League, we must be a club that punches above its weight, one built on hard work, resilience and togetherness. These are values shared by our manager and Calum’s determination to bring success to the club is unmatched."

The statement finished by saying work is already underway for the 2024/25 season and praised fans again - urging them to carry on supporting the club financially.

Hereford Women Through To Semi-Final Of League Cup

Hereford Women are through to the semi-final of their League Cup.

Yesterday they defeated Worcester United 6-0 at Edgar Street.

On target for Hereford were Shree Smith (3), Sian Bull (2) and Millie Taylor.

Altrincham Get 'Bye' In National League Play-Off Shambles

The National League bosses failed to read or perhaps understand their own rules about the play-offs earlier today.

Initially they said that Solihull Moors would get a bye in the play-offs following a ruling by the EFL that Gateshead were ineligible because their lease wasn't long enough.

However later there was a change of mind.

The Alty Files reported the following:

So, we had Solihull Moors (5th) getting the advantage of a bye, whilst Altrincham (4th) were being obliged to play an eliminator game. 

This ran totally contrary to the whole principle of the play offs which is that the higher placed teams are given the advantage and that the play-off structure rests on the premise that to play fewer games is advantageous to its participants. 

Sunday afternoon: Finally the National League re-read its own rules and had to admit that it had got it wrong. Accordingly Altrincham no longer have to play an eliminator and go straight to the semi-final stage, an away game at Bromley! This was after Altrincham had quite sensibly started to sell tickets for the planned Wednesday clash with FC Halifax Town in the eliminator round.

Now FC Halifax will instead play at Solihull rather than Altrincham.

The second statement by the National League states

"Following the announcement earlier today that Gateshead are ineligible to compete in this season’s National League play-offs, the League wishes to make the following statement.

National League rules state that in the event of a club being removed from the play-offs and not being replaced, the structure of the draw should be adjusted based on final league positions.

Therefore, the League can now confirm an amended play-off schedule as follows:

Wednesday 24 April – 7pm

• Eliminator A – Solihull Moors v FC Halifax Town

Saturday 27 April – 5.30pm

• Semi-Final – Barnet v Solihull Moors/FC Halifax Town

Sunday 28 April – 4pm

• Semi-Final – Bromley v Altrincham

The League hopes this now clarifies its position on the National League play-offs".

Footnote: Not only do Solihull Moors and FC Halifax Town now have different oposition from that which was originally planned, the Moors now have to change their schedule from a planned Tuesday game to a Wednesday match.

TNT now have a gap in their schedules as they have no Tuesday eliminator game to transmit live.

Supporters Invade The Pitch

Hereford supporters invaded the pitch to watch the end of season presentations which took place after the final whistle.

Players Parade Around Edgar Street

After the end of yesterday's final game of the season, Hereford management and players paraded around Edgar Street watched by thousands of supporters.

Van-Tam Came As A Nun To Watch Boston

Just like Hereford supporters at Warrington last Saturday, over 300 Boston fans, many in fancy dress, were in Edgar Street to see their team win 2-0 yesterday and a place in the play-off.

One of the Boston supporters was Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam who came dressed as a nun. (Picture credit Oliver Atkin.)

Van-Tam was a familiar face at Covid press briefings.

“I am a lifelong and proud Pilgrims fan. I love an ‘awayday’, and being part of our immensely dedicated travelling support, whenever I have the time, taking part in all the traditions," he told the Telegraph.

“Thanks to a superb performance by our team, we are through to the play-offs.”

Hereford MP Against FA Cup Changes

 

Hereford MP Jesse Norman has released a statement about the  FA Cup changes.

Local MP Jesse Norman has come out strongly against the announcement by the Football Association that replays are to be forbidden from the first round of the FA Cup.

"It appears that this decision has been taken without any consultation with the clubs affected by it," Jesse said.

"As with the European Super League, this is another disastrous idea which ignores the needs of the wider fans and the football pyramid.

"The ESL was withdrawn after a public outcry, and this should go the same way.

"FA Cup replays are an important source of revenue for smaller clubs, and the chance of securing a replay means that a smaller club will always have a shot at playing at Old Trafford or Anfield, for example.

"With the Football Governance bill coming up in Parliament this month, I would hope this proposal could be kicked hard into the long grass by Parliament. Certainly it massively reinforces the case for the new regulator.

"In the meantime, I have written to Mark Bulingham, the FA's Chief Executive, and Lucy Frazer MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, to protest against this very ill-advised proposal."
 

Caddis warns fans that some of their favourite players could leave this summer

Paul Caddis has said he won't be able to keep all the players he'd like to

Hereford manager Paul Caddis has admitted he won't be able to keep some players that fans would like him to.

Caddis, who is a year into his two-year deal at Edgar Street, already has Alex Babos, Lewis Hudson, Aaron Skinner and Aurio Teixeira on deals for next season.

Andy Williams has said he has been in talks with the club but a deal is not yet done and, other than that, there is no clear indication on who else might be staying.

After Saturday's 2-0 defeat at home to promotion hopefuls Boston United, Caddis said he would sit down with the players this Thursday - but if players ask for more money, that might not be possible.

"Weirdly, decisions won't particularly be made on the type of player or anything to do with abilities, it'll probably come down to financials," he said.

"Players will want more money where we can't offer that at the moment because this group we've got maybe six or seven that are on short-term loans and stuff like that.

"We've brought players, not from the off, so we've got to try and get as many as we possibly can.

"Whether we do that is not out of my hands, but there will be offers made and there will be, naturally, that people want more money, people move on, people won't get offered more money from other clubs and we're ready for that.

"We're ready to lose a couple of big players, I don't want to put a downer on this afternoon, but there will be fans' favourites that move on and that won't be down to anything other than financials."

He said anyone moving on wouldn't be because they're letting go of players who have a relationship with supporters or those they know can do well for the Bulls.

He said they would "love to keep" the majority of players but that won't be possible and far more goes into retention than what fans see on the pitch.

Bulls News Prediction League: final standings and end of season prize winners

The Bulls News Prediction League has been updated for the final time this season after Hereford lost 2-0 at home to Boston United.

Of the 73 competitors who submitted predictions for this triple points game, only six avoided minus three.

Son of Eric, The Grump, Andynt, Douglas Trendle, H Edwards and Sporting Walrus all pick up six points.

There was no late drama in the tussle to be crowned champion as Staffsbull predicted a win and Dhall a loss, meaning the former is crowned BNPL champion for the 2023/24 season.

Dhall won't be empty-handed though as they, along with Ewyas Harold Bull, still finish in the top three.

Mezzo72 picks up the wooden spoon award for being the least successful continuous predictor (lowest points tally after 50 games plus). They finished 91st with 38 points from 50 games.

BaselWhite gets the 'if only I hadn't missed those games' award as the predictor outside the top 10 with the highest points per game average (minimum 20 matches). They finished the season 26th with 92 points from 35 games - an average of 2.63 points per match they played.

I will be in touch to arrange your small prizes.

So there you have it, the end of the season and the end of this Bulls News Prediction League.

A quick thank you to all of you for taking part this season and hopefully it's been enjoyable (especially given rivalries with family and friends!). I'll be after some feedback over the summer so if you're planning on being back with us next August, be sure to let us know what you think the rules should be.

See the final table below, or by clicking read more.

Gateshead Out Of National League Play-Offs

Gateshead have been told that they can't take part in the National League play-offs because they don't havea long enough 'security of tenure at their stadium'.

The National League is extremely disappointed to announce that following a decision of the EFL, Gateshead Football Club has failed to meet the entry criteria for membership to the EFL.

As a result of the decision Gateshead will not be permitted to participate in the play-offs this season.

This decision is based on the club failing to meet the 10-year security of tenure at their stadium, required for new teams applying to enter the EFL which was required by 1 March 2024.

The club requested a 10-year security of tenure from Gateshead Council. This was refused. The National League wrote to the council in support of the application by the club highlighting the impact on the club, its supporters, and the local community if the security was not given.

Unfortunately, the response received was not supportive of the club’s requirements and placed the club at risk of a refusal of membership to the EFL and therefore forfeiture of any right to participate in the play-offs.

On 28 March 2024, following the deadline for licence applications to the EFL had passed, the Council offered options to the club. However, in the opinion of the EFL these options still did not satisfy their requirements.

The National League made representations to the EFL and are disappointed with the decision whilst at the same time recognise the entry requirements are clearly stated in the EFL rules.

The National League supported an appeal by the club which was denied by an EFL arbitration panel.

Whilst the club may consider further challenge, the current position under the rules is that the club will not be eligible to participate in the play-offs this season.

Under the rules, the club cannot be replaced, and they will be removed from the planned fixture on Tuesday 23 April 2024. The outcome of this is that Solihull Moors will get a bye to the semi-finals.

In the past hour Gateshead have said they will appeal against the decision.

Update: Altrincham, not Solihull, will get a bye according to the National League

Around The Ground

Pictures from around Edgar Street yesterday. More to follow from after the final whistle.

Graham Turner

Good Support For Boston

Paul Caddis

Top Table

Players With Their Children

Referee Has A Word With The Chief Steward

Club Directors Tony Taylor And Joanie Roberts

Hereford FC Media Men Craig Anthony And Carl Haffenden

A Packed Meadow End