HEREFORD FC fans have risen to the challenge and raised £6,000 towards preparing the Edgar Street pitch ahead of the new season.

The pitch maintenance plan, devised by Ben Bowen and Highground Maintenance, has taken into account the rescheduled date for the Stadium Music Festival concert on August 30, with Bowen confident he can provide a good quality surface for the return of football to Edgar Street, which could now come as early as September.

The Bulls have been without any matchday income since their last home match in February and asked fans to help towards the cose.

The club received a Football Foundation grant of £1,500 towards their pitch and asked fans to contribute towards the remaining £6,000, a target they have reached within a week.

The club will produce a special digital programme on the Edgar Street pitch to commemorate the fundraising. Every donator will have their name in the programme, while those donating £50 or more will be entered into a draw to win one of a number of special Hereford FC experiences in the coming season.

These experiences will include being a ‘Director for the Day’ at a match, mascot packages, and joining the manager for a pre-match chat in his office before a game.