Test: July 2004

Saturday, July 31, 2004

Davidson moves to Crawley

Danny Davidson has moved from Stafford Rangers to Crawley Town and is expected to be in their team when Hereford United play them on August 17th.

The Crawley Site announced the signing earlier today and Davidson played for them against Hornchurch this afternoon.

The 24 year old 6ft 5in striker is an imposing figure and has made his name over the last two years scoring regularly for now Conference North side Stafford Rangers. Davidson has put pen to paper on a two year deal.

He played for Hereford United in the 2001/2002 season making eleven appearances for the Bulls but not scoring. He was sent off during an away game at Margate.

BBC H&W increase sports coverage

BBC Hereford and Worcester are to increase their sports coverage of the area with a new Tuesday evening sports programme.

Dave Bradley, who has covered Hereford United in the past, will present the programme which will run from 7pm to 10pm.

Starting in time for the new football season, the programme will include commentaries from games involving local terms including Hereford United.

Wrexham too strong for Bulls

A solid and well organised Wrexham side handed Hereford United their first pre-season defeat this afternoon at Edgar Street. First half goals from Danny Williams and ex-Spurs striker Chris Armstrong gave the Welsh side a 2-0 victory. Ryan Green again missed out with a hip problem and Tony James didn't feature for United. Danny Carey-Bertram made a surprise appearence late on.

Craig Stanley had a good chance to get Hereford off to a flyer, but after receiving a pass from Adam Stansfield his powerfully driven effort was tipped away by Andy Dibble. Stanley was first to rebound but hit a weak left footed volley wide. Wrexham took a twelth minute lead. Danny Williams, a summer signing from Kiderminster Harriers, unleashed a rocket of a shot from twenty-five yards that curled away from Ben Scott in the United goal and into the bottom corner. Wrexham had more chances once they took the lead, but the Hereford defence made sure that these were all from outside of the box, Hector Sam went closest when he forced Scott into a good save, tipping the ball around the post.

Wrexham kept possesion well and looked very solid at the back which made it difficult for Hereford when attacking. With almost half an hour gone, Rob Purdie was replaced by youngster Andrew Williams. David Brown then dropped back into the midfield where he proved to be more effective. Wrexham doubled their lead after thirty-four minutes. Fergurson chipped the ball into the area but the Hereford defence failed to deal with it. Armstrong then beat Scott to the bouncing ball on the edge of the area and lifted it over the keeper and into an empty net much to the delight of the 83 away fans.

Hereford failed to trouble Wrexham again in the first half, the nearest they came to an opportunity was when Danny Williams played a superb through ball to Stansfield who was marginally beaten to the ball by Dibble. Wrexham almost scored a third on the stroke of half time but a volley from twelve yards out went the wrong side of the post and rattled the side netting.

Wrexham made a number of half time subs including ex-Hereford stopper, Matt Baker. United's only half time change was Mark Robinson, who replaced Nathan Talbot who had a poor game by his previous showings. The second half was interupted by many subs which affected the pace of the game; in total thirty four players appeared today. Jamie Pitman was impressive when he replaced Stanley and Graham Hyde had a solid game when he replaced Danny Williams. Daniel March later came on for Simon Travis who looked to have taken a knock. Carey-Bertram replaced Stansfield and Sam Gwynne played the last five minutes in place of David Brown.

Stansfield almost got the Bulls back into the game following a long free kick but his half volley was denied by the upright with Baker beaten. Wrexham failed to create much in the way of goal scoring opportunites; a good showing by the Hereford defence made sure that the majority of Wrexham's chances were from outside of the box. Brown kept the score at 2-0 when he managed to head a difficult cross off the line.

Andrew Williams was once again very livley, he turned a defender and hit a low cross that flashed across the six yard box, but Stansfield couldn't quite reach it to turn it into the net. Williams was unlucky not to score himself when he struck a powerful volley after Pitman had chested the ball down for him but Baker dived to his right and caught the ball well. Williams saw another good effort go just wide of the far post after striking a low twenty-yard effort.

Carey-Bertram will have been dissapointed that he didn't get a penalty two minutes from the end. He was through on goal when Shaun Pejic challenged him from behind and bundled him over. It looked a cast iron penalty to everyone in the crowd of 1075, but not to Mr. P Jones, the man in charge.

In the end, Wrexham proved to be too strong for Hereford and the 2-0 result reflected this. They looked fitter, as they would be a week more advanced in their pre season training than Hereford, and stronger physically. Hereford were not at their best today, but will be looking to add some confidence to the side when they play WBA reserves on Wednesday evening and Wellington in the HFA County Cup next Saturday. The Bulls demolished WBA reserves 5-0 in a pre-season friendly last summer.

Team: Ben Scott, Simon Travis, Nathan Talbot, Tamika Mkandawire, Andy Tretton, Tom Smith, Danny Williams, Rob Purdie, Craig Stanley, David Brown, Adam Stansfield. Subs: Adam Ding, Jamie Pitman, Mark Robinson, Andrew Williams, Danny Carey-Bertram, Sam Gwynne, Daniel March, Graham Hyde.

August will be a busy month

August will be a busy month for both Hereford United and its supporters with one more friendly, after today's game with Wrexham, a local cup game and five Conference League matches starting with Farnborough Town on Saturday August 14th.

As well as matches, there are a couple of events for fans to attend.

Tomorrow, Sunday, is the annual Open Day at Edgar Street which commences at 11am. The new home strip will be on sale at the event.

On Monday August 9th, there will be a Fans Forum at Legends Bar. Graham Turner is expected to attend and the meeting will start at 7.30pm

Agreement reached over CVA

HUISA has reported that Hereford United has reached an agreement to come out of the CVA.

Graham Turner told the last liaison committee meeting that the matter should be settled within the next few weeks.

The ending of the CVA will free the club from all its creditors (from the late 1990's) except Formsole and it will end having a Supervisor watching over the club.

Although not revealed it is beleived that the final payment to end the CVA will be less than 20p in the pound.There will also be the final payment to the Supervisor which could amount to several thousand pounds.

The club has been able to end the CVA after better gates and the sale of Paul Parry brought a much higher level of income into the club last season.

Friday, July 30, 2004

All Ticket at Crawley Town

Hereford United fans wishing to watch the game at Crawley Town will have to buy their tickets in advance according to the Official Crawley Town Website.

The game is the Bulls first away fixture of the season and takes place on Tuesday August 17th with a 7.45pm kick-off.

The website reveals that Crawley Town have announced the ticket details for their first two home fixtures in the Nationwide Conference. The two matches, against Hereford United on Tuesday 17 August and Aldershot Town on Saturday 21 August, are not all ticket but supporters are able to purchase tickets in advance and are strongly advised to do so. Tickets go on sale from next Wednesday, 4th August. (Assumingly for the home fans-Ed)

Afterwards it states: Supporters of Hereford United must purchase tickets in advance from their club. Tickets for visiting supporters will not be available on the day.

The site does not say what part of the ground is for away fans but does give the price of tickets as follows: West Stand - £10 Adults, £8 Concessions. Terraces - £9 Adults, £6 Concessions.

Bulls aim for fourth consecutive clean sheet

Hereford United will be intending to keep yet another clean sheet as they play hosts to Wrexham tomorrow afternoon at Edgar Street, kick off 3pm. It will be the first time that the two sides have met since Hereford knocked Wrexham out of the FA cup in front of BBC cameras 1-0 three seasons ago. Former United captain Ian Wright knocked in the winner.

Matt Baker will return to Edgar Street, and will be hoping to get a start so that he can impress the Robins boss as Baker looks to replace Andy Dibble as number one at the Racecourse. Baker did himself no harm when he saved two penalties in his last outing in the Isle of Man tournament. He may, however find playing at Edgar Street a little more difficult if the home supporters get on his back.

Carlos Edwards is out of the game as he has just undergone surgery for a damaged cruciate knee ligament and midfielder Matt Crowell will also miss out with an ankle injury. Chris Llewellyn is a doubt with an ankle injury suffered in training.

United will be without Danny Carey-Bertram again, who will miss out with a knee injury, but Ryan Green is expected to return after sitting out Tuesday evening's game with Evesham United. Trialists will again get the chance to impress the coaching staff at Hereford, this time against stronger opposition than in the last outing. It is unknown to whether any new trialists will be on show, but it is known that Graham Turner wants to bring in an experienced goalkeeper and maybe a new striker.

Admission prices for tomorrows game are the same in the stands or on the terraces, £7 for adults and £4 for concessions.

James looks forward

Tony James, who is to be captain of Hereford United for a second season, is looking forward to securing the top place in the Conference.

James, who has played in 225 Conference games for the Bulls, told the Western Daily Press that he is looking to start well with a win against Farnborough on the opening day of the campaign.

"We want to go one better than last season.We want to be at the top. That's where the players and everyone at the club want to be."

Talking about Carlisle United, who are currently favourites, James noted:"They had some very good results towards the end of last season, but we are concentrating on what we need to do."

Hereford United manager,Graham Turner, is also said to be confident that the players will respond to the task ahead.

"The despair of missing out on promotion so cruelly has now turned to enthusiasm and energy for another crack at the coveted prize."

Turner also spoke of new coach John Trewick.

"John has been impressive with his enthusiasm and expertise." .

Thursday, July 29, 2004

Turner still looking for players

Graham Turner is still looking for a couple of additions to the squad. The Hereford United manager says that he is pleased with the way pre-season has gone and is encouraged by Ben Scott's performances in goal but he has not given up looking for another goalkeeper.

In an interview with BBC Hereford and Worcester he also mentioned the need for a target man.

"What we have got with the strikers in the club, Adam Stansfield, Andy Williams, and Danny Carey-Bertram is pace and mobility. David Brown is technically a very good player. He can set attacks up or blend in with midfield. So the combination is fine.

"We would like the alternative of having a big lad up front, someone with a bit of physical presence.

"As for a goalkeeper, I wanted someone who had played two or three hundred league matches that would bring all his experience into the club. The ones I have pursued have been really good, but I'm optimistic we'll have one in before the season starts."

Graham Hyde

Graham Hyde, who has joined Hereford United, was born at Doncaster in 1970 and started his career at Sheffield Wednesday. He joined the club when just 17 years old in 1988 and made progress at Hillsborough in the youth team.

But it was Ron Atkinson who gave him a chance to play in the first eleven. Described as both industrious and honest, he gained a reputation as a midfield terrier.

Unfortunately a serious injury to his ankle when playing against Wimbledon made him miss the latter half of the 1996/7 season and it took sometime for him to return to the squad. However Ron Atkinson put Hyde back in the squad on a regular basis until Hyde became involved in a disciplinary problem.

In the 1998/9 season Hyde only made one substitute appearance and, after turning down an approach from Port Vale, moved to Birmingham on a free transfer. There he teamed up with Trevor Francis and made 35 appearances for the Blues.

In August 2001 he moved to Chesterfield on loan for two months and later to Peterborough for a two month loan spell in September 2002. After that loan Hyde struggled to gain a regular first-team spot at St. Andrew's under Steve Bruce and so he moved to Bristol Rovers until being released last May.

When signed by Bristol Rovers, their manager Ray Graydon commented: "He's an experienced midfield player.

"He'll be a valuable addition to our squad. I'm pleased to have him on board and absolutely delighted that he's agreed to join us. Graham will add competition for places and will bring in some experience to a relatively young squad."

Those words may be echoed by Graham Turner as the situation is very similar at Edgar Street.

Postscript: Hyde was given the nickname the crab as according to the Black Arab Bristol Rovers site;"he can only pass the ball sideways. A defensive midfielder in the Holloway mode. Signed from Premiership Birmingham so must be an a big screw. Scores an annual goal. Needs someone mobile and energetic alongside him, so looks a bit exposed playing with Rob Quinn. Not a fans favourite type player, but has plenty of close control skill and performs a useful role. Looks like a MiniMe to rugged centre half Adam Barrett."

Squad is capable of winning title

Jamie Pitman has said that the Hereford United squad is capable of winning the Conference title this season.

In an interview with BBC Hereford and Worcester, the midfielder revealed that he was recovering well from his operation and is looking forward to the new campaign.

"We are under no illusions that a lot of people think we are going to walk it this season, but it's going to be difficult. We accept that,"said Pitman.

"It's a confidence thing. We have got to carry on from where we left off last year. We haven't lost a game in the last twelve so we have to progress from there."

He also said how good he thought the Bulls defence would be this season with Tony James and Andy Tretton being joined by Tom Smith and Tamika Mkandawire.

Meanwhile Graham Turner has said that Daniel Carey-Bertram is to have a scan on his damaged knee to clarify the seriousness of the injury. He currently has a slight swelling on the knee but is able to do light training.

United set to sign Hyde

Hereford United will confirm the signing of veteran midfielder Graham Hyde within the next week. The ex-Sheffield Wednesday man is still under contract with Bristol Rovers, but once this expires at the end of the month the thirty-three year old will put pen to paper at Edgar Street.

Hyde has been training with the club recently and has played in the last two friendlies, Swansea City at home and last Tuesday evening at Evesham where he was granted the opportunity to impress from the start. He was the only trialist in this seasons team photograph that was taken this morning.

Hyde will be the fifth summer signing for United taking the squad to a total of sixteen. Hereford will be looking to draft in a new goalkeeper and one or two left sided players before the start of the season, to take the squad total to around nineteen, a number that Graham Turner has said that he would like to have for the first game against Farnborough Town next month.

Guinan feared the worst

Steve Guinan, the ex-Hereford United striker, feared the worst when he was stretchered off during Cheltenham's pre-season friendly with Birmingham City.

The 28-year-old striker thought he could have been facing up to year on the sidelines when he was carried off the field with a knee injury.But the problem is not as bad as first feared and manager John Ward is hopeful his new striker will be fit for the first game of the season against Southend.

Guinan told Cheltenham's official website: "You see, hear and read about these horror stories every week and just hope it never happens to you.

"For a split second I thought, that's it. I've got here and I am on the verge of playing again in the Football League and suddenly it's not going to happen. I really thought I was looking at a year on the sidelines when they carried me off on that stretcher."

Cozic did well

Northampton manager, Colin Calderwood , is still looking at former Hereford United's player Bertram Cozic.

Cozic featured in their 4-0 win over Stevenage last night.

Calderwood told the Official Northampton website;"Bertrand Cozic did well again. We will keep looking at him in training and at Barnet on Saturday and see where we go. He impressed again at Stevenage. He is in fantastic physical condition and that shows a good attitude as he was training on his own for most of the summer."

Late Update: Cozic has been made an offer and is expected to agree terms within the next day or two.

Calderwood commented:" He has done well and had a good influence on the team. He is a powerful boy and he is going to give us extra physical strength and strength in depth in the squad."

Wednesday, July 28, 2004

Odds cut for Bulls

The best odds for the Bulls to win the Nationwide Conference have been cut to 8-1.

Coral had Hereford United at 9-1 but cut those odds yesterday. They are now the same as Skybet. Most other bookies are quoting a price of around 6-1.

Carlisle are still firm favourites at between 3-1 and 4-1.

Kennedy still on trial at Burton

Jon Kennedy, the ex-Accrington goalkeeper, who was suggested by Matt Baker as a possible replacement for the ex-Hereford United goalkeeper, has yet to sign for Burton Albion.

Last night he played for the full ninety minutes against Nottingham Forest and reports suggest he had a good game and was much more confident than in his first game for the Brewers.

Nigel Clough, the Burton manager, told the Burton Mail that Kennedy had been asked to stay at the club until the weekend with the chance of playing against Notts County tomorrow and Saturday's friendly with Chesterfield.

Clough revealed that he expects another goalkeeper to be unveiled on trial before tomorrow's game and that he was looking at two other stoppers as potential replacements for the departed Matt Duke.

Last Nights Trialists

Those on trial last night when Hereford defeated Eveham 3-0 were:

Adam Ding - Goalkeeper from YTS.

Daniel March - Centre back who was on the books at Shrewsbury last season, but did not make a first team appearence.

Nathan Talbot - Nineteen year old left sided player, defender or midfielder. Talbot was playing for Yeovil Town at the end of last season following his release from Wolverhampton Wanderers where he played regular under 19 football and had also appeared for the reserves.

Graham Hyde - Experienced thirty-three year old centre midfielder known as "The crab". He has played at the highest level with Sheffield Wednesday and has plenty of league experience with Birmingham, Chesterfield, Peterborough and Bristol Rovers. He has notched up 233 league appearences.

Nick Williams - Played as right-wing back last night in place of the Absent Ryan Green. Williams is from the YTS.

Mark Robinson - Twenty-three year old left back from Hartlepool. Played two games on loan at Scarborough last season. and has made eighty league appearences at Hartlepool.

Sean Doherty- Nineteen year-old midfielder formerly of Fulham. He didn't make any appearences for Fulham but played once for Blackpool last season where he had a loan spell.

Tuesday, July 27, 2004

Bulls ease past Evesham

Hereford United kept a third consecutive clean sheet as they cruised past Evesham United in a friendly match at Common Road this evening, final score 3-0. Several changes were made to Hereford's starting eleven, but there were no new trialists on show.

Adam Stansfield netted his first goal for the Whites following a mix up between Evesham's keeper and centre back allowing the ex-Yeovil forward to nip in and tuck away a low effort into the far corner.

Nicky Williams, who started at right back replacing Ryan Green, found Andy Williams who linked up with his strike partner Stansfield for the attacker to cut a pass back to David Brown as United searched for a second, although Brown scuffed his shot from a good position in the penatly box. Shortly afterwards, Graham Turner made his first change of the evening when Simon Travis replaced Williams at right wing back. Travis was straight into action with a powerful run down the right flank, and a pin-point cross for the lively Stansfield to head against the crossbar. Sean Doherty, 19, formerly of Fulham, was first to the rebound, but his shot was wide of the far post.

Andy Williams, who impressed once again, came close to doubling Hereford's advantage but, after latching onto a Tony James pass, he saw his low effort blocked by the goalie. United did score a second through Stansfield again. Brown, playing in midfield, split the defence with a through ball for Stansfield, who turned a defender and powered a high effort into the top corner.

At half time the Bulls made two changes, Craig Stanley replaced Graham Hyde and Nathan Talbot was subbed on for Mark Robinson. James, Tom Smith, Stansfield, Doherty, Brown and Ben Scott were all replaced throught out the second half by Tamika Mkandawire, Andy Tretton, Rob Purdie, Danny Williams, Jamie Pitman and Adam Ding respectivly.

After Andy Williams had another shot well saved, Purdie scored a stunning third for United. The second half sub chipped the ball forwards to Andy Williams, who returned the pass with a delightful back-heel in the air, for Purdie to smash a volley into the top corner, leaving the keeper with no chance. Hereford had further chances, but neither Andy Williams, Danny Williams or Purdie managed to cause the goalkeeper too many problems with shots from outside of the area.

The game was another useful work out for Hereford, and a good opportunity for some trialists to impress the coaching staff and the 250 or so Hereford fans in a crowd of roughly 400. The Hereford supporters may get the chance to see these trialists again next Saturday, against stronger opposition when Wrexham visit Edgar Street for United's fourth pre-season friendly.

Hereford Team: Ben Scott, Nicky Williams, Tom Smith, Tony James, Daniel March, Mark Robinson, Graham Hyde, Sean Doherty, David Brown, Adny Williams, Adam Stansfield Subs : Adam Ding, Simon Travis, Andy Tretton, Tamika Mkandawire, Rob Purdie, Danny Williams, Craig Stanley, Jamie Pitman, Nathan Talbot.

Hereford Win Another Friendly

Hereford United defeated Evesham United 3-0 this evening.

Adam Stansfield scored two goals and Rob Purdie scored the other.

Jamie Pitman made a welcome return to the squad late in the game.

Former Bulls to meet

Gavin Williams and Paul Parry should play against each other for the first time since leaving Edgar Street this evening when Cardiff City travel to Yeovil.

The two former Hereford United players Gavin Williams and Paul Parry should be re-united provided Parry has recovered from a leg injury sustained against Chester City last week.

Glovers star Williams told the Western Daily Press: "I am looking forward to it because I have supported Cardiff since I was a kid. I was never involved with them as a player, but that would have been a dream. And I have never played against them either."

Williams, who has seen Parry leap from Conference side Hereford to Cardiff and full international caps for Wales continued: "I was at Hereford with Paul and I am pleased he has got a good move - since he has left Hereford he has done brilliantly. I have always known he is a good player and we tried to sign him, but he went to Cardiff.

"I wanted him to come down here, but you can't blame him for moving to Cardiff and it's proved the right move for him, because he has done brilliantly."

Moran caught in drugs check

Andy Moran, who had a short spell at Hereford United three seasons ago, has been fined and banned after testing positive to a drugs test.

Moran, now with Rhyl, was suspended from July 12 to February 28 next year, fined £250 and ordered to pay £2,500 costs. after testing positive in March for 19-norandrosterone, a metabolite of nandrolone, a performance-enhancing anabolic steroid.

He was the Welsh league top scorer last season with 47 goals.

Tuesday Comment

This week Huw Williams suggests the whingers hold fire.

They've started already. The whingers that is. I don't suppose United are unique in this respect, but there seem to be a hard core of supporters who simply aren't happy unless they are bloody moaning about something.

The forum is full of it. "oh my God we haven't got a keeper yet. We're doomed. What is Turner doing". And "I saw Hyde pay for 45 minutes and he looked complete *****, Turner is bringing rubbish in, we won't win the league this year". It goes on and on.

After the last two seasons it is obvious that Graham Turner is a good manager, and he knows what he's doing in the transfer market. Also after everything that's happened over the last 8 or 9 years there cannot be any doubt of his commitment to the club. Yet the doubters and complainers are getting up a good head of steam, and if we don't get off to a flying start they will be calling for Turner's head by mid-September.

Turner was adamant last year that he would only bring a player in if he was sure that he was right for the club, and I think we can say that by and large he got it right. There were a few duffers such as Craven and Teasdale, but they've moved on now and the squad looks strong, particularly in defence. Some triallists may need a couple more games before we can be sure about them - if they look OK then they may get a contract, if not, GT will show them the door.

He has also been good at spotting potential, look at the huge development in Rob Purdie's play last season. Let's hope for something similar with DC-B this time. David Brown didn't look too special at the start of the last campaign either, but having had an extended run in the team he started to deliver.

My own feeling is that there may not be a repetition of last season's goalfests when we banged in 5 or more goals on a regular basis. We will however grind out the wins when we need to, and won't throw away points against lesser teams as we did last time. The team building isn't finished yet, but I believe Turner will put together a squad that will be the equal of last year's, and what's more do it without crippling the club financially.

As for the whingers, shut up and give the bloke a chance.

Evesham friendly this evening

Hereford United travel to Evesham for their third pre-season friendly this evening. The kick-off at Common Road is at 7.45pm.

The Bulls are expected to field various trialists in their squad, hopefully including most, if not all, of those who played against Swansea last Saturday.

Parking close to the ground is limited.

Bulls News will have a full report from the game.

Monday, July 26, 2004

Baker saves two penalties

Matt Baker has impressed his new team with two crucial penalty saves in the Isle of Man Tournament.

The goal-keeper rose to the occasion when Wrexham needed him most against Conference side, Carlisle United. He made crucial saves in the shoot-out showdown after the two sides were on 3-3.

Baker made the first of his two penalty saves by keeping out Chris Billy's effort. Next Danny Williams put Wrexham 4-3 ahead and then Baker saved a kick from Karl Hawley, another player who has been at Edgar Street, to give his side victory.

The ex-Hereford United stopper told the Wrexham Leader: "Yeah, obviously I was pleased with my performance. There was a lot of pressure on me. The pitch didn't help, but I'm glad I kept them out and we won. It was a nice feeling."

Cozic on trial with Cobblers

Bertrand Cozic is having a trial at Northampton and reports suggest that Colin Calderwood is impressed.

Cozic spent a short spell at Edgar Street last season after being released by Cheltenham.

Colin Calderwood is planning to have a further look at the French trialist in the friendly with Stevenage Borough on Wednesday.The midfielder impressed against Wolves on Saturday, and Calderwood believes he could prove to be a valuable addition to the squad.

"We will speak to Bertrand Cozic and his agent and we will certainly want to keep him for a bit longer to have a bit more of a look at him.He has done his chances no harm at all and he might play at Stevenage on Wednesday," said Calderwood.

Meanwhile former Hereford United striker Paul Fewings has admitted he was "very disappointed" after being released by Nationwide Conference North club Kettering Town. Fewings finished as the top scorer at Rockingham Road in the Ryman League Premier Division campaign last season but, after two weeks of pre-season training with the Poppies, manager Kevin Wilson has let the striker go.

Scott wants the job

Ben Scott wants to be Hereford United's number one goalkeeper. He kept his second clean sheet in the pre-season friendly games on Saturday against Swansea.

"Hopefully I have put some thoughts into the gaffer's mind," Scott said as reported in the Western Daily Press.

"I told him, not in an arrogant way, that I had learnt a lot from Matt Baker and had confidence in myself to be number one at Hereford."

Graham Turner is still looking for another goalie but said of Scott:" Ben had the courage to knock on my door and tell me he thought he was good enough to be in the side and I would have no qualms in playing him."

The manager added:"The goalkeeper we have been pursuing for some time has finally said no, so the focus is now elsewhere,"

Sunday, July 25, 2004

Save The Bulls Fund

There are various ways to help Hereford United. One of the most popular is to enter the Save the Bulls Fund.

Mandate forms are now available for the Save The Bulls Fund sponsored by Netsounds.com. The fund was devised after a suggestion was made on the club's website following several enquiries from fans on how to help the club financially. Fans are invited to donate a sum of their choice to the fund once a month by standing order; for every pound donated they then receive one entry into a monthly draw where the winner receives 20% of the total amount donated to the fund.

Do not miss out on next months STB Fund draw, fill in a mandate form and submit it to your bank before the end of this month. Mandate forms can be collected from the main office, the club shop or downloaded from the official website at www.herefordunited.co.uk.

Another way to help the club is to become a Matchday Sponsor.

The club is looking to take bookings for Match, Matchball and Mascot Sponsorships for the forthcoming season. Match sponsorship is a unique way for company representatives of groups of supporters to watch one of the home games and enjoy pre-match, half-time and post-match hospitality.

And for children, why not give a child the chance to become a club Mascot for a game which includes going onto the field with the team and having photographs taken of the event.

Another way to help the club is to sponsor a player. Bulls News are sponsoring John Trewick, the new Hereford United coach. But hurry as there are not many player sponsorships left.

For full details contact the club on 01432276666.

Admission Prices Confirmed at Edgar Street

Hereford United have confirmed matchday admission prices at Edgar Street for this season.

Terrace prices are Adults £10 and Concessions £6.

Seating prices are Adults £12 and Concessions £9.

In the event that Hereford United should be occupying a top five place after the first three league games admission prices will increase by £1.

To obtain concession prices children or senior citizens need to purchase a Bulls membership card which is priced at £10. Without a card Concessions pay £1 extra to the stated admission price.The cards are available from the main office.

Season tickets are still available and for any supporter likely to watch the majority of home matches could be a worthwhile purchase.

Open Day Next Sunday

Hereford United's annual open day takes place next Sunday, August 1st, from 11am to 2pm at Edgar Street. The main event of the day will be the official launch of the new home strip. This strip will be available for purchase at the ground.

There will be opportunities to meet the players and, as long as they are prepared to go in the stocks, a chance to soak your favourite player. Last year Richard O'Kelly soon became wet-through.

Other attractions include a bottle stall, cake stall, bouncy castle,coconut shy, and splat the rat.

For the more athletic there will be a penalty shoot-out.

One of the busiest stall is likely to be where the club sells players old kit. Most fans should find something to suit them on this stall.

Any donations for the bottle and/or cake stall would be greatly appreciated and can be dropped into the club office at Edgar Street.

Saturday, July 24, 2004

Turner still looking for a goalie

Despite Ben Scott keeping a second clean sheet this afternoon, Graham Turner told BBC Hereford and Worcester that he is still looking for an experienced goalkeeper.

Scott was only tested once with a shot late in the game to which he reacted well.

However he doesn't look ready to be the number one goalie yet and so Turner, who according to BBC H&W is talking to two or three at present, will have to continue his search. The manager also revealed that Carey-Bertram may have nicked a cartlidge.

Overall the Bulls looked quite fit although they starting training a week or so later than Swansea. But both David Brown and Adam Stansfield were not quite sharp enough close to goal and trialist Graham Hyde, whilst looking as though he could be a useful acquisition in mid-field should his signing be confirmed, may also be lacking fitness.

Of the other trialists Nathan Talbot stood out. He came on in the second half replacing Mark Robinson on the left side.

Talbot looked eager to impress and his crossing of the ball was quite accurate. He also was prepared to challenge the Swansea players who were quite physical for much of the afternoon.

United draw with Swans

Hereford United drew 0-0 with Swansea City in an uneventful game this afternoon at Edgar Street. The Bulls had two new trialists in the team, Mark Robinson started at left wing back and Graham Hyde was on the bench. Robinson was playing at Hartlepool last season and Hyde was contracted to Bristol Rovers.

Swansea had a chance early on to take the lead but Paul Conner only just failed to connect with a cross from the right. United replied to this when Adam Stansfield, in a similar fashion to Conner, failed to connect with Craig Stanley's from close range. Stanley had the first effort for Hereford but his twenty yard shot, after Stansfield's break from the half way line, was tame and wide.

Conner caused more problems in the air for the Hereford defence and almost gave Swansea a first half lead, but his header at the back post went across Ben Scott's goal and wide of the far post. Ryan Green linked up well with David Brown on the right, and Brown found Stanley with a neat flick, but the ex Telford man shot straight at Gueret in the Swansea goal. Tom Smith left the pitch a facial injury and was replaced by Tony James late on in the first half.

There were several changes for both sides at half time and throughout the second half. Simon Travis, Hyde, Nathan Talbot all came on at half time and Sean Doherty, Andy Williams, Sam Gwynne and one other(whose name we don't have) all made appearences in the second half. Tamikia Mkandawire, Robinson, Stanley, Danny Williams, Adam Stansfield, Green and Brown were replaced.

The second half started quietly with neither side creating many goal scoring opportunities until after the hour mark. Rob Purdie collected the ball on the right from Stansfield and delivered a cross on the ground slightly behind Brown who looped a shot over the bar. Rob Purdie volleyed over from the edge of the box from a Travis cross. Swansea came closest to scoring when Tony James took a cross away from Scott in the Hereford goal, but just as the ball was about to drop into the United net, the skipper had recovered and managed to head the ball around the post to safety.

Brown knocked on a cross from Hyde that caught Stansfield unaware, but luckily for Swansea the ball rebounded off the hard working Stansfield, who was two yards out, and into the keeper's arms. Brown then had three good chances to break the deadlock but failed to do so on each occasion. The first he managed to blast over the bar following good play between Purdie and Talbot on the left, then Brown forced Gueret into a smart save with a good effort from ten yards and finally, his best chance of the afternoon, he connected to a cross from the impressive Talbot but his outstreched foot could only direct the ball inches wide of the far post.

The Swans almost nicked a winner five minutes from the when Adrian Forbes hit a smart shot from six yards, but Scott was equal to it and reacted well to make a save low to his left.

The performance from either side was not the best and certainly didn't excite either sets of fans in a crowd of 1778, but the work out should prove handy for both sides who were good competition for each other. Hereford's next friendly is at Evesham this Tuesday evening and on the following Saturday United should have another more competitive match when they play hosts to League One side Wrexham.

Hereford United Team: Ben Scott, Ryan Green, Mark Robinson, Tamika Mkandawire, Andy Tretton, Tom Smith, Danny Williams, Rob Purdie, Craig Stanley, David Brown, Adam Stansfield. Subs: Tony James, Adam Ding, Graham Hyde, Simon Travis, Sam Gwynne, Andy Williams, Nathan Talbot, Sean Doherty and (unknown).

Battling Bulls keep Swans at Bay

Hereford United draw 0-0 with Swansea City at Edgar Street this afternoon in front of a crowd of 1778 which included about 400 from Swansea.

Both managers would take some positives from the game but Graham Turner will probably be the happier with the display from his team.

As expected Hereford were without both Danny Carey Bertram and Jamie Pitman, but Tony James came on towards half-time when Tom Smith received a knock.

Turner gave a trial to Mark Robinson and Graham Hyde and also on show were several others who played at Ludlow last Monday.

Full match report shortly.

Friday, July 23, 2004

We want to go one better

Tony James, the Hereford United captain, has spoken to the Evening News of his aims for this season.

James, who hopes to take some part this afternoon in the friendly against Swansea City, thinks that the Bulls can win the Conference.

"It's simple. We just want to go one better than last season. If we do that we won't be doing too much wrong. We need a good start I should think and with the new players if we do that it will bring everybody together.

"We want to be top, that's where the players and everybody at the club wants to be if we can. We don't want to be second or third if we can help it."

Asked what other teams he thought would do well James noted:"Obviously I think we've got the likes of Carlisle who had some good performances towards the end of last season.There's also a few teams managing to accumulate a lot of good players like Morecambe and a few others but we're concentrating on what we need to do."

Turning to the pre-season preparations James continued:"As usual pre-season's been quite hard to begin with but it's starting to come together and all the football is starting to look good.

"The new players seem to be settling in but obviously we'll find out more about them once the games begin but so far they look pretty sharp. Nearer the time you want to get a bit of both performance and fitness but at the moment it is about getting minutes under your belt."

Kennedy to play at Burton

Jon Kennedy is to play for Burton Albion this evening (Friday) in a local friendly against Belper Town.

Kennedy, formerly with Accrington Stanley, was number two goalkeeper in the English National squad last season and was suggested by former Hereford United keeper Matt Baker as a possible replacement for him.

Burton are looking for a new keeper as they have sold Matt Duke to Hull for around £60,000 and Nigel Clough looks to have acted quickly to try and get the signature of Kennedy.

Should Kennedy sign for the Brewers, it is one less goalkeeper for Graham Turner to consider.

Teesdale released from York

Richard Teesdale, formerly with Hereford United, has been released by York City after a trial at Bootham Cresent.

Player/Manager Chris Bass confirmed the news earlier today. York currently have a squad of around 22 players.

Meanwhile another ex-Bull, Paul Parry, has been given the number 19 shirt in Cardiff City's squad for this season.

Trundle to miss friendly

Lee Trundle, Swansea City's much travelled striker and probably best known player, will miss tomorrow's friendly at Edgar Street along with several other team members.

Swansea will go to Edgar Street nursing several more injuries since their Barry Town friendly. Andy Robinson should be back to full fitness but will not be risked tomorrow, as is the same for Brad Maylett(Groin Strain). Stuart Jones suffered a 'clean break' in his nose after a clash of heads which means he may still be still be allowed to play. Kevin Austin could play after recovering after a twisted ankle but may be saved for the Swans Holland tour.

Lee Trundle, about whom there was speculation that he might leave the Vetch, will not feature and remains a doubt for the Holland tour but he insists he'll play and be ready for the 04/05 season.

Kenny Jackett, the Swansea manager, said:''I watched one of their play-off games and thought Hereford were very unlucky not to go up last season.They looked a good side to me and this will certainly be our biggest test yet."

Without several key players Swansea may not provide as strong a challenge for the Bulls as had been expected.

James may start tomorrow

Hereford United captain Tony James is hopeful of starting for the Bulls tomorrow in the friendly fixture against Swansea City, but both Danny Carey-Bertram and Jamie Pitman will not feature.

All three were left out of the squad that played last Monday at Ludlow. James was said to be carrying a minor knock but Carey-Bertram is beleived to have a knee problem. Pitman has started training after his operation but will not be risked.

On-trial Graham Hyde, formerly of Bristol Rovers, should feature, but some of the other trialists that played at the Coors Stadium on Monday have left Edgar Street.

Meanwhile reformed Telford had their first game last night at Ludlow and defeated the home side 3-1. And ex-Hereford United Ben Smith scored for Shrewsbury in their 6-0 friendly win over Millbrook.

On the betting front, Hereford United are still at 9-1 to win the Conference with Coral. In general there has been little or no movement in the main prices for the leading clubs in the last week.

Thursday, July 22, 2004

Swansea preview Saturday friendly

This article comes from SwanseaMad.

Swans MAD takes a look at Saturday's friendly opposition....

If there was any justice in football, then perhaps Hereford would have been gearing up for a League Division Two meeting against Swansea, and not a friendly. Finishing only a point by champions Chester, Hereford entered the playoffs lottery with their first fixture against Aldershot, a side that had accumulated some 20 points less over the course of the season. In true football style, Aldershot progressed on penalties and Hereford were left contemplating another season in the Conference.

Hereford had previously been a league club for some 25 years, and were elected into the Old Fourth Division in 1972 under the management of ex-Swansea manager Colin Addison (who had taken over from Sir John Charles). Hereford gained immediate promotion after finishing runners up to Southport, before winning the Old Third Division just three seasons later. Unfortunately, two successive relegations then lead to Hereford having to apply for re-election on three occasions, after finishing bottom three times in four years.

1996/97 became Hereford's last full season as a league club, when they eventually found themselves relegated on the last day of the season. Brighton, who had looked doomed for much of the campaign, enjoyed a fantastic revival and played out a tense and dramatic 1-1 draw at Edgar Street and ensured their survival.

The club is currently managed by Graham Turner, once of Shrewsbury, Aston Villa and Wolves. Turner joined Hereford in 1995 and was present during the Bulls relegation into the Conference just two years later. However, Turners position at Hereford is fairly unique, seeing as he also holds the position as club chairman after buying shares from former directors. It is no wonder he's still manager then!!

The Football League has now been without Hereford United for some seven seasons. Recent years have been dominated by financial uncertainty and The Bulls will be hoping that they can finally re-gain that elusive league status soon. However, a number of Hereford's outstanding performers have left over the course of the summer, including top scorer Steve Guinan (joined Cheltenham) and goalkeeper Matt Baker (Wrexham).

Players to Watch?

So who are the players to watch in what is likely to be a fiery encounter on Saturday?

Defender Tony James is one of three Hereford players still at the club who were selected in the Conference "team of the year". James will be starting his sixth season for Hereford, after joining from the West Brom reserves and was labelled by Peter Shreeves as the "best defender in the Conference" last year.

Hereford also have a record-breaker in their side, with Ryan Green being the youngest ever player to represent Wales at senior level, aged 17 years and 226 days. This cap against Malta was added to by another friendly against Tunisia, but five years later, Green is looking to getting his career back on track, after spells at Millwall, Sheffield Wednesday, Cardiff and Torquay.

Turner has also made a couple of signings over the course of the summer, with Tamika Mkandawire, Adam Stansfield and Andrew Tretton (should be Craig Stanley-ed) all joining from league clubs. The club have set their sights on promotion to the league this season, and after the last 12 months, the supporters will probably not settle for anything less.

Will Kenny Jackett's side maintain their 100% friendly record, or will Saturday's match at Hereford be one trip too far? Can Dennis Oli steal the headlines again, or will Adrian Forbes finally grab his first goals in a Swansea shirt? No doubt, Saturday's fixture will be a tough one and should Swansea win, they will be feeling very confident as they approach the Dutch tour.

Meanwhile it will cost supporters £7 to watch the game on Saturday with a £4 charge for concessions.

Wednesday, July 21, 2004

Goalkeeper Headache for Turner

Graham Turner is still chasing the signature of a goalkeeper to replace Matt Baker as it looks as though his first choice has decided not to sign.

"We're hopeful that something will be sorted out by the weekend but we've been in negotiations with one particular player for nearly a fortnight now and there comes a time when you have to move on to someone else," Turner told the Hereford Times.

Meanwhile the Hereford United manager suggested that there was work to with his squad after the game at Ludlow.

"There were some good aspects to the performance with some good passing and movement. But our finishing wasn't all that bright.

"We've yet to do a session on that."

Bulls Interviews now on Broadband

Exclusive interviews are now on the broadband Nationwide Conference site at: conferencefootball.tv

On the site right now are Skeets' (aka Keith Hall - The Voice of Edgar Street) interviews with: Graham Turner, John Trewick, Craig Stanley, Tony James, Danny Williams and in the "famous for fifteen" section is David Booth with his fans eye view of United's promotion chances.

* GT tells us how he's remaining confident that United will be in the hunt for promotion.

* John Trewick on how he wants to take the Bulls to the next level.

* Tony James says United's fans can make all the difference

* Danny Williams claims the Bulls will continue to play entertaining football

* Craig Stanley on his move to Edgar Street

There's also a view for Away Fans from the Blackfriars and Len Weston Terrace. Take a look, and if you haven't already registered and voted - please do. The more you vote for United the more chance we've got of the Bulls being one of the featured matches each week.

In other news...the conferencefootball.tv site has today agreed to feature the United legend Ricky George in a weekly "Beat the Bookie" style feature previewing each of the weeks matches. Skeets will be interviewing Ricky to see who's in top form, who are the clubs to watch out for, as well as those important forecast banker homes, draws and aways... If any other fans want to add their views to the site by being "famous for fifteen", and want to see themselves on conferencefootball.tv you can contact Skeets via the PA Box at the club on matchdays, or by emailing him via the official website.

Stronger Opposition on Saturday

Hereford United will have a chance to prove to supporters how pre-season preparations are going when Swansea City visit Edgar Street on Saturday afternoon in the Bulls second pre-season friendly.

The Swans have brought in several new players recently and are said to be just two players short for a full squad of 23.

Brian Murphy takes over the number 1 shirt from Roger Freestone whilst the new signings are

Sam Ricketts , Kevin Austin , Adrian Forbes , Gary Fosken and Garry Monk.

Ricketts, who will have played against Hereford United in the Conference, came to the Vetch Field from Telford where he played in 52 out of their 56 games last season.

Meanwhile rumours circulating at Ludlow on Monday evening that a deal with goalkeeper Andy Marriot to move to Edgar Street could not be reached appear to be correct.

Chester pay Boston

Chester City have at last settled their debt with Boston for the transfer of Daryl Clare.

This is Lincolnshire have reported that Boston United have been paid the outstanding £20,000 owed by Chester City following striker Daryl Clare's transfer from Boston to the Deva Stadium.

Boston chairman Jon Sotnick confirmed the funds had cleared in the Pilgrims' bank account yesterday afternoon.The two clubs had been at loggerheads over the instalment which was agreed as part of Clare's 2002 switch and was to be paid once Chester had won promotion from the Conference.

Chester took ages to pay Hereford United for tickets for the last game of last season and are currently being closely looked at by Customs and Excise.

Tuesday, July 20, 2004

Charity Football Festival needs Teams

The annual Sue Parry six-a-side charity Football Festival, now in its fourth year, will again be held at the Hereford Leisure Centre on Sunday, August 8. Over 100 junior and senior teams are expected to take part in the tournament which raises money for St Michael's Hospice.

Entries are needed by July 26th

The junior tournament kicks off at 10am with the boys under 9s and under 10s and for the first time junior girls under 13s and under 15s and the senior matches start at 2pm.

Anyone can enter a team. If you already play in a team, what are you waiting for? If you don't but you love playing football, simply get together a group of eight friends, family, school or work colleagues (six players and two substitutes) and call Lyn Gummer on 01432-851000 for a booking form. Junior fees are £15 per team and Senior fees are £20. Teams can also be sponsored by games played or goals scored.

The Sue Parry Football Tournament is organised in memory of Sue Parry, a young woman from Hereford who died from cancer aged just 24, in 1999. She was a patient at St Michael's Hospice and loved watching football. Sue's mum Sandra said: "It makes me feel very proud that so many people will give so much to this appeal. Although Sue cannot be with us I feel that her memory lives on through the appeal work."

For a booking form contact Lyn Gummer at St Michael's Hospice by calling 01432-851000 or e-mailing lyn.gummer@st-michaels-hospice.org.uk

Young Tories back Bulls

The Young Tories in Hereford and Local Parliamentary Candidate Virginia Taylor will continue to support the local football team for 2004-2005 season.

They will be sponsoring a half page plus a quarter page in this seasons matchday programme, displaying their support for the Bulls.

Nick Vaughan, Herefordshire Young Tories Representative in Hereford said:

"We are also hoping to sponsor a match this season. Hereford United should be not a centre for party political football but a centre for our local campaign groups and politicians to promote the football club at every possible opportunity.

"I have supported Hereford since a kid, like many of the visitors to your website, and it is only right that do all within our means to support the Club, whether it be promoting the needs of the club, with our mouths or wallet!"

No Goalkeeper signing as yet

Hereford United have not yet signed a new goalkeeper despite numberous rumours. The Official Website reported these facts earlier this afternnon.

However the Evening News has quoted Graham Turner as saying he admits talks have been dragging over a new keeper but hoped to make a breakthrough in negotiations later in the week.

"We're still talking at the moment but I would hope things will be concluded by the end of the week because things have been going on a for a bit of time now," said Turner.

Meanwhile the Hereford United manager has confirmed that Graham Hyde, the former Sheffield Wednesday, Birmingham and Bristol Rovers midfielder, has been training with the Bulls.

Monday, July 19, 2004

Gould requests transfer

Johnathan Gould has asked for a transfer from Preston but whether this means he is coming to Edgar Street is unknown. Chairman Derek Shaw confirmed that on this occasion the rumours were true.

"It came about a little bit sudden," Shaw told the Preston Official website. "Jonathan Gould asked for a transfer in Ibiza last week."

The Chairman also went on to explain that there was nothing sinister in the transfer request and that it was simply a case of the player wanting to be nearer his family.

"You can understand and sympathise, his family is down in Bristol and Jonathan is up here all the time, it must be quite hard work and I think it is mainly family pressure and it has got to him a little bit and perhaps he wants to move on and get located a little bit nearer home."

United Notch Up first friendly win

Hereford United left Ludlow Town with a comfortable 4-0 victory in their first pre-season friendly. There were many trialists and youngsters on the bench but the first team was as expected, excluding Tony James who was left out but was not injured. This meant that Andy Tretton took the captains armband for the evening.

Ben Scott was in goal, and Simon Travis played as left wing back. Craig Stanley made his first appearence in the midfield, and Adam Stansfield was in the Hereford attack alongside David Brown. Andy Williams, Matt Rees (from Millwall), Daniel March (from Shrewsbury), Rob Taylor (from Stourport Swifts), Nathan Talbot (from Wolves), Adam Gwynne, Lewis Jones, Sam Gwynne and John Trewick all started on the bench but made appearances later on in the game.

It took the Bulls just eight minutes to get the ball into the net from debutant Adam Stansfield, but he was in an offside position when he followed up a blocked shot from the impressive Danny Williams. Williams went close minutes later forcing a good catch from the Ludlow 'keeper as he fired in a powerful twenty-yard drive. Stansfield made the goalie work again after nineteen minutes when he broke into the area, drove a powerful drive towards the top corner from a tight angle, but the keeper was equal to it and tipped it around the post.

The resulting corner, swung in by Williams, met the head of Tretton who powered the ball into the roof of the net to make it 1-0. The next chance almost saw an equaliser for the hosts. Tretton misjudged a bouncing ball, which allowed an attacker to nip in and drive a twenty yard shot against the post. Man of the match, Williams, almost doubled the lead just after the half hour mark when his powerful twenty yard volley, set up superbly by Simon Travis, stopped well the by goalkeeper.

Travis was very unlucky not to score in the thirty-ninth minute. He had space on the left wing and cut inside, struck a curling right-footed effort that rebounded off the upright. It was a minute before half time when Hereford's second finally came. Travis crossed from the left for Brown to head into the bottom corner.

The second half was far less eventful and was interrupted by substitutions from both sides. All the Hereford substitutes got a run out and they replaced Travis, Rob Purdie, Brown, Tretton, Williams, Mkandawire, Scott, Ryan Green and Adam Stansfield. United played the last five minutes with ten men, as Craig Stanley limped off with what appeared to be cramp.

Just before the hour mark the Bulls made it three. Stanley broke from his own half, played the ball to Stansfield on the left, who then returned the pass to Stanley in the box. Stanley found the far bottom corner with a low drive across the helpless goalkeeper.

Hereford's fourth was from a corner taken by Stanley and headed in by what appeared to be a Ludlow player, but Tom Smith took all the congratulations from his team mates. Ludlow Town made a few chances of their own in the last ten minutes and had it not been for some poor finishing and some good goalkeeping, then Hereford would have only won by a goal or two.

The game was a disappointment compared to last seasons demolition of 13-1, but the coaching staff at Hereford had a good chance to look at some trialists and youngsters. Maybe they will have a better idea of who they want to keep on after Saturdays fixture at Edgar Street when the Bulls host Swansea City.

Bulls win friendly

Hereford United defeated Ludlow by 4-0 this evening at the Coors Stadium in front of a crowd about 800 of which perhaps 600 were from Hereford. Full report to follow.

The start was delayed by five minutes as Hereford fans queued to get into the ground. But the game itself was a little disappointing as at times the Bulls failed to make the impact seen at Ludlow twelve months ago.

Tony James and Danny Carey-Bertram were left out of the team as well as Jamie Pitman who is recovering from his operation.

There were no new signings at the game but several trialists.

VAT office threaten Chester

HM Customs and Excise has brought proceedings against Chester City for unpaid VAT.

The Chester Evening Leader has reported that the matter is a historical issue which is likely to be contested by the club.

Chester City bosses have been called to attend a hearing which will be held at the High Court of Justice, Liverpool District Registry, at Queen Elizabeth II Law Courts, Derby Square, Liverpool, on July 26, at 10am.The company, incorporated in December 1994, has until 4pm on July 23 to reply to the petition for the winding-up.News of the winding-up petition appeared in the London Gazette on Friday, July 16.

At the weekend Chester were said by Boston still to owe money from the trasfer of Darryl Clare.

Bulls on Sky

Hereford United's away game against Accrington Stanley is to be shown on Sky.

The game will now be played on Monday Oct 11th instead of the previous Saturday.

Meanwhile ex-Hereford United striker Steve Guinan could miss several games for new club Cheltenham after his injury on Saturday. He was to have his knee scaned this afternoon to ascertain the extent of the damage.

It is thought that he has damaged the lateral ligament on the outside of the knee joint. This often takes between four and six weeks to heal.

Also, it is now confirmed that Jordan King has been signed by Redditch.

Assistant-manager Gary Whild said: ?Jordan has a very good pedigree and looked extremely impressive in training.?

Mondays Comment by Huw Williams

While pondering on what to write for this week's article for Bulls News, I started thinking about the internet and the huge difference it has made, and can make, for football supporters, particularly those, such as ourselves, who support the small clubs.

If you support Man United, Arsenal, or any of the other top-flight clubs, you have always been able to find out all you need to know, and more, from the national media. However, for years, as a Hereford supporter, my only source of information was the Hereford Times, whose coverage of the Bulls has never been much to shout about, and for the thirteen or so years when I lived away from Hereford, there was nothing at all.

I remember reading (in Talking Bull I think), of the struggle of a HUFC fan who was on holiday in New Zealand to find out the result of the Welsh Cup final. Now all he would need is access to the web in an Internet Café and he could read a full report a few hours after the final whistle.

As HUFC fans we have now access to a variety of sources. For up to the minute news, information and speculation the guys on this site do a great job. There's the official site, which is not quite so on the ball, but does feature long interviews with GT and so on. Then there's "From the Sticks", which is crude, irreverent and entertaining ? also quite educational: who would have thought that you would find a football site with a whole section devoted to that ancient English king, Cnut?

With access to the Internet, if you have something to say on any topic and a bit of time to spare, you can make your thoughts known to the world. The easiest way is via a fans forum, of which there are quire a number. I first found the confguide forum through the link on Terrys old website, and now visit it every day. It's full of wit and lively debate, and because it's open to all, quite a lot of crap as well. That's the beauty of it, everyone's opinion has equal weight, no one controls it, other than to try and ensure that nothing offensive, racist or downright libellous appears. Occasionally it gets bogged down in bickering as a result of some childish post from a rival supporter, but usually it makes for great reading.

There's a core of regulars on the forum, posting under some entertaining names: Len Weston's Last Stand, Parkabull (of season ticket fame), and Talie the Dragon Slayer's Dad (whaaaat???) to name but three. Many others, including me, only post occasionally, but it's a great way to share what other Bulls fans are feeling and talking about. There's a whole on-line community of supporters out there, and whether we are Hereford based, or exiled elsewhere in the world, we can all be part of it.

Sunday, July 18, 2004

Pre-Season games start this evening

The first pre-season game for Hereford United takes place this evening at the Coors Stadium, Ludlow, kick-off 7.30pm.

The Bulls should have everyone except Jamie Pitman available for the friendly and are likely to have a few trialists on show.

The Coors Stadium at Ludlow is on the north side of the town, close to the A49, opposite the Racecourse. Several hundred Hereford supporters are expected to attend.

Meanwhile speculation is high that Graham Turner could announce that he has added one or two new signings to the squad today. He is hoping to add a goalkeeper and midfielder to bring the number of players up to seventeen.

Updated Friendly List

Date...................Opponent...............Opponent's Division..Venue................Kick-off

Mon 19th July...Ludlow Town. (Fr).. Midland Alliance...Coors Stadium....7.30pm

Sat 24th July.....Swansea City.(Fr)..Division Two ..........Edgar Street.......3.00pm

Tues 27th July..Evesham..(Fr)...... Doc Martens West..Common Road...7.45pm

Sat 31st July......Wrexham.(Fr)..........Division One......... Edgar Street.......3.00pm

Wed 4th Aug......West Brom.(Fr).....Premier League......Edgar Street...... 7.45pm

Sat 7th Aug.......Wellington (HSCQF).West Mid Prem....Edgar Street.......3.00pm

Guinan injured at Friendly

Steve Guinan, formerly with Hereford United, was injured yesterday during the Cheltenham friendly with Birmingham.

The Cheltenham manager, John Ward, commented: "My only slight disappointment is that Steve Guinan has just nicked a knee ligament and it will probably be 24 or 48 hours before we know the extent of that. It's probably not as serious as we thought at first but I would rather wait until Monday to see how it settles down."

Meanwhile Richard Teesdale, released by the Bulls at the end of last season, has had a trial at York City.

Bulls still available at 9-1

Hereford United are still available at 9-1 to win the Conference with Coral. This price has been kept the same by the company for over a week.

Skybet are now offering the Bulls at 8-1, whilst most other companies are still around the 5-1 mark.

Carlisle remain favourites to win the Conference with odds from 3-1 to 4-1.

Of the others Aldershot, Morecambe and Stevenage can be found at 12-1.

Chester in trouble again

Chester City appear to be in trouble again. After the debacle over payment to Hereford United of money for match tickets, now it is the turn of Boston United to complain.

Boston are talking about reporting Chester City to the Football League over money owed to them from the Daryl Clare transfer.

Boston manager Steve Evans said: "Chester have been given extra grace by chairman Jon Sotnick to pay the final instalment for Daryl Clare but they've not done it. It doesn't surprise me but I know Chester will come under enormous pressure from the Football League."

He added: "Chester owe us money and they have not paid."

Saturday, July 17, 2004

Six Ex-Bulls at Redditch

Six former Hereford United players featured for Redditch this afternoon in their friendly with Swindon.

Matt Clarke wore the captains armband and both Matt Gardiner and Scott Voice were in the starting eleven.

Later in the game Jimmy Quiggin, Richard Leadbeater and Jordan King were brought on.

King, who moved to Hednesford late last season from Edgar Street, was understood to be on trial at the Valley Stadium.

Redditch lost the game 2-1.

Turner pleased to have Mkandawire back

Graham Turner has spoken to BBC Hereford and Worcester of his delight in getting Tamika Mkandwire back to Edgar Street. Below are extracts from the interview.

" It gives me a lot of options at the back and competition for places as we have got Andy Tretton, Tony James, Tom Smith and now Tamika. Four central defenders that I've got the highest regard for and there will be a hell of a scrap for the three places.

"I'm hoping over this weekend to sign a couple more players by securing the services of a senior goalkeeper and an experienced midfield player. If they sign that will bring us up to seventeen. And then it's just augmenting the squad when we see fit and when players are available.

"I think that if we get up to seventeen before the start of next week I'll be delighted with the work we have done this summer.

Talking about a few of the players Turner continued:" Danny Williams is looking very fit although we have only been training a week. Some of them are looking extremely good.

"Craig Stanley and Adam Stansfield both had very impressive performances in our testing at Gloucester University. They looked very fit and very sharp. So it's coming together nicely.

"I'm delighted with the contribution of John Trewick. I think when you lose somebody with the calibre of Richard O'Kelly, they are difficult to replace but John's come in, the players have taken to him, he's gained their respect immediately and I think he has added a lot to the training so far. I'm delighted to have him on board.

Returning to Mkandawire, Turner thought that West Bromwich were going to keep him.

"I spoke to West Brom towards the end of the season, they said they thought he had done well enough but whatever materialised he didn't sign for them and there were one or two problems so they decided to release him.

"I spoke to him and his agent at the end of last season. Then as the close season has gone on nothing happened at a higher level for him. John Trewick knew him from his West Brom days so gave him a phone call to wish him well and find out what was happening and so when we realised he hadn't signed for any body we got him in and he duly signed for us."

Conference News from Confguide

Conguide have published some useful news about the way the Conference Leagues will be run this coming season.

The following may be of interest to Hereford United supporters:

Clubs will now be able to play up to two long-term and two short-term loan players at a time. Short-term is defined as up to three months.

There are expected to be changes in the suspension rules although these are not yet confirmed by the FA.

For the forthcoming season, red cards will result in an immediate ban rather than a 14-day wait as currently implemented.

Every conference game has to be videoed by the home club, with the tapes to reach the FA by noon on the Monday (for Saturday games) - in time for potential appeal hearings. This still leaves a small window for appeal before a Tuesday game, but it's not clear what happens over, say, August Bank Holiday weekend, where clubs play on the Saturday and again on the Monday.

Sponsorship for the Conference includes £1.9 million from the Nationwide over three years and a minimum of £1 million from Sky TV over three years.

Umbro will be sponsoring the balls used in Conference matches.

Kia Cars are providing all Conference National clubs with a car.

Friday, July 16, 2004

Pitman hopes to be fit

Jamie Pitman is hopeful that he will be able to play in Hereford United's opening game of the season against Farnborough at Edgar Street on August 14th.

The midfielder, who recently had surgery on a hernia problem that he carried for much of the second half of last season, has spent the last week at Lilleshall's Football Centre regaining his fitness.

"I'll definitely be ready for the start of the season," Pitman told the Evening News.

"I've been working 9-5 at Lilleshall, doing strength work and some good rehabilitation. I've done a lot of flexibility stuff and plenty of bike work on the hills around Lilleshall. Hopefully when I get back I can take on board a lot of the stuff I've picked up here and do extra stuff in the afternoon after training."

"I just want to desperately get back and play after the disappointment of last season, though we have to look at the positive side and see what a great year we had and build on that.

"It was a great year and doing all this hard work at Lilleshall makes you realise just how great it is to actually just play and I can't wait to get back."

Pitmam also talked about the return of Tamika Mkandawire to Hereford United.

"It's great for competition for places and will be beneficial to the side, That's what we need. Everybody pushing each and playing to their potential.

"Tamika came on loan and did very well and now he's here for a year hopefully he can settle in and do even better. There is no doubting his qualities."

Exeter may charge more on Boxing Day

Exeter City may increase ticket prices for their Boxing Day match against Hereford United because of the extra cost of policing the Conference clash.Club officials are considering a universal £1 price hike to cover a potential £10,000 loss from having the encounter categorised as 'high-risk' according to the Exeter Express and Echo.

Exeter police have taken the decision to categorise the game as 'high risk' because they expect high numbers of travelling fans at the holiday derby game.The decision means more police officers will be on duty in and around St James's Park and the city before and after the match and the kick-off time will be brought forward to 1pm.

PC Roy Adams, of Exeter police, said: "We have to evaluate every game Exeter play. It is a relative 'local' derby and if we consider there are likely to be issues that require policing, then obviously we charge the club for that.

"The club do not have a say in that. We understand it is a lot of extra expenditure to the club, especially with it being a bank holiday game, but we have to consider people's safety at the game.

Grecians managing director Ian Huxham said City could be £10,000 out of pocket because police working on bank holidays are paid double time, the club would have to print tickets for away supporters, and they would lose money in the St James's Centre due to the early kick-off.And Huxham, who said he has 'no arguments with the police or their decision', has now asked fans for their thoughts on a potential price increase.

"With it being a high-profile game and on a bank holiday, we could be losing thousands of pounds,.So quite clearly we need to consider every option and that's all we are doing. We're not taking a decision now because if we're doing well in the league, enjoying huge gates and have a bumper crowd on Boxing Day, then it probably won't be necessary to have to ask fans to share the costs.

"But if we're having a difficult year we want people to understand that we may have to contemplate a one-off price rise and there is a justifiable reason for that."