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Former Forest Green Rovers player Yan Klukowski “very pleased” with his side’s performance after his first win in charge of Hereford FC as interim manager

The Bulls put an end to their three game losing streak after they beat Southport 2-0 on Tuesday night in Klukowski’s first game in charge. 

“The players put in a magnificent shift, our work-rate was phenomenal with everyone playing their part. We had to dig in and be solid during the first half and it gave us a foundation to go on and win the game,” said the former Chippenham Town player. 

The game was a tight and cagey affair, reflected in the fact it took until the 79th minute for Hereford to break the deadlock through a penalty from former Cheltenham Town striker Tyrone Barnett before Daniel Jarvis confirmed the victory with a goal in the 94th minute. 

Both of Hereford’s goal scorers were players that had come off the bench, something that is certainly a good look for Klukowski in his first game in management. 

“They can only make a difference because of the boys that have been on before, I thought the work rate was phenomenal, you’re always asking your substitutions to make an impact and Tyrone and Dan did that,” said the Bulls interim manager. 

Klukowski took over in interim charge after former manager Josh Gowling left the club by mutual consent with former Forest Green Rovers and current Hereford teammate, Jared Hodgkiss becoming player/assistant manager. 

Gowling, who was a part of the Grimsby side that beat the Rovers in the 2016 National League Play-Off Final, left his post as manager of the Whites after picking up just two wins since November and growing fan frustration, especially after a 2-0 loss to ninth tier Pegasus in the County Cup. 

Klukowski was assistant manager under Gowling whilst Hodgkiss was club captain, so the pair do have not have any plans to undermine their former boss. 

“That result was for Josh (Gowling) who sadly departed us, we were desperate to get a win for him to show our appreciation for what he has done,” said Klukowski. 

The result moves Hereford into 15th, eight points off of the play-offs and four from local rivals Gloucester City who the Bulls lost 2-0 to just a few weeks ago. 

Whilst a late play-off push does look highly unlikely for the Whites, a few wins on the bounce can take you a long way in the tightly contested National League North.

“We need to find that level of consistency. Even though we’re now into February, back-to-back wins in this League can still make a big difference.

“With everyone pulling in the same direction we will give ourselves every chance of achieving another winning result to build our confidence and momentum,” stated Klukowski. 

Hereford will be looking to build on their first win under their interim manager when they host Alfreton on Saturday afternoon. 

With the club putting out a statement saying that they will not be rushing to appoint a new manager, it looks as though Klukowski will be in charge for the foreseeable future.

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