Hereford FC face full-tine South Shields FC on the first day of the 24/25 National League North marathon. In the corresponding fixture last season, the visitors cruised to a 3-0 victory. League top scorer Paul Blackett scored one of the goals and it’s a measure of Shields resources that he’s signed a new 3-year contract with the Jarrow-based club.
South Shields remains up for sale though owner Geoff Thompson is adamant he will only sell to the right bidder. Their latest accounts demonstrate the health of the club with £5 million worth of assets.
Talking to the OS, Hereford manager Paul Caddis said “It’ll be tough, they will be well organised. They train 4, 5 or even 6 days a week and will try to keep possession. We’ll be on the front foot and try to win the game.”
Caddis will point to a hard earning goalless draw at Shields last season as evidence that his team can compete with the Mariners. Despite adding towering loanees Aidan Routledge and Jamie Bramwell from Gateshead, the visitors squad is remarkably compact. The opening day fixtures are notorious for unexpected outcomes with new squads still bedding in.
Hereford will be without their injured top scorer Jason Cowley and last seasons’ Player of the Year defender Aaron Skinner. New signing Montel Gibson, who top scored with Telford last year will replace ‘Cowls” alongside Hereford born Andy Williams. The Gaffer has several defensive choices to fill in for Skinner though summer signing and ex Man City utility player Sammy Robinson looks most likely. Due to his own injury, Gibson only played his first friendly last week.
Bulls regulars will be keen to see their other close season arrivals in proper competitive action at what is a new look Edgar Street. The long-closed Blackfriars terrace was demolished over the summer with the iconic 30-metre-high floodlight pylons soon to follow.
Hereford are famous for their support, “the heartbeat of the club” according to Gaffer Paul Caddis, which includes travelling exiles all over Birmingham and the Black Country. The average attendance of 2,600 in 23/24 is the largest for any English part-time club. With four consecutive Saturday away games to follow, club officials are eager for a big turnout. With no club benefactor, keeping the turnstiles moving is vital. If you’re travelling, remember its cheaper to buy tickets online in advance.
As Paul Caddis wrote in his latest letter to fans: “it’s about coming and making memories and as always you know my players will do everything in their power to make those memories happy ones.”
Simon Wright