HEREFORD chairman Jon Hale has sent a rallying call to Bulls fans as they start a new era at the football club.

The Bulls parted ways with manager Josh Gowling at the weekend with an interim manager team of former assistant manager Yan Klukowski along with senior player Jared Hodgkiss taking charge.

On the pitch Hereford have three home games in a row starting with the visit of Southport tonight followed by Alfreton Town on Saturday and Curzon Ashton the following week (February 18).

In a statement Hale said: “My message to our magnificent supporters ahead of those fixtures is clear – your team, and your club, needs you!

“Through your committed, vocal backing we can provide the players with the lift they need as we look to get back to winning ways. I know that times are tough financially for many and that people may find it hard to justify attendance at matches, but if you can make any of the matches it would be appreciated by everyone at the club as we all know that a large, noisy crowd gives the players huge encouragement.

“Over the weekend, tough conversations have taken place, but it is vitally important to now rally round our caretaker management team of Yan and Jared as I know all the players will. They are an honest group and give everything for Hereford FC.

“I cannot hide away from the fact it has been a very difficult couple of days for everyone at the club as Josh Gowling’s time with us came to an end, bringing to a close to a long association between our club and a man who was first a player, and then our manager.

“I did not enjoy the conversation with Josh because we have had a great working relationship since I returned as Chair at the start of last season and I have always found him to be someone who worked with integrity, and in an honest and passionate manner. There is absolutely no question that he has been dedicated to his work for Hereford FC.”

Gowling was sacked on the back of four defeats from five league games and Hale admitted that the club had increase their playing budget to cover another injury crisis.

Hale added: “Football is a results business and Josh knew only too well that recent performances and results had not been good enough. I wish Josh every possible success for his future involvement in the game, and with his commitment to the cause and the hard work he puts in, I am sure that he will enjoy success elsewhere.

“Looking at where we find ourselves, I want to put on record that, as a club, we continue to be indebted to our supporters for your role in our progression. With your help the playing budget was increased this season due to the very successful squad builder campaign. This raised £60,000 and every single penny of this went into the playing pool and has been utilised.

“We have recently increased the budget again to help stave off an injury crisis the like of which would cripple any club. We simply had to bring in players to try to strengthen and support the manager.”