THE future of Hereford United has been thrown into further jeopardy after they were kicked out of the Football Conference.

League officials acted to expel the Bulls from the competition, which includes the north and south divisions, yesterday when the club admitted they would be unable to pay their debts to football creditors.

The Bulls, who last week announced businessman Tommy Agombar as their new owner, were initially granted a reprieve after failing to come up with the funds ahead of last Thursday’s 5pm deadline. That was extended until Monday but was also missed.

Hereford’s expulsion has seen Chester, who were originally relegated to Conference North on goal difference following United’s dramatic last-day victory at Aldershot, reinstated to non-league’s top-flight.

Hayes and Yeading have earned a reprieve in Conference South, meaning one team has to be switched from south to north to balance the numbers.

A Football Conference statement said: “The club has confirmed it will not meet the requirements, to which it previously agreed, set by the board of the Football Conference Ltd on Friday, June 6, enabling the club to retain its membership.

“As the club was advised, the board has exercised its unanimous decision that, should the club fail to fulfil the requirements, it would be expelled.”

Hereford could now find themselves playing in the Southern League Premier Division next term but it is unclear what their next move is.

They still owe money to players and staff and have a winding-up order from former manager Martin Foyle hanging over them.

Hereford United Supporters Trust vice chairman Martin Watson said: “What we need now is the answers and we need to know what Tommy Agombar is thinking about and what his next plans are.

“The club is the fans and the reality is that the fans will walk away from the club if they don’t get a clear explanation.”