Hereford United fans, including Downton Abbey actor, rally around stricken club (From Hereford Times)

Hereford United fans, including Downton Abbey actor, rally around stricken club

4:43pm Thursday 25th October 2012 in Sport

A TEARFUL fan this week donated his cherished signed photograph of United’s promotion-winning season from the Conference.

Hereford United Independent Supporters Association (HUISA) chairman Keith Dodd said he was touched by the fan’s heart-felt donation.

“He walked in with his signed photo and was in tears,” said Dodd.

“He said that he couldn’t afford to give £100 but he said that we could have the photo if it helped.

“He was only about 18, but when you’ve got people like that it sums everything up.

“A lady also brought in a signed John Charles Juventus shirt that was framed. We will support the club in any way we can.

“The financial situation is not great, we support David Keyte as he is a very honest guy who has put a lot of money in the club.

“So far, supporters have generated around £15,000 since last week but it needs some of the bigger players to come to the rescue.

“Hereford United is an institution that is long established in the city.

“But the taxman does not leave anyone alone.”

HUISA were due to meet last night (Wednesday) to discuss what fundraising events they can organise to help generate money for the club.

Since the news broke of United’s plight last week, supporters have started to rally around for the course.

Carl Haffenden and Stefan Davies have organised a “hairs off if you love the whites” event which will involve people either having their hair shaved off or their chest or legs waxed.

More than 20 people have so far said that they will take part prior to the home game against Luton on Tuesday, November 6, including Bulls player Harry Pell, goalkeeping coach Dan Connor and former United star Gareth Davies.

“I’m going to have my chest waxed as I think my legs are too long and hairy,” said Connor.

“Harry doesn’t have any hair and isn’t really old enough, so I think that they needed a real man.

“As I player I’ve been through this kind of situation a few times, but all the players and staff can do is to just carry on and try not to think about it as there’s not much we can do about it.

“If getting waxed will the help the club in any way, then so be it.

“The good thing about being at a club like Hereford is that there is only one club in the city, so it brings the football club into the community more.

“Even though we would rather it not be the case, sometimes it can have a positive effect when bad things happen.”

To take part in the waxing event or to sponsor the people taking part, tweet Carl Haffenden @Squin4 or Stefan Davies @StefanDavies91 Other fundraising events include a sponsored walk from the Anchor pub in Malvern to Edgar Street that Jon Hale has organised.

Seven Bulls fans, including official club photographer Steve Niblett, have so far said that they will take part, with the walk taking place prior to the Telford game on Saturday, December 1.

A total of £500 has already been raised in sponsorship and it is hoped that some ex-Hereford players will join in. To take part or to sponsor, email Jon Hale at hadopolythene@btconnect.com A Halloween quiz and disco is to be held at the Starlite Rooms on Wednesday (October 31). It costs £5 per a team of up to four players to take part in the quiz, with prizes on offer and a raffle taking place. For more information on the event, email Chris Powis at cpowis001@aol.com And Hereford fan Martin Watson said that he will turn any old computers and mobile phones that are sent to United into cash.

Meanwhile, Hereford’s plight has even reached national television.

During an interview with Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby on This Morning, Downton Abbey actor Matt Milne held up a Hereford Untied shirt to the camera and appealed for an investor like Richard Branson or Simon Cowell to help the club in their hour of need.

“My home-town club, Hereford United, is in severe financial difficulties and could be wiped out,” he said.

Milne, who plays Alfred in the popular ITV1 period drama, attended Hereford Sixth Form College.