Ten Years Ago: Better On the Pitch than Off

With no Hereford United match this weekend, Bulls News takes a look back at what was happening ten years ago.

The Bulls were coming to the end of their first year in the Conference. And whilst they weren't destined to make a quick return to the League, they were in or close to fifth position for several weeks.

This Saturday Woking were the visitors to Edgar Street and the Bulls kept up their recent good form with a 2-1 victory courtesy of goals from Chris Hargreaves and Richard Leadbeater. The gate was 2,281.

And in a game at Dover the following Tuesday evening youngster Gavin Williams scored his first Conference goal for the Bulls in a 1-1 draw.

Off the pitch financial matters at Edgar Street continued to hit the headlines. Striker Neil Grayson had been sold earlier in the month to Cheltenham for a reported £20,000 part of which was used to pay an outstanding electric bill.

Discussions were in progress with Formsole Limited to 'borrow' £500,000 in addition to the £500,000 already advanced by the BS Group the previous year. The reign of Peter Hill and Robin Fry wasn't quite over at Edgar Street. It soon would be.

Meanwhile in what turned out to be a shrewd investment a certain former Hereford United player had phoned William Hill giving his name and account number.

"Yes, Mr George."

"Could you give me a price on Earth Summit to win the Grand National, please?"

"Sixteen to one, Sir."

"I'll have £1,000 each way at the sixteens, please."

Ricky George had become interested in horse racing and the following Saturday, April 4th, was Grand National Day. Earth Summit won and George, with other bets and his share of the winnings, was around £100,000 better off.

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