Hi all,

It’s important whether we win lose or draw that I provide clarity and consistency in keeping our supporters in the loop of what’s going on at the football club and I am happy to provide another update.

Firstly on the injury front…

Aaron Skinner – last season’s player of the year and such a reliable and competitive player for us and we are glad to tell you we are starting to see light at the end of what’s been a really frustrating tunnel for ‘Skins’.

Having spent a week at Loughborough provided by the PFA we are hopeful to see Skins back involved in the next month or so which will bring a smile to everyone’s face none more so than Skins himself.

Preston Bitemo – Preston suffered a stress fracture and on his return has taken a few direct knocks on his back in training and we have decided to release some of his workload and partially build him back up again. At his age it’s important we take our time and making sure we do what’s right by Preston.

All other players are fit and available as of today before tomorrow nights training session ahead of the double header against two full time teams in our division so that’s a real positive.

In the last few weeks, I have spent some time in and around the club shop and alongside the charismatic John Sadler who does a brilliant job. We had the late-night Christmas shopping at the stadium in the club shop and it proved to be a successful night all round, then on Sunday, we had the pop-up shop in the city centre which was great to be seen in and around the community which was also a great success.

It’s important to recognise there are so many staff behind the scenes that people don’t see. Toby, who does all the media stuff and social media management keeping everyone up to date across the social media platforms.

Adam, who keeps all the bars and catering in check and managing his group of bar staff alongside Meg, who does so much at the club internally.

Martin does a great job with the hospitality and keeping everyone entertained on a matchday and working tirelessly to bring you the best experience with different special guests that represent Hereford across the years.

Emma, who is continuously monitoring all the ticket sales and helping wherever she can in all aspects of the club.

Yssie, who has taken over from Nashy continuing the brilliant work he has done in the community and of course the wonderful volunteers who are in several times a week keeping our ground safe, clean and in the best possible shape it can be.

We can’t forget Jane Griffiths who provides a lasting experience for our youngest supporters and all of her team at the Junior Bulls.

Two members of staff I work with probably closer than any others would be our general manager Jamie Griffiths who oversees everything and is always available to help no matter how small or how big the task is and Nik Marsh who deals with me on a more personal basis dealing with the

ins and outs of player signings and departures and looks after all the secretary needs of the football club.

Football clubs can’t run without these amazing people and we are extremely grateful for every one of them. There is always a greater team behind the team!

I always preach that at any football club you have to have two groups of people that have to gel to make any club successful. The Players and The Supporters. If you can find a togetherness between pitch and stands then that gives all the wonderful staff behind the scenes to bring the best experience for everyone at our football club.

The 20 months I have been in charge has seen that relationship remain water tight and it’s something I don’t want to change. As an example the season before we took over in early December 2022 the home attendance on a Tuesday evening against Chorley was 1,100 and last nights attendance which was just short of a week before Christmas was 2,100. That is a remarkable turnaround for any part time football club and an example of a collective togetherness at the club. That is down to the players and the connection with the supporters which is great to see.

I think it’s also important for me to recognise the work the players and backroom staff are producing regularly as well. I am really lucky to have someone like ‘Roons’ beside me and as much as we are a part time club we definitely don’t treat it that way.

He has been my best signing at the club and goes above and beyond to help me but also help the group of players.

Shaun our goalie coach works tirelessly on set piece routines and having scored 10 goals from set pieces this season deserves a huge amount of credit.

James our physio is a very popular part of our team and goes above and beyond for the players.

Dan our kitman is a lifelong supporter and has been great in sorting all the players kit needs.

Our newest staff member Rob has been a huge help. A qualified sports therapist and all round hard worker has been a really important addition for us and another one who is loved by our players.

I am still learning and coming to terms with understanding lads juggling part time football with full time jobs and in truth I have so much respect for them. We forget at times football isn’t these players livelihoods, the players have full time jobs that pay their bills and provide for their families.

They play for our club for the opportunity rather than the finance and that has to be commended. They want to play in front of over 2,000 supporters on a Tuesday night and an average of 2,600 on a Saturday and for that I thank you as supporters for continuously turning up in your numbers and getting behind these lads.

To summarise, everyone at the football club is now on the same page to where we first were 20 months ago. We are in and around the community engaging with young supporters.

We have a board of directors who have managed the club to a stable condition and continuing to find ways to make us even better.

A group of staff who are also supporters that are coming to work smiling everyday which it’s important.

We have a group of players and backroom staff who will continue to fight for the Hereford FC badge.

All of the above doesn’t quite happen if you don’t get the backing you have provided us with. The support has been so good both home and away and on behalf of the football club we truly do appreciate it.

Finally, it’s 7 days until Christmas and it’s important we all stay safe and spend as much time with our loved ones as possible.

It’s also a notable time to check in on friends and family. A simple phone call or text message to let them know your thinking of them and making sure they’re in a good space can be the difference to someone’s happiness. Please enjoy your time spent with your family and we will see you back at Edgar Street on Boxing Day.

I’m signing off now having spent the last 6 days in Hereford and I can’t wait to get back home and spend time with my family over the Christmas period just as I hope you all do as well.

Merry Christmas Everyone,

Stay Safe.

Paul Caddis