THE MP for Hereford and South Herefordshire, Jesse Norman, has saluted fans for ‘maintaining scrutiny and momentum’ on Hereford United’s new owner, Tommy Agombar.

Mr Norman says he has lobbied the Southern League and the FA to insist they apply their rules on fit and proper ownership on Mr Agombar.

“Mr Agombar claims to be a football man, and that may prove so,” said Mr Norman.

“But he did not pay the creditors or post the bond required by the Conference. Result: relegation to the Southern League.

“He has not yet passed the FA’s fit and proper test as owner. And the signs are he may not even pay his creditors now.

“Meanwhile, he has been in to see Herefordshire Council, seeking the assignation of leases that would allow him to develop parts of the ground at Edgar Street for commercial purposes.

“No councillor wants this. And whatever your views on United, on football or on sport generally, make no mistake: those leases are a crucial asset.”

Mr Norman added: “I have called for a four-week delay to allow the council to review the legal position, and I have extensively lobbied the Southern League and the FA to insist they apply their rules on fit and proper ownership immediately.”