A HEREFORSHIRE FA stalwart says he is 'disappointed' after pulling their under-18 team out of the Midlands Counties league having not played a single match.

Under-18s secretary Jack Perks said it was just not possible to fit all five of their planned fixtures into May.

"We have simply ran out of time to play the fixtures," said Perks.

"Basically we have lost five games due to the weather and the FA County Youth Cup also took priority. As soon as I was fixing a match up they were being called off again. We just couldn't get them in as the youth players are playing so many other matches this time of year.

"So we decided we wouldn't start our league campaign as the other sides have played four matches already."

Perks says that the future of the under-18s county side is dependant on whether Hereford FC have a development team next season.

"I'm hoping it will be back next year but have had problems over the last couple of years in getting players to play for the county," Perks added.

"We've had some really good sides over the years so it's disappointing to me. Kevin Sheedy who went on to play for Everton and Chris Price who played for Aston Villa both played for the county side.

"A lot depends on whether Hereford FC are going to field youth sides. If they played on a Saturday that would be a problem for us as we normally play on a Sunday. For us to win matches they need to be fresh players and not tired.

"Hopefully we will be playing again next season, I will call a youth meeting and see what transpires. I'm pretty sure things will be back to normal next season."