Hereford United received a big cheer in Parliament today when local MP Jesse Norman told the House of Commons that the Bulls had won their relegation battle to stay in the Conference Premier Division -- despite the club’s intensely difficult current financial situation.

The Minister of Culture, Media and Sport, Helen Grant MP, joined Jesse in congratulating the Bulls’ players, staff and supporters on their achievement.

Jesse questioned the Government over what further steps they and the football authorities could take to help clubs in financial difficulty and protect Britain’s football heritage. In reply Mrs Grant acknowledged his work, saying “my hon. Friend ... has worked tirelessly to help Hereford United, which has had a difficult time recently”, and highlighting efforts to support the club from Hereford United Supporters Trust. She later confirmed that the Government’s expert working group on supporters' trusts would be up and running soon.

Speaking outside the Chamber, Jesse said: “Like every other fan up and down the country I have been deeply concerned about the future of the Bulls for some time now, and I have lent a hand wherever possible.

“That includes petitioning HM Revenue and Customs to give the club time to pay its debts, personally contributing to HUST and other fundraising efforts, pressing for a parliamentary debate on the future of lower league football, and giving the issue coverage in national media.

“It was great to be able to share some good news at last about Hereford United today with my colleagues in the House of Commons. Now we--everyone in and around the club--must all work together to get the Bulls into shape for next season.”