HEREFORD FC are to open a purpose-built gym at Edgar Street.

The Midland Football League Premier Division leaders have agreed a deal with county gym proprietor Ady Watts to have the gym situated in the Merton Stand.

That was where the old gymnasium was sited, but has been unused since most of the equipment was taken away by an administrator early last year.

Work is now ongoing with the aim to open the gym in around six to eight weeks' time.

"Ensuring Edgar Street is used way beyond matchdays is a key part of making Hereford FC sustainable so we are delighted with the deal we have agreed with Ady and are very much looking forward to working with him into the future," said Chris Ammonds, commercial manager at Hereford FC.

"The deal will see Ady open his second gym in the city – he already runs a premises out at Rotherwas – and this new partnership means there will be a unisex, multi-purpose gym on site here at Edgar Street which can only benefit the club moving forward.

"New showers and toilets are being installed to ensure the facilities on site are up fit for purpose and we are all excited that we will soon be able to offer a location for professional training and conditioning right in the heart of the city."

Watts, who also works with Luctonians Rugby Club, Brockhampton Cricket Club, Hereford Cathedral School and Bishop's School, said he is excited about the deal.

"My team – which includes Edgar Street legend Tony James – specialise in personal training, injury rehabilitation and strength and conditioning – and we already have more than 200 clients at our current gym.

"I am looking to build that client base still further and am keen to hear from anyone who is interested in finding out more about the training we offer.

"We specialise in personal and semi-private training (groups of no more than four people), while we can also advise on weight loss and rehabilitation programmes.

"Please do get in touch if you’d like to find out more about the services we will be offering at Edgar Street.

"This is a hugely exciting opportunity for our business and I’m hopeful that the launch of the gym will be the start of a long term partnership with Hereford FC."