With Denis Wise gone to Leeds United, Swindon Town are looking for a new manager.
Currently Ade Williams is in charge and everything points to him still being in charge next Saturday when Hereford United visit the County Ground.
Several high profile managers have been suggested as possible new managers. Paul Sturrock, Lou Macari, Teddy Sheringham, Brian Little, Martin Ling and Steve White have all been linked with the job.
Not long ago it might have been doubtful whether Swindon could have afforded any of the above as the club has had a CVA in operation.
The most recent Swindon CVA was agreed in 2002 with a repayment of 24p in the pound on debts the club owed.
The Robins had to pay the Inland Revenue, their major creditor, £130,000 by 21 June that year, four further annual instalments of £100,000 and a final payment of £900,000.
One of the reasons Swindon went into a CVA was the level of wages being paid to some players at the time. Neil Razor Ruddock was reported to be on £500,000 per year more than the entire Hereford United wage bill at the time.
Ruddock had played against Hereford United in the FA cup game the previous December.
At the time of the FA Cup game many of Swindon's financial problems weren't apparant but when the Robins failed to pay Hereford their share of the gate from the cup game within fourteen days alarm bells starting in Edgar Street.
Hereford were in a desparate financial state like Swindon at the time and needed the 18K gate money urgently. Eventually the debt was paid but not before the FA was called in.
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Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Swindon were in a CVA
SIXTY SIX MILES TO SWINDON!
Early references to Swindon Town reveal that in 1894, Rev. Williams Pitt was the first to employ professional footballers in the town. He may not have had the same problems retaining the services of his players, as the present club appear to be doing with their Managers!
The Bulls visit The County Ground on Saturday to play a team that, at the time of writing, are managerless following the departure of Dennis Wise to pastures new. Wise was the most recent in a long list of big names to have held the position including Ossie Ardiles, Glenn Hoddle and the mighty Jimmy Quinn! Swindon have however had their golden times. Notably, the Don Rogers era in the late sixties brought great success and many well-known scalps particularly in Cup competitions. Currently though they sit towards the top of what was once the fourth division following a string of impressive early season results. Recent form has been patchy and it may well be a good time to be taking on the Wiltshire outfit. Visiting supporters are accommodated in part of the Arkells Stand offering about 1200 covered seats with the overflow going in the seated but uncovered Stratton Bank End.
Saturday 4th November 2006
Swindon Town v HUFC
County Ground, Swindon. SN1 2ED
Kick Off 3.00 PM
BY CAR Leave Hereford on the Ledbury Road and turn right at the Trumpet. Follow signs for Gloucester through Dymock and Newent. Join the A40 and follow signs around Gloucester for Cheltenham and then Cirencester joining the A417. Continue to the top of Birdlip Hill (Air Balloon Pub) and follow A417 Cirencester. The A417 becomes the A419 near the Travelodge at Cirencester and you should continue on this road through Latton and Blunsdon. At the Turnpike (where the recently closed BP garage, Little Chef and Burger King were), take the third exit from the roundabout following signs for A4311 Swindon. Continue on this road passing Penhill Service Station (BP) and several roundabouts. Follow all Town Centre signs until you reach Transfer Bridges roundabout where you should follow M4 East/Town Centre and onto County Road. Next, you then come to the famous (in Swindon at least) Magic Roundabout. From here, follow the Swindon FC sign into Shrivenham Road where you will find The County Ground. There is some street parking around the ground but the advice is to use the facility at St Josephs School (£3). Distance 66 miles - allow 1.5 hours.
BY TRAIN Swindon station is a 10/15 minute walk from the ground. Walk to the end of the road and turn left into Manchester Road, through the traffic lights and at the junction turn right. The County Ground is about 300 yards along this road.
Trains leave Hereford at 10.20 and 10.55 and arrive in Swindon at 12.27 and 13.27 (Both involve a change at Newport). The return train leaves Swindon at 17.40 and arrives in Hereford at 19.24 with a change at Newport.
HUISA COACHES Contact HUFC office on 01432 276666
HUMADS COACH Contact Reg on 01684 572945
REFRESHMENTS Whilst there are many Pubs in the nearby Town Centre, it is not yet clear what advice is being given to Publicans by the local Plod. Past experience indicates that the Cricket Club (behind the Arkell Stand) accepts visitors. There are licensed outlets within the Arkell Stand. The Tap and Barrel in Manchester Road looks worth a call as does The Merlin in Drove Road while the usual Wetherspoons facilities are available at 22/23 Fleet Street. I will post any further guidance as and when I receive it.
Enjoy - Come on you BULLS
Walsall should bring good support to Edgar Street
Walsall are expected to bring a large following to Edgar Street on November 18th when they meet Hereford United for the first time in a League game for many years.
They have been offered nearly 1600 tickets and should there be enough demand more terrace tickets will be made available.
Their allocation is 1100 terrace tickets and 472 seated tickets.
With promotion to League Two, Hereford United said that admission prices would rise should the club be in the top seven in the League. However that rule may now be difficult to enforce as visting clubs often require details of ticket prices several weeks in advance of any game.
Walsall are quoting the usual Hereford United prices.
League and Non-League papers to continue
It looks as though reports on this website and many others last week that the League and Non-League papers were to close and a new paper called the Football Paper would be launched were premature.
The two papers were published last Sunday and will be in the newsagents next Sunday as usual.
John Lyons, the news editor of the League paper, has made the following comments.
"There have been internal discussions about amalgamating the two papers, but no final decisions have been made and the two papers will continue in their current format for the time being.
"If and when this changes, there will be major announcements in both papers to let our readers know."
Bluebirds push young players
Cardiff City are pushing their young players with the view to having more academy trained players in their first team squad.
Some of those players will be at Edgar Street for the friendly with Hereford United tomorrow.
"The key words for us are production line. Dave Jones (the Cardiff manager) wants to see players developing with us," youth Academy manager Lee Robinson told the Western Mail.
"Many of our players who would qualify for the under-18 team are playing regular reserve team football."
Lloyd Evans, James Simpson, Mica Chunuonsee and Mark Jones are among those playing for the reserves at Hereford United tomorrow.
"Our philosophy is to push young players through the system," said Robinson.
McLean Joins Peterboro
Peterboro have signed Aaron McLean from Grays on loan with a view to a permanent six figure deal.
The former Aldershot man, 'famous' amongst Bulls fans for his performances for the Shots, scored 23 times in 45 starts for Grays and will be in the Peterboro squad for tonight Johnstones Paint Trophy game.
In other news, Chester have completed the loan deal of Leyton Orient striker Lee Steele after fending off late competition from Boston, and Orient have also loaned winger Joe Keith to Shrewsbury for a month. The 28 year old was a regular in last seasons promotion winning side, and is expected to return to Orient after the month so is unlikely to feature in the Shrews FA cup tie with the Bulls.
Mkandawire makes League Two Team of the Week
Tamika Mkandawire has made the Football League Two Team of the Week for the second week running.
The Hereford United captain is the only Bulls player to make the team this week.
Monday, October 30, 2006
They're not very bright at Notts County
The Official Notts County Website has told its readers about the bringing forward of the Hereford United home fixture from Saturday December 23rd to the previous Friday evening.
Notts County maintain the change is 'in a bid to have a better attendance for the fixture.'
Hereford were against the idea, however having made contact with them on several occasions, unfortunately we did not receive a response either way and therefore had to take the matter up with the Football League, per The Football League regulations. says the Site.
Their stance doesn't tally with Graham Turner's comments last week. In Bullseye he said that the club had received a request from Notts County for a change.
"Taking into consideration the distance........ we declined the invitation to switch" said the Hereford United manager.
One question needs answering - if Notts County say they didn't receive a response from Hereford how did they know Hereford were against the idea?
Wallis move to Dover confirmed
As reported late on Saturday by Bulls News, John Wallis is going to Dover Athletic on loan for a month.
This, in full, is from the Dover Official Website:
JON WALLIS has signed for Dover on a one-month loan deal from League Two club Hereford.
Wallis, 20, who came through the youth academy at Gillingham and made 16 first-team appearances at Priestfield in League One last season, joins as cover for suspended John Keister and injured Danny Chapman.
The player is highly-rated by manager Clive Walker and will go straight into the side that travels to Godalming on Saturday. Chairman Jim Parmenter said: "We need some cover and had to bring someone in. The league is our priority this season and need to make sure we keep our eye on the ball there.
"With John suspended still and Danny injured, Jon can come to us and help overcome these problems.
"The games are going to be coming thick and fast during the next few weeks, so we need bodies. Jon can play anywhere across the midfield and can slot into the full-back positions too, so he gives Clive plenty of options.
"This deal has been struck because Jon knows Clive and Graham Turner, the Hereford manager, is a friend of Clive's. He knows that Dover Athletic are a good club and will look after him.
"Intitially, the deal is for one month but it could be extended."
Clive said: "Jon is a very skilful player and we're delighted to bring him to Crabble."
Wallis progressed through the youth ranks at Gillingham to sign his first proferssional contract, lasting one year, at the beginning of the 2005/06 season.
Wallis had been a mainstay in the youth and reserve teams at Gillingham and it was following some strong performances in the reserve team that boss Neale Cooper decided to hand Wallis his debut.
Although normally a central midfielder, Wallis made his debut at right back in the LDV Vans Trophy match at home to Crawley. Gillingham won 2-0 that night in a game that went to extra-time and Wallis played exceptionally well in an unfamiliar position.
In particular, Wallis showed a willingness to get forward to support the attack, and was involved in the thick of the action when he cleared a goal-bound effort during normal time.
He was released by Gillingham in May and signed for Hereford United.
Coleman spoke to Ref about Superman Brown
The Accrington Stanley manager has admitted to the Lancashire press that he spoke to the referee after Saturday's game about Hereford United's goalkeeper Wayne Brown.
"The keeper's made a couple of good saves. But he made a couple of horrendous chances and got away with both of them - one in the first minute and one in the last - and there's no place for that in football," said John Coleman.
"But that's why we have officials and hopefully he won't get away with too many more of them.
"I thought that just because the goalkeeper's got the ball or goes for the ball doesn't give them a licence to kick people. Unfortunately, what I saw on Saturday, is when the keeper had the ball in his hands he kicked Andy Todd in the middle of his chest and the referee gave a foul. Now if it's a foul for him putting his chest into the keeper's six studs the game's changed since I played.
"And then there was a horrendous challenge on Ian Craney.
"He's got the ball with a great save but then Ian's tried to hurdle him and he's deliberately stuck his feet into his knees, and that's poor.
"I don't want to draw too much of that into the game.
"You could maybe say it could have affected the game because he could have given a penalty for either incident.
"But you don't get penalties for them and I'm not expecting them, but I just don't think it's fair that two of our players got hurt.
"The second one could have put Ian Craney out for a long time, and there was no need for it. He'd made the save, just get on with it."
Graham to ref Swindon game
Fred Graham from Essex is to referee next Saturday's away game at Swindon.
The last time the Bulls played at Swindon in December 2001 the referee was Phil Joslin.
He was accused of missing a possible penalty which had it been converted could have changed the result of the Second Round FA Cup game.
With fifteen minutes left, Gavin Williams was brought down in the Swindon box with an elbow. The referee failed to notice the incident, and no penalty was awarded. reported HU-FC.co.uk at the time.
One minute later Swindon went 3-2 ahead and eventually won the tie.
The Hereford line-up on the day was:
Matt Baker, Matt Clarke, Tony Capaldi, Scott Goodwin, Ian Wright (captain), Tony James, Jimmy Quiggin (off, 83 minutes), John Snape, Rob Elmes (off, 83 minutes), Gavin Williams, and Paul Parry.
Subs: Mark Williams, Lee Evans, Alex Kevan (on, 83 minutes), Steve Piearce, and Danny Davidson (on, 83 minutes)
Scorers: Danny Invincible - Swindon (11 minutes), Gavin Williams - Hereford (14 minutes), Ian Wright - Hereford (27 minutes), Paul Edwards - Swindon (53 minutes), Bobby Howe - Swindon (76 minutes).
Hollins Walks As Crawley Fail CVA
UPDATED: John Hollins has quit as manager of Crawley Town on the day the club failed their CVA deadline.
A statement from supervisors Begbies Traynor stated: "The joint supervisors confirm that only limited funds have been received by the 4pm deadline for the monies to be received from S A Retail Limited in settlement of the monies required pursuant to the Company Voluntary Arrangement of Crawley Town Football & Social Club Limited."
A further meeting of creditors will now be held to discuss the current situation.
Hollins departed Broadfield Stadium this morning along with assistant Alan Lewer and is now one of the favourites to take over at Grays, who axed their manager on Saturday. Crawley have taken 22 points so far this season, which would have been good enough for mid-table if the club had not started on -10 points. Hollins has relied on loan signings, non-contract and youth players to assemble a squad.
The Non League Paper reports that the deadline for Crawley to make the CVA payment was 4pm today and the news of Hollins departure was seen as a negative sign by Crawley's fans. Owners, the Majeed brothers, have placed one of their homes up for sale in order to cover the cost but it has not sold, and their flagship bar in Brighton has been shut by Police for three weeks after repeated violence at the venue.
Midday kick-off for Cup game
Shrewsbury Town have confirmed that the First Round FA Cup game against Hereford United will start at 12 noon on Saturday November 11th.
Hereford United supporters will need to purchase their tickets in advance as the game is all ticket for Bulls supporters. Tickets will be on sale from the Club office from Friday at £13 (£8 conc) terrace, and £15 (£10) stand. The club will be opening the office late on Tuesday 7th November, the same night as the youth FA Cup tie, until 8pm for ticket sales.
The club has also announced that they will take credit card bookings for this game which should help fans who don't live close to Hereford. More details on the Official Website.
The game will not be televised as BBC Sport have decided to show the Weymouth against Bury game on the Sunday and Sky are showing Macclesfield against Walsall on the Monday.
Meanwhile, the official site is reporting that the Reserves will get a run out against Cardiff on Wednesday at noon.
Preview: Swindon vs Bulls
The Bulls travel to managerless Swindon Town for the first time since 2001 in the FA Cup.
That day the Robins ran out 3-2 winners with Gavin Williams and Ian Wright giving the Bulls a half time lead. Not one player from either side remains with their respective clubs. The last League clash between the sides was 20 years ago with the home sides victorious on both occasions. Overall, Swindon have the edge with nine wins to six and one draw.
Swindon lie fourth in the table after a weekend defeat to table toppers Lincoln. They share the best defensive record in the division with Wycombe but have not found goals too easy to come by, going down to single goal defeats in two of the last three games. Top scorer is five goal Lee Peacock, who cost Bristol City £600,000 in 2000, with midfielder Paul Evans, who chose Swindon over the Bulls, weighing in with four goals.
The Bulls sit eight points, but only four places, below Swindon after back to back wins. The introduction of loan signings John Eustace and Neil Mackenzie have certainly given the Bulls a fresh lease of life and, while most Bulls fans expect Eustace to return to Stoke at the end of his months loan spell, Mackenzie's encouraging debut is hoped by many to be the first of many for the club.
Swindon Town vs Hereford United, County Ground, Saturday November 4th, 3pm.
Penney Named Darlo Boss
Former Doncaster manager Dave Penney has been named as the new manager at Darlington.
Penney left Doncaster earlier in the season after 'taking the club as far as he could'. He guided them to promotion from the Conference to League One in his five years in charge, losing just 62 of 241 games.
One of the current caretaker managers Martin Gray has been named as his assistant. The club also intend to appoint a Director of Football in the near future.
News Round Up
Grimsby have released Peter Beagrie by mutual consent, practically ending the career of the oldest outfield player in the Football League. The 40 year old, one month short of his 41st birthday, played 778 times in a career that started in 1983.
Torquay are set to release veteran midfielder Darren Garner, citing his age as the main reason. Garner, 34, joined the club in 2005 but was only given a three month deal at the start of this season. Shrewsbury have extended the contract of striker Michael Symes until the end of the season. Symes, with 5 goals in 12 games, signed from Bradford initially on loan but agreed full terms shortly after.
Scunthorpe boss Brian Laws has told the press that it will take and 'exceptional offer' for him to leave Glandford Park. Laws is on the shortlist of three for the vacant Sheff Weds job, and Bulls loanee Neil Mackenzie may be looking for a brighter future at the club if the management changes.
Grays have sacked manager Frank Gray after Saturday's FA Cup defeat to Bromley. The club had won just two of the last 11 games, and were sitting 9th in the table. Burton are hopeful on capturing Boston striker Anthony Elding. The former Stevenage man has had an unsuccessful return to the club where he started his career and turned down a loan move to Chester for somewhere closer to his Lincolnshire home.
James and Parry are Wilderness favourites
Tony James and Paul Parry have been voted joint most popular Hereford United players during the period in the Conference.
Subscribers to the new Hereford United book - The Wilderness Years - were asked to vote for their favourite player when ordering their copy.
The Top Six Players:
Joint 1st Tony James and Paul Parry
3rd Tamika Mkandawire
4th Ian Wright
5th Steve Guinan
6th Gavin Williams
The list contained 32 different players.
Of the other players currently with the club Rob Purdie, Simon Travis, Alex Jeannin, Andy Williams and Wayne Brown all received support.
And manager Graham Turner and former coach Richard O'Kelly also made the list.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Ticket information for Swindon
Hereford United are expected to take a large following to Swindon Town next Saturday especially after their last two results.
Wins against MK Dons and Accrington Stanley will have increased the interest in the Bulls and as Swindon is under two hours from Herefordshire and close to the M4 for supporters living in the South East, there could be close to 1,000 fans at the County Ground for the game.
Tickets are available from Edgar Street. However callers are being asked to pay in cash or by cheque.
For supporters who can't get to Hereford and wish to order tickets at the early bird price, there is the option to call the Swindon Town ticket office on 08704431894. Credit Cards can be used for payment.
Tickets are Adults £18, Concessions (Senior Citizens and Students) £13, Children (15 and under) £7.
Tickets bought on the day will cost £2 more.
Youth FA Cup Date Set
The Bulls FA Youth Cup First Round game against Bristol Rovers has been set for Tuesday, November 7th at Edgar Street.
Entrance will cost £3 (£1 concessions) and the game kicks off at 7.45pm.
In Saturday's South West Conference match between the two sides, home side Rovers ran out 3-2 winners with Darren Andrews and Tom Harding both scoring from distance for the Bulls.
Eustace makes team of the week
John Eustace is included in this week's League Paper Team of the Week.
However he is the only Hereford United player named. Perhaps a little unfortunately, Accrington's Ian Dunbavin makes the Sinners Team after his mistake that allowed Connell to score.
Meanwhile ex-Stevenage player Anthony Elding has told the paper why he didn't want to move to Chester. There had been reports that he was to swap teams with Drewe Broughton who has moved to Elding's current club Boston.
"I don't want to move so far away on-loan. I'm base in Boston and my family are here. If the gaffer wants me to go out on-loan I will, but I'd prefer it to be more local."
Finally one of the League paper's columnists is Bob 'the Cat' Bevan, the very same gentleman who is due to speak at the Hereford United's Sportsmans dinner next Thursday.
Turner supports Fans against Notts County change
The Hereford United manager has said that the club was not in agreement with the request to switch the pre-Christmas game at Notts County from Saturday to the previous evening.
"I beleive the switch is a total disregard for supporters, merely one with finance uppermost in mind," Graham Turner told Bullseye, the Hereford United match programme.
"To all of our supporters who will be unable to make the journey or now will be entangled in the worst traffic jams of the year, I can only sympathise and say we were totally against the decision.
"The Football League stepped in and forced us to change."
Meanwhile Turner has revealed that an FA Drug Testing Squad recently visited Hereford United.
He said that men in suits paid an unannounced visit to the training ground and escorted four players back to Edgar Street for urine samples.
"The whole operation was done efficiently and with a great deal of co-operation," said Turner.
The club hadn't received the results of the tests when the article was written.
"It is another campaign to be totally supported," commented Turner.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Sportsman's Dinner Thursday
Next Thursday evening provides an opportunity for Hereford United fans to give extra financial support to the Club by attending the excellent Sportsman's Dinner at the Three Counties Hotel. Guest speaker is Bob "The Cat" Beavan who is well known for his hilarious after dinner speeches. Tickets are reasonably priced at £30 to include a full evening meal.
It is hoped that each table will have one of the players join the ticket buyers for the evening to add to the occasion. Tickets are available from the Club office during normal hours (01432 276666).
Wallis may be going out on loan
Speculation that Jonathan Wallis is expected to join Dover Athletic next week for a loan spell at the Kent club has not been confirmed by either club as yet.
Wallis pictured at the pre-season open day.
20 year old Wallis was given the number seven shirt at the start of the season but has not started a League Two game for Hereford United.
He arrived at Edgar Street from Gillingham with Richard Rose.
Wallis was born at Gravesend so will be returning to the county of his birth if the move goes ahead.
Ex-Bull Watch
Craig Stanley is the Morecambe hero tonight after an injury time winner saw the Shrimpers into the first round with a 2-1 win at Moor Green, who featured Danny Davidson in their squad. Exeter brought Adam Stansfield on late after the goals had come as they beat AFC Wimbledon 2-1. The Dons brought 1200 fans with them to Exeter.
In League Two Mark Robinson started, and Michael Rose made a brief subs appearance back from injury, as Stockport recorded their fourth win in five at Rochdale. Chris Mackenzie wasn't even on the bench for Shrewsbury as they drew 0-0 with Torquay.
In League One, Steve Guinan was also given the day off as Cheltenham shuffled the forward line again to try and find goals, but none came in the 2-0 defeat to Nottm Forest. They've scored just five goals in the last ten games.
In the Championship, Paul Parry supplied the first from a corner as Cardiff drew 2-2 with Derby. They remain top of the league with a 4 point gap, while in the Premiership Gavin Mahon was booked late on as he captained Watford to a rare clean sheet in a 0-0 draw with Spurs.
Todays Post-Match Comments
Accrington manager Jon Coleman was back out onto the Edgar Street turf within minutes of the players leaving the pitch and I asked him straight away for his thoughts on the game.
"I thought we played some of our best football in the second half, we didn't look in any danger and then the goalkeeper makes a mistake but I won't beat him up. If we play like that, we'll win more than we lose. Hereford are a good side and so are we. We needed to guard against them getting up a head of steam particularly kicking towards the home end. The fans here create a great atmosphere and tend to suck the ball in. They certainly did today with that goal today but I thought we'd kept them fairly subdued today in fact if you look at the game as a whole I think you'll find we created the better chances and on another day we would have won the game. But, fair play to Hereford they've kept going and won the game."
I asked John if his decision to start with David Brown was influenced by the fact that he was an Ex Bull.
"I would be lying if I said it wasn't but the fact is that Boco has had a scan on his back and it was a straight toss-up between Browner and Andrew Mangham and we thought we'd more out of starting with David and finishing with Andrew I and I think it proved to be the case. I thought they were both a threat in their own ways."
I then asked John what the situation was with Andy Tretton as he does not appear to have had a lot of football since his move to Accrington.
"He's had a rough time with injuries, a couple of operations but we're hoping he'll be fit to resume training in a month or so with a view to playing competitively in January."
Meanwhile our own Gaffer, Graham Turner was a little less talkative.
"It was a messy performance in that I thought we played quite well at times passing it but we conceded a few chances to them. We always knew that the strength they had was up front. They've got some decent players up front and going forward from midfield and they showed that. At the same time, we had a lot of the ball and got ourselves into some good positions but without the final pass being produced. But in the end, you've got to take the points. We've had a few games when we've felt unlucky not to come away with something, today we've perhaps had a shade of luck but the three points are very welcome. We had a few situations which we could have done better with but if you don't shoot, you don't score and Alan Connell has come here with a reputation as a goal scorer and I can see why now."
League Two Results Round-Up
Paul Ince's Macclesfield Town (as they will now be known) held the lead twice but lost 3-2 at home to Mansfield. The attendance of 2599 was the biggest of the season and 500 up on their average. In the other relegation spot, Boston lost 1-0 to Wycombe (3rd). Both sides had a man sent off with Boston's Drewe Broughton being dismissed on his debut on loan from Chester. Boston are now three points inside the relegation zone, and Macclesfield 10, after Barnet's 1-0 win over Chester.
At the top Lincoln move top after their 1-0 win over Swindon (4th), while Walsall slip to second after a goalless draw with MK Dons (6th). Notts County stay fifth after a 1-0 home loss to Bury, and Peterboro round out the play-off spots after twice coming from behind for a 2-2 draw with 10-man Grimsby.
Hartlepool and Darlington shared the points in a 0-0 draw, as did Torquay and Shrewsbury , and Stockport won 3-1 at Rochdale. In the other game Wrexham beat Bristol Rovers 2-0.
Connell scores lucky goal
Alan Connell, who scored the only goal this afterrnoon, noted that it's was the Bulls first back to back win in League Two.
"We're delighted with the three points," Connell told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"First half we were probably a bit better than in the second half when normally it's the other way around at home."
Connell admitted it looked as though the game was heading for a draw.
"It looked like that. I thought they were a decent side. Craney in midfield is a good player.
"In this League you need a little bit of luck which is what we got. We kept persevering and we got our reward in the end."
Alan Connell celebrating his goal today - picture by Andy Compton of the Hereford Journal
"I called for it, didn't catch it how I wanted to, but it went into the back of the net."
The stats for the game show that Hereford had ten goal attempts, seven of which were on target, against Stanley's six.
As regards fouls Hereford had seven but Stanley had eleven.
Both Hereford's Williams and Connell were booked for 'unsporting behaviour'.
Midfielder John Eustace was given an eight. Most other Hereford players received a seven.
It's Shrewsbury away in the FA Cup
Hereford United will travel up the A49 to Shrewsbury Town for their first round FA Cup game.
The match will take place on the weekend of November 10/11/12.
The police may determine the time and date.
Back to Back
A 1-0 victory over Accrington Stanley gave Hereford United their first back to back victories of the season at Edgar Street this afternoon. United though, made a couple of changes to the side that started against MK Dons, as they hoped to kick on from that impressive result. Rob Purdie, as he did last weekend, deputised in place of the injured Trent McClenahan and Richard Rose lost his place to new loan signing Neil Mackenzie.
The Bulls started the game in a generous manner, as they gifted possession to old Conference rivals Stanley, though the Lancashire outfit couldn't take advantage. Hereford had to work for their chances, and did so very well, with some good play in a midfield that, for once, wasn't over-run! Andy Williams had picked out Alan Connell after some neat approach play, however Connell's first time effort was saved by Ian Dunbavin.
Connell had a better chance with twenty three minutes on the clock, as Williams hit a loose ball, which was deflected into the path Connell. He lifted the ball over the 'keeper, but just wide of the near post as well. Mackenzie had a low shot soon after, as once again Hereford built up the attack well with some decent passing.
The visitors had a rare glimpse of goal as a long ball evaded Tamika Mkandawire, allowing Sean Doherty to get in behind, but his low drive was claimed well by Wayne Brown, before Williams had a chance on the stroke of half time. Connell had picked out Stuart Fleetwood to the left of the box, but the ball was knocked out of his path by Michael Welch into Williams'. However, he shot tamely allowing Dunbavin a simple save.
The Reds had what was probably their best opportunity of the game a minute after the restart, and it was ex-Bull David Brown who should have netted. Andy Todd burst through the middle and centred from the by-line, where Brown was denied by his name-sake at the near post. Fleetwood was always looking dangerous with his pace, and it was his charge forward before releasing Alex Jeannin down the left that almost resulted in the opener. Williams, who'd got between the two centre backs, was just short of the Frenchman's whipped cross though.
Fleetwood was then to be denied by another good Dunbavin save, tipping the red-headed strikers low shot around the post, before, at the other end Andy Mangan latched onto a top through ball, but Wayne Brown again came out on top, blocking the first effort before forcing a goal kick. With eleven minutes left, and, despite having in general the better of things, Graham Turner replaced Williams, who'd recently been booked along with Connell, with Tim Sills and six minutes later, it paid off.
Before the goal finally came, Connell forced another good save from Dunbavin, who was having a good game, with a fierce effort after the ball had fell to him when Stanley cleared a corner. Dunbavin's afternoon turned into a nightmare though, as he made a shocking mistake with just five minutes left, gifting the victory to United.
Sills had got his head under a long ball forward, and the ball fell to the edge of the box, where Connell took authority over Fleetwood to meet the dropping ball on the volley. He didn't catch it cleanly though, and the ball made it's way, at no great pace, towards goal. Dunbavin, seemingly having a simple task, somehow allowed the ball to roll through his arms and creep into the bottom corner, to send all but the 122 away fans in a crowd of 3,391 into raptures.
Dubavin looks back as Connell's winner goes into the net - picture by Andy Compton of the Hereford Journal
John Coleman's side couldn't muster up a fight back in the remaining minutes, though Wayne Brown did have to rush out to deny Ian Craney in injury time, but otherwise, the Hereford goal was under no threat. Coleman still had something to complain about when the final whistle sounded, as he immediately ran to the referee to give his opinion on a couple of matters.
All in all, 1-0 was probably the right result in the end, as Hereford just about edged play. United had more control on the game today than they have done in previous outings to date, undoubtedly due to the introduction of John Eustace and Mackenzie into the middle of the park.
HUFC: Brown, Mkandwire, Beckwith, Gulliver, Jeannin, Purdie, Eustace, Mackenzie, Connell, Fleetwood, Williams. Subs: Rose, Thompson, Ferrell, Webb, Sills.
ASFC: Dunbavin, Edwards, Welch, Williams, Cavanagh, Todd, Proctor, Craney, Doherty, Mullin, Brown. Subs: Elliot, Harris, Boco, Mangan, N'da.
Bulls Gifted Winner In Entertaining Match
The Bulls beat Accrington 1-0 in today's League Two encounter.
In what was a highly entertaining match which swung from end to end for the majority of the game, it was a fluffed save by Accy keeper Ian Dunbavin from an Alan Connell shot that gave the points to the Bulls.
The win moves the Bulls up to eighth in the table. 122 Accrington fans made the trip south.
Full report later.
Eustace has composure says Mkandawire
Hereford United captain Tamika Mkandawire is hoping the Bulls can play as well as they did at MK Dons last Saturday against Accrington Stanley this afternoon.
"Just because Accrington were in the Conference with us last season it doesn't mean it will be an easy game," Mkandawire told the Western Daily Press.
One of the Accrington management team being sent to the stands at last seasons game betwen the two clubs.
"They are also doing well but we are coming off the back of a good win so touch wood we will get another three points.
"But nobody in the team will be counting their chickens.
"We were really happy with our win over the Dons, when I thought we worked really hard.
"I don't think they expected us to be that good. To our credit we defended well for long periods of the game and countered them quite well.
"Johnny Eustace has made a big difference. He has played at the highest level and has the composure to get on the ball and pick out the passes for our strikers."
Eustace has also spoken to the WDP.
"I thought we could have come away from Milton Keynes with even more goals than we did," he said. "Stuart Fleetwood and Andy Williams worked their socks off and Alan Connell got us off to a great start."
Betting from SkyBet:
Hereford 11/10 Draw 9/4 Stanley 2/1
Bulls await FA Cup Draw
Sir Trevor Brooking will host the FA Cup first Round draw which takes place at 5.10pm this afternoon on both Sky Sports News and BBC One.
England rugby stars and World Cup winners Will Greenwood and Neil Back are joining Brooking to pick out the eighty balls.
Hereford United are in this draw and they are ball number twenty two.
There is £16,000 for the winning sides in Round One.
Television money is £75,000 for each of the four teams that will be featured. One game will be live on both Sky Sports and BBC One.
Assuming at least one game is drawn, Sky Sports is planning to show one replay and that will also be worth £75,000 to each club.
The first round games take place on the weekend of November 10/11/12.
"The FA Cup itself remains in great health - this year is the 126th anniversary of the competition and a record 687 teams registered to take part," commented Brooking.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Reports from Edgar Street
BBC Hereford and Worcester will be covering tomorrow afternoon's game from Edgar Street where Accrington Stanley are the visitors.
Chris Williams will be their reporter.
BBC Radio Lancashire are also covering the game with full live commentary.
More from Accy's Coleman
Never one to shy from the media, Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman has been quoted by various Lancashire newspapers on how he hopes to get revenge on Hereford after failing to defeat them at Edgar Street last season.
"They will feel they were more of a league side than us with being in touch with the league when we weren't for 44 years," Coleman said.
"They have been a big club in non-league football for a long time and now they're trying to be a big club in the league, just as we are.
"Last year we were very disappointed we didn't win there," he continued.
"I think we would have probably closed up the title if we had won there.
"I was bitterly disappointed after the game with the circumstances - after being 2-0 up, them scoring in the 96th minute and Danny Ventre getting harshly sent off."
After all that Coleman does offer some praise to the Bulls.
"It's nice to see Hereford doing well because it enhances the value of our Conference win last year.
"If the team that had come up with us had struggled, or we had struggled ourselves, maybe people would have thought (the Conference) wasn't that good a league.
"It was a good league to win last year. It was a really difficult league to win.
"This league is posing its own problems in itself.
"Carlisle didn't get the best of starts last season but went on a great run and got promoted.
"I'm sure Hereford feel the same way as us - if you can get on that run you can get promoted.
"Hereford got a particularly good start and we didn't. It's started to balance itself out now.
"They will feel that maybe they had a bit of a head-start on us on that. But when it comes down to it it's 11 against 11.
"We'll be going all out to win and I'm sure we'll bring a lot more than the 12 (supporters) who came when we played them in the FA Trophy replay a couple of seasons ago.
"Our away support has been fantastic - they really get behind the players and I know they appreciate.
"Hereford historically have good crowds against us so it will make a great atmosphere tomorrow.
"They'll be buoyed by a fantastic away win last week at Milton Keynes Dons. They'll be coming into this game bubbling and full of confidence and I'm sure they will want to put one over on us for their fans for the fact that we won the league and they didn't.
"Apart from the game we lost in the FA Trophy replay a couple of years ago, when Mike Flynn got sent off early on, I think we've acquitted ourselves well there and played some good football, so hopefully we will go one step further than last year and hopefully we can get that win."
Iron Fined Over JPT Team
Scunthorpe have been fined £4,500 for fielding an understrength side in last weeks Johnstones Paint Trophy game with Bradford.
The Iron fielded just three of the required six regular first teamers, including new Bulls loan signing Neil Mackenzie in the side. Hartlepool were also given a suspended £1,500 fine after naming only five in their win over Rotherham.
Hereford's facilities way behind says Turner
Graham Turner has told the Worcester News that the facilities at Edgar Street are lacking when compared with some grounds the Bulls have played at this season.
"When going to places like MK Dons, I always have a good look around the club and read the programme.
"They are due to move into a 25,000-capacity, state-of-the-art stadium and if you look at the vast majority of stadia in League Two, the organisation and set-up of clubs, then it is evident that our time in the Conference has left us way behind the facilities and structure of most clubs that we are competing against.
"Reading the programmes of the clubs we go to, at almost every game it is evident that they have full-time academy set-ups and players coming through those academies to be in the reckoning for first-team football.
"They have the supporter facilities, bars, commercial structures - everything to provide finance for running the club.
"I am sure that those supporters who have followed us away from home this season will realise just what a difference there is between the grounds in League Two compared with the Conference.
"The raising of finance to support a Football League club in off-the-field activities is absolutely vital.
"We are very limited at Edgar Street - we have the Legends Bar which is franchised out, we have the Vice-Presidents Club which is once again thriving, and we are just converting a small part of the old Sportsmans Club to sponsorship rooms."
Accy aim to keep eleven on pitch tomorrow
The Accrington Observer is reporting comments from Ian Craney, the Accrington midfielder that they hope tomorrow's game doesn't result in any red cards for his team. In their last four games at Edgar Street, Steve Halford, Mike Flynn and Danny Ventre have all been given red cards.
"We were talking about that the other day," said Craney. "And it does always seem to be one of those games that has controversy but hopefully tomorrow will be a straightforward Accrington win!
"There is a lot of rivalry between the teams, especially because of the game last season, but the players just tend to get on with it."
Defender Robbie Williams remembers the last game against Hereford.
"It was one of those games that ended badly but there are no real bad memories from last season," he said. "They are all good memories because we won the league. But we do know we have to make sure we end the game with 11 players and a victory there for once would be very nice."
Stanley will be without Leam Richardson who is suspended and there is a doubt about captain Peter Cavanagh who is recovering from a calf injury.
As regards Hereford United, there are slight doubts about several players who have missed the last game or two. According to BBC Sport defenders Martyn Giles (head), Simon Travis (hamstring) and Trent McClenahan (knee) all face fitness tests.
But with a larger squad at Edgar Street than for many years, manager Graham Turner has plenty of options.
New loan signing Neil Mackenzie is expected to feature in midfield with Hereford's other loan signing John Eustace.
Notts Co Date Change
Hereford United have confirmed that the away trip to Notts Co has been moved back a day to Friday, December 22nd.
A report on the official site says the club objected to the move, but the Football League sanctioned the change on the last Saturday before Christmas. Kick off time will be 7.45pm.
News Round Up
Macclesfield have appointed Ray Mathias as assistant to Paul Ince. Mathias was previously manager at Wigan and Tranmere, but also spent a highly unsuccessful spell as Chester caretaker after Mark Wright's initial walk out.
Boston have beaten the Silkmen to the loan signing of Chester striker Drewe Broughton. Another of Wright's summer signings, he scored twice in 15 games. Boston have released Rangers striker Bob Davidson from his loan deal to accomodate Broughton. Chester are now expected to complete the loan signing of Leyton Orient striker Lee Steele. They are also giving a trial to Sheff Utd defender Nick Travis with a view to a loan deal. Meanwhile the much derided former Chester boss Gordon Hill, who was in the spotlight during American Terry Smith's unsuccessful stint at the club, is in the frame for the managers job at Rushden.
Peterboro have been rebuffed in a move for Swansea top scorer Leon Knight. The newly cash-rich club made an acceptable offer to Swansea but the player has no intention of dropping down the leagues after 20 goals in 25 games for the Swans.
MK Dons defender Ben Chorley, the subject of much derision after the Bulls win last Saturday, has joined Gillingham on a three month loan deal. The Dons have also transfer listed Welsh international defender Craig Morgan, who is currently on loan at Wrexham. Grimsby have extended the loan spell of Stevenage striker Tony Thorpe for another month. The veteran has failed to score, but set up both goals in the Bulls defeat there earlier in the month.
Swindon have named a caretaker management team of Ady Williams and Barry Hunter. Hunter was most recently sacked as player-boss at Rushden, while Williams was Dennis Wise's captain after his arrival from Coventry in the summer.
Torquay have signed Southampton's young defender Kyle Critchell on a two month loan. The Welsh u-21 international missed last season with a cruciate ligament injury. The Gulls have also extended the loan of Leo Fortune-West for another month from Rushden.
Shrewsbury have signed keeper Scott Shearer on loan from Bristol Rovers for three months after Preston recalled Chris Neal from his spell at the club. Shearer will act as cover for ex-Bull Chris Mackenzie.
Aldershot boss Terry Brown is said to be on the brink of dismissal, according to the Aldershot News. Defeat in Saturday's FA Cup match at Haverhill Rovers is expected to seal his fate.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Non-League Paper closes
The Non-League Paper is closing. Next Sunday will be the last editon.
The paper was recently taken over by its third owners in four years. Non-League Media started the paper but then sold it to Greenway Media.
It went bust last June owing £750,000 and was then bought by BHT Media. Several West Midlands press reporters and cameramen were thought to be owed money by the paper.
London-based Greenways Media Ltd published both the 'Non League Paper' and the 'League Paper' and has a total turnover of £2.2 million. The appointment of the joint administrators was made following the discovery of financial irregularities and after the board of directors had taken legal advice. The company is continuing to trade whilst the joint administrators seek a buyer for the business and assets. was a comment from the administrators, Vantis, at the time.
It is not known if BHT Media is in trouble.
Conference coverage will be incorporated into a new 120 page paper called the Football Paper. It is assumed that the League Paper will also close.
Two weeks to Wilderness book launch at Legends.
More details have emerged about the release of Ron Parrott's new book, Hereford United - The Wilderness Years.
Thursday November 9th is the evening when Ron Parrott and his co-authors, Richard Prime and John Williamson, will be at Legends, the bar attached to Hereford United. The event will start at 7pm.
It is hoped that Graham Turner and several Hereford United players will be present at the signing.
Supporters are reminded that Hereford United will receive commission on copies of the book purchased at Legends that evening.
The book tracks the fortunes of Hereford United through the nine years in the Conference. It follows on from a previous book written by Ron Parrott entitled Hereford United - The League Era.
For those supporters who haven't ordered a copy from the publishers and are unable to get to the signing at Legends, it is expected that the club shop will sell the book on-line.
We all know about each other says Coleman
The Accrington Stanley manager has been telling Sky Sports that he knows all about Hereford United.
"Hereford have made a particularly good start. They lost their way a bit but they've come good again," said John Coleman.
"We know all about each other as well and there's been a bit of rivalry between the sets of fans so it should be a good game.
"You don't want what we did last year devalued and if the team that came up with us had struggled maybe people would have thought it wasn't the best league to win.
"But they've done really well and we've done okay ourselves so it shows it was a difficult league to get out of last season and I'm pleased they are doing well."
After last Saturday's defeat at Walsall Coleman wasn't too happy.
"Before Saturday, I had ambitions of winning the league. I was thinking we could close the gap (on Walsall) to eight points," he told the Lancashire Telegraph.
"We've given ourselves a mountain to climb and we shouldn't be in a situation like that because we're miles better than what we showed on Saturday.
"I just want to win every game I play.
"I can't set myself any ambitions because you only set yourself up for a fall.
"The minute I think we are starting to achieve things I get served up performances like Saturday.
"I won't tolerate that. Anyone who knows me knows I won't tolerate that and some people are in for a few harsh lessons this week."
Coleman is reported to be looking for a new striker to replace Gary Roberts.
Meanwhile Accrington's away support is a lot lower than Hereford's in the current season to date.
Figures from the Football Forum say that Accrington have taken an average of 398 supporters to the six games that figures are available for. The missing game, that at Torquay, won't have attracted many milkmen as it is so far from Lancashire.
Hereford's away support has averaged 554 to date. All the figures from all the away games have been taken into account.
Highest away support is by Walsall supporters. An average of 919 of them have travelled to away games.
Last season for the fixture at Edgar Street Accrington brought 283 supporters.
Accy fans at Edgar Street
FA Cup Draw This Saturday
The draw for the First Round of the FA Cup will take place on Saturday, shortly after the Bulls match with Accrington ends.
The draw will be shown live on BBC One and Sky Sports News, and on Radio Five Live. The First Round is scheduled to take place two weeks later, on November 11/12th.
Hereford's ball is number 22.
Turner talks about Accrington
Graham Turner has told BBC Hereford and Worcester that the visit of Accrington to Edgar Street next Saturday will be a 'fair test for us'.
"We know what they were about from last season; very competitive and a very combative side with a sprinkling of good players in there," said the Hereford United manager.
"We've had an indifferent start to the season; you talk to people from Shrewsbury and those associated with Accrington - they all think they have had good starts to the season, and yet we are on level points with them!
"It's a difficult league; it's a big step up from the Conference.
"I think they've found it the same as we have; it's hard to adjust to the extra quality and the extra pace in there, but we feel that we're doing it now."
Floors-2-Gone?
The Hereford Times is reporting that the large sponsorship signs attached to the newly named Floors-2-Go stand have been erected without planning permission.
The application for the signs to be placed on the stand was submitted in time, but deferred. If the application is rejected when it is heard in a few weeks, the large orange signs will have to be removed.
In other snippets from the Hereford Times, it lists the first Bulls goal in the 8-1 win over Bromyard as a Joe Maidment own goal. The article also says that the three game 'experiment' of free tickets for under 10's will be reviewed after the game against Accrington on Saturday.
In his column Graham Turner acknowledges that the Conference years has left the Bulls ground and facilities way behind most League clubs, and in a little piece of nostalgia loan signing John Eustace's grandfather used to play for the Bulls. Goalkeeper Ken played a single senior game in the 1949-50 season.
The HT also reports on the recent Home Office figures on banning orders, reporting that no additional banning orders were given to supporters claiming to be Bulls fans but that 19 were still subject to existing orders. The figures also show that seven arrests were made away from home, but none at Edgar Street.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Bulls Set To Sign Mackenzie
The Bulls are about to sign Scunthorpe midfielder Neil Mackenzie on a months loan, according to the official site.
30 year old Mackenzie is a former Stoke trainee who signed for Scunthorpe in January. He is expected to be signed in time to play against Accrington on Saturday.
Neil Mackenzie - picture from Sky
The Scunthorpe site says that Mackenzie has been unable to hold down a regular first team place this season and has made just two starts and five substitute appearances.
He will arrive in Hereford tomorrow morning.
Mackenzie will be known to some supporters as he spent a spell at Kidderminster in 2001.
His Scunthorpe profile describes him as a 'tidy midfielder with an eye for a good pass and plenty of creativity going forward.'
Boston Sentencing Date Set
Boston manager Steve Evans and former Chairman Pat Malkinshaw will be sentenced on Friday November 3rd after admitting their guilt over tax evasion charges.
Dagenham are believed to be waiting in the wings to sue for damages after the illegal activities cost them the place in the Football League that Boston currently hold, but the club have refused to comment until the case is resolved.
Hereford United and the Edgar Street Grid
Jonathan Bretherton, the chief executive of ESG (Edgar Street Grid) Herefordshire Ltd, has confirmed that the Hereford United football ground is not moving.
In a interview given to Bulls News Bretherton has also said that although parking spaces at Merton Meadow will be reduced they will be increased elsewhere in the area.
Firstly he was asked whether he was happy with the composition of the ESG board bearing in mind there was no one on the board connected with Hereford United football club.
"Although Charles Ingleby (one of the board members - ed) doesn't list it, I happen to know that he's a keen follower of Wolves whilst our Chairman (Clive Richards OBE - ed) is very involved in the sporting world, but with different shaped balls! We are tasked with redeveloping a massive area and whilst I absolutely agree with the importance of the club, we simply can't claim expertise in everything so in answer to your question, yes I'm very happy to have such a high quality board."
Asked if the football ground would stay where it is, Mr Bretherton replied:
"Yes. I believe that football grounds should stay in city centres wherever possible because they are an important part of the community and, having worked in football-mad cities (Glasgow, Newcastle and Sunderland) I like the feel it brings on matchdays, especially when the home team wins!"
It was then put to him that given the recent news that the main building work will not commence for about 4 years, was there a possibility that work at the football stadium could be allowed to start before the rest of the project. Some of the work is quite urgent especially as regards catering and toilet facilities.
"Yes, and I agree that some of this is urgent and there's no reason from my point of view why facilities can't be improved-they certainly need it. I would love to see early progress on redevelopment, and will do what I can to help-but any major changes must be in the best interest of the city. What I mean by that is that there is a big difference between replacing worn-out facilities which can happen quickly and far larger-scale redevelopment which needs to be carefully evaluated and fit in with the bigger picture."
It looks as though there will be a reduction in parking spaces in the Merton Meadow car park. Is that wise given that it is regularly full on match days?
"We will be promoting significant increases in car parking numbers within
the ESG area, but they will be concentrated in multi-storey rather than
sprawling surface car parks which take up too much land and look
terrible."
The Richardsons appear to be the lead developers, certainly as far as the football club are concerned. Speculation suggests that a deal between the Richardsons and Hereford United would be in the best interests of the club as the repayment of the 'debt' owed to the Richardsons by the club would be included in any deal. If the two parties wanted to go ahead before the Grid plans were ready would this be a problem? Could ESG Ltd stop any such development going ahead.
"The Richardsons will have a big part to play in the redevelopment of the ground and I hope that we can see this happen quickly. In answer to your question, I don't speak for the Council, which owns the ground, or the planning authority which will decide whether development gets approved or not, but I have no doubt that our board's views will be sought. I look forward to seeing some proposals that we can all get behind."
To keep up with all the Edgar Street Grid news please go to www.esgherefordshire.co.uk.
News Round Up
Paul Ince is set to make his first move as Macclesfield manager with a loan move for Chester's out of favour Drewe Broughton. The move will also allow Chester to bring in another player.
Wrexham have signed Middlesboro youngster Tom Craddock on loan. The 20 year old striker made his Premiership debut at the end of last season but has failed to make an impression this term. He replaces John McAliskey, who has returned to Huddersfield after his loan spell.
The Football League have extended their matchball deal with Mitre until 2011. The 25 year old partnership had been due to expire at the end of the season and the FL press release promises a number of "innovative initiatives" starting next season.
Lincoln have ended the loan spell of Notts Forest defender Nicky Eaden after two months. The veteran defender played 10 times for the Imps, but fans were critical of his performances and Notts Forest are negotiating a release for the player.
Preview: Bulls vs Accrington
The top two in the Conference last season meet in the Football League for the first time at Edgar Street on Saturday.
Stanley have never beaten the Bulls on their travels. In four trips to Edgar Street, a pair of draws in their last two visits is the best they've managed. The last visit, in March this year, saw a late Bulls comeback from 2-0 down to a 2-2 draw after Stanley were reduced to 10 men. The dismissal led manager John Coleman into a foul mouthed tirade at anyone that got in his way at the final whistle.
The Bulls home form has largely been responsible for the respectable league position they find themselves in after almost one third of the season. The only two home defeats have come from clubs currently sitting second and fourth in the division and the support has been bouyed by a resounding away win over MK Dons last week.
Stanley have coped well with the step up after an initial struggle saw them at the wrong end of the table. They now lie 9th, level on points with the Bulls, but have won just once on their travels and suffering from a leakier defence on the road. Their last away match was a 2-0 win at Torquay but they've lost star player Gary Roberts, who scored the second that day, since that game and the loss of the eight goal top scorer will hit them hard.
Hereford United vs Accrington Stanley, Edgar Street, Saturday October 28th, 3.00pm.
Swindon tickets available from Hereford
Tickets for the Hereford United away game at Swindon Town on Saturday November 4th will be available from Edgar Street.
Hereford have been sent an initial allocation of 300 tickets but more are available if required.
Swindon is an expensive ground to visit but by purchasing early supporters can save £2 per ticket. Facilities at the ground are good.
Admission Prices (assuming early purchase):
Adults: £18
Concession: Senior Citizens and Students (with valid student card) £13
Children: (under16) £7
The last time Hereford played at Swindon was in an FA Cup game which the Bulls lost 3-2.
Hereford's Turner comes after Ferguson and Gradi
With Crewe taking on Manchester United in the Carling Cup, the length of time managers stay in the same job has been highlighted this morning.
Dario Gradi has been with Crewe since 1983 and Sir Alex Ferguson joined Manchester United in 1986 from Aberdeen.
They are by far the two longest serving managers at present in the Football League.
A few years behind them, but third on the list is Graham Turner, the Hereford United chief. Turner joined the Bulls in 1995.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Hereford cruise to Bromyard victory
As expected, Hereford United cruised against local side Bromyard Town, eventually winning 8-1 in the Herefordshire Senior Cup Quarter Final at Edgar Street. Out of the side which started on the weekend at Milton Keynes, only Phil Gulliver and Alex Jeannin featured tonight. Youngsters Sam Gwynne, Jordan Fitzpatrick and Marcus Palmer were given rare starts, as was fringe player Jon Wallis.
It was Palmer who opened the scoring, with a huge help from a Bromyard defender. He ran down the right wing before cutting into the box. Palmer then struck a low drive, and it ended up in the roof of the net, via a large deflection. Soon after, Tim Sills grabbed United's second, heading home after a fine Gareth Sheldon cross. Sheldon was involved again as United went three to the good. This time he took the ball down on his chest, before playing in young Fitzpatrick, who steadied himself before firing a fine right foot drive into the top corner. The half ended as it started, with Palmer scoring. Sills layed in a ball to the former Cheltenham youngster, who took a touch before curling a fine effort into the top corner to make it four.
Hereford continued the goal glut in the second half, with Gulliver getting his name on the scoresheet. He met a cross from the left, giving the away 'keeper no chance as the ball looped in. Luke Webb then grabbed his first goal of the campaign, with a long range volley. It was heading into the arms of the keeper, but a deflection off a defender fooled the 'keeper who couldn't re-adjust his body to save it. Sills made it seven, with the same combination which led to his first. Sheldon crossed, right footed from the left, and Sills this time guided the header past the helpless goalie. There was a moment of glory for Bromyard, as they grabbed a consolation goal. A fine counter-attack led to a simple finish for Chris Allen from close range. Yet, it was Hereford who had the last say in the game, with Palmer completing his hattrick. Wallis cushioned a header to Palmer, who swivelled before firing a fine low drive past the 'keeper to finish the score at eight goals to Bromyard's one.
So it's Hereford who progress to the semi-finals with this comfortable win in front of 142 supporters at Edgar Street. It was an opportunity to see some fringe players in action, and to give some youth players a game. In particular, Palmer looked a constant threat up front, with a neat touch, good pace, and an eye for goal. Webb also dominated the midfielder, with a good range of passing through the evening's encounter. These players will now look to push the first team regulars for their spots in the starting line up.
Hereford: Thompson, Wallis, Ferrell, Gulliver, Jeannin, Fitzpatrick, Webb, Gwynne, Sheldon, Sills, Palmer.
Subs: Brown, Beckwith, Rose, Purdie, Connell.
Hereford put eight past Bromyard
Hereford United defeated Bromyard Town 8-1 in this evening's Cup game at a cold Edgar Street.
Full report shortly.
Dartford player linked with Hereford United
Dave Martin, a winger with Dartford Football Club, has been linked with Hereford United according to press reports from London.
It is understood that Martin, described as a 'lightening-quick winger', is currently on trial at Millwall.
"At this moment in time two league clubs have approached me regarding Dave Martin and both would like to take Dave for a weeks training," said a Dartford spokeman.
"Dave started training with one of these clubs (last Friday - beleived to be Milwall) and I want to stress to everybody that at this stage it is only a weeks training and nothing more."
Martin joined Dartford from local club Slade Green in summer 2005.
LATER: Martin played for Milwall Reserves this afternoon.
518 fans at M K Dons
Milton Keynes Football Club has confirmed that 518 Hereford supporters watched the game at the National Hockey Stadium last Saturday.
News Round Up: Ince Moves For Gazza
New Macclesfield boss Paul Ince has made a move to bring Paul Gascoigne back to the game. The appointment of Ince certainly has been a publicity producer for the struggling club, with virtually every major newspaper covering the appointment in detail. Ince has also revealed that he rejected a late offer from Dennis Wise to join him at Leeds.
Crawley's bid to pay their CVA obligations by the end of October are set for failure, according to the leader of a failed bid for the club. Diamond dealer John Goodwin told the NLP: "My prediction is the club will fold before Christmas unless someone comes in."
If the day has a 'y' in the name, then Chester boss Mark Wright is telling everyone he wants to sign somebody. The Barry Fry of the North is intending to bring in a loan goalkeeper and striker before the weekend after blaming former Kiddy stopper Jon Danby for the goal conceded on Saturday: "The Hartlepool goal unfortunately came following a mistake by John and I would like to bring in another goalkeeper in order to create competition for places in that department."
Monday, October 23, 2006
Wise move from Swindon confirmed
Dennis Wise and his assistant Gus Poyet will move to Leeds United from Swindon.
There is just the agreement over personal terms to be concluded. Yesterday Swindon withdrew permission for Wise and Poyet to speak to Leeds after failing to agree a compensation package with the Championship club. But later a deal was done.
Wise has been continually linked with Leeds after spending many years as a player under United chairman Ken Bates at Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Swindon have appointed Dave Tuttle, who was acting as their Head of Youth and Scouting Director, as their caretaker manager.
Hereford United visit Swindon a week next Saturday.
Tam And Fleets In FL Team Of The Week
The official Football League Team of the Week has listed both Tamika Mkandawire and Stuart Fleetwood for their parts in the 3-1 win at MK Dons.
They are the first Bulls players to be featured so far this season. Lincoln striker Jamie Forrester, with a string of hat-tricks to his name so far, and Walsall midfielder Dean Keates are the most featured player on the list with four appearances in the 11 lists so far.
We'd like to congratulate both Fleets and Tam for their inclusion in the list.
Kick It Out matchday - next Saturday
Next Saturday's Hereford United versus Accrington Stanley has been designated a 'Kick It Out matchday' by the Let's Kick Racism Out of Football campaign.
The game at Edgar Street is one event in a fortnight of action nationwide with Professional football and communities coming together for awareness raising week.
Above is the t-shirt top players including some at Hereford United are currently wearing to promote the campaign.
And below Stuart Fleetwood, the Hereford United striker, wearing another of the campaign t-shirts at Milton Keynes last Saturday.
New Official Website now on-line
Hereford United's updated website is now on line.
New features include Online Club Shop, Youth Team and Reserve details, ability
to order the 'advanced child ticket' for pickup on matchday, downloadable match highlights priced at £1.49 per match and downloadable mobile phone wallpapers at just 25p each.
A future feature will be the ability to order and pay for matchball, match
or mascot sponsorship online.
To look at the new site just click the link for the Official Website on the top left of this page.
Meanwhile Vital Football is to have a Hereford United Website.
The site will have Colin Green, the 'Elder Statesman' of the Meadow End, as its journalist. His profile is below:
A loyal 'Lilywhites' fan since attending the 1970/71 FA Cup 4th Qualifying round thrashing of old rivals Kidderminster Harriers 5-0 at Edgar Street, with Billy Meadows netting a hat-trick. ****Even parka coats hadn't been invented then!**** John Charles, Colin Addison, John Sillett, Tony Ford, Mike Bailey, Frank Lord, Tommy Hughes, John Newman, Ian Bowyer, Greg Downs, John Layton and Graham Turner have all taken their turn in the hot-seat since.**** Best Goal: Paul Maddy v Bury 6/3/85**** Funniest Moment: Chris Fry being subjected to cries of 'who ate all the lettuce.'**** Highlights: 3rd Division Championship celebrations in April 1976 and the joyous scenes at the Walkers Stadium in May 2006 as United regained League status!**** Best Buy: Dixie McNeil**** MatchDay Superstition: Never enter Edgar Street by the same turnstile twice in succession!
Dons List Six After Home Slump
MK Dons boss Martin Allen has transfer listed six players after he saw his side lose to the Bulls at the weekend - including two of the side that lost that game.
Goalkeeper Adolfo Baines and defender Ben Chorley are joined by Nicky Rizzo and youth team graduates Joe Tillen, Joe Howe, and Rob Webb. All are available for immediate loan with a view to permanent deals in January.
Meanwhile, former Bulls loanee Steve Blatherwick has been forced to retire on doctors orders. The 32 year old spent two months on loan at Edgar Street from Notts Forest early in his career.
Mathieson to referee Stanley game
Scott Mathieson from Cheshire is to referee next Saturday's game at Edgar Street between Hereford United and Accrington Stanley.
This is the first meeting between the two clubs since both were promoted from the Conference at the end of last season.
Burton Find Transfer Window Loophole
Burton have exploited an apparent loophole in the transfer window system to sign former Peterboro midfielder Paul Carden.
Carden, who was released by Peterboro last week, would normally be unable to play for Burton until January as both clubs are subject to the transfer window. However, manager Nigel Clough has found an interesting loophole with the player signing for Unibond League side Burscough, who are not subject to the window, before immediately loaning the player to Burton until January - apparently a perfectly legal move under current regulations. Burscough's official site does not list the signing of the player despite having been updated since the weekend, with the Carden signing being completed in time for the player to feature for Burton at the weekend.
Clough is also planning a similar move for ex-Bull Daryl Taylor, who was released by Bury two weeks ago and is subject to the same rules as Carden.
Wise Set For Leeds Move
Less than a month after pledging his allegiance to Swindon, manager Dennis Wise is on the verge of a move to Leeds United.
Swindon have confirmed that they have allowed Wise, and assistant Gus Poyet, to discuss terms over a move north. In their fifteen league games in charge, Wise and Poyet have guided Swindon to third place in League Two.
UPDATE: Swindon have withdrawn permission for Wise and Poyet to speak to Leeds after failing to agree a compensation package with the Championship club.
In other news, Macclefield are set to confirm Paul Ince as manager at a 3pm press conference. Ince has watched their last two games, and has chosen the job over a coaching role at Accrington. Wrexham captain Darren Ferguson has admitted his side is in freefall after they lost eight of their last nine games, with the only win coming over the Bulls.
Bromyard game switched to Edgar Street.
Tomorrow evening's HFA Senior Floodlit Invitation Cup game against Bromyard Town will now be played at Edgar Street according to the Hereford Times.
Details of Admission Prices to the game have been released by Hereford United:
Adults: £6
Concessions: £3
Please note the club say that only the Merton Stand will be open for the game. Entry through turnstiles 1,2,24 and 25.
The game will start at 7.45pm
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Free tickets for under 10's for Accy game
Hereford United are to allow free entry to next Saturday's game against Accrington Stanley for 'kids of primary school age.'
With the Bulls returning from MK Dons with three points, there is likely to be a better gate for the game.
Below is the statement put by the club in Bullseye.
In order to attract the 'fans of tomorrow' we have decided as an experiment to allow under 10's in free of charge when accompanied by an adult for the above League match.
Tickets must be purchased through the office with one full paying adult being allowed to bring in up to two kids of primary school age.
Ten to sixteen year olds can still pre-purchase tickets for any match for £6 standing or £7 siting.
Both lots must be brought (bought?) 24 hours prior to kick off time. Cash/cheque is preferred for payment.
Bulls News assumes that the club means all children under 10, not just primary school children, can benefit from this offer.
No comment from Turner
For whatever reason Graham Turner didn't speak to the press after yesterday's game at Milton Keynes.
Martin Allen, the MK Dons manager, commented that poor decisions keep costing his side goals.
"Many of the players let themselves down badly today and it's not good enough," he told the League Paper.
"It's tough to keep coming back from 2-0 down."
The paper gave the referee just four marks out of ten.
Wayne Brown made the 'team of the week' with an eight. Fleetwood and Connell were also given an eight.
Despite being penalised for eleven fouls yesterday, Hereford united remain the 'cleanest' team in the league with just 125 fouls conceded. However with five bookings the Bulls drop to fifth in the 'card count'.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Chopsy Allen sent to stand
Martin Allen, the MK Dons manager, was sent to the stand after complaining bitterly about one of referee's David Deadman's decisions this afternoon. (Later Allen said he was talking to one of his players)
In truth the referee partly spoilt the game with his card happy manner.
Together he dished out seven yellow cards of which five were against Hereford in what was otherwise a reasonable clean game.
This is the highest number of cards against the Bulls in a League game for several seasons.
Stuart Fleetwood pictured sporting a new hair colour today.
Before the game many of the Hereford United players were wearing 'Let's Kick Racism out of Football' T-shirts.
Rob Purdie's penalty brings his total goals this season in League games so far to seven.
Meanwhile with Trent McClenaham leaving the pitch after eighteen minutes, Hereford have a mini-injury crisis at present with Simon Travis, Tim Sills and Martyn Giles all missing today's game.
Finally, this may be the last game at the old National Hockey Stadium that Hereford will play.
MK Dons are due to move to a new stadium next season.
Despite being open to the elements the stand the Hereford supporters were sat in had very good views.
Bulls defeat Dons
Hereford United claimed their first away victory since the opening day with a fine 3-1 win over MK Dons at the National Hockey Stadium. Early goals by Alan Connell and Rob Purdie gave United a half time lead, before Izale McLeod pulled one back. Stuart Fleetwood then struck in stoppage time to wrap up the points.
Alex Jeannin came in on the left hand side for Simon Travis, who failed to recover from a knock. John Eustace also returned in the heart of United's midfield, whilst injury victim Tim Sills was replaced by Andy Williams up front.
The Bulls nearly took the lead as early as the opening minute when Fleetwood ran into the box from the left hand side and fired a powerful shot at MK Don's 'keeper Adolfo Baines tipped out, Fleetwood followed up but once again saw his effort saved by Baines. Seven minutes later, and Fleetwood was again involved as United took the lead. Tamika Mkandawire blocked a McLeod effort, and the ball fell nicely to Fleetwood. He ran into the Dons half, and past the last defender but his low shot was tipped out by Baines. Luckily, the ball fell to the onrushing Connell who stabbed home to give Hereford the narrow lead.
Trent McClenahan's return to his former loan club ended prematurely, after he came off worse in a strong challenge with Dean Lewington. He was replaced by Rob Purdie who took up a role of right wing back. Shortly after coming on the pitch, Purdie was the man to put Hereford further in front. Williams chased a long ball and was bought down by Baines. The ref awarded a penalty, and Baines was booked. Purdie stepped up to cooly slot home his seventh penalty of the season and give Hereford a comfortable lead.
Martin Allen saw the need for a change soon after, huge striker Conal Platt was bought on for Paul Mitchell. There was an improvement in the home side's game and McLeod's left foot volley was easily gathered up by Wayne Brown. Mkandawire was then on hand to head off the line after Ben Chorley's powerful effort. Jon-Paul McGovern volleyed just wide after some good link-up work, but despite this pressure, it was at the other end where there should have been a goal. Purdie played a ball into Connell's feat, and a cheeky flick found Fleetwood unmarked with only the goalkeeper to beat. Perhaps, in disbelief at not being offside, Fleetwood stopped for a moment, he then rounded the keeper but the angle was too tight and he could only put the ball in the side netting when really, it should have been three. McGovern then fired over a free-kick just before the ref blew up for half time.
The second half started slowly, with the MK Dons changing things once again ten minutes in, bringing on Scott Taylor and Leon Crooks for Aaron Wilbraham and Jamie Smith. The inevitable pressure from the home side then started. United failed to clear properly, and McLeod was on hand to collect in the box, use his pace and strength to get in a shooting opportunity, and take it, beating Brown with a low shot across the goal to make it 2-1.
United were holding on, Brown made a fine scrambling save from McGovern's deflected shot, with "Superman" picking himself up again to kick out for a corner before the oncoming striker was able to collect the ball. The Dons controversial manager Martin Allen was then sent to the stand, after being infuriated by the referee, who booked five United players. Brown was once again on hand to stop a fine effort, this time from Keith Andrews, who powerfully struck a well worked free-kick but Brown beated it clear.
Connell had Hereford's first effort of the half, mid-way through with a hopeful lob after a poor kick-out by Baines, the ball narrowly going over the bar. With the long ball being used by the home side throughout the game, Phil Gulliver, Dean Beckwith and Mkandawire dealt with the threat well despite the aerial threat of Platt and McLeod. Yet, in the 70th minute, it was Drissa Diallo who nearly claimed the equaliser with a towering header form a corner, but his effort was superbly denied by Purdie on the line. The ball found its way to Lloyd Dyer who struck a superb effort from around 30 yards. It was heading on target, and Brown was troubled, but luckily for Hereford, the ball hit one of his own players and went away from danger.
Dyer was again involved when he hung a cross for Platt but his powerful header was sent just past the crossbar. Hereford had soaked up the pressure from the home side, and were finding more space on the counter attack. Williams should have done better when he cleverly turned the defender, but his effort was tipped out by Baines.
More long balls were aimed hopelessly by the home side, and Hereford looked to have done enough to get the points. Dyer combined well with McGovern, and they set up a chance for Andrews, but his shot sailed over Brown's bar. It was the last attempt by MK Dons, as Hereford sealed victory in stoppage time. Brown's long goal kick was chested down by Williams to Fleetwood, who beat one defender before placing a powerful low right footed shot past Baines and sent the away following into raptures.
Keeper beaten, ball in net, Fleetwood celebrating, 3-1 Hereford (Click to enlarge)
A fine reward for Fleetwood who has been playing well of late, but hadn't netted since his famous hattrick against Coventry.
Fans will be hoping that today's impressive win will be a turning point in Hereford's season, beating a promotion chasing side. The goal for Fleetwood will hopefully kick-start his season and with the boost of having Eustace in the middle, things are looking brighter for The Bulls. With Conference Champions Accrington to come at home next Saturday, United will be looking to make it two wins out of two. A decent away following of aprox 500, in a crowd of 5609 saw Hereford take the points.
Hereford: Brown, McClenahan, Jeannin, Beckwith, Gulliver, Mkandawire (C), Eustace, Rose, Connell, Williams, Fleetwood.
Subs: Thompson, Ferrell, Wallis, Purdie, Webb.
MK Dons: Baines, Smith, Diallo, Chorley, Lewington, McGovern, Mitchell, Andrews, Dyer, Wilbraham, McLeod.
Subs: Bankole, Edds, Crooks, Taylor, Platt.