Going into the 2025 – 26 season, I genuinely believe the new Hereford squad is one of the most balanced and mature we’ve had in recent years. We’ve blended experienced heads with younger, energetic talent, and we finally have some pace and technical quality in the wide areas. The National League North is getting stronger every year, but we’ve got the foundations to be right in the mix for a playoff push – if not more. With the likes of Macclesfield being promoted and AFC Fylde being relegated it adds to what is already a very competitive league. With more full time teams than ever it’s going to be very hard for us to push for playoffs but with this squad I believe that currently it might be possible with a couple of additions.
Goalkeeper –
Theo Richardson
For me, Theo is the standout signing of the summer. He’s got fantastic awareness of the players in front of him and his kicking range is superb. His decision-making is calm, and he’s always in control when communicating with the back three or four. Stepping down from full-time football is something I massively credit him for. This shows his commitment and dedication towards the club and shows he want to play for us! What I rate most is how commanding he is in the box. He’s not just making saves – he’s organising, positioning defenders, and giving us the confidence to play a slightly higher line. He’s been there at this level and higher, and I genuinely believe he’ll win us points this season just by being a proper presence.
Defence –
Keenan Quansah
Keenan’s size and aerial ability make him a great fit for our defence, whether at right-back or centre-back. He’s strong in the air, which helps both defensively and when we attack set pieces. What really stands out is his pace – he’s quicker than most centre-backs, giving us extra cover against fast attackers and helping him recover when needed. His versatility is a big asset. While he naturally plays in the centre, he’s comfortable at right-back too, which gives us flexibility to change tactics or cover injuries during games. With his experience in the National League North and physicality, I’m confident he’ll develop into a very strong player for us this season.
Matt Preston
Matt is my captain for this season. He’s a proper leader – not just with words, but by example. Physically he’s dominant, wins his battles, and doesn’t shy away from setting the tone early with a tackle or strong header. He brings structure and composure to our back line, and you always feel more secure when he’s playing. What I respect most is his communication. He organises everything – constantly talking, guiding, and lifting standards around him. He takes pride in wearing the shirt, and you can see that in the way he plays. In both a back three or four, he gives us control and confidence. He’s the heartbeat of our defence and a massive presence in everything we do.
Kyle Howkins
Put simply: the best centre-back we’ve had in a long time. He’s an absolute mountain. You won’t find many players at this level as reliable in the air as Kyle. He’s been an unsung hero at times, but his professionalism stands out. In either a back three or a flat four, he’s the anchor. He reads danger quickly, tracks runners well, and wins first contacts more often than not. He’s also deceptively good on the ball – picks simple passes and doesn’t overcomplicate things. His presence allows others to play with more freedom, knowing he’s there to cover. No fuss, no hype – just an incredibly reliable defender who does his job and makes us better. For me, he’s one of our most important players this season.
Aaron Skinner
Skinner’s return from injury is a big boost. He’s sharp, quick, and, runs tirelessly both in attack and defence. His tactical awareness lets him balance pressing forward and tracking back effectively. Versatile enough to play midfield or either fullback spot, he adapts easily to the team’s needs. Defensively, he’s reliable and disciplined, often breaking up opposition plays. When at his best, Skinner adds energy, consistency, and flexibility, making him one of our most dependable players.
Lewis Hudson
Hudson is one of those players who quietly does his job and does it well. A dependable presence who consistently delivers solid performances. While he’s not the most adventurous fullback going forward, his defensive intelligence and calmness under pressure are invaluable. He rarely makes rash decisions, helping to maintain defensive shape and composure when the opposition presses hard. His ability to anchor that side gives the team the stability needed to push forward confidently.
Mitch Roberts
Mitch stands out as one of our most technically gifted defenders, comfortable carrying the ball out of defence and initiating attacks. His ability to read the game is impressive, allowing him to anticipate danger and make timely interventions. What really sets him apart is his calmness under pressure – he rarely rushes decisions and instead focuses on retaining possession and finding the right pass to keep the team moving forward. His experience at higher levels is clear in his professionalism and composure.
Midfield –
Lawson D’Ath
I can’t say enough about how much I rate Lawson. He’s one of my favourite players in this squad – not just for what he does technically, but for the way he carries himself. You can see his passion every time he steps onto the pitch in every tackle and most probably a yellow card! Lawson’s passing range is outstanding, and he controls the game’s tempo like a conductor. When we dominate possession, it’s often because he’s pulling the strings. His vision and calmness make him vital in tight matches and against teams that sit deep, as he knows how to unlock defences and keep control under pressure.
Preston Bitemo
From what I’ve seen so far of him which is little, there’s truly no harder worker in the squad than Bitemo. His relentless energy and work rate are unmatched – he never stops running and is constantly involved in both attack and defence. He’s fearless when it comes to physical battles, never shying away from going toe-to-toe with more experienced or stronger opponents. What stands out about him is his commitment to every challenge, including the toughest 50/50 duels, where he consistently shows determination and grit. Though still young, Bitemo is developing rapidly, gaining confidence and maturity with each game. I’m confident he’ll play a much bigger role this season, growing into the full box-to-box midfielder the team needs – someone who can cover ground endlessly, contribute defensively, and spark attacks with his energy and drive.
Gus Mafuta
Gus is exactly the enforcer we’ve been missing. His strength and composure allow him to excel in the tough, gritty aspects of midfield play – whether it’s breaking up opposition attacks, intercepting passes, or shutting down dangerous counterattacks before they develop. He provides the vital defensive shield that lets our more creative players like D’Ath and Omari express themselves with freedom and confidence further up the pitch. Beyond his physicality, Gus brings valuable experience and leadership, commanding respect and organizing the midfield with authority. He’s the kind of player who thrives in those bruising, physical away games where matches are won through determination and resilience rather than skill alone (Most likely Alfreton) . Having him anchoring the midfield gives the team a solid foundation to build on, especially when the opposition tries to disrupt our rhythm with aggressive, high-pressure tactics. Gus is a key figure in maintaining balance and toughness throughout the season.
Omari Sterling-James
Omari is unquestionably our most creative player. His skill on the ball is exceptional, and he’s especially dangerous from dead balls and set pieces – give him even a yard of space, and he’ll make you pay with a pinpoint delivery or a shot on goal. His experience playing at this level and above shines through in the way he controls the attacking third, calmly dictating play and making intelligent decisions under pressure. What makes him even more valuable is his versatility; he can slot in as an attacking midfielder, stretch defences as a winger, or operate just behind the striker as a second forward. This flexibility allows us to adapt our tactics depending on the opposition or game situation. If we’re serious about challenging at the top end of the table this season, Omari will undoubtedly be at the heart of our attacking threat, driving creativity and unlocking defences when it matters most.
Wingers-
Madou Cissé
Madou brings exactly the kind of spark we’ve been missing – raw pace, relentless energy, and a fearless, direct style of play. He’s the type of player who immediately puts defenders on the back foot, whether he’s driving down the wing or cutting inside to take them on one-v-one. Technically, he’s sharp and confident on the ball, with quick feet and the ability to beat a man in tight spaces. His versatility allows him to play out wide or in more central roles, giving us plenty of tactical options going forward. While he’s still adjusting to the physical demands of the National League North, the potential is clear. Once he fully adapts, Madou could become a real weapon for us – stretching teams, creating chances, and injecting urgency into our forward play. He’s exciting to watch and has all the tools to make a big impact this season.
Eno Nto
Eno has been one of the standout performers in pre-season. He’s sharp, technically gifted, and has real acceleration over short distances, which makes him a nightmare for defenders in tight areas. His ability to beat a man one-on-one and exploit space is a huge asset in breaking down compact defences. What’s impressed me most is his intelligence off the ball – he’s always looking for gaps to run into and makes himself available in dangerous areas. He fits the mould of a modern wide forward – quick, direct, technically sound, and constantly looking to make things happen. There’s real excitement around what he could offer us this season.
Kai Williams
Kai Williams is arguably the fastest player we’ve ever had, with explosive pace that regularly outstrips defenders and stretches defences wide open. His speed isn’t just a weapon on the counterattack; it also allows him to create space for himself and his teammates in congested areas, constantly forcing opposing defenders into difficult decisions. Alongside his remarkable speed, Kai is highly skilful and creative. He has a natural ability to manoeuvre in tight spaces, using quick feet and sharp close control to evade pressure making him a key creative threat in the final third.
Strikers –
Remaye Campbell
Remaye finished last season on a high and I hope his exciting form carries on. He’s a strong, physical presence up top who isn’t afraid to battle with centre-backs and do the dirty work. His hold-up play is superb, allowing us to play off him and bring others into the game. What’s really encouraging is his instinct in front of goal – he’s getting into positions and showing composure when chances come his way. If we give him the right service, there’s no reason he can’t hit double figures this season. He’s developing into a proper number nine – hard-working, powerful, and increasingly clinical.
Andy Williams
Willo is exactly the kind of striker you need at this level – calm, experienced, and reliable in front of goal. He’s been there and done it, and that shows in the way he positions himself, links play, and finishes chances. He might not rely on pace, but his movement and instinct more than make up for it. Give him a sight of goal and he rarely wastes it. Beyond what he brings on the pitch, Willo’s leadership is just as important he will be a massive influence on younger forwards like Campbell and Wreh. He leads by example, and having someone of his quality and mindset around the squad gives us an edge – especially in tight games where composure and know-how make all the difference.
Chris Wreh
I haven’t seen loads of him yet, but from what I have, he looks like a real presence up top. He’s strong, aggressive, and plays with that no-nonsense centre-forward mentality – always looking to get in behind or pin a defender. He’s clearly got that striker’s instinct, and he isn’t shy about getting stuck in physically either. With experience at this level and higher, he knows what it demands. He’s still bedding into the group, but once he settles and gets a run of games, he could be a really effective option. If he finds form, he’ll offer serious competition and depth up front – something we’ll need if we’re pushing to stay consistent over the season. His style gives us a different dynamic, especially against teams who don’t like being bullied at the back.
Adam Rooney
We’re unlikely to see much of Adam on the pitch this season, given his focus on his assistant manager role, but he remains a valuable asset to the squad. His experience and leadership are hugely important. He sets high standards and brings a calm, professional presence that younger players look up to. And if we do need someone to come on late in a game to hold the ball up or see out a result, he’s more than capable of doing the job.
Final Thoughts
What stands out most to me is the blend of youth and experience. You’ve got hungry young players like Eno, Bitemo, and Madou pushing to make a name for themselves, and experienced heads like Willo, Lawson, and Gus guiding them through it. That mix is powerful when it clicks, and from what I’ve seen in pre-season, there’s a togetherness in this group that can’t be underestimated. Everyone seems to know their role, and the standards are clearly being driven from within.
There are leaders across the pitch – vocal organisers at the back, calm voices in midfield, and professionals who lead by example. That kind of character is what gets you through the tough spells in a long season. And if we can avoid the injury setbacks that have disrupted us in the past and build some consistency early on, I really believe we’re capable of pushing into the playoffs and staying there. Let’s hope it might finally be a year to push on and try and get out of this league.
COYW!
By Cain Delahay