Hereford FC Chairman, Chris Ammonds, has today spoken to the club’s official website and explained how pleased he is with the way the close season is progressing.
With manager Paul Caddis’ squad due to return to training next week, the Bulls currently have 15 players signed on, meaning a strong core group is already in place to build on during pre-season, as further options – including trialists and potential loanees – are considered.
Meanwhile, off the field, work has started on the demolition of the Blackfriars End and Ammonds has confirmed that he is continuing to have regular meetings with Herefordshire Council about the potential development that will eventually replace the derelict stand once it is removed.
Giving his thoughts, Ammonds said:
“Right now, I think we are in a really good place on and off the field. Paul has been working diligently with Adam Rooney to add to the core group of players he re-signed from last year and it’s been exciting to see the additions of Aaron Chapman, Cosmos Matwasa and Montel Gibson in recent weeks.
“There is no doubt that the contributions from our fantastic fans through Squad Builder and the Membership Scheme have been a huge help to Paul in what is a ridiculously competitive market for players.
“Some of the figures we hear being offered to players are, frankly, remarkable and we are being careful not to be drawn into negotiations that would see us paying more than is sensible or responsible.
“I’m pleased to report that the Squad Builder total has now moved past £35,000 (which does not include the match funding from the Founding Shareholders) and this is a truly brilliant effort. So far 193 have contributed to Squad Builder and while this is absolutely fantastic, Paul and I have talked about the huge difference another 75-100 contributors could make given it would probably see the £50,000 mark reached.
“As has been mentioned previously, if, overall, 250 fans donated £10 a month for 12 months (approximately £2.50 per week), it would add £30,000 to the playing budget, while if 500 fans made the same donation, the total would reach £60,000.
“That £60,000 would then be doubled to an incredible £120,000 thanks to the fantastic ‘match funding’ offer from the Founding Shareholders.
“Fans can rest assured that, at Board level, we will continue to look at ways we can add to the money available to Paul, but at this stage we simply cannot commit to spending money we don’t yet have, or that we know we may need during the course of the season.
“The second point is particularly relevant this summer because the work at the Blackfriars End means we could have unexpected infrastructure spends as work progresses, and also because it is vital we set money aside in our reserves given very little was left at the end of the 2022/23 season.”
Moving on to talk about off-field progress, the Bulls Chairman continued:
“Since the end of last season the work hasn’t stopped for our staff and I’d like to thank them all for everything they continue to do for our club.
“Season tickets have sold brilliantly, the membership scheme has been a big hit, our commercial sales are progressing well, and work is being done around the stadium to redecorate in several areas and also to introduce new ideas to improve the matchday experience for supporters.
“We also have critical repairs to undertake in parts of the stadium to ensure its longevity, as well as going through the process of having all the necessary safety tests carried out that allow us to play National League North football.
“However, probably the most exciting thing happening at the moment is the demolition of the Blackfriars End and this will see the first major change to the look of the stadium for decades. It’s certainly something that’s been talked about for quite long enough!!
“The demolition is due to finish some time in July and even after just a couple of days work on site, the changes to that end are really noticeable.
“In terms of what happens after demolition, I’m pleased to be able to share with fans the news that we are having regular meetings with the council about the plans to develop that end of the ground and that it is clear a new stand for our club is very much part of those plans.
“The plans are going to develop over the next few months, but I have to say I’m genuinely excited by the conversations I’ve been involved in so far and that I cannot wait to see how things progress moving forward.
“All in all, I’m really pleased with where we are as a club right now. My view is that there’s a huge amount for us all to be positive about and with the first pre-season friendly around two weeks away, I’m sure supporters are already looking forward to the 2024/25 season as much as I am!!”
