JON Hale has been confirmed as the new chairman of Hereford FC.

The businessman, who is a director of Malvern-based polythene bag and packaging manufacturer Hado Polythene, will be assisted by Hereford United Supporters Trust (HUST) chairman Chris Williams, who will be vice-chairman.

Football director and community director posts will also be handed to HUST board members.

The three other members of Hale’s consortium, Hugh Brooks, George Webb and Phil Enyon, will be finance director, commercial director and governance director respectively.

The group have also confirmed that 50 per cent of the shares in the club will be ring-fenced and cannot be bought by anyone other than HUST.

Of the remaining 50 per cent, the three benefactors, who wish to remain anonymous, will each receive 10 per cent of the shares, with the other 20 per cent being released for any individual to purchase.

Martin Watson, vice-chairman of HUST, said he understands that some supporters want a “100 per cent owned club” in light of Hereford United being wound-up, but this, he says, is the only proposal on offer.

“I have had a lot of interaction with Supporters Direct throughout the whole process about what they do to set clubs up, but their response has been sporadic,” said Watson.

“The HUST board have voted in favour of Jon Hale’s proposal because we feel it is a good one.

“We have stated all along that if there are any other offers on the table we would consider it, but this is the only one that has come forward.”

The consortium, along with HUST board members, will present the proposal at Hereford Welsh Club from 7.30pm tonight.

All supporters are welcome, with a question and answer session being held following the presentations.

HUST members will then have the opportunity to vote on the proposal.

Herefordshire Council have confirmed that cabinet members will discuss the Edgar Street tenancy next Thursday, with a decision expected to be announced by the beginning of March.

Hale has said that the group have to submit their application to the Football Association by March 1, with ground security being crucial to their bid.

It is understood that the FA will then pick a league for the club in May.

Hale added that, if they become tenants of Edgar Street, money will be set aside to spruce it up.

“We know a lot tidying up has to be done to make it a respectable football stadium,” said Hale.

“Getting a health and safety certificate is a major part of it, but we are hopeful of getting the capacity back up to what it should be.

“I would appeal to all supporters to come along to the meeting tonight and ask any questions so they fully understand the proposal.”