By Robin Jones
HEREFORD boss Peter Beadle says his side will not try to buy their way out of the Midland League – and are not clear favourites for the Premier Division title by any means.
Beadle, who previously ran Hereford United's youth team, said that the chairman and board of directors have set a competitive budget which will ensure that the new Bulls are up there amongst the title chasers.
But he said that the overriding aim is to ensure that the reborn club is sustainable and the team does not spend above their means like its predecessors.
“People think that just because we are Hereford we can attract big-name League and Conference players, but that isn't the case,” he said.
“Many of them do not want to face the travelling all the way to Hereford on the money we are offering for next season.
“We will be one of the favourites because of our history, but in the Midland League we are the furthest south of all the clubs. We will be travelling to Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire and that is putting some players off joining us.
Sustainable
“We are not going to throw money at winning promotion or paying beyond our means because we want Hereford FC to be sustainable. We want there to be a Hereford FC in 20 or 50 years' time.
“However, we have sold over 1,000 season tickets so far and if the crowds continue to grow, the chairman and directors may raise the budget.”
At the same time, Beadle has announced the ‘Magnificent Seven' – his new signings to date, all of who have played for Hereford United, several of them as part of his former youth team.
They include centre half Tony James, who played for Newport County last season, midfielder Rob Purdie, who was with Tamworth, and goalkeeper Harvey Rivers, who was previously on Gloucester City's books.
They are joined by midfielder Dylan Bonella, the former youth team captain, who is joining from Frome Town, utility player Max Kontic-Coveney, who has just spent six months in the USA, defender Joel Edwards from neighbours Westfields and striker Ben Miller, who was with West Bromwich Albion last season.
On Thursday Hereford had 24 players training in readiness for Tuesday night's friendly at Malvern Town, which they won 3-2 in front of 2,006.
On Saturday the new Hereford will be making their Edgar Street debut with a home game against FC United of Manchester (3pm).
“We will probably play two teams in each half at Malvern and will try to give everyone a chance against FC United,” said Beadle.
“We have a good group of young boys and are working really hard.”
Hereford are one of five entrants to the Midland League's top flight, which will run with 23 as opposed to 22 teams.
The others are Highgate United, Sporting Khalsa, Bardon Hill and Heanor Town, who are replacing Basford United, Kirby Muxloe, Tipton Town, Heath Hayes and Causeway United.
