Hereford FC boss would have liked more loyalty from Gordon

A seven-day approach was made from Brackley Town for the 26-year-old Bulls forward.

The forward had joined Hereford in November on a non-contract dual registration deal with former club Stratford Town.

After scoring five goals in 13 appearances he is now set to join Brackley.

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"I'm disappointed to be honest," said Gowling.

"We took him in from a lower level, worked with him and developed him these last six months or so.

"I would have liked a little bit more loyalty but that's life. We sat down with him and asked him what he wanted to do? He said he would speak to his agent.

"If he does go to Brackley they've got (Lee) Ndlovu and (Tre) Mitford. They play week in and week out so it's up to him to break into that.

"He's decided to go that's up to him, all the best to him. "We'll see him when we play Brackley at home and see what reception he gets."

Jaanai Gordon. Picture: Steve Niblett

Last month the Bulls also lost Zeli Ismail who was also on a non-contract.

Gowling says he has now spoken to all his players about the use of agents.

"We're in the National League North not the Premier League," added Gowling.

"I've had a serious conversation with the lads today because it has happened with Zeli (Ismail) and now it's happened with Jaanai (Gordon).

"I've got a good relationship with all the lads and sometimes lads don't want to speak about money or don't want to talk about this or that, but I'd like to think we've got a real good relationship with all of the lads.

"What I've asked the lads is, moving forward if they've got issue with anything or they're thinking about doing some different have a conversation with me.

"Have a bit of balls and have a chat first before getting an agent involved.

"I don't expect a call from an agent when I've been with the player all morning and he's not said a word.

"We've got other players that are invested in the football club."

Ben Pollock. Picture: Steve Niblett

Gowling also highlighted how defender Ben Pollock had previously been approached by Boston United and spoke to the Bulls boss.

"Before the old regime had gone at Boston they contacted Ben (Pollock)," added Gowling.

"They wanted to take Ben in. He rang me and said 'Look gaffer Boston have been in touch. I'll let you know because I don't want anyone else telling you before me.

'I don't want to go anywhere.

"That's what you expect, that's what you want for your players.

"Now, of course, you understand that when clubs come up some things are attractive.

"Whether it's a monetary value or because they're higher in the league.

"I get that. But also, I think I'll be quite loyal to my players and you expect the same back.

"So players are going to let you down. That's life. And I'm not naive enough to know that, but it's just the process and the they go about it.

"I wasn't happy with his process. They way he's gone about it, the same with Zeli (Ismail) really."

Mo Touray. Picture: Andy Walkden

The Bulls host Guiseley this weekend and Gowling says the departure of Gordon has not made him panic.

Gowling has options after bringing in Momodou Touray from Salford City last month while Miles Storey has also played as a number nine this season.

"The reality is that Tom (Owen-Evans) has got 14 contributions," added Gowling.

"He has got10 goals and four assists. Ryan McLean has got 10 contributions. Miles Storey has got 10 contributions.

"So we've got goals and contributions in the team. So just because Jaanai leaves doesn't mean we stop scoring goals.

"It just means that the lads that take his place need to step up and contribute in that sense.

"We brought Mo (Touray) in, it's probably a good thing we brought him in now as Jaanai has left.

"When Joey left at the start of the season we didn't have proper a number nine.

"We've learnt from that and brought Mo through the door. Jaanai has left so it will give Mo or Miles (Storey) an opportunity to come in on Saturday and keep their shirt.

"We'll assess the weekend and see how that is. We'll assess the squad.

"I would like to think in attacking areas we're doing alright

"Jaanai was the lowest goalscorer out of all our attacking options.

"It means there are possibly some funds available. So that if things don't quite click then we can look at something.

"There's no immediate panic.

"Looking into next season ideally we'll then look at that.

"I've got irons in the fire and players we can bring in on loan if we need them.

Everyone is on trial now, there are 17 games left of the season.

"Everyone has to start performing to make sure they are here next season, including myself."