Pic: Andy Nunn
HEREFORD have been rocked by the news that chairman Jon Hale has stepped down to prevent a “conflict of interests” as he sets up a new business venture.
Hale was instrumental in the rebirth of football in Hereford following the demise of Hereford United in December 2014.
Hereford FC enjoyed a fantastic debut campaign, winning the Midland League title, the Midland League Cup and the Herefordshire County Cup.
The Bulls also enjoyed a trip to Wembley in the FA Vase final – which they lost to Morpeth Town – but the club, top of the Southern South & West, must now forge on without Hale.
It is believed that Hale, along with his brother Will, has started a new bespoke service of a supporter's first experience at a match and has stepped down to “protect the integrity” of the board at Edgar Street.
Bulls vice-chairman Chris Williams has taken the role vacated by Hale until the company's AGM in December.
Hale said: “Thank you everyone. Has been an an absolute honour to serve as chairman, with the most incredible supporters a club could wish for.
“I'll always be a Hereford FC fan and will see you all at Edgar Street regularly! The most amazing staff, volunteers and fans. Onwards!
“Looking forward to new venture, in sports retail industry. To protect the integrity of board, paramount that I made the break now, as hard as it is.”
A Bulls statement added: “The club's board are in unanimous agreement with Jon that a new commercial venture he is launching would cause a conflict of interests with his official role at Edgar Street and have therefore accepted his resignation.
“On behalf of the club's supporters, the remaining directors would like to place on record their thanks to Jon for the dedication he has shown to his role as chairman, and for his huge contribution to the club's development.
“Jon and his family will always be guaranteed a warm welcome at the club and everyone at Edgar Street would like to wish them all the very best for the future.
“Fans can rest assured that the focus, aims and ambitions of the club – to gain promotion to the Football League as quickly as possible and to continue to build a sustainable club that sits right at the heart of the local community – remain unchanged, and that the aims also include securing long-term leases on the Edgar Street, which will enable further investment in its facilities to safeguard the club's future and ensure the best chance of all our ambitions being realised.”
