HEREFORD United chairman Andy Lonsdale says he will pump £1million into the troubled club to clear debts.

Lonsdale claims he has been forced to stump up the money after a £750,000 investment fell through yesterday.

He said Newell Properties Developments Ltd pulled out of investing due to social media campaigns against the club.

The Bulls have until December 15 to clear their debts, including more than £100,000 to HM Revenue and Customs, after their winding-up order at the Royal Courts of Justice was adjourned to allow payments to be made.

Lonsdale said: “Good quality investment has been lost due to the campaigns mounted against these and other investors via social media, following the appalling campaign having already been waged upon club officials and their wives and families.

“Therefore, as chairman of Hereford United, it requires me to take on full responsibility for the clearing of the inherited debt.”

Hereford have also been fined £500 for a breach of Football Association rules and will be suspended from all football on Thursday if they don’t pay.

The club accepted a misconduct charge of failing to comply with the FA’s owners and directors test regulations in relation to majority shareholder Alan McCarthy.

McCarthy, who failed to respond to the charge, did not submit a completed and signed ODT declaration, required under FA rules, it was reported, and was fined £500.