NEW Hereford FC director Ken Kinnersley says it is imperative the club get financial help in order to develop the ground.

It was revealed this week that the Bulls have secured a 10-year extension on their existing lease at Edgar Street, meaning the ball can now start rolling in improving the stadium.

"At the scrutiny meeting, we had a lot of support [from Herefordshire Council] and we have been talking about the potential development of the urban village," said Kinnersley.

"I have spoken to three national companies about the requirements of the football club and I've showed them around the stadium.

"If we are to progress to the Football League or at least to National League level, we will need a four-sided stadium.

"If we are to redevelop the Blackfriars End, then we will have to take the Meadow End into consideration.

"We have a lot of infrastructure in the Blackfriars End, so if it is redeveloped then a lot of equipment would have to be moved.

"We have got 10,000 litre water containers and electricity that controls that and pipework.

"We need to get a home for them, but it cannot be the Edgar Street or Merton side, so it has to be the Meadow End, meaning it would need to be extended.

"The long term concern from the structural engineer's report is that the Meadow End has a limited life in terms of structure.

"It probably has between eight to 10 years before some work has to be done.

"But the key thing is finance.

"At the moment, terraces cannot be grant aided, but if it is a stand it can be.

"Would we have the finances to do that? I wouldn't hazard a guess.

"Finances are going to get tight the more we progress through the leagues."

Images showcasing Herefordshire Council's vision for future regeneration were released last week.

The 'pitchbook' included plans to develop the Blackfriars End, with the artist's impression showing a hotel at the front of the stadium, which could be part of a more 'commercially focused' offer to provide activities outside of match days to underpin the sustainability of Hereford FC.

"We want to engender some interest in the area for developers," added Kinnersley.

"Fans shouldn't take it literally – it is just an impression of what could happen in the future."

* Kinnersley was announced as Hereford's newest board member at the club's annual general meeting last week.

He is currently the chief executive officer at Edgar Street, but will relinquish that paid role on January 1 when his new position starts.

Hereford's new chairman will be unveiled at the club's next board meeting on January 3, with the successor to Jon Hale coming from one of the seven board members – Kinnersley, Chris Williams, Martin Watson, George Webb, Phil Eynon, Mike Langford and Mike Cole.

"We will have to completely review all of the work of the board and its structure and look at ways to create new positions should they be made," added Kinnersley.

"My role is to carry on working with the board until the review takes place and oversee any changes."