THE owner of Hereford United faces a misconduct charge for allegedly breaching the FA’s owners’ and directors’ (ODT) test.

Alan McCarthy, who remains a mysterious figure to many Bulls fans, has been charged for acting as an officer of the club without written confirmation from the FA.

United have also been charged with misconduct for not submitting a duly completed and signed ODT declaration in respect to McCarthy. Both McCarthy and Hereford have until this Monday to respond to the charges.

The FA have told the Hereford Times that they are not in a position to say what the ramifications would be should the Bulls be found guilty. Meanwhile, club chairman Andy Lonsdale has passed the test.

Lonsdale reportedly submitted his application at the beginning of September, but was only notified that he had passed on Monday. The news comes on the back of Herefordshire Council trying to take possession of Edgar Street due to United’s rent arrears.

The local authority were unable to gain entry last Thursday night because assistant manager Neil Phelps was on the premises.

The main entrance gates remained locked the following morning, with only the club’s staff and players allowed entry to the stadium.

United later paid their arrears, reported to be in excess of £50,000, although the council are still in discussions with their legal team to see if United are in breach of any other conditions attached to the leases.

Lonsdale said he understood why the local authority undertook their actions but the club’s position was not helped by a barrister representing a consortium, led by an unnamed former owner, appearing in court during the club’s winding-up hearing last week.

“We are still trying to sort out our problems, but every time it goes to court it gets worse,” said Lonsdale.

The club are back in court on December 1.

The identity of the investor who will reportedly pump up to £1.5million into the club remains a mystery.

But the businessmen behind a potential phoenix club say their plan is ready to be implemented should United get wound up.

The group met council leader Tony Johnson and senior officer Geoff Hughes on Tuesday.

“The meeting gave us the opportunity to once again impress upon Mr Johnson and Mr Hughes how serious we are about the business plan we have put together to ensure football remains at Edgar Street,” said group spokesman Jon Hale.

On the pitch, midfielder Aaron Wickham, who never played for the Bulls, has been dismissed for head-butting a Slough player last week. But Sam Akinde, who was also sent off, remains at the club after video footage showed the allegations made against him were not proven.