THE chairman of a phoenix club that has been launched in the wake of Hereford United being wound up says the club's fate is in Herefordshire Council's hands.

Jon Hale is the leader of Hereford FC who are hoping to be play at Edgar Street next season.

The group this week officially expressed their interest in becoming the ground's new tenant ahead of today's deadline.

They will then be invited to present their case to the council on Monday, along with any other interested parties.

Hale's group is the only proposal that has been publicly named and the life-long Hereford United supporter feels they have the support of the county.

"The support has been absolutely phenomenal and we have several hundred letters of support of people wanting us to play at Edgar Street," said Hale.

"We have also had 150 letters of volunteer support from people offering their help, which is absolutely fantastic.

"A significant amount of support is from people that had given up on the club but now want to get back involved.

Hale this week wrote an open letter to supporters outlining the group's current status, which has been sent to the council.

Other letters of support have come from Hereford United Supporters Trust (HUST) and United in the Community (UITC).

Former Bulls photographer Steve Niblett has also agreed to offer his services to the new club, as has ex-United media officer Jamie Griffiths.

Club historian Ron Parrott has also come on board, with an ex-Hereford player very interested in becoming the club's Community Director.

Another benefactor has also agreed to pump money into the club, bringing the total amount to four.

At the time of going to press, Hale could not say how much each person would put into the club, but did confirm they would have an equal amount of shares.

"Local people are excited about the club they love being given back to the community, run by Herefordshire people and involving HUST as the key partner," said Hale.

"Hereford FC has a heartbeat already, but evidently we can do nothing until the lease for Edgar Street is awarded, hopefully to this club.

"We really look forward to demonstrating to the council how our proposals can benefit the city, its businesses and the wider community.

The council is expected to make a decision by the end of the month.

Anyone wanting to apply to a league next season will have to apply to the Football Association by March 1, with ground security a must.

Hale and HUST vice-chairman last week met with FA leagues manager Mike Appleby at Wembley to discuss their case.

The likelihood is that Hereford FC will be granted a place in the Midland Football League Premier Division where Westfields play.

"The FA regulations say that you have to drop two leagues from where you were before," said Hale.

"However one up from that level could be granted because our level of support.

"It's all decided on a case by case basis."