HEREFORD United assistant manager Neil Phelps has told the Hereford Times that he still expects the club to play Dunstable away on Saturday despite The Bulls being suspended from all  football and football activity by the Football Association.

Speaking at the club’s Edgar Street ground Mr Phelps said: “We’re still training full time and still expecting a game Saturday.”

Just hours before the FA ban, club chairman Andrew Lonsdale had confirmed to the Hereford Times that he was United’s new owner.

The ban follows an FA ruling that United failed to comply with the orders of the Independent Regulatory Commission.

On Monday, United is due back before the High Court, London, to contest an ongoing winding up petition.

Former majority shareholder in the club Alan McCarthy has also been suspended from all football and football activity.

In a statement, the FA said: “Following consideration of a document submitted by the club, the Independent Regulatory Commission gave the parties until 4pm on Monday 8 December 2014 to submit further documentation to satisfy the orders of the Commission.

Having failed to provide the requested further documentation by the deadline, both Hereford United and Mr McCarthy shall remain suspended until such time as the order of the Independent Regulatory Commission has been complied with to the satisfaction of the Commission.” 

The FA has pledged to work with “all relevant parties” to ensure senior football returns to Hereford at the earliest opportunity, although this will be contingent on the club complying with the Regulations and subsequent orders of the Independent Regulatory Commission.

This morning,  Mr Lonsdale confirmed his ownership of the club after Alpha Choice Finance ended its  association saying that it had endured “ many weeks of harassment and misinformation.”

It subsequently emerged  that Alpha Choice transferred its shareholding in Hereford United FC (1939) Ltd on December 4.

Alpha Choice Finance is  headed by Alan McCarthy, who never issued a personal statement during his time at the club. Both United and Mr McCarthy were given a deadline of 4pm last Thursday by the FA to adhere to the FA’s owners’ and directors’ test after being fined £500 each, which the FA said was met.

But the governing body said they could not comment on any latest developments.

United are back in court  on Monday to contest their ongoing winding up petition.

Last week, Mr Lonsdale said he would personally pay all creditors after investor Doug Carroll withdrew his offer after allegedly receiving threats. A letter, provided by European Finance Guarantee Ltd, revealed the company had on deposit $9million in favour of Lonsdale, with £5million being available within 15 working days, which could therefore take it past Monday’s hearing.

Mr Lonsdale said he has not heard from any creditor since last week, adding that only four people have contacted him since November 10.

He has agreed to address members of Hereford United Supporters Trust at Pegasus’ Old School Lane next Thursday.