BRISTOL City’s Ashton Gate ground looks set to host the most critical day in Hereford United’s season.

The Football League hearing, which could define United’s future, is expected to take place on Wednesday, April 6.

“It’s likely to be in Bristol but we need the venue and time to be confirmed,”

said United chairman David Keyte.

“We know there will be a panel of three - a chairman and two others - who will listen to our case.

“Everybody has been speculating what might happen but, after the hearing, we have only six games left in the season.”

Hereford United Independent Supporters’ Association chairman Keith Dodd admits the fans are concerned about the outcome.

“It obviously worries us - particularly if there’s a points deduction,”

said Dodd.

“I don’t want to think what might happen if the worst happens and we lose three points. Rob Purdie was already with us and it was an administrative error. I think a fine would be appropriate.”

Purdie was not properly registered, owing to an administration error, for Hereford’s match against Torquay United at Plainmoor on February 1.

Hereford won the game 3-1 and, ironically, Torquay’s goal-scorer Jake Robinson was also ineligible for the match. Torquay’s case will also be heard.

The eagerly-awaited hearing is set to take place the day after United’s home match against Wycombe Wanderers.

United vice-chairman Tim Russon says the club have spent a lot of time putting their case together for the Football League Commission.

“We will be having a personal hearing and we think we have got a good case but it will be up to the committee on the day,” he said.

“It’s a unique situation - I don’t think it’s happened before where two teams in the Football League have played an ineligible player in the same match.”

DUTCH defender Stefan Stam impressed chairman David Keyte on his United debut at Port Vale.

“We have decided to fresh up the squad and I thought Stam played very well on Tuesday night,” said Keyte.

“Stam played the ball out of defence and we passed the ball much better as a team.

“The Port Vale directors said that we deserved to win and it was very decent of them to tell us that.”

Meanwhile, United chairman Keyte says the club hope to bring in a fresh face before the closure of today’s loan window.

“We would like to get in a player on Thursday and then that will be it for the season,” said Keyte.

“We think the likes of Fairhurst and Fleetwood will need some help.”