FORMER Swindon Town captain Paul Caddis has been named the new manager of Hereford FC.

The double-League-Two-winning defender will be experiencing his first steps into management having worked as a coach at Fleetwood Town’s academy after retiring as a player in 2021.

Caddis will officially join the National League North club from May 1 after their final game of the season away to Blyth Spartans.

Hereford – who were founded in 2014 as a phoenix club for Hereford United, and inherited their Edgar Street stadium – are set to finish in mid-table following a mixed season under former boss Josh Gowling and Chippenham-born interim manager, Yan Klukowski.

The Bulls have now turned to Caddis as they look to rise further up the pyramid and potentially make a return of sorts to the Football League in the near future.

Speaking to Hereford’s website after his appointment, Caddis said: “I am thrilled to step into the role of manager.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for me, and I am committed to leaving no stone unturned in order to achieve the success and progression that this club deserves.

“I will work tirelessly and around the clock to build a team that the Hereford supporters and wider community can be truly proud of.

“Our team will embody character, desire, and a strong work ethic that mirrors the passion of our fantastic supporters.”

Meanwhile, Hereford chairman, Chris Ammonds said: “I am hugely excited by this appointment.

“Paul’s obvious hunger for an opportunity and vision for our club impressed at both stages of the interview process.

“His enthusiasm and ambition shone through in his interviews and the desire to learn and improve he demonstrated was infectious. He has been chomping at the bit to be given a chance at the right club.

“The fact that he was made captain of many of the teams he featured in during his impressive playing career shows his leadership qualities and it’s clear he demands high standards of everyone around him.

“He wants to build a team that plays football on the front foot and has emphasised the point that he will expect his players to be the fittest in the league.

“He has been building his coaching experience over the past few years and explained in detail that we are exactly the type of chance he has been looking for.

“I am very pleased that we are able to give him this opportunity and I am really looking forward to seeing him develop at Edgar Street.”