SENIOR defender Josh Gowling will take charge at Hereford FC on an interim basis.

The 36-year-old centre-back will take charge of first team matters including training first team matters.

Gowling joined the Bulls 13 months ago and was a regular starter last season and former captain.

However, he has been in and out of the side in recent weeks under former manager Russell Slade.

Bulls Chairman Andrew Graham told the club's website: “I’d like to thank Josh for agreeing to step up to this new role. My early conversations with him have been very encouraging and I look forward to seeing him and his team in action this weekend.

“Josh will remain in charge for the foreseeable future whilst the search for a permanent manager gets underway. I am fully aware of how important it is to get this decision right, and so we will not be rushing into making a hasty appointment.”

Gowling added: “I’m really excited to have been given this opportunity.

“Moving into coaching is something that I’ve been wanting to do for a while. I’ve been working on my coaching qualifications and I have experience of being a player-coach so I’m really happy that I’ve got this chance.

 “I know the players well and they know me which is a bonus. I’ve not been involved in the playing squad much lately, but that has given me a chance to watch on from the stands and I think I’ve seen areas where I can change a few things and hopefully make improvements.

“The players need to believe in themselves again. It’s hard when you’re on a bad run of results, but I want them to go out and enjoy their football and put in good performances for the fans.

“One thing that you can guarantee from my teams is that they will work hard. That’s a given.”

Hereford Times:

Picture: Steve Niblett