ANDREW Graham was appointed as Hereford FC chairman at tonight’s board following a ‘unanimous vote’.

Graham, was appointed as a Hereford United Supporters’ Trust (HUST) nominated director for a three-year period last year.

As part of his role on the Hereford FC board Graham has previously been the club’s nominated ‘Respect’ Director.

As part of tonight’s meeting George Webb was appointed as vice-chairman

“I am honoured and immensely proud to be appointed Chairman of this football club,” Graham told the club’s website.

This is a club, city and community I love, and I’m humbled that my fellow board members have chosen me for this role. I’m hugely grateful for their support.

“Hereford Football Club has been created and funded by fans, and I believe it is owned by everyone who supports the club. It survives through the dedication and commitment of its supporters – in the boardroom, in the offices, in the stands, and through a unique army of volunteers, whose professionalism and devotion to Hereford FC simply cannot be questioned.

“One such devoted volunteer is outgoing Chairman, Ken Kinnersley. Ken’s contribution has been well referenced already, but I must add that he has contributed much more than any words he has ever felt the need to share externally. As a Hereford fan myself, it has been clear to see, and experience, his undoubted passion for the club and his resilience in his efforts to make it a better place for us all.

“Personally, I would like to thank him for the important role he has fulfilled in launching the club’s Academy, and also in setting the foundations for the exciting community project with Pegasus Juniors FC, which will transform what this club is able to offer to our wider community.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I reiterate what I said last week – no-one should ever underestimate the vital role Ken has played in Hereford FC’s journey. He has always acquitted himself professionally, with truly honourable intentions, and much has been achieved on his watch. I would like to again thank, Sandy, Ken’s wife, for all that she did in support of Ken in his position as Chair too.

“I wish Ken and Sandy my very best wishes as they return to their favourite seats in the Len Weston stand, from where they will continue to support our progress."

Graham has urged fans to move on from last season and has promised to do 'everything within his power' to provide transparence from the boardroom.

He added: “I also understand the significance of having the right, motivated management team, for prudent financial performance and most of all, for having a club that contributes significantly to the local community to ensure the enjoyment and sense of belonging that our fans richly deserve to experience.

“When I was young, I wanted to become a professional footballer. I followed Hereford United home and away until it went out of existence. I was a regular Meadow Ender. From those days to this, I punch the air when we win and feel the hurt when we don’t perform. These emotions act as poignant reminders of what Hereford means to me and what football at Edgar Street means to its fans and community.

“There has been much written across social media platforms since the start of the 2018/19, some of it not as pleasant as we would wish to see. However, as a board, we must always remember that, as a wise man once said, ‘Football is nothing without fans.’

“I agree wholeheartedly with this statement and will do everything within my powers to ensure that we have total transparency from the Boardroom. As a board we know we need to engage with our supporters, act on what we can, be there for them when they need us and above all, treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve for being the brilliant supporters that they are.

“I know I speak for every board member when I say that passion and pride is what we expect from anyone who is privileged to wear our shirt on the pitch and the touchline. I would ask that, as supporters, we all move on from last season, remain constructive and supportive towards the club and its volunteers, get behind the team and the management, and continue to be the 12th man at Edgar Street and on our travels.

“I can guarantee that my fellow Directors and me will only ever act in a way that we feel is in the best interests of the club. We accept that our decisions will not always be popular – in football that goes with the territory – but I do not believe anyone deserves to be abused for doing what they think is right.

“I genuinely cannot wait to see what lies ahead for our club. I am incredibly proud to be a Hereford fan and am even more proud to have the honour of taking this role.

“I would ask each and every one of you to get right behind this club. While it is inevitable that not everything will go our way, if we all pull in the same direction, I honestly believe that the possibilities for Hereford FC are endless.”

Graham, aged 55, is also listed as an active director at Pegasus Juniors on the Companies House website.