Former Cheltenham Town assistant manger Aaron Downes has been appointed as the new first team manager at National League North side Hereford FC.
The Bulls confirmed Downes’ arrival on Monday morning, with the 40-year-old being contracted until the end of the 2025/26 campaign.
The former Torquay United defender has been out of work since departing the Robins alongside former manager Michael Flynn after the Welshman was sacked back in September.
Joining Downes in his backroom staff is former Cheltenham player Harry Pell who also left the Robins earlier on in the season.
Hereford sacked former manager Paul Caddis last Wednesday after a 3-0 defeat to AFC Telford United, which stretched the club’s winless run to six games.
They currently sit 23rd in the league table, 11 points from safety but with several games in hand on the teams around them.
Hereford FC are delighted to announce that Aaron Downes has been appointed the club’s first team manager on a contract that initially runs until the end of the 2026 National League North season.https://t.co/H6AUenOszw#COYW | #OurCity pic.twitter.com/UNZOmubMtu
— Hereford FC (@HerefordFC) February 16, 2026
Speaking to Hereford FC, Downes could not hide his delight at getting his first permanent first team managerial role.
“I am absolutely honoured to be given this opportunity and cannot wait to get started.
“After several years as an assistant manager, I have been waiting for the right opportunity to become a number one and as soon as the role here became available, I expressed a strong interest.”
His first game in charge is Tuesday night as his side will host play-off chasing Darlington at Edgar Street.
Downes appreciates that the season has not gone to plan so far but believes there is enough fixtures and quality in the group to turn things around.
“While the league table shows that the season has not gone as everyone would’ve hoped, I am more that confident that there is enough time to turn things around.
“With a few tweaks to our set-up and a few new additions, we will be able to climb towards safety.
