Hereford United vice-chairman Tim Russon has spoken candidly about the decision to sack manager Simon Davey.

The former Barnsley and Darlington boss was sacked on Monday after Hereford’s dreadful start to their League 2 campaign.

“It’s been difficult because it’s been a disappointing start to the season and frustrating,” he said. “You know how the fans have been feeling.

“You sit in the stand and suffer with them and there has been some poor football played and that’s not what we came to Hereford for.

“We came to Hereford to bring some fun, sparkle and entertainment and we worked so hard over the summer to try to get things moving. It’s been like blowing up a balloon only to have it popped and it has slowly gone down.

“I can’t complain about the fans staying away because they have every right to because they haven’t been entertained.

“I think it was an agonising decision because you don’t want to be accused of being a hirer and a firer or a panic merchant.

“We thought there was something seriously wrong and we had to put it right.”

Russon said the dismissal of Davey and his assistant Andy Fensome would not affect the club’s budget too much.

“There’s an agreement which hopefully both sides are happy with and we have to move on.

“We had to make the right decision and whatever it cost - we had to do it.”

He also spoke about the club's plans to appoint a new manager.

“We are approaching this one with a very open mind. We are going to see as many people as we can and then make a decision," said Russon.

“We want to think of Hereford as a club, get the spirit of Hereford and make it happen.”

Despite the 3-0 defeat to Exeter City last night, Russon was pleased with United’s improved display.

“You could see the players were relaxed - it was like blowing away a cloud. There was a bit of sunshine out there.”

This week's off-the-field events at Hereford United have been dominating the county's sporting scene.

There is a four-page 'Hereford United' special in tomorrow's Hereford Times' sport section.