Bulls saddled with behind doors game

Hereford United are to play Walsall this week behind closed doors. Its come about because the Saddlers want to look at Spanish goalkeeper Rafael Gonzalez Robles.

The former Real Oviedo keeper has been on trial with Saddlers for the last two weeks and will be hoping impress further according to the Express and Star.

Walsall manager Paul Merson has arranged the private clash with Conference outfit Hereford to give Rafael the chance to shine again after he caught the eye with some smart saves against Redditch last week.

Saddlers had been hoping to run the rule over the former Spain under-23s man in this week's opening reserves match of the season at Sheffield Wednesday, but a lack of international clearance prevented him from playing.

New rules prevent foreign players gaining clearance until they sign for a new club, and without it rules prevent them playing in Pontin's League action.

Merson is keen to recruit another goalkeeper before the closure of the August transfer window, with inexperienced teenager Dean Coleman currently the only backup for No 1 Andy Oakes.

Former Hereford United stopper, Ben Scott, recently had a trial at Walsall.

Meanwhile Bulls manager Graham Turner could use the match to allow those in his 21 man squad who haven't played any or much Conference football to have a game.

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