Hereford FC Chairman, Chris Ammonds, has today spoken to the club’s official website and given an insight into work that is going on at the club now that the close season has properly started.
He commented:
“The final part of the season was very hectic – this is an understatement! – and it has been good for everyone involved to be able to take a little step away and focus on things away from the football club. However, the break never lasts long for staff or volunteers and it’s fair to say that the hard work is already starting as we look ahead to the 2025/26 season.
“As always, our manager, Paul Caddis, will be focusing on the playing side and he is planning to provide an update next week once he has enjoyed a little time away himself.
“I am in daily contact with him about his plans and his thought processes and we also spend a lot of time reflecting on the crazy world of non-league football and the rumours and speculation that we both see on what feels like an hourly basis!
“On a serious note, as with everyone else, it is important Paul has a break if he can and while I know it’s not something that he finds particularly easy, he does need to take some time for himself and ensure he recharges his batteries too.
“Obviously he provided a detailed update on his playing squad last week and since then both Alex Babos and Jason Cowley have confirmed they will be moving on. I would like to wish both players all the very best on behalf of everyone at Edgar Street and thank them for their efforts in a Bulls shirt.
“Babs and Cowls both had a significant impact here on and off the field and they leave with great credit in the bank and safe in the knowledge that they will always be welcomed back warmly.
“I can also confirm that work is ongoing on our pre-season programme and it goes without saying that we will let supporters know about friendly matches in good time once they are agreed.”
The Bulls Chairman then moved on to talk about off-field plans for the close season.
“We expect to finalise Season Ticket and Matchday Admission prices for the 2025/26 season early next week and we will announce these as soon as possible. Once agreed, we can then plan the launch date for sales and I’m very much looking forward to sharing all this information with supporters.
“We will also be looking to launch our Squad Builder initiative as soon as we can because, as always, this will be an important vehicle for Paul in terms of giving his playing budget a boost.
“Squad Builder will always remain vitally important for our club as it is money that goes direct to the manager from outside the predicted income we have to set our budgets for the year from. Once again, any donations that fans can make are gratefully received by Paul as it really does help him in the most direct way possible.
“Away from Squad Builder, I am pleased to be able to say that the improved attendances over the past 2 seasons have had a really positive impact on the club’s financial position, with our cash reserves now back at a level that is needed – and expected – for a business of our size with a turnover of around £1.5million.
“This positive position means we are going to be able to invest more in the playing budget moving forward and while this does not mean we are suddenly going to be one of the ‘big hitters’ in the National League North money wise, the reason we are here is to try to put the best possible team we can on the field and that is what we are committed to trying to do.
“Other off-field work that needs to be done is a complete review of all areas across the club to strive for further improvement and development, while General Manager, Jamie Griffiths, will also be leading on the launch of our new playing strips manufactured by MandM.
“It’s going to be very exciting to see them land at Edgar Street in the coming weeks and I’m really looking forward to seeing the new stock when it arrives.”
