Hereford United could be landed with a substantial and unexpected bill if Exeter City proceed with their legal action against the Nationwide Conference.

Exeter have been given leave to appeal to the High Court, rather than to the football authorities, against two measures: the deduction of 12 points for entering a Company Voluntary Arrangement, and the rule imposed by the FA and the Conference that all 'football debts' must be paid in full.

Exeter had agreed to meet 100% of their obligation to football creditors but have shifted their position after a legal challenge to the CVA from the Inland Revenue who would receive just 10% of what they are owed.

The court ruling permitting Exeter to make the open court challenge has already cost each Conference club £2,000 and member clubs have been instructed to ensure there is further money to cover further actions against them.

Hereford director and company secretary Joan Fennessy confirmed all clubs have now received a letter instructing them to put £25,000 aside to meet the potential costs of the second case which is expected to be heard towards the end of the season.

"Many clubs will struggle to meet this cost," she said.

Fennessy revealed that there has already been plenty of interest in the tickets for the potentially vital promotion clash with Shrewsbury Town on March 27. Tickets went on sale on Monday and she said: "There has been a very good response and we've already sold 500 tickets."

Hereford director of football Graham Turner reacted with surprise when he read a weekend story linking the Bulls with a £25,000 bid for Tiverton central defender Nathan Rudge.

"I've never even heard of him," said the United boss.

Hereford are now without a game until their scheduled trip to Scarborough on Tuesday, February 3.

This weekend, United should have visited Telford, who will be hosting Millwall in the fourth round of the FA Cup, and on January 31, they have a blank date after their elimination from the FA Trophy by Exeter City.

Tickets for United's next gala dinner, on February 19 featuring guest speaker John Conteh, are available from the club on 01432 276666.