Should he stay or should he go?

Bulls News contributers have reviewed how players have fared this season. The list below contains our views on who might stay at and who might go from Edgar Street and why. Whilst we agree about most players, we had to come to a compromise view over two of the squad.

Craig Mawson: Adequate replacement for Matt Baker. Hereford have conceded 41 goals this season in the Conference. Only Carlisle have conceded less. 18 of those goals came when Gould was at Edgar Street, and three when Scott was in goal against Carlisle. Compared with Gould who played in 14 games, and was an international goalkeeper, Mawson's record per game is superior.(Gould let in 1.29 goals per game, Mawson 0.82). Keep.

Ryan Green: Two halves to his season. First half troubled with injury, but proved himself again during the second half. Rumoured he wanted to leave Edgar Street, but his interview after the Play-offs suggested otherwise. Keep.

Simon Travis: A good season for Travis, who after Craig Stanley made the most appearances for the club. Said to be the fittest member of the squad after tests at Gloucester University early in the season, but Unfortunately troubled with injury over the last during the last six weeks when needed. Sometimes forced to play out of his best position. Keep.

Andrew Tretton: Another player who missed too much of the season through injury and then admitted he had returned too soon, Tretton is the back-bone of Hereford's defence. His recent partnership with Tamika Mkandawire has proved excellent only conceding 6 goals in the last 11 games. Could be offered captain's armband next season. Keep.

Tony James: For various reasons this has not been James' best season at Edgar Street. Firstly he has been linked to Yeovil, secondly he suffered a poor patch mid-season possibly after the birth of his child, and thirdly an injury at Hucknall Town which kept him out for the rest of the season. James has been at Hereford for seven years (296 appearances) and may feel it is time for a change.

Daniel Williams: His form this season have been generally solid but seldom outstanding, however he has scored 11 goals. Still looks too lightweight against physical teams and is not the dead-ball specialist he once looked capable of becoming. After three years at Hereford, maybe time for him to move on but could be kept as a squad player.

Jamie Pitman: A loyal Hereford player, but can not be said to have excelled this season. Missed out after being injured against Aldershot in September, and more recently has had problems with his shoulder popping out of position. Took over Captain's armband from James recently and leads well but not always by example. Keep, but he is probably no more than a squad player.

Adam Stansfield: Top goalscorer with 25 in all competitions, Stansfield has been a usefull acquisition. With better service he might be able to improve on that total. Sometimes he seems prone to go down too easily and gets caught offside too often. Keep.

Rob Purdie: On his day he can run circles around defences, but those days aren't very frequent. Another player who has had injury problems and missed several games. After three seasons at Hereford probably needs a change of club if his game is to improve. Release.

Daniel Carey-Bertram: Kept out of the side by Mills and Brown for much of the season, D C-B is still young enough to make a useful striker. 14 goals in twenty starts is a good return, most of them coming in the last two months. His goal in the play-offs at Stevenage will be remembered as perhaps the most celebrated goal of the season. Keep.

Ben Scott: The young reserve goalkeeper has had little chance to prove himself at Conference level this season, but has captained the reserve side and led them to the top of their league. With Mawson expected to stay, he may feel he needs to move but is adequate cover at present. Keep as a squad player.

Craig Stanley: We spent more time discussing Stanley's season than any other player. To his credit he has only missed one game all season when reputed to have a groin strain. However as yet he appears to lack confidence and sometimes looks lost on the park. Most of his six goals have come from long range efforts. Young enough to improve, but will have to show that improvement next season if he stays at the Street. On balance only keep if seen as a hope for the future.

Andrew Williams: A product of the Hereford youth set-up who might be worth keeping to see if he can make it. Not seen enough to take a fair view of his potential. Keep, only as a squad player at present.

Tamika Mkandawire: The player of the season. He is solid at the back and has seldom put a foot wrong, other than getting sent off against Burton which seemed a touch harsh. Has recently formed an excellent partnership with Andy Tretton. Keep if at all possible even if it means more money!

Graham Hyde: Of the three senior players that joined Hereford at the start of the season, Hyde has settled in well and played his part when called upon, particually recently. Probably more likely to challenge than any one else in midfield. Age may be catching up with him but could well cope for another season. Keep as a squad player.

Lee Mills: Mills has been relied upon to get the ball down and distribute it for the Bulls this season, but many opposing teams know his limitations and he has been marked well. Seldom been 100% fit this season and hasn't completed that many games, yet his 11 goals have been invaluable. He must be replaced by a younger, fitter version. Release.

Mark Robinson: The left footed player has taken time to make his mark but recently he has become a reliable member of the team as long as Turner goes with four at the back. Useful at taking corners and free-kicks and has the third highest number of starts this season. A good replacement for Michael Rose but has recently thought to have been looked at by several scouts. Keep if possible.

Sam Gwynne: Another lad from the youth set-up, who it is difficult to make a judgement on. Beleived to have been looked at by other clubs. Hopefully one for the future. Keep but only as a squad player.

Brian Smikle: Will return to West Bromwich where he has been offered a new contract.

Daryl Taylor: Loanee from Walsall who showed promise before being injured against York City. If released might be worth an enquiry.

Leroy Williams: Another loanee from Walsall, who was red carded on his first apearance for the Bulls. Probably better for someone else to improve as he looks very volatile.

There is no way of knowing whether this list will be accurate but our view is that few players will leave Edgar Street this time around, probably because the majority are not yet good enough to make the leap to a higher level of football.

If we are correct then Graham Turner could be looking for about six or seven additions. It could be more if players that he wants to keep move on to better clubs, as is being rumoured in the case of Robinson and Mkandawire. One thing is certain, whatever happens more height and strength is needed in the squad.

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