A HEREFORD director has made an online plea to fans asking them not blame the club’s office staff or volunteers for the current team’s form.

Writing on the Hereford Awaydays Facebook group Hereford FC director Andrew Graham said: “I get it!

“All the abuse and all the frustrations and in fact the emotions that people feel and express when we aren't performing as we want to be.

“Every fan has the right to voice their opinions and shout their frustrations at players and indeed at the Directors, as we ultimately have to shoulder the blame for what goes wrong. This comes with the position and the privilege that we have volunteered for.

We all recognise that HFC has the best fans (we are all fans too) and we all recognise that it is the passion that they have and their commitment to following HFC through good times and tough times that makes them the envy of all clubs.

“We have had some incredible seasons and memories since our formation, however, today, times at Edgar Street are tough! But, I cannot stand by and see people pleading for communication, without a response.

“I must say at this point, that whilst I recognise the need for emotions to be directed at us and the subsequent blame that follows (in layman's terms, the buck actually has to stop with us) can I plead with fans, that whilst I may be open to shouldering some blame for the current situation, please don't criticise or even categorise the office staff, investors and volunteers in the same way.

“I'll be blunt here. But for these fantastic employees, the initial investor Directors and volunteers, and indeed our investors, the amazing work that has kept the gates open at Edgar Street, would not have taken place.

“No-one wants to see what is happening on the pitch at the moment and everyone is working tirelessly to put it right, I can assure you.

“Furthermore, I have noticed that some Directors and staff have come in for some personal abuse recently. Let's just reflect on that too for a moment and consider that if it wasn't for the countless unpaid hours (and yes, we all pay for our season tickets and all our own travel expenses too!) that the initial investor Directors put into this Club, it quite simply wouldn't be here for you, others and future fans.

“The club is solvent, healthy in fact. The reason for this is that there has been prudent financial management and fundraising but we also realise that careful budgeting will enable sustainability and that whilst success rarely comes overnight with ease, insolvency always has the potential to do just that!

“I will always be available to answer questions (Radfords before the match - Addisons afterwards) as will other Directors I'm sure, but I have to request that we all give some consideration, prior to posting or communicating our thoughts, that each of us, as Directors, playing staff, support staff and fellow volunteers all deserve not to be personally abused, accused or attacked for the roles which we undertake in your names.

“These attacks have the potential to rip the very heart out of a great Club and I know that we, as HFC fans, are better than that and if we want the right people to come and volunteer for any role in the future we have to ensure that we have the right environment and respect for them to serve us.

“I'll face up to anything I'm responsible for, just come and chat!

“Tomorrow - I'll be there as always, shouting my support from my seat, please do your bit from wherever you are.

“PS - The Meadow End were fantastic on Saturday during the match - let's keep it that way and get through these tough times together.”