HEREFORD FC Chairman Andrew Graham says that the next Head Coach must be willing to take the club through the transition into full-time football.

Speaking to the club’s website Graham said that the club had already received applications following the sacking of Marc Richards.

He said: “This is a proud, passionate and ambitious club and we as a board are massively determined to get this next appointment right. We are looking for a Head Coach who has the character, experience and desire that this club and its fantastic fans deserve.

We have already received a number of applications, and we will be undertaking a thorough recruitment process. We need to take into consideration that in the near future we will be giving serious thought about going full-time and Marc’s replacement must be willing and able to help take us through that transition.”

Speaking about the process of sacking Richards, Graham added: “No one on the board wanted to make this decision so early on in the season, but results and performances have not been at the levels that we had anticipated.

“We had given Marc our full backing throughout the off-season and we have been happy with the recruitment that has been made.

“The feeling within the boardroom is that this squad of players is good enough to be competing for a play-off spot and performances should have been better than we have witnessed.

“It was a tough call, but with so many games coming up within the next month or so we felt we needed to act quickly.

“The board spoke at length over the weekend following the defeat at King’s Lynn, after those conversations we felt that the only option available to us was to relieve Marc of his duties with immediate effect.

“I travelled to meet with Marc face-to-face on Monday morning to inform him of the board’s decision. I’d like to place on record my sincere thanks to both Marc and Will Morford for their efforts and wish them all the best for the future.”

When asked if Hereford are looking for another head coach or manager? Graham added: “We will do what is best for the club.

“We believe in the current set up, but we need to review all of the roles and responsibilities dependant on the skill set of the successful applicant.”