The newly installed Hereford FC assistant-manager Matt Bishop hopes the Edgar Street club will emulate the likes of Aldershot Town and Newport County over the next few years.
He acknowledges the fact that expectations are high among Hereford supporters, but feels the added pressure can be turned into a positive.
“Well it’s a big club with a great history and it de
serves to get back where it once was.
“This is a similar situation to one I experienced when I was at Newport. We have the same sort of circumstances as a phoenix club, but we have a huge following.
“I’m delighted to be here and hopefully I can be part of something special.”
Bishop has a wealth of experience, both in the boardroom and on the training pitch, and has been described as a ‘innovator’ by national coaches in both Wales and England.
Beginning in 2005 as a National Development Manager for the Football Association of Wales, he progressed to Senior Coaching Coordinator before taking up Assistant Manager positions at Newport County and Aldershot Town.
Matthew was assistant to Dean Holdsworth at Football League club Aldershot from 2010 to 2013, and until earlier this year was the National Coach Educator for the English Football Association.
“I have a vast amount of experience at different levels and I hope to be a great sounding-board as any good manager needs that in the dressing room.
“I’ve unfortunately had to step away from the England set-up with the U-20’s, but this is an exciting project and I had no hesitation in accepting the job at Hereford.”
A UEFA Pro Licence holder with diverse coaching experience at both senior and youth level, he has also been senior coaching co-ordinator with the Welsh Football Trust and course director of the highly regarded FAW/UEFA ‘A ‘Licence courses.
He is currently working in tandem with manager Peter Beadle as the Bulls look to build a strong squad ahead of their first ever campaign.
“We are talking to a lot of players at the moment and I’ve made a few recommendations, but my major role will be one of coaching.
“It would be great to achieve something special, and hopefully produce a team that we can be proud of.
“I’m looking forward to getting the players in. Getting on the pitch with them, and our first game.
“The priority first and foremost will be to get a foundation as we develop the squad, and to get our ideas through to the players.
“Ideally we’ll be set up and raring to go for that first league game on the 8th of August. If we can get some initial momentum – who knows where it will take us.”
