Our “neighbours” Rushall Olympic were doomed last summer. That’s according to Simon Wright. Find out why here.
Likeable club though they are, the Pics have found Step 2 a step too far. Two seasons ago they were rushed into an unexpected promotion through defensive resilience and winning two play-off penalty shootouts. Their wily experienced manager Liam McDonald together with a hardcore of 8-10 players, did just enough to maintain their league place in 23/24. Last summer, their Gaffer took the Stourbridge job and his squad followed him. Rushall needed a new manager and a whole squad on the cheap. Big ask. Fast forward to now. Incoming manager gone. Most of his signings too. They are now a ship cut adrift, going through the motions for the next few weeks. The owner appealing for others to give the club money. Only 3 points won in the last 9 games. Eight points adrift having played more games than others. The entire squad of fit players have scored less in total than Ceesay by himself.
The Pics home record on their 4g surface is a doleful 4-5-9. Theirs is the third lowest goal scoring in the division, a record which is worsening with only 4 goals netted in that 9-game period. A couple of their more creative players bailed out during that period. Two more left on Friday. A total of 49 departures this season. They are competing with Farsley over who concedes the most goals, averaging over 2 past keeper White every game. South Shields and Spennymoor both banged in 7 each. Chester and Brackley settled for five. In the interests of research, I’ve seen Rushall 3 times in 24/25 and they looked poor in all of them.
Lots of Hereford links here. In charge is former Hereford coach Richard Sneekes. I know Rich well enough to talk to and he’s not a man for long term projects. (Random quiz question – which former Hereford United player dated his oldest daughter?) In goal is caterer Paul White (sure he’s heard all the lines about a missing sandwich) and puffing along at the back is Nathan Cameron. With 2 reds and 4 yellows, he’s something of a referee botherer. They’ve even given Dylan Barkers some game time (remember him for the Bulls at Tamworth last year?)
Sad for the Walsall-based club that they’ve met all the Step 2 criteria without ever needing the extra capacity. Instead of a 3-stage terrace behind one goal is now an additional stand. They have a lot of capacity now for a step 3 club.
With their average turnout of 441, The Pics will be grateful for our support Pay on the door is £15 adults or £11 concessions (starts at 61). Tickets can be pre-ordered, saving you 5op, here:
v Hereford | Vanarama National League North | Rushall Olympic FC Tickets
If you’re not visited before, there’s a £3 car park at the ground, easy street parking and 3 nearby pubs.
We have to do a professional job here. Our opportunity to get back on track. Happily for the majority of our squad, this is the nearest ground to their homes. No travel fatigue then!
Radio Hereford FC will be in attendance with commentary from Keith and Simon.
Match Live | Hereford FC – The Official website of Hereford FC