It isn't only footballers that suffer from metartasal problems. Local jockey Richard Johnson went to Hereford hospital earlier today after a fall at Uttoxeter yesterday.
Johnson has broken three bones in his right foot and faces a minimum of two weeks without a ride.
Although his fall was described as alarming, he thought he had escaped relatively unharmed but this morning he was said to be in severe pain and went to Hereford hospital where X-rays showed up a similar problem to that which often affects footballers.
"They tell me I have broken three metartarsal bones," he told the Times. "The foot has been put in the sort of plastic boot that I remember David Beckham wearing, and I'm on crutches. Even if I could ride, I'd have a problem walking to the paddock."
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Friday, November 30, 2007
Metartasal problems not only trouble footballers
Focus or Miss Out warns Turner
Hereford United manager Graham Turner has warned his players to be focused or they could miss out on a ticket to Round Three of the FA Cup.
"We have got to be playing out of our skins to beat Hartlepool, and that's the message for the players and supporters," Turner told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"We need the supporters to get behind the players.
"We can't just turn up and expect to win, and go into the hat for the third round.
"They've got some decent experienced players in there, and if we are not on top form we will lose.
"You have got to get there to be able to get the big fixture, and if you do get through, you need the luck of the draw."
Turner revealed that as well as watching Hartlepool at Swansea last Tuesday he had also watched a tape of their game from last Saturday.
"I've got to say that despite two defeats they were quite impressive. At Swansea they hit the bar a couple of times. They showed a willingness to pass the ball, they played at a good pace. In fact over the two matches I thought they were better than Leeds.
Plenty to see tomorrow in Hereford
Tomorrow Hereford United supporters have the chance to watch not one but two games involving their club and go to a booksigning by the author of a new book about the Bulls time in the Conference.
And all the events have been arranged so as not to coincide.
First at 11am the Young Bulls take on Yeovil in a Puma Youth Alliance fixture. Currently the Bulls are just one place below Yeovil in the table and this game should be one they can win.
Then between 1pm and 2pm Mitch Stansbury will be at Waterstones in the City Centre to sign copies of his highly-acclaimed new book A Corner Kick from the Middle of Nowhere.
As ever the Hereford United club shop will be open before the game. One new item of particular note that will be available from tomorrow is a 2008 Hereford United Club Calender. They cost £9.99.
Finally at 3pm the FA Cup round two game between Hereford United and Hartlepool United kicks-off. Supporters are advised to get to the ground earlier than usual as it is all pay on the gate. The correct admission money would, no doubt, be appreciated by the turnstile staff and speed up the process of entry into the ground.
For anyone not able to see the Bulls in action at Edgar Street they can follow their progress on BBC Hereford and Worcester throughout the afternoon.
Team News: Bulls vs Hartlepool
The Bulls are likely to again see another defensive change with Trent McClenahan coming in for the injured Richard Rose. Karl Broadhurst is a week away from fitness so John McCombe and Dean Beckwith will continue in the middle. Ryan Flynn, Luke Webb, and Sam Gwynne will all be in with a shout for the right side position vacated by Lionel Ainsworth.
Hartlepool will have Andy Monkhouse available for selection after missing most of the month with a knee injury. Gary Liddle and Ben Clark are their own two worries, but neither are far from fitness. Loanee Eddie Nolan has been cleared to play in the Cup by parent club Blackburn, as has Liverpool defender Godwin Antwi - one of three Reds to feature in the tie on loan.
Best odds: Bulls 7/4, Draw 12/5, Hartlepool 13/8. First Scorer: Benjamin 6/1, Barker 13/2, Moore, Guinan, Porter 7/1, Robinson, Mackay 8/1.
News Round Up
Northwich may have a second bidder, with a second website having been created to take over a club. thepeoplesclub.com wants members paying £49 to £89 each, and have expressed an interest in taking over the troubled Conference side. However they currently only have 500 of their 40,000 target membership.
Former Worcester boss Andy Preece is one of those to be interviewed for the vacant manager post at Farsley. Bradford have received international clearance for Chilean striker Willy Topp, and have registered him in time for tomorrow's FA Cup match with Tranmere. Ex-Bull Jimmy Quinn is the Manager of the Month in the Conference. His Cambridge side won every game they played in November.
Wycombe are offering fans a 'Christmas Cracker' with three games for just over the cost of one. Tickets for their pre-Xmas home matches against the Bulls, Macclesfield, and Morecambe can be purchased for £20 for all three. The Chairboys are also offering discounts on 2008/09 season tickets for anyone that can't make the Morecambe game - rearranged late to avoid a clash with tenants Wasps. They can get 1/23rd off their next season ticket by presenting the unused voucher to the club office.
Third Round is like the Holy Grail says Wilson
Hartlepool United manager Danny Wilson, just like Graham Turner at Hereford United, wants to reach the third round of the FA Cup.
"The FA Cup is a big part of our season," Wilson told the Hartlepool Mail. "Some people say that it is a distraction from the league but I don't think it is a distraction at all.
"This competition is part of the tapestry of English football and every club takes it seriously, even the big boys.
"For clubs like ourselves and Hereford the third round is like the Holy Grail and we want to be there.
"The third round draw is very exciting and we want to be in it. The prospect of drawing a big side is exciting for everyone and there is no better incentive."
Hartlepool are setting off for Herefordshire this morning.
Meanwhile there is at least one current connection between the two clubs. Hereford United coach John Trewick was born close to Hartlepool at Bedlington and spent a short spell at 'Pool in 1989/90 when he played in nine games for them.
Grimsby Announce Huge Loss
Grimsby Town have announced losses of £857,513 for the last season, with gate incoming falling by £500,000.
The club lost £5,000 a week in day-to-day trading, and wrote off over half a million pounds on their attempts at relocating the stadium. The accounts also show that the club employed, on average, a staggering 76 full time and 239 match day staff with wages taking 83% of turnover in total.
The club made £400,000 the previous year, mainly due to a cup run and play-off final trip to Cardiff, but needed £465,000 of loans from Directors to continue trading last season as their debt levels became unmanageable. The club's accountants have warned that the club remains unviable without further loans coming into the club.
Meanwhile, Mansfield fans have called for a boycott of home matches and will demonstrate in front of the BBC cameras on Sunday. Supporters groups Stags Fans For Change and Team Mansfield have criticised owner Keith Haslam's decision to delay the takeover further with Team Mansfield chairman Chris Vasper telling local paper The Chad: "It is clearly a black day for Mansfield Town FC. The failure to come to a deal must be laid squarely at the feet of Keith Haslam, whose only motivation seems to be his own personal greed.
"It is clear that he is happy to wait and see what happens on Sunday and any possible 'big' draw in a future round of the FA Cup. Keith Haslam's comments over recent days suggest he is concerned about the financial safeguards for the club. This beggars belief in the light of the illegal loans he has taken out of the club and the loans for land owned by his own holding company. Over the past three years the club has made £250,000 losses in each of those years and indications are that they will be even bigger this year. How is that safeguarding the financial future of our club?"
Harrogate fans will join Stags fans in the protests on Sunday with banners, t-shirts, and balloons all around the ground.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Bulls management watched 'Pool at Swansea
In advance of Saturday's FA Cup game both Hereford United manager Graham Turner and coach John Trewick watched Hartlepool playing at Swansea last Tuesday evening.
"We have to be careful because after the glamour of Leeds and the exposure we got, we have another tough game against Hartlepool," Turner told the Worcester News.
"Myself and John Trewick went to Swansea on Tuesday night and Hartlepool are a good side who were unlucky to lose 1-0 there.
"They hit the bar a couple of times and both John and me were impressed, but at the moment our confidence is high and we feel we are more than a match for anyone."
Turner is hopeful of progress in the Cup as the top clubs enter the competition in the next round.
"To get a Premiership side is always the hope when you get to the third round. You work hard to get there and you hope that is rewarded," continued Turner.
"Last season, though, we got Bristol Rovers so it doesn't always work out the way you want it.
"The FA Cup is something the players and supporters can get excited about. The FA Cup always add that little bit more spice to the game."
Follow The Bulls to Wycombe
Wycombe Wanderers v Hereford United
Football League 2
Tuesday 4th December 2007 Kick-off 7.45pm.
Adams Park
Hillbottom Road
Wycombe
HP12 4HJ.
Adams Park, home of The Chairboys, is a more than decent League 2 venue, which is shared with Wasps Rugby Club and is dominated by the impressive Frank Adams Stand opposite The Seymour Taylor main stand. The home end is the only true terracing whereas visiting fans are housed in the Dreams Stand which is a single tiered all seated affair with ends that are closed to help keep the wind out. The home fans, stewards and staff at Wycombe are welcoming which makes a visit to Adams Park a pleasant experience. The usual football food and drinks are available from a refreshment kiosk inside the ground. The ground is, however, at the edge of an industrial estate, which means that there are very few handy Pubs. The Supporters Bar at the ground does normally allow visiting fans although there is often a small charge to get in. The nearest pub to the ground is The Hour Glass (144 Chapel Lane, Sands), about 1 mile from Adams Park. Away fans are accepted at the doorman's discretion. Food is usually served; there are three pool tables, video screens and a Juke Box. Real Ale is Benskins and possibly Martson's Pedigree. There is a Chip Shop about 300 metres from the Hour Glass on the corner of Mill End Road and Dashwood Avenue. (opposite direction to the ground). There are a few mobile food outlets on the final approach to the ground and most recently one on the immediate left on entry through the Adams Park gates. Nearer the town centre in High Street are both the local 'Spoons (The Falcon) and The Hobgoblin (Hobgoblin Brewery).
Admission prices from the Wycombe Official Site are Adults £17, Senior £14, Student £13 and U16's £10. However, a discount of £2 per ticket is available by booking in advance. Call the credit card hotline on 01494 441118. The call centre at Adams Park is open every weekday between 9.15 am and 5.15 pm and stays open until 8.00 pm on Wednesday and Thursday. There is no mention of a credit card charge. Update. There is apparently, a 50p CC charge.
By Car, you have a choice of M5, M42 and M40 or going via Gloucester, Birdlip and then follow signs for Oxford then M40. Leave at Junction 4 (High Wycombe A4010). Entering Wycombe, continue on the A4010 following signs for Aylesbury. At a mini-roundabout turn left into Lane End Road (sign Wycombe FC). At mini-roundabout turn right into Hillbottom Road. Adams Park will be seen in front of you. There is a large (ish) Car Park at the ground (£3) otherwise; it may be possible to park on one of the many forecourts of the industrial units in Hillbottom Road. Getting out of the Club Car Park after the game is reputed to take quite a while. Distance is between 110 and 120 depending on route. Allow two and a half hours.
Post Code is HP12 4HJ.
HUISA coach departs ES at 3.00pm Fare £14. Bookings can be made in Legends prior to the Hartlepool game on Saturday or through the Club office (01432 276666).
HUMADS coach departs ES at 3.00pm Fare £6. Contact Reg on 01684 572945 after Friday
Enjoy.
Rose out for several weeks says Turner
Richard Rose, the Hereford United defender, will miss Saturday's FA Cup game against Hartlepool and is expected to miss several future matches.
Rose came off during the first half of last Saturday's League Two match against Accrington.
"It was first feared after an x-ray that he had cracked a bone in his ankle but when he has been up again they are not sure about it," manager Graham Turner told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"So they put him in a semi-cast.
"He'll go back in ten days time and that will be removed and we will see what he is like after that."
Trent McClenahan is likely to take the place of Rose at right back.
Turner also spoke about two other players recently injured.
"Luke Webb could be fit and Karl Broadhurst is making good progress but probably won't be fit for this weekend but certainly next week he should be joining in."
Ball Number 63 for Bulls in Cup Draw
Always assuming Hereford United defeat Hartlepool United on Saturday afternoon or at any replay they could face any one of 63 other clubs in the third round of this seasons FA Cup.
And coincidently the Bulls will be on ball number 63 in the draw which takes place on Sunday afternoon at about 3.15pm.
The draw will be made by Kevin Beattie and Sammy Nelson, two players who appeared in the 1978 Final between Ipswich and Arsenal.
Ties are due to take place on the first weekend of the New Year.
More from Ainsworth
Lionel Ainsworth has been talking to ther Watford Observer. He told them he was delighted to be be reunited with Martin Hunter and Dick Bate, Watford's first-team coach and technical director, whom he knew from his time playing for the English Under 17's and under 19's. Bate was a coach at Edgar Street in 1997/98.
"I didn't know they were both here so to have that sort of experience at a club is great," said Ainsworth.
"Theo Robinson and Toumani Diagouraga have told me a little bit about training being different but it's always going to be different as manager's have got different ways of doing things. Aidy has had a couple of one-on-one chats with me and he seems great. He told me what he wants to do for the team and the club."
"I played for Under-19s with Theo, he was up front and I came on on the right wing. He is a good player to play with and if you put the ball over the top he is going to get it."
Turner Avoids 'Curse'
Graham Turner has avoided the 'curse' of the Manager of the Month award, with Rotherham boss Mark Robins getting the mark instead.
Robins has led his side to four straight League wins in the month, but the Millers were dumped out of the FA Cup to Conference side Forest Green. The Bulls had won three, and drawn the fourth, of their League matches in the month - and dumped Leeds out of the Cup.
Meanwhile, the VP Club is advertising for matchday staff for the Bar and Tea Bar. Applicants can write to the football club, for the attention of Mrs. V. Richardson.
Mansfield Takeover Falling Apart
The takeover of Mansfield Town is falling apart, with owner Keith Haslam refusing to respond to the offer on the table by the imposed noon deadline.
Haslam told the club's official site: "I cannot respond to an offer that is not clear in its terms and is not in writing. I am still willing to reach a deal and I am happy to work with Mr Derry, but I cannot respond to a verbal offer when even that seems to moving on a daily basis. I have to leave it to Mr Derry to decide what he now wants to do."
The two sides have no written agreement, have not had one since agreeing terms eight weeks ago, and both sides have been accused of changing terms without discussion. Haslam accused the consortium, led by chairman James Derry, of vastly reducing the offer.
Haslam was then accused of stalling in order to cash in on the FA Cup run, with £100,000 banked from prize money and the TV broadcast of Sunday's match with Harrogate. Haslam rejected this claim initially, saying that he had no claims on monies after November 1st, but then acknowledged that it was a possibility given the delays.
UPDATE: Derry and Haslam will meet on Monday, but Derry told local paper The Chad: "Keith has not rejected our offer per se, he says he still wants clarification on certain points. But as it stands the differences look fairly terminal. We will try to work through it, though."
Addison backs Bulls to defeat Hartlepool
Former Hereford United manager Colin Addison has told BBC Hereford and Worcester that he is backing the Bulls to defeat Hartlepool United in the second round FA Cup-tie at Edgar Street on Saturday. He says he has been impressed with the Bulls this season especially against Leeds United.
"Had one or two great chances, didn't take them. Replay at Leeds were the better side I thought and had the better opportunities. Won the game deservedly so 1-0.
"I would have thought they will start favourites at Edgar Street on Saturday."
For Rob Elmes, whose header for Hereford knocked out Hartlepool out of the FA Cup back in 1999, the meeting of the two clubs brings back memories.
"It was not a picture book goal but it was the most important goal I ever scored," Elmes told the Hereford Times.
"I hope that Hereford can win again."
Currently SkyBet are offering the following:
Hereford 6/4 Draw 11/5 Hartlepool 6/4
Meanwhile Richard Dryden was appointed manager of Worcester City last night. Up to last January he had been asssistant manager at Tamworth following a long career on the pitch which started at Bristol Rovers in 1986.
News Round Up
Rushden boss Garry Hill has been charged by the Police with causing actual bodily harm. It is related to the incident in September that caused the FA to suspend Hill for two weeks and give him a ten match touchline ban after he headbutted Salisbury coach Tommy Widdrington.
Bradford have announced that they will run their bargain season ticket offer for next season as well. They sold over 12,000 of the £138 season tickets after targeting 10,000 pre-season. Only two sides - Leeds and Nottm Forest - in the lower leagues have higher attendances although their ticket income is believed to be less that several other League Two sides.
Exeter are to unveil the results of a consultation as to whether they stay at St James Park, move to a shared £15million stadium with Exeter Chiefs rugby side, or move to one of three other sites around the city. The club are believed to favour the redevelopment of their current base according to the local press with the report to be published later in the week.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
More Details about Ainsworth Probable Deal
Hereford United manager Graham Turner has spoken about the loan deal move of Lionel Ainsworth from Edgar Street to Watford. He said that if Watford take to the young winger the fee could set a new record for the Bulls.
"If Lionel goes well, and if Watford go well, then it will be the biggest incoming transfer fee in the club's history," Turner told the Hereford Times.
"The monies will not all come in immediately but the big advantage of the deal is that we have secured the services of Toumani and Theo for the remainder of the season.
"To be fair to them (Watford), they had shown some interest and I had talked to them prior to Thursday but it really got underway when they were keen to do a deal."
The biggest incoming fee in Bulls' history is Darren Peacock's transfer to QPR. The Bulls received a total of £445,000 in two lumps - an initial £200,000 in 1990 with £245,000 coming from the sell-on clause when he was sold to Newcastle in 1994.
Delays On Stags And Vics Takeovers
Problems have further delayed the takeovers at Mansfield and Northwich.
Mansfield owner Keith Haslam has told their official site he is yet to receive anything in writing from the consortium led by Chairman James Derry, including any proof that they have the funds available.
Last week, he bemoaned the 'vastly reduced offer' that the consortium had submitted with local paper The Chad suggesting that Haslam is stalling while a lucrative FA Cup run is in the offing. The club face a winnable televised tie at Harrogate on Sunday, earning themselves £75,000 from the TV cameras, and a potential big side in Round Three - the money from which Haslam could remove from the club before selling.
Haslam denies the claim, saying that the deal is agreed that any monies after November 1st would remain in the club but - in Haslam's own words - no written agreement is in place.
UPDATE: The consortium have placed a deadline of Noon on Thursday for Haslam's answer, telling The Chad: "Keith has asked for certain information following our meeting last Monday, when we gave him our revised and final offer. We are surprised it has taken Keith 10 days to ask for this information. This could have been made available at the meeting, but we have now supplied it today.
"Certain things he asked for we are not prepared to give in on, as this was our final offer. We have now set a deadline of 12noon Thursday for a decision, after which we will withdraw our offer."
Meanwhile, Northwich have seen their winding up order adjourned again until January 30th. The Inland Revenue hope that a 'satisfactory resolution' can be reached by then between owner Mike Connett and the incoming consortium.
Edgar Street Grid Proposals
This week an exhibition featuring the plans of the three possible developers of the Edgar Street Grid is taking place at the Left Bank In Hereford.
Below is an edited article about these proposals taken from Edgar Street Grid Website (www.esgherefordshire.co.uk).
A vision of shopping in Hereford early in the next decade has been unveiled as the individual plans went on public view of the three short listed developers seeking to build the £200m Retail and Leisure Quarter on the old livestock market site.
An exhibition of the proposals, one of which will kick-start the £900m regeneration of Hereford when work starts in three years, opened at the Left Bank as part of the on-going public consultation process by ESG Herefordshire, which is co-ordinating the project on behalf of Herefordshire Council and the regional Government agency, Advantage West Midlands.
As well as making Hereford a top regional shopping destination to rival the likes of Worcester, Gloucester and Cheltenham, with a major department store and a Waitrose, the 12 acre site will come alive in the evenings as people flock to a new multi-screen cinema and family entertainment centre with lively bars and restaurants. A top class hotel, with up to 120 bedrooms and a conference centre, is also envisaged, overcoming the city’s lack of hotel rooms, and bringing in extra visitors.
The as yet unnamed shopping and leisure quarter, when it finally opens in 2012, will create up to 1,500 new jobs. More than 600 will be employed building it.
The three competing developers, Centros Miller, Modus and Stanhope, all currently involved in similar major redevelopment work around the country, are proposing to fill many of the gaps in shopping and leisure facilities that has led to Hereford losing trade to other towns. The development will also include 150-200 new homes, many affordable, and mostly built as apartments above the shops, with panoramic views over the city. One of the trio, Stanhope, is proposing a modern version of a traditional Market Hall, built of stone and oak beams, with shopping on the ground floor and the first floor as a showcase for local arts and crafts. The same team proposes small studio/workshops to help new businesses get started. Centros Miller has come up with the novel idea of creating a climbing wall on the outside of a new multi-storey car park, and, if chosen, would build an “amphitheatre and stage” in a new Central Square for open air performances. Their multi-storey car park would include a ‘cycle hub’ with changing and shower facilities for cyclists riding into work, or to shop.
Modus, in their proposals, would also build starter business units. A cluster of restaurants and wine bars would be included to further boost the aim of providing more leisure facilities for young people, and developing a new evening economy for the city.
Centros Miller wants to make its multi-storey car park a bright feature to relieve the dullness of Edgar Street. It would be built close to the football stadium, and one side of the ziggurat style park would be covered in natural greenery, and feature the sporty climbing wall, linked to a sports shop. Motorists passing on the A49 would be attracted by a ‘theatrical’ tower for people to exit the park, a perfect complement to The Courtyard on the other side of the street. Also, in their proposals, the defining building on the Edgar Street round-about corner is a hotel and conference centre, with undercroft car parking, entered via an eye-catching glass canopy. The cinema, in Centros Miller’s plan is located between the hotel and the Market Tavern, facing New Market Street. Modus also consider these to be the best locations for a hotel and cinema.
A top name department store is seen as the main anchor of the new shopping destination, and whilst it is too early to expect any to sign up, the likes of House of Fraser and Debenhams have shown interest. A large scale supermarket is not planned, but a more specialist food hall, especially one which would promote Herefordshire food and drink is envisaged, and Waitrose, well known for their support of local food producers, have indicated their interest in coming to Hereford. They already have stores in Monmouth, Abergavenny and Malvern.
Local materials, such as sandstone and oak, will feature widely in the new buildings and the architects will ‘borrow’ ideas from Hereford’s historical past to create iconic structures representing the 21st century. As one developer put it – ‘the rich tones of the city’s historic core has set the tone of our design.’
Following public consultation on the merits of each of the three schemes, ESG will announce the preferred developer early next year.
There are comments and photos on the ESG website.
Robinson Up For Player Award
Theo Robinson is up for the Powerade Player of the Month award for November.
The on-loan Watford striker scored twice in six appearances during the month. He is vying against Rotherham midfielder Mark Hudson, Chesterfield striker Jack Lester, and Peterboro striker Aaron McLean. It is the same award that Trevor Benjamin won for September.
No Bulls were named in this week's Team of the Week but ex-Bull Anwar Uddin was named for Dagenham in the League Two side.
Hartlepools' Wilson upbeat after Swans reverse.
DANNY Wilson today insisted his Hartlepool United side can take heart from their performance at Swansea City ahead of Saturday's FA Cup clash at Edgar Street. The Pools boss was disappointed as his side went down to an undeserved 1-0 defeat at the Liberty Stadium last night after Angel Rangel struck with just eight minutes to go to claim all three points.Wilson felt his side had done enough to merit at least a draw with the new Coca-Cola League One leaders, but he insisted they will be back on track if they can repeat last night's display.
The Monkey Hangers have not won in five league matches and remain in the bottom half of the table.
"I told the lads afterwards that while the result was disappointing, the performance was excellent," Wilson said.
"And that is what we have got to take into the next game. We were playing against the team at the top of the league and we were very unfortunate not to get anything out of the game. They are a good side and, rightly so, because they have paid a lot of money to get good players. They got the bit of luck that seems to have deserted us, but overall it was a very good performance. I can't really blame the players because it was a break of the ball in the box and even afterwards things did not fall for us. It was not down to a mistake, it was just that things fell kindly for them – hopefully it will fall for us soon. We had a couple of opportunities for an equaliser but it wouldn't come. It was nip and tuck all the way. They are a good side and they will be up there come the end of the season."
Article from from the Hartlepool Mail.
Harvey talks about life at the Lawn
Forest Green Rovers manager and former Hereford United player Jimmy Harvey has been talking to BBC Sport ahead of his sides FA Cup game against near-neighbours Swindon Town.
Harvey realises that should Forest Green win the tie it would be a great acheivememt for what is one of the smallest clubs playing professional football in the country.
However not only are the press looking at the success of Forest Green, they are also speculating how long Harvey might stay at the Lawn considering there are two vacant jobs locally at Swindon and Plymouth.
Harvey is dismissing any talk of a move and is hopeful the players will ignore anything bar the football as well.
He appreciates that some of the press interest will be towards former Bulls striker, Stuart Fleetwood.
"There has been lots of speculation but no offers as such that have interested the club," said Harvey.
"If there was an offer that was right we would look at it. But he is contracted until the end of the season and we will have to wait and see."
Harvey also spoke about his time playing in the FA Cup. The 49-year-old played in the fifth-round of the competition with Hereford United when a Gary Lineker goal from Leicester City squashed that particular dream.
UPDATE: A very knowledgeabull person has pointed out that the game Jimmy Harvey refers to was in fact the fourth round and May scored not Lineker. The game took place at Edgar Street in front of a gate of 10,602. Many thanks.
Turner nominated for the Curse
Hereford United's manager Graham Turner has been nominated for the League Two manager of the month.
Also nominated are Rotherham United manager, Mark Robins, Peterborough's Darren Fergusson and Chesterfield's Lee Richardson.
The winner will be announced tomorrow on Sky Sports News at 12.20pm.
News Round Up
MK Dons have confirmed that they denied Derby the chance to speak to Paul Ince over their managerial vacancy. The club have allowed winger Mustafa Carayol to stay at Crawley for a second month. Stockport are allowing fans in for £5 all round for next Tuesday's League Two match with Lincoln. They are the second club to cut prices for next week, with Notts County dropping their prices for the visit of Shrewsbury.
Halifax have suffered a further cash blow with the news that their Shay ground was broken into and the matchday radios and a computer stolen. It is their seventh such incident in six months. Brentford boss Terry Butcher has refused to quit as his side struggle. The pre-season play-off candidates are 18th in the table after being whipped 7-0 at the weekend and have scored only once in five games. The club have extended the loan of Lewis Emanuel from Luton for another month.
Bury are selling a Christmas 'flexi-ticket'. The 11 ticket book can be used for individual games or all at one match, with the 11th ticket effectively free. Accrington have stated their desire to sign loanee Ian Craney on a permanent deal in January. The Swansea man was the subject of a bid from Peterboro and Stanley will face competition for his signature.
Crewe are to turn their attention to Bury's Andy Bishop after ruling out a move for Stuart Fleetwood. Dario Gradi told the press: 'I have spoken to Jim Harvey about Fleetwood, but I don't think he and Nicky Maynard would work together'. Bury are reported to have priced Bishop at £500,000 with Ipswich and Blackpool also sniffing round the former York man.
Northwich will appoint Dino Maamria as their permanent boss once their takeover is complete. They are due in court today on their winding up petition but the club have been dealt a further blow after a head chef stole the £8,000 takings from a fundraising dinner. The club have offered a reward for his whereabouts. Meanwhile, current Vics man and ex-Bull Danny Williams has rejected a move to Tamworth to remain non-contract at the club.
Lionel Tips Bulls For Promotion
Lionel Ainsworth has spoken to the Watford official site about his move to the Hornets.
Ainsworth, 20, made just 17 starts for the Bulls but it was enough to earn a move to Vicarage Road. But he admitted that the move probably wouldn't have happened if Watford scouts weren't watching the progress of Theo Robinson and Toumani Diagouraga:
"I want Hereford and Watford to go up this season. They are still in the top five in League Two and they are capable of winning promotion. Hereford was a nice step. I am on a high after my time with them and I think they are a great club. I lived with Theo and Toumani during my time there and they are doing well at Edgar Street.
"It was Theo who revealed Adrian Boothroyd was watching and liked me. If they had not been checking up on Theo and Toummni, they may not have noticed me. Then the offer was made and here I am."
Hartlepool poster now available
The promotional poster for United's forthcoming FA Cup Second Round clash against Hartlepool is now available to download.
http://www.herefordunited.co.uk/upload/club/herefordunited/doc/FA_Cup_Second_Round_Hartlepool.pdf
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Hartlepool lose at Swansea
Visitors to Edgar Street on Saturday, Hartlepool United, were defeated 1-0 by Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium this evening.
Danny Wilson was without Gary Liddle and Ben Clark both recovering from injury. Striker Antony Sweeney had two good chances towards the end of the game.
Hartlepool stay in 15th position in League One.
In other matches this evening Lionel Ainsworth was not named in the squad for Watford who were defeated by Burnley.
At Bristol Rovers Andy Williams started for the home side and Tamika Mkandawire for Leyton Orient in an FA Cup 1st Round replay. The game went to extra time and penalties. Mkandawire scored his penalty but it wasn't enough as Rovers went through. Just 3742 watched the match.
Easton takes over from Boyden
Tuesday night's will never be the same on BBC Hereford and Worcester as Malcolm Boyden is finishing his stint as the presenter of the 'sports' programme.
Andrew Easton will take over the slot from next Tuesday.
Boyden has been presenting the show, with the occasional break, since September 2004.
"If you're a sports fan you won't miss a thing but what you'll get is Malcolm's unique take on the world of jock straps and liniment – it will be a sports show unlike anything else you will have ever heard!" said James Coghill managing editor of H&W when Boyden was appointed.
Hereford United supporters will remember with fondness his reporting on H&W on that great day at the Walkers Stadium when the Bulls regained their rightful place in League Two.
Boyden is a West Brom supporter and has been heard on their PA at home games. His next few Tuesday's night will be in panto in Lichfield as Baron Hard-Up.
Early Travel Details for Wycombe
Both 'carriers' are arranging transport to Wycombe on Tuesday December 4th for Hereford United's next away game.
HUISA will have a coach leaving Edgar Street at 3pm. Cost is £14. Bookings next Saturday before the Hartlepool Cup game or from the club office (01432 276666).
HUMADS will also have a coach which will pickup at Malvern at 2pm and leave Hereford at 3pm. Cost will be just £6. Phone Reg on 01684 572945 after Friday.
Hall to Referee Hereford Cup Game
West Midlands based Andy Hall is set to referee next Saturday's second round FA Cup game between Hereford United and Hartlepool United at Edgar Street.
Hall was the man in the middle recently when Hereford played at Peterborough in a League Two game which ended 1-1. That day he booked four Bulls, Broadhurst, Webb, McCombe and Robinson.
To date he has officiated in 16 games this season and he given out 64 yellow cards and 6 red cards.
For Hereford's next League Two fixture, which is at Wycombe on Tuesday December 4th, Paul Armstrong from Berkshire will be in charge. As far as is known it will be the first time he has refereed a game involving Hereford United
Armstrong has only refereed one League game this season which was at Peterborough last Saturday when the home side defeated Brentford 7-0. He gave out 2 yellow and one red card.
Reserves defeat Cardiff
Hereford United reserves defeated Cardiff City 2-0 this afternoon in a behind closed doors friendly according to the Official Website.
Marcus Palmer and Trent McClenahan scored the goals.
Hereford fielded a number of first-team players in a strong line-up.
The Bluebirds sent a young team comprising mainly youth academy players.
News Round Up
Accrington will lose skipper Peter Cavanagh for four weeks after he was deemed to need surgery on the hernia that kept him out of Saturday's match with the Bulls. Chesterfield have extended the loan of Nottm Forest defender Felix Bastians until January 1st. It will be his third and final month, having played nine times for the club so far.
Swindon have lost Paul Sturrock to Plymouth. He is the second boss to walk out of the club in a year after Dennis Wise left for Leeds. The ongoing financial crisis at Swindon is believed to be the main reason for the Scot's departure, with a proposed takeover dead in the water.
Darlington have loaned Bradford winger Joe Colbeck for a second month, but the Bantams have a 24 hour recall clause. The Quakers have also signed keeper David Stockdale to a longer contract, but have released striker Ian Harty after the former Airdrie man played just twice for the club after arriving in the summer.
Preview: Bulls vs Hartlepool
The Bulls take on Hartlepool at Edgar Street in the second round of the FA Cup.
The Pools have lost on both their recent trips to Edgar Street. Last season a 3-1 Bulls win dented their pre-season League favourites tip, while the Bulls also beat them in a second round FA Cup match back in 1999. The Sky cameras were there that day as the Bulls won by a solitary Rob Elmes goal.
The Bulls go into the match on the back of a seven match unbeaten run including two matches against Leeds - who beat the monkey hangers 2-0 earlier in the season. At least three of the loan players will feature for the Bulls, but Sam Collins is cup-tied by Wolves and no announcement has been made concerning midfielder Ryan Flynn.
Hartlepool have not won since their 6-0 thrashing of Gainsborough Trinity in the First Round. Subsequently they have lost to Morecambe on penalties in the Johnstones Paint Trophy, drawn at Bournemouth, and lost to Gillingham. They sit in a lower mid-table position equally close to the relegation and play-off spots, and face Swansea tonight in a League match.
Top goalscorer is former Mansfield striker Richard Barker, an £80,000 buy in January, with nine goals. Former trainee James Brown has eight, while former Leeds and Forest man Ian Moore has seven although all three have struggled in recent games with the Pools not scoring more than twice in a League match for seven games.
Hereford United vs Hartlepool United, Edgar Street, Saturday 1st December, 3.00pm.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Brave Young Bulls bow out to Millwall Lions
After taking an impressive three goal first half lead HUFC Youth team eventually found their higher graded opponents superior fitness too much to contain as they fell to a 3-5 defeat this evening at Edgar Street.
During the first period our youngsters forged ahead showing a greater desire and no small amount of skill. With thick fog engulfing the ground Craig Jones tested the visiting keeper early on as he fired goalwards from 20 yards. Shortly afterwards, Steve Smith was unlucky with a fine effort that was just inched wide of the target but there was a close call when Millwall's Gary Bowes clipped the crossbar with a neat header on ten minutes. Fullback, Tom Cartwright, found his way into the referee's notebook for an enthusiastic challenge on Ryan James and Smith again warmed the keepers hands with a rasping shot before Adam Bendall opened the Bulls account with a 35 yards pile driver that took a slight deflection as it scorched passed 'keeper Edwards. The Lions' Ryan Jones was next into the book for a cynical revenge tackle on Cartwright. The Bulls then doubled their lead when Craig Jones volleyed home from the edge of the box following good work down the left by Bobby Terrett and Tyler Weir and as the half drew to a close Sam Harrison was on hand to shoot home giving a deserved three goal interval lead.
Millwall started the second half looking more purposeful but were being well contained by some resolute defending. With just twenty minutes remaining, the clearly tiring Bulls suffered two untimely problems as the hard working Bobby Terrett took a knock which hampered his movement and central defender Gareth Thomas, until then a rock in the middle, went down with cramp. Without doubt, Millwall's free weekend and Hereford Youths game on Saturday was starting to have an effect. The Lions had introduced young schoolboy Ikenna Ofoche at half time and his silky skills and close control began to take it's toll on the failing legs of the Bulls back division. Gary Noel's deflected goal reduced the arrears with less than fifteen minutes to go then a Darren Ebsworth penalty brought the match to a knife-edge before substitute Billy Jeffreys poked home a late equaliser to take the game into extra time.
Charlie Read headed home to give Millwall a 3-4 lead before Gary Noel notched his second and put the tie beyond doubt as the Lions progressed to a third round trip to Manchester City.
Overall, the HUFC youngsters can be proud of their vastly improved showing and will reflect that the hard endeavours of the weekend eventually proved their downfall while maybe an earlier replacement of Terrett and Thomas may have prevented the late Millwall recovery. The game was watched by 164 appreciative spectators.
Extra Time at Edgar Street but Bulls are Beaten
Although Hereford United went into the second half with a 3-0 lead Millwall came back into the game at Edgar Street with three goals in about ten minutes and so extra time had to be played.
Millwall Youth took advantage of a tiring opposition and scored another two goals to win the game 5-3. They will travel to Manchester City in the next round.
Full report to follow.
Young Bulls 3-0 ahead at half-time
Hereford United's youth team has taken a 3-0 lead over Millwall at half-time in this evening's FA Youth Cup game at Edgar Street which started at 7pm.
Goal scorers were Adam Bendall, Craig Jones and Sam Harrison.
Our reporter at the game says that Hereford started more aggressively than Millwall but 3-0 at half-time may be slightly flattering to the Bulls.
Around 150/200 supporters are watching the game. Later confirmed as 164.
Ince on his way to Derby?
Speculation that MK Dons manager Paul Ince will become the new Derby manager continues this evening with the news that bookies have dropped the odds on his probable appointment to next to nothing. One bookie, Ladbrokes, has closed their book.
Billy Davies was sacked by the Derby chairman Adam Pearson at the weekend.
Ince's first managership was at Macclesfield who were struggling at the foot of League Two when he took over in October 2006. He received lots of praise for keeping them in the League and his success was noticed by MK Dons chairman Pete Winkleman who persuaded Ince to move south during pre-season.
Ince has guided the Dons to top place in League Two.
Good Demand for New Bulls Book
The new book, A Corner Kick from the Middle of Nowhere written by Mitch Stansbury, which chronicles Hereford United's life in the Conference is now on general sale.
Last Saturday Hereford bookseller Off The Wall, the first shop to sell the book, had to order extra copies because of unprecedented demand.
As from today the book can also be purchased in Hereford at 'Moo' in Maylords Orchard and Waterstones as well as at Off The Wall in St Owens Street.
It can also be purchased from internet retailer Amazon.
The author will be at Waterstones (in Hereford) next Saturday from 1pm to 2pm to sign copies.
Ricky George wrote the foreword to the book. Below is a little of what he wrote:
"A Corner-Kick is not just a record of matches played, but more a story about the characters that devotedly follow non-league clubs, the characters who run those clubs and some of the weird and wonderful locations on the non-league map.
"Most of all, it is about the love affair between a supporter and his team, a phenomenon that can only be understood if you are one, or when someone like Mitch takes the time and trouble to explain it.
"As the book unfolded, I found myself laughing and crying (yes crying) as I was constantly reminded what it means to truly support a football club."
Turner disappointed with gates at Edgar Street
In his post match comments on the Hereford United Official Website as reported by Teamtalk, manager Graham Turner expresses his disappointment with the level of attandances recently.
"The biggest disappointment for me was the attendance on Saturday," said Turner.
"Just 2,800 when you're second in the league and having just come off the back of a victory at Leeds is poor.
"It's not the cost of so many games because it's the same people that come and watch us and they find the money.
"It is the support that was with us in the conference that has disappeared totally and I can't figure out why."
Hereford's average League gate this season to date is 3085 down 7% on last season's final figure. Overall the League Two gates are up 3.2%. Much of the increase is due to extra support at Bradford, Milton Keynes Dons and Morecambe where attendances have doubled.
Meanwhile the VP club at Edgar Street was without it's usual staff last Saturday after a dispute. Two committee members ran the bar.
Green Gets Broken Jaw In Fight
Ex-Bull Ryan Green has suffered a broken jaw in a fight, press reports have confirmed.
The 27 year old Welshman was out in London on Saturday night and suffered the injury following a scuffle. Details are sketchy at present but Bristol Rovers boss Paul Trollope told the press:
"Ryan was involved in an incident on Saturday night and has come out of it with a broken jaw. He was the innocent party and we are making further investigations about it. He's going to be missing for two to three months, as Sean Rigg was last year with a broken jaw."
Green spent two years at Edgar Street, scoring the goal that took the Bulls back into the League but left soon after for the Pirates. Rovers now have a major defensive crisis, with two defenders suspended following Saturday's game at Swindon, as they look to pull themselves clear of the League One relegation zone.
I'm not sure where Yeovil is says Monkey Hanger
One of Hartlepool's players knew that when he moved from Dumferline he would face some long journeys. But this week Jamie McCunnie will travel to Swansea and then a trip to Edgar Street for Saturday's FA Cup game.
"I didn't realise how long some of the trips would be, but the boys have been filling me in and we've got a few tricky journeys ahead," McCunnie told the Northen Echo.
And what's making life worse, he says, is that Hartlepool has recently thrown games away. On Saturday at Gillingham it took just 48 seconds after the interval for 'Pool to concede.
"It's the same every week and we are all getting fed up of it. It's so frustrating. As we went out at the start of the second half the manager said they would come for us - and then we go and concede a terrible goal within a minute.
"We weren't over running them, but we had the better of them in the first half, no doubt about that. We are giving goals away every week - we are having to score two or three goals to win a game and, away from home, it's suicide.
"It's hard to take, it really is. And it's a long journey back up the road to think about it. It's a pain in the arse, the same story every week - we are in control and playing the better football, but be it at one end or the other.
"There's been too many games like this. It does my head in. We were in the bottom half of the table before this game, it's not good enough."
This morning Hartlepool set off for Swansea.
"It's a horrendous week on the road for us. When I came down to Hartlepool to play in this division, I didn't know where places where - I certainly do now.
"It's like take your packed lunch, we are on the bus again. It's a nightmare and it seems to take forever. We are back on the road today and will get back at God knows when on Wednesday morning.
"Then it's away again on Friday to Hereford, away at Yeovil the week later and we've got one Saturday home game to come and it's back away at Swindon. I've never known anything like it.
"I'm not sure where Yeovil is, I'm not sure I want to know."
News Round Up
Stafford have released assistant manager David Oldfield due to financial constraints. Rangers, one of the last part-time clubs in the Conference, had cut their budget by 12% during the summer to reflect falling gates but further falls have prompted the move. The club have only one home game scheduled in seven weeks.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Millwall will be a tough challenge for Young Bulls
Tomorrow evening's FA Youth Cup game against Millwall will be a tough challenge for the young Bulls. The game takes place at Edgar Street with a 7pm start. Admission for Adults is £3 with concessions at just £1.
The Youth team will start tomorrow's game with most of the squad that were thumped yesterday by Wycombe in the Youth Alliance Cup. After such a disappointing display the two coaches, Gary Stephens and Colin Williams, ordered them in at 10am this morning, not for extra training as they were expecting but to go through the many problems they encountered in yesterday's 8-0 defeat.
Although the Young Bulls faced a strong Wycombe side who had beaten them by the same scoreline in the first game of the group stage they had high hopes of running them close after finishing second to them in the group. This was not to be they were a goal down in a minute and three down in nine minutes, game over.
Hopefully the watching Millwall scout went away with a false impression. Millwall were without a game yesterday and called their game with Charlton off last week. The season so far has been difficult for them, but their fixture list looks a lot different to the Hereford Youth team with the likes of Chelsea, West Ham, Ipswich and Southampton all well respected Youth Development Clubs. Millwall's pre match meeting is scheduled for the Three Counties Hotel whereas Hereford's will be at Holme Lacy College Canteen.
The money spent on Millwall's Youth Team is a great deal more than Hereford's with full time coaches, scholarships and administration to support them, at least the Hereford lads get a better quality education.
Hereford will need to be at their best to gain anything out of the game and start as underdogs, however, as Colin Williams says, "it's a funny old game" and the young Bulls go into the game with high hopes.
The Hereford squad:
Liam Brewer, Kai Bond, Jimmy Moreton, Adam Bendall, Jamie Cuthbertson, Gareth Thomas, Sam Harrison, Stephen Smith, Bobby Terrett, Craig Jones, Tom Cartwright, Tyler Weir, Martin Lott, Chris Freddi.
Wrexham 2 Chester 2
Wrexham and Chester played out a 2-2 draw in the last League Two game of the weekend.
The result, in Brian Little's first game in charge, leaves Wrexham bottom of the table, and keeps Chester in seventh place. The Welsh side have two games in hand on most of the teams at the bottom.
We didn't play well - Turner
In his post match comments the Hereford United manager expressed some disappointment with his side's performance.
"I have seen it happen so many times after a performance like the one at Leeds that you come and fall flat on your face at home," said Graham Turner as reported by the Hereford Times.
"We didn't play well, it didn't flow and we had to grind out a result. We hoped that we might have nicked it with Theo's chance late on but we didn't so we take the point and move on."
Accrington's John Coleman was happy with a point.
"On the balance of play over the 90 minutes, I thought a draw was a fair result. Hereford are a very good team and I don't think many sides will come here and keep a clean sheet.
"Chances were at a premium but both teams had one or two which were not clear cut. With the amount of goals Hereford have scored this season so far, we must be pleased to keep a clean sheet.
"We defended really well particularly in the second half but in the first we made a couple of errors. However, we didn't get many shots on target which is disappointing but we are now unbeaten in five games away from home."
Another possible Trialist for Hereford United
A few months ago Bulls News reported that a New Zealand player with the name of Ants Hancock had been invited for a trial at Edgar Street. Since then nothing has been heard of the player or any possible trial which was said to be taking place in December.
This morning there is a report that another overseas player is on his way to Edgar Street.
The Stabroek News is saying that Guyanese international central midfielder Shawn Beveney, pictured, is coming to Hereford for a trial.
The 25-year-old midfielder Beveney is on a match-to-match contract at semi-pro side Dulwich Hamlet Football Club.
Apparantly Beveney arrives tomorrow and will play in a reserve game against Cardiff on Tuesday.
The paper also says that he has already had a trial with Luton Town, and after Edgar Street is off to Leeds and then MK Dons.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Ex-Bull Watch
Paul Parry scored the only goal as Cardiff beat Ipswich, their first win five games, with Gavin Williams booked for the visitors. John Eustace played the full game for Stoke as they drew with Burnley. Tamika Mkandawire was the hero as Leyton Orient beat Huddersfield by a single goal, clearing off the line twice to protect their slender lead.
Ryan Green was booked as Bristol Rovers lost 1-0 to Swindon. Four were sent off in the game, three for a mass brawl, and Andy Williams was a second half sub. Williams has started only five league games for Rovers, and hasn't scored in his last 15 appearances.
Chris Hargreaves scored one of Torquay's goals in their 2-0 win over Woking. Danny Carey-Bertram bagged a first half hat-trick but Forest Green lost 5-3 to Droylsden in the absence of Stuart Fleetwood, although both Jamie Pitman and Mark Beesley started the game.
Chukki Eribenne was dismissed in the first half for Ebbsfleet as they beat Dads Army Stafford, whose goal came from 43 year old sub Neil Grayson. Due to an injury crisis, spring chicken Phil Robinson (40) also came on as a sub late in the game. Scott Tynan kept a clean sheet as Northwich registered their first win of the season as they beat Rushden 1-0.
League Two Results Round-Up
MK Dons stay top despite losing 2-1 at home to Chesterfield, who are sixth. Darlington, 1-0 winners over Wycombe, are third with Rotherham fourth after their 2-0 win over struggling Shrewsbury.
Peterboro are fifth after tanking Brentford 7-0. The Bees had a man sent off after just two minutes, and Aaron MacLean scored a first half hat-trick. Chester round off the play-off spots, and could move up to fifth if they put seven or more past bottom club Wrexham tomorrow lunchtime.
Down the botton Lincoln are off the bottom after a 2-1 win over Notts County - their first win since August - moved their points total into double figures. The bottom five are beginning to drift away from the remainder of the table with Mansfield losing at Rochdale, Dagenham getting a 1-1 draw at Macclesfield, and Grimsby winning 3-0 at Barnet to keep themselves out of the relegation spots.
In other games 17th place Bradford and 16th place Stockport drew 1-1, and Morecambe beat Bury 2-1 to go tenth.
No Midweek Game for Bulls
Hereford United do not have a mid-week game so have a real chance to recharge their batteries before the visit of Hartlepool in next Saturday's second round FA Cup game.
Several of the Hereford players looked a little tired this aftenoon. Most of them have played six games in the last 21 days and probably deserve the break.
It isn't yet known whether the injury Richard Rose suffered this afternoon will keep him out next Saturday but Trent McClenhan should be back in contention for a place if required.
Hartlepool were defeated 2-1 by Gillingham this afternoon and are 15th in League One. Last season they were in League Two and Hereford supporters who watched the game at Hartlepool will remember a particularily good game which the home team won 3-2. Earlier in the season when the two teams met at Edgar Street the Bulls came out on top by 3-1.
Both teams played good football at those two games and Hereford United coach John Trewick told BBC Hereford and Worcester that he is looking forward to the same next Saturday.
"They do like to pass it. Danny Wilson instills that in his teams. I hope they do come and play open attractive football. We'll take them on at that and hopefully get through to the third round," said Trewick.
Gwynne gets his first League start for Bulls
Hereford United manager Graham Turner gave Sam Gwynne, pictured earlier this season, his first League Two start this afternoon. The local lad played on the wing in place of Lionel Ainsworth who came on for Watford as a sub late in their game.
Keith Hall, reporting for BBC Hereford and Worcester, thought Gwynne was a bit nervous to start.
"I thought he had an excellent debut. He didn't look over-awed at all. It was nice to see a Hereford born player in the Hereford side."
Coach John Trewick thought Gwynne could be pleased with his performance.
"He's done very well. A different type of player to Lionel. You get different strengths from Sam. Probably a little bit nervous for the first ten, twenty minutes but he's done very well for himself. I'm pleased for him.
"He's worked very well in training. Everybody likes to see a local lad doing well. All credit to him."
Only Four Shots on Target
There were just four shots on target this afternoon at Edgar Street. Three of those were for the Bulls and just one for Accrington. That number might have been somewhat higher had young Hereford striker Theo Robinson been more accurate.
The Bulls had more possession than the Milkmen - 52% to 48%.
There were 25 fouls committed during the game. Hereford made 10 of them.
The PA Stats made Ben Smith Hereford's man of the match by awarding him an eight. The majority of the Hereford players were given sevens except Benjamin, Robinson, Diagouraga and Taylor. Perhaps harshly Rose was also given a six, however he was subbed as a result of an injury after just over 30 minutes.
The attendance was 2804 of which just 52 were in the away end.
Hereford drop to fourth position in the table.
1 Milton Keynes Dons 17 17 35
2 Darlington 17 16 33
3 Rotherham 17 9 33
4 Hereford 17 14 32
5 Peterborough 17 14 31
6 Chesterfield 16 13 30
7 Chester 16 7 28
Bulls draw Stanley blank
Hereford United failed to build on the mid-week victory at Elland Road in the league after Accrington Stanley managed to gain a 0-0 draw at Edgar Street this afternoon. Theo Robinson went close on many occasions, but failed to test Ian Dunbavin, whilst a poor shot by Leighton McGivern after a good counter-attack kept the scores level.
The departure of Lionel Ainsworth left a gap to fill on the right wing; with Luke Webb out injured, Sam Gwynne notched up his first league start. On the other wing, Clint Easton failed to shrug off an injury and Kris Taylor took his place. Stanley loanee Ian Craney partnered Jay Harris in midfield, with former Bulls striker David Brown named amongst the substitutes, alongside new loan signing Billy Dennehy, who signed from Sunderland on Thursday.
A fine chance was presented to Trevor Benjamin in the early stages, when Gwynne touched the ball away from left back Graham Branch. Benjamin, inside the six yard box, stretched to touch the ball goalwards. Dunbavin was beaten, and the home fans were celebrating, but the ball had brushed on the side netting, and not the back of the net. Dean Beckwith headed a Liam Richardson cross over his own crossbar as Stanley had a flurry of corners, but United were looking more likely to open the scoring. Firstly, Robinson linked up with Smith before running in towards goal, and from an angle, struck a shot just past the post. Then Benjamin turned in the middle of the Stanley half, and progressed forward, before unleashing a fierce shot but Dunbavin held on.
The nifty Roscoe D'Sane looked lively, and his powerful effort was deflected just past the upright by Robbie Threlfall. Minutes after this, Richard Rose was bought off, after he had picked up a knock; Wolves loanee Lee Collins took his place at right back. Good comination work by Richardson and Paul Mullin, led to the former bursting into the box, and just as he went to pull the trigger, he appeared to have his legs touched by Threlfall. The referee didn't agree though, and pointed for a goal-kick. A mix-up between the otherwise solid John McCombe and Dean Beckwith led to D'Sane dragging a shot wide, before the ref signalled for the interval.
Craney met a Mullin lay-off, but a curling shot failed to trouble Wayne Brown, whilst at the other end, a sloppy pass led to a good chance for United. Taylor picked it up before slipping a pass to Robinson, but like the first half, a left footed shot from the Watford striker went wide off the post. Changes were needed to shaken the game up, and both sides did just that. Firstly McGivern came on for D'Sane, and minutes after, Steve Guinan took the place of Benjamin, who had done little in the match. A Guinan head down, saw Taylor smash a right-footed volley over the Blackfriars end, before Romuald Boco replaced Branch.
Good work down the left hand side saw Taylor play a pass into the feet of Guinan, before a reverse pass found Robinson, but the youngster struck past the post. At the other end, Harris weaved his way round three challenges but could only shoot over from just inside the box. Then, a Threlfall free-kick was cleared, and Harris burst forward once more, before finding McGivern, but the substitute wasted a good opportunity, when he curled over the bar from 18 yards. Taylor made way for Johnson, as an injection of pace was introduced. He soon became involved, as his run set up a good passing move, which ended with Robinson firing over from an angle, after Smith had opted to pass instead of shoot. A Craney snap-shot found the back of the Meadow End, before one final chance failed to be converted. Johnson made progress down the left hand side, before passing to Robinson. The striker powered a shot wide, and the effort summed up a frustrating afternoon for the youngster, and also for The Bulls.
The game was one of the poorer spectacles this season at Edgar Street, in front of 2804, including a fine away following of just 52. At times, United looked to lack the killer pass, and didn't have the pace and trickery of Ainsworth to call on, although Gwynne had an encouraging display. The defence was solid though, and a third clean sheet in four games will make happy reading for Brown and co. A week off may be what United need, with no mid-week match. Hartlepool visit Edgar Street next Saturday, in what should be a good game of football between two sides who like to get the ball down.
Hereford: Brown, Rose, Beckwith, McCombe, Threlfall, Gwynne, Diagouraga, Smith, Taylor, Benjamin, Robinson.
Subs: Ingham, Collins, Johnson, Palmer, Guinan.
Accrington: Dunbavin, Richardson, Proctor, Roberts, Williams, Branch, Webb, Craney, Harris, D'Sane, Mullin.
Subs: Boco, Whalley, Dennehy, Brown, McGivern.
Frustrating Draw said Bulls Coach
Speaking after today's game Hereford United coach John Trewick thought that Accrington's game plan of three at the back and five across the middle of the park had stopped the Bulls from playing their passing game.
"It was a bit hit and miss today. We still created one or two opportunities to have maybe scored. If you can't win take a point. It keeps us ticking over," Trewick told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
The coach was critical of referee Trevor Kettle.
"I think there were several advantages he could have played. I feel he could have stamped down on one or two of their challenges earlier in the game because it allowed the opposition to keep fouling. That's what they did. They were getting very very tight, committing fouls, breaking up the play, difficult to get any real rhythm going."
Asked if there was any hang-over from the Leeds match Trewick replied saying he didn't think so.
"We've put that behind us. I think the atmosphere was always going to be different. Accrington doesn't conjour up the same images as Leeds. It always a case that sometimes after the Lord Major's Show you have to grind out results."
Bulls Held By Stanley
The Bulls endured another drab game against Accrington, with a 0-0 draw at Edgar Street today.
The home side definitely had the look of a team that had performed heroics in the week, leaving them drained. They will certainly benefit from the extra few days without a game in the coming week.
Full report later.
Back to the League This Afternoon
Hereford United supporters will be back down on planet earth this afternoon for the visit of Accrington Stanley to Edgar Street. Just four days ago many of them will have been on-route to Elland Road to watch the Bulls defeat the once mighty Leeds in the FA Cup.
As Clive Tyldesley points out in this morning's Daily Telegraph (admittedly he was refering to the England game):
It is probably like coming home to your spouse after a turbulent fling on an international business trip.
From Hereford to Hartlepool, thousands of England football fans will return to the bosom of their clubs this weekend and be hugged. Their favourite seat will be waiting, along with a warming cup of Bovril. The teams we married may not win any beauty competitions, let alone any trophies, but at least you know where you are with them. With England, you don't any more.
For too many people in and around English football, elimination from Euro 2008 is nothing that three points today won't put right.
Today Hereford United supporters are much happier than those who follow England. Last Tuesday they had success against Leeds which takes them into round two of the Cup. Their players put everything into that game at Elland Road. In contrast on Wednesday some of the English players who took to the field at Wembley looked as though they wanted to be somewhere else.
Whilst the loss of Lionel Ainsworth to Watford is disappointing, one player doesn't make a team. The retention of the two players on loan from Watford, coupled with, in Graham Turner's view, a decent fee, is a reasonable deal and Hereford United's form should not suffer.
Three points against Accrington this afternoon would cap a great week for the Bulls.
Meanwhile for those unable to watch the match there will be updates on BBC Hereford and Worcester in their Sports Programme which kicks-off at 2.05pm.
Keith Hall will be their man at Edgar Street and Terry Goodwin will present the show in the absence of Trevor Owens.
UPDATE: Speculation on the 'Vital' site that the this afternoon's game at Edgar Street could be called off because of strong rain is complete nonsense. As at 11.45am there has been very little rain in the area and no heavy rain is forecast.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Decent Fee for Ainsworth says Hereford Boss
Hereford United manager Graham Turner has spoken about the deal to allow young winger Lionel Ainsworth to move to Watford.
"Lionel has only started 14 games for us so it just shows the progress that the young lad has made," Turner told the Worcester News.
"He has scored a few goals for us in recent weeks so in that respect it will be a blow, but I had to look at the bigger picture.
"We felt that keeping Theo and Toumani will suit us better in the long term, plus we have got a decent fee for Lionel which will increase depending on the number of games he plays and if they get promoted.
"Aidy Boothroyd got in contact on Thursday morning and when the whole deal was presented to us it wasn't a difficult decision. Obviously I would have liked to have kept Lionel as well as having Theo and Toumani until the end of the season."
Next Season starts on August 9th
Next season will start on Saturday August 9th according to the Football League.
The date will apply to both the Championship, League One and League Two.
In other news from the Football League, it has been announced that the League are to hold an awareness week from November 24th (tomorrow) in an effort to raise £1m for sick children.
It is thought that both teams will wear 'branded t-shirts' publicising the event during the pre-match warm-up at Edgar Street tomorrow
Four Bulls will miss Stanley Match
Four Hereford United players are expected to miss tomorrow's League Two fixture against Accrington Stanley.
Captain Karl Broadhurst is still recovering from an ankle injury, Trent McClenahan may be jet-lagged after returning from the Olyroos fixture, Luke Webb is a doubt, also with an ankle injury, and new loanee Ryan Flynn has a thigh injury.
Manager Graham Turner is hopeful that after the cup victory over Leeds his players won't be over-confident.
"We have now got to concentrate and focus on Accrington and taking the three points," he told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"The way things are going, the team is playing with a bit of confidence. If you take the Leeds game out of it, we have won our previous three league games as well," said Turner as reported by the Worcester News.
"I think keeping our feet on the ground is the most important thing and to get focused on Accrington.
"They have always been well organised. They have always been very very competitive with John Coleman as manager.
"It won't be easy but there's always a danger after a big cup victory that players lose a bit of focus and we have got to guard against that."
Meanwhile the Worcester News reports that white ribbons will be sold at tomorrow's match to highlight domestic violence. Messages will also be published in the match day programme, put out over the tannoy and on the club's scoreboard at half time after the club recently teamed up with Herefordshire Community Safety and Drugs Partnership.
Stags In Limbo On Takeover
Mansfield owner Keith Haslam has accused chairman James Derry of reducing his offer for the club.
With Derry's deadline for his offer due today, Haslam has released a statement on the Stags' official site claiming that he will not decide whether to accept the offer until next week: "I have a meeting tomorrow and over the weekend, and the decision will probably roll into next week. I can't put a time on when a decision will be made but things are moving forward. We can't move any quicker than we are."
The pair agreed a deal six weeks ago but Derry's current bid, submitted on Monday, is claimed to be vastly different to the original deal: "Monday was the first firm offer we've had apart from the one which we agreed on October 5th, but their new offer has dramatically changed from that inital bid.
"I don't think anybody who has a property can turn around to the bidder and just accept it without considering it. Me and my parties are now evaluating certain figures which they have put forward and this takes time. But also, it is such a major departure from the offer agreed on October 5.
"It's now down to whether our number crunching comes out the right way and if we feel it is a reasonable offer. Like I said earlier, if the the offer that we signed up to in October had been stuck to, we would have agreed a deal by now, so I don't think you can say it is my side's fault. We are just looking to make the right decision."
Haslam took over the club and ground in 1993 for £1, and agreed to sell the club to Derry for £500,000 in October along with a £200,000 rental on the ground.
McClenahan heading back to Hereford
Trent McClenhan is heading back to Hereford after playing twice in a week for the Olyroos.
Their latest game against North Korea in the qualifying stage for the 2008 Bejing Olympic games was drawn 1-1. The Australians have come out on top of their group.
McClenhan played the full ninety minutes in freezing conditions on a pitch described as artificial and icy.
The match was close to being postponed as a metre of snow fell the previous evening.
Bulls Book Available Tomorrow
The new book featuring Hereford United's time in the Conference will be available in Hereford tomorrow (Saturday).
A Corner Kick From The Middle Of Nowhere, written by Mitch Stansbury, will be on sale from Off The Wall, 24 St Owens Street from 9am.
Those lucky enough to have read pre-sale copies are giving it excellent reviews.
Copies can be reserved by telephone. The number is 01432 354892.
The book is expected to be available in other outlets such as Waterstones from next Monday.
It can also be purchased from on-line retailer Amazon.
News Round Up
Stevenage have loaned pair Adam Miller and John Nutter to Gillingham for the rest of the year, with permanent deals to be concluded in January. The club have confirmed that manager Mark Stimson cost the Gills a 'six figure fee'. Wrexham have signed midfielder Sam Aiston from Northampton on loan. The 31 year old is the latest player to play for Shrewsbury, Chester, and Wrexham.
Morecambe boss Sammy McIlroy has been given a two match ban and a £350 fine by the FA after being found guilty of improper conduct. Bury have loaned Liam Hughes from Wolves for a month. The 19 year old striker is a regular scorer for their reserve side. The Shakers have also signed Sean McAllister from Sheff Weds, just a week after he returned from a similar spell at Mansfield.
Staines Dump Stockport Out Of Cup
Staines beat Stockport 4-3 on penalties in last night's FA Cup Round One replay.
The Massive, as they are known, took the lead after ten minutes and it took the Hatters over an hour to find an equaliser to send the game into extra time. Ex-Bull Michael Rose started the match but didn't last an hour as fitness concerns forced the player off.
Staines will face Peterboro at home in the next round.
Bulls Release Lionel Statement
Hereford United have released the following statement on the official website regarding the transfer of Watford-bound Lionel Ainsworth:
Minutes before the close of the emergency (short term) loan period a deal was concluded with Watford for Lionel Ainsworth to join them initially on loan, with an agreed deal for the player to sign a permanent contract in January.
In return Hereford United received a transfer fee, plus Toumani Diagouraga and Theo Robinson extending their loans to us until the end of the season. Hereford United had no desire to sell Lionel and under normal circumstances would have refused Watford's request, however, it was felt that securing the services of Theo and Toumani until the end of the season was vital to us, in our quest to gain promotion.
It also enhances Hereford United's reputation of giving young players an opportunity to develop at our Club, important when attempting to sign players either on loan or permanently.
We would like to thank Lionel for his efforts during the short time he was with us and wish him every success at Watford where he will join up with another of the successful youngsters who developed as players with us, Gavin Mahon.
We would also like to thank Theo and Toumani who have played an important part in the team so far this season for agreeing to stay with us.
Meanwhile, we would like to confirm the signing of Liverpool youngster Ryan Flynn initially on a one month emergency loan. Ryan 18, is a midfield player, but unfortunately he will not figure in the game against Accrington Stanley because of a slight injury.
More Press On The FA Cup
The following was written by Brian Viner, and appeared in the Independent last week:
All supporters of Premier League football clubs should, in my humble opinion, go to see the odd game between teams several divisions lower. It's not only better for the wallet, it's also good for the soul.
A week ago yesterday I went to Edgar Street to see my local team, Hereford United of League Two, play Leeds United of League One in the first round of the FA Cup. It was wonderful. I had forgotten the spirit that envelops a small, ramshackle football stadium on cold, autumnal nights, not to mention the smell that envelops Edgar Street in particular; the smell of apples being pressed at the nearby Bulmer's cider factory.
My son Joe and I were invited by my friend Simon, whose company sponsored the match. Simon is a lifelong Hereford fan, and it would be wrong to compare his anticipation of the match with that of a child on Christmas Eve only in the sense that no child on Christmas Eve was ever as excited. He phoned umpteen times in the week before the match to remind me that it was the first time Hereford had ever played Leeds, and indeed the first time Leeds had played in the first round of the FA Cup for 86 years. I stoked Simon's excitement by telling him that the last time I saw Leeds play live, the opposition was Barcelona, in the group stages of the Champions League. It wasn't that long ago, either. Never mind the subsequent plummet in Leeds' fortunes, could Hereford beat the team that mighty Barcelona failed to beat seven years ago almost to the night at Elland Road?
In the first half I sat next to another friend of Simon's, a lovely fellow called Farmer. Only in Herefordshire are you likely to encounter a man whose first name, as well as his occupation, is Farmer. Incidentally, in 1940 at the height of the Battle of Britain, Dr George Gallup, the man who gave his name to the Gallup poll, travelled around England asking people if they had heard of Winston Churchill. Surprisingly, only 96 per cent had. And the four per cent who had not were all Herefordshire farmers, with more important things to worry about, like getting the sheep fleeced and the cows to market. It's still that kind of county in many ways, which shows why the game against Leeds, still considered city slickers hereabouts, so gripped the imagination.
Moreover, it was an FA Cup tie, and it could be argued that Hereford have a more glorious Cup history than any other club, insofar as Hereford have no glorious history apart from the FA Cup. Simon is just about the only lifelong Bulls fan I know over the age of 40 who admits he wasn't there on the unforgettable afternoon of 5 February 1972 when Hereford, then a Southern League club, beat First Division Newcastle United in an FA Cup third-round replay.
My new friend Farmer was, however. He was 11 years old, and was accompanied to the match by his nine-year-old sister on the strict parental condition that he was not to let her out of his sight. But as soon as Ronnie Radford equalised Malcolm Macdonald's 82nd-minute opener, Farmer joined the pitch invasion and promptly lost his sister. "I didn't see her again until Ricky George scored the winner in extra time," he told me. "Then there was another pitch invasion and that's where I found her, on the pitch."
It is unlikely that any feat of FA Cup giant-killing will ever come close to matching that one, either at Edgar Street or anywhere else, especially in this skewed football world in which Premier League Manchester City beating Premier League Manchester United counts as giant-killing. All the same, if Leeds had been beaten it would have been another famous Edgar Street victory, and they nearly were: in an entertaining 0-0 draw Hereford were much the better side, which bodes well for Tuesday's replay ("the first time we've ever played at Elland Road," Simon tells me).
The match was my first sight of Hereford this season, and the first time I had seen 19-year-old Lionel Ainsworth, who signed in the summer after being released by Derby County. I fancy young Ainsworth might yet make an impact in the higher echelons, and my talent-spotting record isn't bad. In 1983, I went to Vancouver to visit my Canadian friend Bruce, who took me to watch Vancouver Whitecaps against San Jose Earthquakes in the North American Soccer League. A Whitecaps player let go by Manchester United the season before impressed me so much that I wrote to the Everton manager, Howard Kendall, recommending him. At the time I was a 21-year-old university student; even if my letter did reach Kendall it probably reached his bin seconds later. But eight years later the player did join Everton, from Liverpool, for a bargainous £1m.
Lionel Ainsworth probably won't have the career that Peter Beardsley did, but if he does, you read it here first. In the meantime, c'mon you Bulls...