THE 14 shareholders and six directors of Hereford United at Monday's 54th club annual meeting heard that the club lost £108, 913 in the year to May 31, 2001, writes Richard Prime.

But there was some good news from director Hugh Brookes who, in his review of the accounts, said that the loss for the year ending May 31 this year should be 'significantly lower'.

Brookes drew the meeting's attention to the auditor's report which continued to comment on uncertainty about the future of the club in view of its commitment to repay loans amounting to more than £1million next May.

Chairman Graham Turner announced that there would be an informal shareholders meeting on December 9 for an update on the redevelopment of the Edgar Street grid, events which would have a considerable bearing on the future of the club.

The business of the meeting was completed in just 12 minutes with directors Ron Jukes and George Hyde re-appointed as directors and Turner thanking main sponsors Sun Valley, other sponsors, advertisers and supporters for their backing and off-the-field staff for their hard work.

In an informal question-and-answer session after the main meeting, Turner said that there seemed to be an 'impasse' between the council and developers over what may happen on the football ground.

His fellow director George Hyde added, however, that there were 'reassuring noises' coming from both developers Chelverton and Herefordshire Council.

Turner agreed that there was no advantage to Chelverton in putting the club out of business and the presence of major developers the Richardson brothers could be very positive.

"We're told that it's to our advantage that the Richardsons are part of the deal," he said. "We're told they will not do anything harmful to the club as it would harm their image."

In response to a question, Turner said that the club was still legally contracted to support relocation.

"But it's very evident that there will be no relocation," he said, confirming that the club had now paid off 40p in the pound of its commitment under the Company Voluntary Arrangement undertaken in 1998.

Hyde concluded by paying tribute to Graham Turner, company secretary Joan Fennessy and chief scout Ron Jukes.

"How many people would go six months without a salary like they did? That is dedication beyond the call of duty," he said. "The teamwork off the field is brilliant."