Test: September 2008

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Foxes top the League

Leicester City have moved to the top of League One after they defeated Colchester 1-0 last night.

Meanwhile Walsall who play at Edgar Street next Saturday are sixth.

A well known Cambridge United supporter has upset local neighbours Histon after an article he had written for the Cambridge Rivals Website claimed that Histon had financial problems. Both Cambridge United and Histon play in the Blue Square (Conference) League.

And what made matters worse was that the Blue Square Website, which is run from somewhere in Africa, thought the article had originated from the official Cambridge site and copied it onto their site.

Chris Vessey, the supporter who wrote the article, said he received an email from a non-league weekly journalist with a press release about Histon's financial worries. Subsequently he published an article about the subject on amberarmy.net. a Rivals site.

According to the Cambridge Evening News the article claimed cash problems at Histon caused by falling attendances had been worsened by "key sponsors" pulling out, "leaving the club with insufficient income". It also claimed that "it is understood that players wages for September have not been paid".

Rivals have since withdrawn the article and Histon have issued a statement.

Histon Football Club are very disappointed that a fan of a fellow club would spread malicious misleading and untrue stories. The club intends to use all legal support at its disposal to deal with the matter and if required will not hesitate to take action against the individual or indeed any organisation which publishes material which has the potential of damaging the brand of Histon Football Club and its commercial partnerships.

The Club has a highly focused Board of Directors who will use this slanderous and inappropriate behavior as fuel to drive the club forward and fulfill its plans for the next three years.

Histon Football Club wish to make it clear that they do not hold Cambridge United Football Club responsible for these allegations and accept this action is by one of its fans and is in no way linked to their Board of Directors.

Gareth Baldwin is the chairman of Histon and he has been talking to the Cambridge Evening News.

"We have now been informed this story was produced by a fan of another club local to us. His story was published in error by the Blue Square website, the second time a story that has been published by this organisation without checking the facts with the club and the second factually-incorrect story from the same source," said Baldwin.

"Blue Square posted an apology within a few hours, but as there now seems to be a trend we have passed the matter to our legal team, who will carry out a full review of what has been said and by who, and if relevant then we will not hesitate in taking legal action."

And Blue Square have also put out a statement:

"A story that was featured on www.bluesqfoot-ball.com earlier today (Tuesday, 30 September) regarding the financial position of Histon Football Club was entirely untrue and misleading.

"We would like to take this opportunity to accept that the source of this story was not of the credible nature that the member of the editorial staff had anticipated. Further investigation has found that the story originated from a fan of rival club Cambridge United and has no basis in truth whatsoever.

"Blue Square understand that the website is seen as the definitive guide to Blue Square Premier, North and South football and therefore has a responsibility to carry completely factual content. We apologise to fans and everyone at Histon Football Club for the inconvenience and any embarrassment that this story may have caused."

Whatever the rights and wrongs of the story there is little doubt that all is not well at Histon. Gates are down by 22% to date this season and the club lost £250,000 last season on a turnover of just £400,000 according to one source.

Hereford could face Robbie Savage at Brighton.

Robbie Savage is moving on-loan to Brighton from Derby initially for a month. Manager Micky Adams worked with the midfielder at Leicester.

The former Leicester City, Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers star - who has won 39caps for Wales - is due to link up with his new team-mates for training on Thursday morning.

"He is a terrific character on and off the pitch and having worked with him before, I know the sort of quality he'll add to the team," said Adams.

Savage will probably feature for Brighton in their home game against Hereford United on Saturday October 18th.

Meanwhile it has emerged that Wrexham were hoping to entice Savage to the Racecourse, possibly with a view to him becoming player-manager.

Brighton Away on Octber 18th

Hereford United have announced that tickets for the Brighton away game on October 18th will go on sale from this coming Thursday October 2nd. They stress that any 'supporters that turn up on the day of the match without a ticket will be refused entry into the stadium.'

Admission Prices:

Adults £20
Concessions (aged 60 and over) £14
Under 21's £16
Under 16's £13
Under 10's £1 (Only if accompanied by a full paying adult).

It should be noted by anyone considering travelling to Brighton by car that there are special arrangements for parking as there are no facilities close to the ground.

The Park & Ride sites are situated in two locations: Mill Road, off A23/A27 and Mithras House, Lewes Road.

The free Park & Ride buses run from 12.30pm on a Saturday and for 30 minutes after the match. (More details will be posted on Bulls News early next week)

Meanwhile Hereford United have confirmed prices for the Paint Trophy home game against Swindon next Tuesday October 7th.

Adults £10, Juniors £5 (free if with a paying adult)

Preview: Bulls vs Walsall

The Bulls entertain Walsall in a League One match on Saturday at Edgar Street.

The Bulls have not beaten the Saddlers since an FA Cup tie in January 1990, when the Bulls ran out 2-1 winners to set up a lucrative match with Man Utd, and have to go back to 1977 for the last League victory. Since the FA Cup win the Bulls have managed only five draws from the next twelve games with the most notable a 3-3 draw at the Bescot in 1993, when Chris Fry, Derek Hall, and David Morris - with his only goal for the Bulls - earned the Bulls a point.

The Bulls come into the game after a creditable defensive performance against Leeds. Since the 6-1 battering at the hands of Bristol Rovers, the defence has only leaked on average a goal a game. Goals at the other end remain a problem with only Leyton Orient having scored less this season, but continued impressive performances from Matt Done and Bradley Hudson-Odoi should reap rewards sooner rather than later.

Walsall fans weren't the happiest bunch about their last visit to Edgar Street, but they did seem to enjoy it. Jimmy Mullen was seen as the budget choice as manager, and his tactics did little to win support, when he replaced Richard Money last season but the current form, based on a solid defence, even had the Saddlers faithful singing his name last weekend. Battering ram striker Jabo Ibehre is joint top scorer with just three goals alongside youngster Ishmel Demontagnac, who hit a hat-trick against Southend and has started only one of four games since.

Hereford United vs Walsall, Edgar Street, Saturday 4th October, 3.00pm.

News Round Up

Crewe have signed Swansea defender Dennis Lawrence on a three month loan spell. The former Wrexham man has not featured for the Swans in the League this season. Peterboro have loaned goalkeeper Mark Tyler to Watford for a month with the Hornets having their first two keepers injured.

Southend have extended the loan of Jean-Francois Christophe from Portsmouth for a second month after five appearances in his first month. Ex-Bull Neil Mackenzie's loan move to Kidderminster will not become permanent unless Kiddy can clear enough in their budget to afford him. Bradford have admitted they are in the dark over the future of their sponsorship deal with Bradford & Bingley now the bank has entered public hands.

Ex-Bull Nick Jordan has been charged with drink driving. The young keeper was announced as a summer signing then disappeared without trace with a variety of stories about his sudden departure buzzing about. He has been charged after a Sept 21st accident on the A30 in Devon and will face magistrates in a week.

Bristol Rovers have received a £125,000 windfall after former trainee Scott Sinclair made his tenth appearance for the Chelsea first team. They received an initial £200,000 in 2005 after he was poached by the Premier League side. Port Vale chairman Bill Bratt has put the club up for sale after five years, saying he has taken them as far as he can.

Leeds have been fined £7,500 plus £12,500 suspended for using an illegal agent in the transfer of Anthony Elding from Stockport. The four up for Manager of the Month are Scunthorpe's Nigel Adkins, Oldham's John Sheridan, Leeds' Gary McAllister and Millwall's Kenny Jackett.

Monday, September 29, 2008

A Look at Walsall

As high-flying Walsall head to Edgar Street on Saturday - BBC WM's reporter at their last home game - Terry Goodwin - assesses Hereford's next opponents.

There was a slight air of despondency among the Saddlers faithful ahead of the new season. Jimmy Mullen had come in as manager, and despite holding onto Anthony Gerrard, there didn't seem to be a very optimistic feeling about Walsall's chances.

The bookies didn't fancy Walsall to do much either, and their start to the campaign has been pretty hot and cold. On their day, they play good football and can challenge any side in League One, but when they're bad, they're awful. A 2-0 defeat at home against Leyton Orient was probably the lowest point of the campaign so far, but since then, the Saddlers have picked up three wins in a row, in three difficult games.

There was a 3-1 win down at Bristol Rovers, and then an amazing 1-0 win at Brighton. Not that Brighton are particularly strong, but Walsall found themselves down to nine men just after the half-hour mark. Dwayne Mattis got the winner just before half-time, and they held on for a superb victory.

Last Saturday, Walsall took on Carlisle, who were 6th before the game began. From the start, Jimmy Mullen's men took the game to the visitors, and despite the odd nervy moment, never really looked like losing to the Cumbrians. The dominant Clayton Ince in the Saddlers goal saved an early penalty, and it was a surprise it took so long for Walsall to take the lead. They played good football, passed it around well on a pitch that had been heavily watered before kick-off, and had a good understanding and shape. It was Dwayne Mattis, again just before half-time, who put Walsall ahead. On 64 minutes, the lively Jabo Ibehre up-front made it 2-0, and throughout the game he formed a decent partnership with Michael Ricketts, who joined the club in the summer after a loan spell at the Banks' Stadium last season.

Carlisle pulled back a late goal from the penalty spot, but despite their pushing, Walsall were well worth the victory. They will again miss defenders Rhys Weston and Netan Sansara at Hereford as the two serve the second game of their three match bans, but on last Saturday's performance, Walsall won't need them. Jimmy Mullen has brought together a solid squad with a good spirit, and if they can maintain some consistency, they could well be knocking on the door of play-offs once again.

70 year old too good looking to be a Concession

Leeds United stewards have had to apologise to a youthful pensioner whom they accused of having a concession ticket when he was entitled to one.

The incident happened at last Saturday's match against Hereford United at Elland Road. The club did a number of ticket spot-checks on supporters in their North Stand. Stewards challenged supporters 'as to whether they were eligible to use a concessionary ticket.'

A total of eight fans were asked to leave the stadium having tried to gain entry with Junior/Senior Citizen tickets when they should have held an Adult ticket.

"Anybody trying to enter the stadium using a ticket that they are not eligible to use is actually depriving the club of income that then has a direct effect on our ability to strengthen the team or as a knock on effect of ultimately increasing the price paid by all fans," said a spokesperson for Leeds United.

"The co-operation of fans when stopped was pleasing with most being happy that we were looking at resolving the issue.

"The afternoon did have it's lighter moments and to the 6'4" 15-year-old we apologise, as we do to the 70-year-old gentleman who we all hope we look as good as when we get to that age!"

Our Day at Elland Road

Glynis and Simon Wright travelled to Leeds last Saturday and joined the Hereford United faithfull at Elland Road.

Here's a flavour of their day.

Having got there by one pm, going by the profusion of vendors eager to flog flags, badges, scarves and other memorabilia to the Leeds faithful, of which there were many, even with two hours, still, to kick-off, there was going to be quite a crowd. And there was: 25,000 souls worshipped at the Shrine Of Revie, the seventh-highest in both the ‘normal League’ and its ‘Greed’ counterpart. A gate exceeding that of most Championship clubs, and two in ours, in fact.

Premiership-standard attendance for what was, not so many seasons ago, a Premiership club – and one regularly participating in European knock-out tournaments, too. Going by yesterday’s scenes alone, the casual observer would never have twigged the fact that this was a fixture scheduled to take place in the lower reaches of English football. Visitors from clubs of much humbler origins must emerge from their coaches wondering just what the hell they’ve landed into.

The most incongruous sight? That of scores of Leeds followers draped in variants of the word ‘relaxed’ around the sun-drenched plinth of the Billy Bremner statue that adorns the open space to the side of the away turnstiles; such was their profusion, it seemed to me as though the club’s most famous tackling terror was emerging, arms raised aloft, in celebration of having only forced his way through the lot of them after a long, hard struggle!

As we did for Hereford’s epic FA Cup replay last season, we decided to make our way to the McDonalds branch located opposite the ground, just like the one that enjoys a similarly-lucrative spot back on Planet Albion. As we sat down to enjoy some much-needed refreshment, a cold Coke (large) for this column, and a coffee (strong!) for His Nibs, I reflected long and hard upon the names and faces of the players that figured so large in my youthful Baggies-watching activities, and now adorned the walls of the fast-food emporium.

These, among many others, were morally-dodgy gaffer Revie, the now-deceased Bremner (although he was a vindictive little ratbag as a player, I wouldn’t wish motor neurone disease upon my worst enemy), Jack Charlton (who dolefully rejoiced in the Brummie soubriquet ‘Rubber-neck’ during his playing days: never seemed to get much change out of The King, though), Lorimer, the Gray combo, Albion gaffer-to-be Johnny Giles, and eternally-erroneous custodian Gary Sprake (had he not stuffed up in spectacular fashion during his club’s 1968 FA Cup semi with Everton, it would have surely been Leeds opposing us at Wembley, not Everton).

A cast-iron generator of memories, both good and bad, for me – and looking at the vista of comparatively youthful faces now occupying most tables, I wondered how many of those present had been around during the most famous – and arguably controversial – of United’s real glory years. The Fart would have loved it, if only for the mental nostalgia-fest it generated.

Back to the old jalopy, then, and a quick perusal of the Guardian before we entered the bearpit calling itself a football ground. As my other half scanned the sports section, I joined with him in wholehearted depreciation of the declining standard of their journalism, as per their somewhat ambitious listing of Ish Miller to not only start in yesterday’s Riverside encounter, but sit it out on the sidelines as well!

One quick thought: you don’t suppose this constitutes definitive proof of what the physicists have been telling us for yonks, that subatomic particles can actually appear in more than one spot at the same time (to all intents and purposes, the paradox of Schrodinger’s Cat, et. al)? For conformation, perhaps we should take the lad to that nice new atom-smasher they’ve just opened in Switzerland, launch him into a high-speed circumnavigation of its tunnel, and see what subatomic exotica they can detect at the end. Given the number of glaring misses he’s clocked up this season, yesterday’s inclusive, that might just be the answer to everyone’s prayer, what?

Come 2.30, we called a halt upon this most civilised way of spending one’s pre-match time, and took the short walk to the away turnstiles that so eagerly awaited our pleasure, instead. And, while we’re on the subject of ‘pleasure’, what an unaccustomed delight it was to encounter stewards that actually treated punters like human beings? No sooner had they spotted the existence of my walking-aid, they then took it in turns to make solicitous enquiries about my ability to negotiate their stairs.

It so happens that Elland Road is not the worst in that respect by any means, so I didn’t need their help at all, but it was so nice – not to mention unusual - to have been asked in the first place. Not so good was the subsequent behaviour of their brethren supervising the seats and aisles within: for reasons as yet unfathomable by either Man or Baggie, they seemed to have an unhealthy fixation upon insisting that away supporters remained seated, no matter what.

That I would have understood perfectly, had the stand been full to the gunnels – but it wasn’t. Hereford, not being ‘fashionable’, only brought around 750 with them, which left that away enclosure around half-full, at a rough guess. Even a shortarse like me found little need to – er – ‘rise to the occasion’ whenever the action shifted to the goalmouth in front. What made it even worse was their involvement of the plods, at the precise time the adjacent home end had ALL of their number stood on their own two feet! So much for consistency, then.

Needless to say, both Hitler and attendant Gestapo were roundly mocked by the Bull-loving travellers present, their charges then giving forth enthusiastic chants of: “W**kers! W**kers!….” and to the point where I greatly feared for the freedom of one bovine traveller we both knew well, the diminutive, yet VERY vocal Chris Jones.

He’s that most unusual of creatures, one who actively supports more than one club, in this case, The Bulls AND Leeds. In a vastly more prejudiced and misunderstood age for mental health, he would have been called ‘schizophrenic’. The problem was that Chris, having experienced both sides of the Elland Road coin, wasn’t afraid to tell officialdom that theirs was a stance riddled with double-standards throughout, hence my anxiety as the plods moved purposefully in his direction. Just as well Chris suddenly realised precisely how close he was skating to thin ice, and ceased and desisted forthwith.

As for the game, because it’s not strictly Baggies I’m banging on about, I’ll say only this. Hereford, having a gaffer and coaching staff sharing much the same footballing philosophy as Mogga And Co, tried to play, but canny Leeds wouldn’t let ‘em. That they managed to survive with their net pristine for as long as they did is largely down to the exploits of their keeper, one Darren Randolph, whose spectacular gymnastics ‘tween both posts (he saved an incredible 18 shots, according to Statto, aka hubby) would have done Gordon Banks credit, even. Or, much nearer to home, our very own Scott Carson.

It wasn’t for nothing that the Bulls faithful sang “Randolph Is Superman’, to the point of exhaustion, almost. In the end, it took a 73rd minute goal to do the trick; cruel luck for the lad, having weathered (and successfully countered) three near-cert goalbound Leeds efforts on the bounce, only to be cruelly beaten by a somewhat fortuitous rebound from the third.

And even then, the Bulls might have snatched a (fully-deserved, if only for the sheer hard work they’d put into the task) last-gasp point, when the lad Ashikodi, on an almost one-on-one with the Leeds custodian, somehow managed to screw his effort a scant yard wide of the post. A still, small voice tells me he might yet find a like-minded companion in our very own Mister Miller!

The Bulls’ support? Although much diminished in numbers, albeit by our own somewhat exacting standards, its sheer quality would have done a revivalist meeting proud. Kicking off with that old classic: “You’re Not Famous Any More….” (how I remember that old chestnut, back in 1991-2!), they then warmed to their task by way of reminding the nearby home crowd to “Stand Up If You Love The Whites…” Confusing, that, given the indisputable fact that Leeds’ home strip IS – erm – white! Considering the sheer number of times they gave vent to that one during the game, I can only assume they were being ironic, as a counter to the vastly more famous Leeds anthem, “Marching All Together”.

The Bulls’ response? “You’ve Only Got One Song!” Even when the home side did make a successful, if perilously late, penetration of the Bulls’ goal-line, their response to the cries of unalloyed joy coming from the adjacent faithful came in the somewhat cheeky form of: “You Only Sing When You’re Winning….” Well, a cat can look at a king, can’t it? As for their constant reaffirmation of that age-old battle cry: “Hereford ‘Till I Die” – there was one fundamental difference: they really meant it.

Mathieson Refs Walsall Match

Scott Mathieson has been appointed as referee for Saturday's match with Walsall at Edgar Street.

His last appointment for the Bulls was on the day promotion was clinched at Brentford in April, and he also oversaw the 4-2 win at Rochdale that season. In both games no-one was booked as the Cheshire based official is one of the more lenient referees on the League list, averaging only two yellow cards per match over the past five years.

There are no Bulls in the Team of the Week. Southend get a rare trio of nominations, while Leicester get two and Leeds' goalscorer Andy Robinson is also named. Ex-Bull Adam Stansfield is named in the League Two side for his two goal burst at the weekend.

Walsall Predictions

The next round of the Prediction League is on this coming Saturday, when Walsall are the visitors to Edgar Street. Chile Bull leads, relatively comfortably, by five points, but one spot on prediction can really push you up the table. There's plenty to play for.

To enter, send your final score and attendance predictions along with your username to bullsnewspredictions@hotmail.co.uk .

The deadline for entries, as always on a Saturday game, is 2.30pm.

781 Hereford Supporters at Elland Road

Leeds United have confirmed that there were 781 Hereford United supporters at Elland Road last Saturday.

Meanwhile Saturday's match with Walsall has been made all ticket for Saddlers fans. They have been allocated a total of 940 tickets for the game despite bringing 1,173 to their last match at Edgar Street. The Bulls received heavy criticism from Saddlers fans for their handling of the higher than expected crowd on that day, although only 535 of those attending had pre-purchased tickets after being told it was an all-ticket affair.

News Round Up

Oldham defender Neal Eardley will miss their match with the Bulls on October 12th after he was called into the Wales under 21 squad for their match with England. They have also been told to pay Bury an initial £30,000 for youngster Dale Stephens by a tribunal. Clauses will take the fee up to £95,000 dependent on appearances, with a 20% sell-on. Cheltenham defender Jerry Gill is expected to be named as Forest Green's new player-coach over the next few days.

Ex-Bull Stuart Watkiss will not get the manager's job at Grimsby after the club shortlisted eight applicants, announcing that the new appointment would be from outside the club. His opening game on Saturday was described as 'The worst game of football I've seen' in the local press. Crewe have denied reports linking them with a loan move for former player Robbie Savage. Port Vale have declared an interest but are unable to contribute to his £25,000 a week wages.

Peterboro have changed captains, handing the armband to Russell Martin after Craig Morgan's form dipped when he was handed the captaincy in the summer. Histon are reported to be the latest club in financial troubles. Reports suggest they lost £250,000 last season on only £400,000 turnover and are considering calling in the Administrators after gates fell 25% and sponsors pulled out.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

More from Turner on Leeds Match

A few words from Hereford United manager Graham Turner after Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Leeds United.

"We knew it was an intimidating place to come and Leeds have some very good players. We set ourselves up defensively but we didn't pass the ball enough and gave it away too often, so sooner or later it was going to go for them.

"Our keeper kept us in it for a long time. He really came into his own. He hasn't had much to do in most games. That is the first time we have been under sustained pressure."

Meanwhile Leeds manager Gary McAllister had words of encouragement for the Bulls.

"If they show that sort of commitment and desire to stop teams scoring every week, Graham has a good chance of turning things round for them."

Highlights from Elland Road are now available to view on Virgin Media.

The Mascot Grand National - Next Sunday

Most football clubs have a mascot and some of them will be at Huntington Racecourse next Sunday, October 5th, to take part in the 10th Annual Mascot Grand National which will be kick-started by Theo Walcott.

This year the event is raising funds for the Willow Foundation.

Huntingdon Racecourse is pleased to announce that the chosen charity for the 10th John Smiths Mascot Grand National is The Willow Foundation.

The Willow Foundation is a national charity set up by Arsenal legend, Bob Wilson and his wife, Megs, that funds and organises special days for seriously ill 16 to 40 year olds throughout the UK.

To date the charity has organised more than 3,000 special days for people living with cancer, motor neurone disease, cystic fibrosis, organ failure and muscular dystrophy amongst other conditions.

The Mascot Grand National was the idea of the management team at Huntingdon Racecourse and as a result 17 mascots hurdled their way to take part in one of the funniest and most unusual sights ever to be seen on a racecourse. Beau Brummie Bear of Birmingham City Football Club won the first event.

As legend grew of these intrepid heroes and their mighty deeds in conquering the 6 giant fences (hurdles really) many more came to face the task in the first year of the New Millennium - The challenge in Y2K. Millennium 2000 saw the ranks swell to a courageous 49 mascoteers of whom the victor was Watford's Harry the Hornet who reputedly stung the bookmakers in a dashing finish pipping a ruffled Cyril the Swan at the post. Controversy seems to follow our revered idols when in 2001 a huge field of internationally renowned icons. A team of top flight-mascots were left in the wake of one elusive Freddie the Fox who turned out to be a shark of an Olympic athlete patrolling the quiet waters of Huntingdon Racecourse in search of innocents.

Then followed a feeding frenzy as the media turned upon the transgressor and came to the rescue of genuine superheroes. Whereupon Freddie the Fox withdrew to lick his wounds while Dazzler the Lion roared as he was proclaimed the new winner! 2002 saw Chaddie the Owl fly his way to victory amongst controversy of the said owl being a ringer. The accusations proved to be false. It was only Chaddies' vigorous training routine that had enabled him to wing it so easily.

The 2003 event was no exception with unscrupulous tactics and daring rivalry between these brave mascots. For the second successive year Chaddy the Owl was crowned the victor, but only after several of his rivals were sent off course by a scantily-clad lady distracting them!

2004 was the year of Graham the Gorrilla the mascot of local football club Finedon Volta FC who sent the crowd bananas when grasping victory and becoming the totesport Mascot champion of 2004 defeating two time champion Chaddy the Owl of Oldham AC.

The Mascot Grand National of 2005 promised to be a thrilling contest of power and athleticism. With previous champions Chaddy the Owl and Graham Gorrilla, amongst the field, the bookies were expecting the two to go head to head. However, from seemingly nowhere it was the Sun newspapers Scoop 6 Squirrel who drove everyone nuts with a stunning turn of foot which saw him crowned as The 121s.com's Mascot Grand National Champion of 2005.

2006 saw the kick for life mascot, Mickey the Monkey having his first crack at the race stunned all the seasoned race goers by romping home impressively to win the prestigious Mascot Grand National silver trophy.

2007 saw the victory of Wacky Macky Bear who saw off last years winner, Mickey the Monkey, to win for Saffron Walden F.C. In his debut Grand National, winning by 6 lengths, this mascot is definitely one to look out for in 2008!

Hereford United doesn't currently have a mascot. Manager Graham Turner is known not to be very keen on them.

The club used to have a mascot called Billy the Bull. Much of his kit was provided by donations from supporters.

However he's not been seen at Edgar Street for some time. It is presumed he has been put out to grass.

N'Gotty had a good game says Bulls Captain

Bruno N'Gotty played his first game for the Bulls yesterday less than 24 hours after meeting the rest of the squad.

"Obviously it's difficult to come straight into the side when you haven't trained with the boys," said Hereford United captain Karl Broadhurst in an interview with BBC Sport.

"He met us yesterday (Friday) on the coach and we had a little training session at Burton.

"He slotted in quite well and had a good game."

Broadhurst reviewed the game.

"We came here with a game plan. We know what Leeds are all about. They are all about going forward so we tried to stifle that as much as we could which we did to a certain extent in the first half. We did well and came in with a clean sheet.

"We said at half-time when we get the ball we need to keep it and take the sting out of their attacks.

"If they get a head of steam, they'll get their momentum and they will be like a juggernaut and you won't be able to stop them.

"That's what we are disappointed with in the second half, we didn't play at all on the ball.

"We defended well and Randy has made some good saves and we thought we could hang on here. Then they get the goal and it takes the stuffing out of us.

"But even at 1-0 down we still knew we were in with a chance and we had a couple of shots towards the end."

Swindon Lose To Millwall

Swindon lost at home to Millwall in today's League One match at the County Ground.

Millwall's on-loan striker Jermaine Easter scored and was then sent off. The Robins remain on eight points and in 17th place while Millwall move up to fourth, one point off the top. In the Conference ex-Bull Mark Robinson scored an own goal after just three minutes as his York side drew 3-3 at Stevenage.

Young Bulls lose at Swindon

Hereford United's youngsters travelled to Swindon yesterday for the third match in the league cup.

They came up against a Robbins side in fine form and once again found the pace and power of wide man Lloyd Macklyn and frightening threat all game. Macklyn was ably supported by the excellent movement of Jamie Taylor. The home side scored their first goal in the third minute when a long diagonal ball saw Macklyn out run his marker to set up his strike partner.

The Bulls then had a great opportunity to level the scores when centre half Ashley Stubbs headed a Jak Lewis free kick wide of the target. However they did level the score when Lewis played in Chris Freddi to fire home in the 15th minute. The home side then went ahead again in the 19th minute when Macklyn left his marker Joel Edwards in a heap to supply another fatal cross. Two more goals in the 30th and 37th minute saw the home side in command. At the other end Tyler Weir hit the bar with across shot.

After the break the Bulls took the game to the Robbins and a fine goal by the excellent Freddi brought the score back to 4-2. The game became a much more even contest as both sides strived to find the goal that would decide the outcome of the game.

The Robbins found the killer touch and scored their fifth goal in the 71st minute. Then with ten minutes left the Robbins were given a 6th goal by the assistant referee when keeper Liam Brewer had clearly kicked a rebound shot in front of the line.

Final score 6-2 to the home side. A game which highlighted the Bulls ability to play and compete but also a frailty to be consistent for ninety minutes.

Team:
Brewer, Lewis, Edwards, Price, Stubbs, Brimble (Hyde 79) Moreton (Evans .N 50) Cartwright,Freddi,Weir, Evans M (Loftus 72)

A Pleasure to go to Elland Road

Whilst Hereford United didn't take any points from Leeds, just the fact that the Bulls are playing at grounds like Elland Road shows the progress the club has made over the past few seasons.

Manager Graham Turner made the point in his BBC Hereford and Worcester interview.

"We've worked hard, tremendously hard, to come through the Conference, come through the Second Division to come to places like this.

"I was reading Ken Bates's column where he was moaning about the gap between Arsenal and themselves. Leeds turnover £22m, I think ours is £1m point something. That is the massive difference.

"It's a pleasure to come to places like this.

"Our supporters sounded as though they enjoyed the afternoon, strangely enough in a perverse sort of way. They stayed noisey, they stayed behind the team and I'm sure they find it a far cry from Ebbsfleet and Crawley and places like that."

Elland Road (click on any picture to enlarge)

Players Entrance

Young Hereford United supports await the arrival of the team coach

The Coach Arrives

Matt Done signs an autograph

As does Bradley Hudson-Odoi

And Moses Ashikodi

Randolph gets a nine

There was little doubt which player stood out at Elland Road yesterday and to be awarded a nine for his efforts was no more than he deserved.

Darren Randolph, Hereford's on loan goalkeeper, was praised by both managers and the press. He was equal to 18 of Leeds' shots on target.

New loan signing Bruno N'Gooty received an eight as did Stephen O'Leary. Toumani Diagouraga, Richard Jackson, Richard Rose, and captain Karl Broadhurst were given a seven each.

Two Hereford players were booked, O'Leary and Broadhurst, for unsporting behaviour.

The gate was 25,676 with about 800 from Hereford (not confirmed) who got behind the Bulls throughout the ninety minutes.

Bottom of Level One:

19 Bristol Rovers 9 0 7
20 Northampton 8 -3 7
21 Crewe 8 -6 7
22 Yeovil 8 -7 7
23 Cheltenham 9 -13 7
24 Hereford 8 -8

Highlights of the match can be viewed on: http://www.dailymotion.com/weareleeds/video/x6w3yr_270908-leeds-united-v-hereford-unit_sport

McAllister praises Randolph

Leeds United manager Gary McAllister was full of praise for Hereford United's goalkeeper Darren Randolph after he kept the Bulls in the game with a series of excellent saves.

"I had a little feeling that the keeper might do well, and he proved me right,' said McAllister.

"Steve Staunton took him into the Under 21's and had him part of the B International for the Republic (of Ireland), and said just keep an eye on the keeper, he's one that he rates. And when that gets said, I don't know it's sods law isn't it...he didn't disappoint, he's one that really impressed me today."

McAllister commented about the only goal of the game.

"My initial reaction was the same as Andy's, I thought the keeper caught it from behind the line, but its nice to see people following up. It was another wonder save but it was nice to see Robbo get it over the line.

"The facts are we had over 60% of possession, we had 31 efforts at goal to Hereford's four, but we could have been punished at the end. But I think over the piece we deserved to win."

Reaction from Hereford Manager

Graham Turner spoke to BBC Hereford and Worcester after yesterday's game at Elland Road which the Bulls lost 1-0.

"It's always a difficult place to come," said Turner

"I thought we had a fairly good shape to the side first half. Most of their chances in the first half were shots from long range, but second half we withered a little bit under the pressure.

"What was disappointing for me was the number of times we gave the ball away when we had got good possession. That's probably the first time this season I can level that against the players. Today, whether it was the atmosphere or the quality of the Leeds players, we never got hold of it.

"A number of opportunities with good time and space with the ball, we just waisted it.

"Having said that Darren Randolph kept us in the game, made some outstanding saves, had a great afternoon.

"And right at the death one of two chances where we might have pinched something out of the game.

"But disappointed with the manner in which we played, without a shadow of a doubt, and the players know that."

Turner spoke about new loan signing Bruno N'Gotty:

"He's got a lot of experience, that's obvious. He's played at the very top level, Inter Milan to Hereford. It's a pleasure having him in the club and a privilege. We hope that experience will rub off and he will get better and the players around him will get better."

Reminded that Hereford could have equalised at the death Turner continued:

"Moses had a very good chance. He steadied himself, could have gone on another couple of strides with it and should have hit the target. It should have levelled the game irrespective of whether we deserved it or not."

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Robinson winner denies Randolph and Bulls

Leeds United picked up three points at Elland Road this afternoon against bottom-placed Hereford United thanks to an Andy Robinson header in the 72nd minute. The home side were dominant throughout, with Bulls' 'keeper Darren Randolph constantly denying the Yorkshire giants with a string of fine saves.

The Bulls made three changes to their starting line up with new loan signing Bruno N'Gotty replacing Dean Beckwith in central defence. Richard Rose started at left-back with Kris Taylor making way, whilst Simon Johnson played in the hole, with Ben Smith left on the bench. Leeds named highly-rated youngster Fabian Delph in their starting eleven, whilst top goalscorer Jermaine Beckford was partnered up front by one time Barcelona striker Luciano Becchio.

Robinson tested Randolph early on with a low-drive but the Charlton loanee held with ease, whilst Jonathon Howson volleyed wide after a corner wasn't cleared fully. Delph also saw a relatively tame shot held by Randolph, whilst good-work from Matty Done on the counter-attack saw the Welsh winger find the run of Steven O'Leary, but he sliced a volley harmlessly past the post. Aidan White tricked his way past the attentions of Bradley Hudson-Odoi and Richard Jackson on the right-hand side, and his shot from an angle took a slight deflection off Karl Broadhurst before falling inches past Randolph's far post.

Becchio cut in from the right to place a shot into Randolph's arms, whilst good control and a burst forward allowed O'Leary a sniff at the Leeds goal, but his powerful long-range effort failed to hit the target. Beckford showed a fine touch to set himself up from 25 yards, but his strike fell just past the post, whilst minutes later, he volleyed wide after fine defensive work from Rose denied Becchio a tap-in, following a low-cross from Robinson from the left. Paul Telfer took the advice of the home fans, after being urged to shoot, but the ball ended up with the Leeds faithful. Late on in the first-half, Randolph made a superb block from Becchio after Frazer Richardson's cross wasn't dealt with by Broadhurst, but the Argentinian's close-range finish was stopped by the on-rushing Irish 'keeper.

Leeds were being frustrated by the Bulls' defence, but they continued to probe from the off in the second-half with the majority of chances falling to Beckford. Becchio worked hard to create an opening on the right-hand side, before powerfully crossing for strike-partner Beckford, but the highly-rated former Wealdstone man glided a header past the post. Minutes later, he struck wide from inside the box after being found by Richardson whilst a Robinson cross also found Beckford, with a cheeky flick hitting the side-netting. A long-ball over the Hereford defence found Beckford on the run, but his left-foot shot didn't trouble Randolph. The impressive goalie was called into action once again, in quick succession to deny Beckford from a volley, and then a placed shot after a corner.

Robinson spotted Randolph off his line but his 35 yard chip lacked positioning. A switch of play for Leeds saw Beckford beat Rose to the ball, and then ghost past N'Gotty, but his final shot ended up in Randolph's hands. The away side bought on Moses Ashikodi for Nick Chadwick up top, but it was still the home side who continued to threaten constantly. Richardson's in-swinging free-kick was headed wide past Robinson. A cross saw Becchio's header excellent blocked at close-range from Randolph, before Beckford chipped over after collecting the rebound.

The breakthrough came eighteen minutes from time, to break the hearts of the travelling army, and Randolph too. Beckford crossed from the left-wing, and Becchio rose at the back-post to head towards goal; Randolph again denied the Argentinian with a block but the ball bounced up for Robinson to nod through the tight gap to open the scoring. Becchio should have made it two, when he barged Broadhurst off the ball in the box, but he couldn't beat the inspired Randolph from close-range. Beckford should have also wrapped up the match when he beat the offside trap, but he was twice superbly denied by Randolph.

Andy Hughes replaced White for Leeds, whilst Hereford introduced Smith and Taylor in hope of finding an equaliser with Hudson-Odoi and Johnson making way. The change injected some attacking force into Hereford's play, with Ashikodi heading weakly wide from a Taylor corner. Done, clearly struggling late on, nearly forced an equaliser after chasing down a long-ball, but his toe-poked shot was deflected past the post. Robert Snodgrass came on for goalscorer Robinson late on as Leeds looked to see out the match. Talented midfield man Delph again called Randolph into action with a placed shot, before in added time, Hereford had their best chance through Ashikodi. The on loan Watford striker used his power to beat two defenders following a Taylor pass, but his left-foot shot fell the wrong side of the post.

Few expected Hereford to gain anything from the match, and so the case proved although Randolph tried his best throughout to keep the scores level. The 'keeper was on inspired form, with Leeds having some 19 shots on target. N'Gotty made a fine debut in defence, looking superb in the air, and also showing good distribution. Beckford and Becchio looked dangerous throughout, but both really should have got themselves on the scoresheet, in front of 25,676 at Elland Road. Next up is Walsall at home, this is where the season really starts for The Bulls.

Hereford: Randolph, Jackson, Broadhurst, N'Gotty, Rose, O'Leary, Diagouraga, Hudson-Odoi, Done, Johnson, Chadwick.

Subs: Samson, Beckwith, Taylor, Smith, Ashikodi.

Leeds: Lucas, Richardson, Marques, Telfer, White, Howson, Delph, Douglas, Robinson, Becchio, Beckford.

Subs: Ankergren, Prutton, Kilkenny, Hughes, Snodgrass.

Ex-Bull Watch

Chris Weale made a rare start for Bristol City but saw his side lose 2-0 to Wolves. Neither Lionel Ainsworth or John Eustace played the full 90 minutes for Watford as both were subbed during the second half as they lost to Sheff Utd. Stuart Fleetwood scored after half an hour of his debut to help Cheltenham to a point against Stockport.

John McCombe headed into his own net for the only goal of the game as Port Vale lost to Gillingham. Craig Stanley got his first start of the season, and equalised, as Morecambe drew with Lincoln. Adam Stansfield scored twice as Exeter won 4-1 at Macclesfield. Both Brian Smikle and Andy Ferrell scored for Kidderminster as they won at Eastbourne. Tim Sills opened the scoring but Torquay had to settle for a draw at Wrexham.

Trent McClenahan made his Hamilton debut as a substitute for the last quarter of an hour, but they were already three down and went on to lose 4-1 to Falkirk.

Results Round Up

Oldham retain the top spot of League One despite a 1-1 draw with Huddersfield. Scunthorpe move level on points after beating Yeovil 2-0, while Leeds are now third. Leicester go fourth after a single goal win over Hartlepool and Walsall continue their surprise start with a 2-1 win over fancied Carlisle (7th). Sixth placed Millwall face Swindon tomorrow.

At the bottom the Bulls are three points behind everyone else after most of the other sides picked up a point. Cheltenham earned a point with 2-2 draw with Stockport and Crewe's 0-0 draw with Bristol Rovers moved both sides to seven points. Northampton also moved to that mark after a 2-2 draw with Brighton. In the other game today MK Dons lost at home to Peterboro 2-1.

In League Two Bury lead Wycombe on goal difference after the pair drew 0-0 at Gigg Lane. Shrewsbury beat Bradford 2-0 to move third. Ex-Bull Jimmy Quinn earned his second win in three games to move Bournemouth to within six points of safety while Stuart Watkiss, in temporary charge at Grimsby, saw his side become the first team to lose to Barnet as they went down 1-0.

In the Conference Crawley retain the lead by three points after beating ten man Kettering 1-0. Kidderminster are second after a 3-2 win at Eastbourne, with Mansfield up to third after beating Salisbury. Forest Green's abysmal form continues after they lost 4-2 at Burton, and Oxford's season is no better after a 2-1 loss at whipping boys Lewes.

31 Shots From Leeds

Leeds managed 31 shots during today's game, 19 of them finding the target, as they bossed posession with 60% of play. The Bulls managed just four shots, all recorded off-target, and two corners to seven for Leeds.

The Bulls had two players booked, Broadhurst and O'Leary, and committed a total of nine fouls to Leeds' four.

Randolph Stops All But One

Goalkeeper Darren Randolph pulled off a string of saves to repeatedly deny Leeds but the Bulls finally succumbed by a solitary goal at Elland Road.

Andy Robinson's 72nd minute strike was the only difference at the end but Leeds peppered the Bulls goalmouth with nineteen on-target shots only to find Randolph in top form. New signing Bruno N'Gotty started for the Bulls, one of three changes to the starting XI, and had a hectic debut as wave after wave of Leeds forwards charged forward.

Full report later.

News Round Up

Wrexham have parted company with boss Brian Little after a dismal start to non-league life. The former Aston Villa and Leicester boss won 11 of 43 games in charge during his 10 month reign, earning just 14 of 33 Conference points this season. Ex-Bull Tim Sills has auditioned for the Sky1 series Don't Forget The Lyrics. He planned to give the testers a burst of Wham's Club Tropicana.

Brighton have signed Coventry midfielder Kelvin Thornton on loan. The 22 year old Irish u21 man comes in after Robbie Savage rejected a move to the Withdean.

I never liked Fleetwood says Allen

Former Hereford United striker Stuart Fleetwood will turn out for Cheltenham Town against Stockport this afternoon in his first game since being sent on loan to the Robins from Charlton. And manager Mad Dog Allen will have to get used to him!

"I've never liked him because in the past he has always been a pain in the backside playing for the opposition. I'll embrace him and let bygones be bygones," said Allen

Meanwhile Fleetwood has commented on his new club to the Gloucester press.

"We're in a position where I don't suppose the Cheltenham fans would want us to be and probably where we don't deserve to be.

"But that's what I'm here for, to try to get some games under my belt and hopefully help to push Cheltenham Town up the table.

"It's a big step up from the Conference to the Championship and Charlton have some good players, so I didn't expect to get into the team straightaway.

"This move is another step for me and hopefully help me get into the Charlton first team."

Commentary from Elland Road

Both BBC Hereford and Worcester and BBC Radio Leeds will have commentary from this afternoon's League One match at Elland Road.

H&W's broadcast can be heard in the Herefordshire area on 94.7FM. Keith Hall and reportedly Matt Baker, the ex-Hereford United goalkeeper, will be their men at the game. There will be the usual updates on the other H&W frequencies including the internet although commentary there will be on the Harriers FA Cup match.

Radio Leeds can be found on 103.9 FM in parts of Yorkshire.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Two Results from League One

There were two games in League One this evening.

Southend 3-0 Leyton Orient
Tranmere 3-4 Colchester

Colchester move out of the relegation area as a result of their win.

Bottom of League One:

20 Bristol Rovers 8 0 6
21 Northampton 7 -3 6
22 Crewe 7 -6 6
23 Cheltenham 8 -13 6
24 Hereford 7 -7 4

Will he risk another £350 tomorrow?

Stories of a lucky Hereford United punter have emerged on one of the Leeds websites.

The punter reportedly put £350 on Hereford winning last season's FA Cup game at Elland Road and boarded the bus back home to Hereford with £2450 in his back pocket.

He was one of several fans who had backed the Bulls at 6-1 to win the game with Taylor's, the bookmakers at Elland Road, virtually clearing them out.

8-1 is available for a Bulls win tomorrow. Will this particular punter be so brave again?

Latest Odds:

Leeds 2/5 Draw 10/3 Hereford 8/1

MacKenzie joins Harriers

Neil MacKenzie has joined Kidderminster Harriers on a one-month loan deal from Notts County.

The 32-year-old first played for the Harriers eight seasons ago.

MacKenzie had a useful loan spell with Hereford United in late 2006 whilst with Scunthorpe.

He was released by Scunthorpe in May 2007 and joined Notts County. Graham Turner was rumoured to have been interested in his signature at the time.

Away from his day job, MacKenzie has recently appeared on Countdown. He was the first professional footballer to have appeared on the programme.

Twenty Years Ago at Wolves

Twenty years ago Wolverhampton Wanderers won the Sherpa Van Trophy. The squad cost £227,500. Since then no less than five of the squad have played for Hereford United and one has managed the Bulls.

Here's how the Express and Star have profiled them.

Graham Turner – manager. Age 60.

Now the second-longest serving manager behind Sir Alex Ferguson, Turner has been in charge at Hereford for 13 years, where he has turned in a profit for the last five and has just won back-to-back promotions, like he did at Wolves.

Phil Robinson – Age 41. Cost free. Wolves apps 90.

Just left Cheltenham as No 2 to Keith Downing. Resigned as Stafford Rangers boss in December after five-and-a-half years, winning two promotions.

After Wolves he played for Notts County twice, Birmingham, Huddersfield, Chesterfield, Northampton, Stoke and Hereford, spending two years as Graham Turner’s No 2.

Robbie Dennison – Age 45. Cost £27,500. Wolves apps 347.

Now buying and selling property at home and abroad after selling his sports trophy business, he commentates on Wolves for local radio. Before leaving Wolves he went on loan to Swansea before spells with Hednesford and Hereford. He was also player/manager at Wyrley Rangers.

Keith Downing – Age 43. Cost free. Wolves apps 201.

Recently sacked by Cheltenham, where he had managed for 11 months after assisting John Ward. Psycho returned to Wolves as youth then reserve coach under Dave Jones after playing for Birmingham, Stoke, Cardiff and Hereford.

Steve Bull – Age 43. Cost £64,000. Wolves apps 561.

Managing Stafford, who he has steered to 10 points out of the last 12 after they dropped out of the Blue Square Premier. Had a short spell at Hereford under Graham Turner. One of football’s biggest bargains, he is a Molineux legend after scoring a club record 306 goals, a Wolves vice-president and has a stand named after him.

Nigel Vaughan – Age 49. Cost £11,000. Wolves apps 88.

Now head of youth at Shrewsbury, where he has been for seven years. Coached Wolves school of excellence for nine years under Rob Kelly and Chris Evans. Played for Hereford, Worcester and AFC Newport before managing Shropshire sides Bandon, Star and Ludlow.

Leeds Coach Update

HUISA are today reporting that just four places remain on the second coach to Leeds. With the office closing at 4.00 pm this afternoon, there may be time to make a late booking (08442 761939). Otherwise it is possible to take pot-luck and just turn up at Legends in the morning in the hope of gaining a seat. Coaches are scheduled to depart at 8.30 prompt so get there early. Fare £20.

HUMADS. Double-decker departs Malvern 07.45, Ledbury 8.00 and Legends at 8.30 am. FULL

FUNBUS. Departs from Legends at 8.30 prompt. Please don’t be late. FULL

Turner is a Footballing Man - McAllister

Whilst the bookies appear to have written off Hereford United's likelyhood of getting anything from tomorrow's game against Leeds, Gary McAllister will treat the game seriously.

"We'll give Hereford the utmost respect on Saturday," said the Leeds manager.

"They've found the jump up hard from League Two, but they are a club that I admire.

"Their manager/chairman is a footballing man, and we must respect them.

"It'll be a tough game, but we go into it very confident."

Meanwhile Leeds United assistant manager Steve Staunton told BBC Radio Leeds:

"Although they are bottom for the table they will be up for it, like every team that comes to Elland Road.

"We know we are going to have shift the ball quickly and try and break down nine or 10 men behind the ball, so it will not be easy."

Finally the Hereford United manager has been quoted by the Worcester News.

"We are still reasonably buoyant because I thought we played quite well against Scunthorpe and should have got something out of the game.

"There’s no depression at the club. We face a good challenge at Leeds and there will be a good atmosphere but I have told the players that can work against Leeds.

"If things are not going right, the crowd can get on their backs. It will be an interesting exercise.

"We have got enough knowlege of them to know where their threats come from.

"We wanted to play at this level and go to places like Elland Road. We have got to go and enjoy it."

Prediction Reminder

This is a short reminder to all Bulls News Prediction League users that the deadline for tomorrow's match against Leeds United is 2.30pm.

To enter, simply send your final score and attendance predictions along with your chosen username to bullsnewspredictions@hotmail.co.uk .

News Round Up

Former Bulls loanee Christian Roberts has retired from football at the age of 28 after surgery failed to fix a micro-fracture of his knee. The Swindon forward spent two months at Edgar Street in 1999 on loan from Cardiff, scoring twice in nine games. Lincoln manager Peter Jackson has agreed a new contract with the club despite them lying in 19th place so far this season.

Dean Windass has laughed off suggestions he will take the Grimsby job. The 39 year old has no plans to move into management for at least the next two years. Cheltenham have finally added ex-Bull Stuart Fleetwood to the loan ranks after a near two month chase. The 22 year old has failed to make any first team debut for Charlton since joining in the summer.

Leyton Orient have extended the loan of Wigan defender Jack Ashworth for a second month.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Bulls remain confident says Turner

Graham Turner has told BBC Hereford and Worcester that whilst results have not gone their way recently they remain confident ahead of the Leeds game.

"I've been in clubs before when things have gone slightly wrong. The whole place becomes depressed and the results go from bad to worse," said Turner.

"At the moment we can't afford that

"Going to Leeds on Saturday is a big ordeal for some of the younger players in particular."

Meanwhile there are unlikely to be as many Hereford United supporters at Leeds tomorrow as there were twelve months ago for the FA Cup game.

That evening some 1200 watched Lionel Ainsworth score the only goal of the game which sent the Bulls into round four of that competition.

Tickets for the game will be available tomorrow at Elland Road.

Finally Hereford United are 6-1 with William Hill to claim another success tomorrow.

A draw is also longer than usual at 3-1, and the confident bookmaker goes 4-11 about a home victory.

Hooper hopes Bulls avoid Relegation

"It is not nice to see Hereford down at the bottom of the table," said former Bull Gary Hooper in an interview with Sky Sports.

The striker, now with Scunthorpe, said he finds it difficult to watch Hereford struggling in League One.

"We played them the other week and I had a chat with the manager Graham Turner. I still speak to quite a lot of the players at the club and it is not easy watching them struggle.

"I hope that they will start to win more games and pick up some points so that they can avoid relegation."

N'Gotty joins on loan

Leicester City defender Bruno N'Gotty has joined Hereford United on a month's loan. The French born defender has a fantastic pedigree playing for clubs such as AC Milan, Paris Saint Germain and more recently Bolton.

The 37 year old has been capped six times for France and has recorded over 600 career appearances that have seen him score the winning goal in the UEFA Cup Winners Cup final for PSG in 1996, and win Italy's Serie A with AC Milan in 1999.

Leicester boss Nigel Pearson told their official site: "At this stage of Bruno's career, he wants to be playing regular football and we cannot guarantee him that here at Leicester City, so it is best for both parties if he goes out on loan."

Preview: Leeds vs Bulls

The Bulls travel to Yorkshire to face Leeds United in a League One match on Saturday.

The only competitive meetings between the sides were last season when the Bulls overcame the higher graded side in an FA Cup replay at Elland Road with a third minute Lionel Ainsworth strike - the only goal of the two matches between the sides. Less than half the expected gate on Saturday were in attendance for that match.

Leeds' inevitable march towards the Championship has not been quite as dominant as some were expecting having won only one of their three home League matches so far, hammering Crewe 5-2 in their most recent home game, but they lie third in the table and on course for a high finish despite only getting a single point from home games against Oldham and Bristol Rovers. Striker Jermaine Beckford has already scored eleven times in just ten games this season, six of them in the last four League matches.

The Bulls go north looking for a first away point with a heavily depleted squad. While Jamie Pitman's departure from Forest Green has hit their form, the workload in the treatment room seems to have increased rapidly since his arrival. With Robbie Threlfall back at Liverpool and out for several weeks, Pitman still finds himself occupied with problems with Andy Williams, Steve Guinan, and Sam Oji although Moses Ashikodi is reported to be back in training.

Leeds United vs Hereford United, Elland Road, Saturday 27th September, 3.00pm.

News Round Up

Trevor Benjamin will not be offered a deal by Bournemouth according to morning press reports, with a lack of match fitness noted as the main reason. Grimsby are targeting Hull striker Dean Windass as their new player/manager according to the Mirror. The 39 year old has had only one sub appearance this season after firing the Tigers into the top flight.

Leyton Orient have given up trying to sign Coventry striker Kevin Kyle due to his high wages. The Sky Blues were unwilling to cover enough of his £8,000 a week pay packet to make him affordable. Walsall are giving a trial to former Wolves trainee Kevin O'Connor. The Irish midfielder has spent much of the last two seasons injured.

MK Dons are giving away free tickets for Season Ticket holders to bring a guest to their televised match with Carlisle on October 11th. The club have lost 4,000 paying customers since their first home League match. Oxford have apologised to fans after the stadium management company shut down their catering operation for their televised match with Cambridge claiming the club did not pay the rent on time, an allegation denied by the club.

Northwich have had a transfer embargo placed on them, apparently due to failing to file the correct quarterly accounts now expected by the Conference. Their injury crisis means that transfer listed ex-Bull Danny Williams, transfer listed at the end of August and frozen out of the matchday 16, has started the last three games. Woking have named coach Phil Gilchrist as their manager until the end of the season.

Ex-Bull Joe Anyinsah scored in extra time to help Brighton beat Man City in the Carling Cup. Trent McClenahan will probably be happy he didn't make his Hamilton debut in last night's cup match. The Accies had eight booked and one sent off in beating fierce rivals Motherwell after extra time. Colchester caretaker boss Kit Symons has stated he wants to job on a full time basis.

Crewe goalkeeper Adam Legzdins will miss three months after shoulder surgery. Oldham boss John Sheridan has been charged by the FA after being sent to the stands during Saturday's win over Tranmere. Millwall are to take Plymouth striker Jermaine Easter on loan, and give former Watford forward Gifton Noel-Williams a short term deal. Southend have loaned Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici for a month.

Nothing to fear at Leeds - Turner

In advance of Hereford United's visit to Leeds on Saturday, Graham Turner has told the Hereford Times that the big crowd expected could work against the home side.

"There will be a terrific atmosphere which our players will have to get used to, but the crowd will expect Leeds to steamroller us," said Turner.

"So if they are not doing so, then the crowd can get on their backs.

"A lot of players who played at Elland Road last year will be going back there and we enjoyed that experience.

"There is nothing to fear."

Turner confirmed that he will be without Sam Oji, Robbie Threlfall and Steve Guinan for the trip north. Andy Williams is also a doubt as is Moses Ashikodi who has returned to Hereford from Watford and is said to be back in training.

"During the course these things (Injuries) happen," said Turner.

"The most important thing now is to get the confidence of some good results so we can start to climb the table.

"Where better to start than Leeds this Saturday."

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Benjamin may be offered deal at Bournemouth

Much travelled Trevor Benjamin may be offered a deal at Bournemouth where he has been on trial.

BBC Radio Solent has said that the club is set to complete the loan signing of both Blair Sturrock from Swindon and Trevor Benjamin.

Benjamin has trialed with several clubs during the past couple of months after leaving Edgar Street last May.

Villa's secret weapon - Organic Food

Aston Villa have had a great start to the season, they are currently in fourth position in the Premiership, and one of the reasons could be that the club chef is serving up organic food for the players.

Ian Edge is their chef and he told the Birmingham Mail about his ideas.

"Food is very important to sports stars and particularly after a game, there is an hour of opportunity when they need to eat to get optimum muscle strength, so I hand out meals on the coach on the way home," said Edge.

"Footballers know how important food is to their profession and nine out of ten times, they go for the healthiest option. Their body fat is monitored closely.

"If by using organic food, we can make that one per cent difference to the players, then it is worth it."

Fitness manager Jim Henry also backs to the move to organic food.

"I chose to switch to organic food for Aston Villa because I’ve read studies showing that organic food has higher levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants," said Henry.

"Our policy is to avoid supplements being pushed on football teams by sports companies which could have been contaminated. The best way to get vitamins and minerals is by better eating rather then supplementation."

There is plenty of excellent organic food available in and around Herefordshire. Perhaps a trial could be arranged for the Hereford United players.

Leeds Tickets available on the day

As expected Hereford United supporters can purchase tickets for the Leeds game at Elland Road next Saturday 'on the day.'

Tickets in the Hereford section will be available to purchase from the North East Corner Ticket Office - cash only

So any Hereford United supporter who is unable to purchase a ticket from the Hereford United office by 4pm tomorrow can go to Leeds knowing that tickets will be available.

News Round Up

Walsall are investigating how Birmingham City sent subscribers to the Saddlers' website details of conference and banqueting facilities at St Andrews. They have placed the matter in the hands of solicitors. Huddersfield are to loan winger Malvin Kamara to Grimsby for a month. The Sierra Leone international has made only ten minutes of substitute appearances this season after being a regular previously.

Swindon have loaned striker Blair Sturrock to Bournemouth after he played in the same reserve game as Trevor Benjamin. Cheltenham have lost an appeal against Barry Hayles' red card at the weekend. He will now serve a three match ban. The Robins are to take West Ham's under-18 captain and utility player Josh Payne, and Wigan midfielder Lewis Montrose on loan.

Stockport manager Jim Gannon is to make a formal complaint to the FA over what he claims is bias by referees against his side. Gannon claims referees who he has previously lodged complaints about are biased against his side, telling their official site: "Evidence even emerged of extraordinary pre-match 'briefs' prepared for the officials of our match solely reporting on our team."

Without Tickets for Leeds Game?

The Yorkshire Evening Post has a competition to win a pair of tickets for Saturday's game at Elland Road when Hereford United are the visitors.

And the question is easy.

Who is the Hereford Manager?

For more details go to: http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/leedsunited/WIN-tickets-to-Leeds-United.4523779.jp

Ashikodi back at Watford

On loan to Hereford United striker Moses Ashikodi is currently back at Watford's London Colney training ground, receiving treatment on a foot injury sustained in the recent friendly against Shrewsbury Town.

The 21-year-old has so far played four games for Hereford, finding the back of the net once.

Ashikodi, who was on crutches following the game, could be out for at least a month.

Graham Turner has two other players currently out with long-term injuries - Robbie Threlfall and Sam Oji.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Pitman move co-insides with loss of form

Former Hereford United player Jimmy Harvey must be wondering what has happened to his Forest Green side since physio and assistant manager Jamie Pitman joined ship and moved to Hereford United.

Forest Green have gained just one point from their last five games - last evening they were defeated by Torquay - and after a good start to the new season are rapidly dropping down the Conference table.

However Harvey is regarded, not unlike Bulls manager Graham Turner, as someone who like to get his sides to pass the ball as an article in the Devon press relates.

ANYBODY who saw Jim Harvey play as a cultured midfielder with Hereford, Tranmere and Crewe more than 20 years ago will not be surprised that, as a manager, he demands that his teams pass the ball first and last.

He was brought up at Arsenal's Highbury, and he's never forgotten the lessons he learned there.

In 12 years in charge of Morecambe and now at Forest Green Rovers, Harvey has always encouraged football for purists, and there's no sign that he's changing in his old age.

The loss of his two most effective forwards, first Mark Beesley to Cambridge and then 30-goal leading scorer Stuart Fleetwood to Charlton, last season made FGR's start to this campaign — they took eleven points from their first six matches — all the more praiseworthy.

No doubt the club's board were also pretty grateful to their manager for swelling the coffers along the way.

They have hit a bit of a wall in recent weeks, but they remain a team capable of opening up the best defences at this level.

Ex-Bull Watch

Lionel Ainsworth got only his seventh start in nearly a year at Watford as they beat West Ham 1-0. Ryan Esson got a second start for Inverness as their Cup keeper as they beat Morton 2-1. Brian Smikle scored Kidderminster's first goal as they beat York to move up to within a point of the play-offs. Alex Jeannin lasted until just after half time before departing through injury as Mansfield lost to Altrincham. Chris Hargreaves was booked as his Torquay side beat Forest Green, who have earned just one point from 15 since Jamie Pitman left.

Leeds take their time to defeat Pool

Leeds United put out a team with nine changes from last weekend for this evening's Carling Cup game against Hartlepool at Elland Road.

Manager Gary McAllister must have wondered if he had made the right decision to put out a weakened team after Hartlepool scored after just 90 seconds. However Leeds equalised through Robert Snodgrass.

Pool went ahead again on 33 minutes and it wasn't until the 57th minutes that Leeds drew level through Enoch Showunmi.

Andy Robinson score the winner for Leeds in injury time.

Leeds squad: Ankergren, Hughes, Michalik, Huntington, Parker, Snodgrass (Beckford 36), Prutton, Howson, Kilkenny, Robinson, Showunmi (Becchio 70). Subs: Lucas, Webb, White, Elliott, Delph.

The game was watched by 14,559.

Next at Elland Road is Saturday's League One clash with Hereford United.

UPDATE: The goals can be seen at: http://www.ifutbal.com/videos/12283/carling-cup--leeds-vs-hartlepool-highlights

The trip to Elland Road, Leeds.

Leeds United v Hereford United
Football League 1
Saturday 27th September 2008 Kick-off 3.00 pm.
Elland Road
Leeds
LS11 0ES
'Phone 0113 367 6000
Ticket Office 0845 121 1992

If there was ever a measure of the progress made by HUFC over the last few years, it might be worth recalling that at around this time in 2005 fans were preparing for a trip to Canvey Island. Whilst no longer the top-flight outfit that saw the likes of Bremner, Clarke, Hunter and Giles, Elland Road is still a daunting prospect for visiting teams. The likelihood is that a crowd of over 20,000 will generate an atmosphere unrivalled during this campaign.

The stadium, including The John Charles Stand, has a capacity of just over 40,000 with HUFC fans expected to be accommodated in the Southeast corner of the stadium (entrance 13 near the Billy Bremner statue). Stadium plan : http://www.leedsunited.com/page/StadiumPlanAndPrices/0,,10273,00.html

Admission to the match is currently all-ticket: Adults £16, Conc. £12 and Juniors £8.
Tickets are available until 4.00 pm on Thursday from The Club office (08442 761939).

Coaches: HUISA departs from Legends at 8.30. Tickets (£20) can be purchased from the Club office (08442 761939).
HUMADS departs Malvern 07.45, Ledbury 08.00 and Legends at 08.30. FULL
FUNBUS departs Legends at 08.30. Fare £15. A few places remain. Ben on 07812 144831.

By car: All the recognised on-line route-planners plump for the M5, M42, A42 and M1. Leave the M1 at Junction 43 and join the M621. When you pass the ground on your left, take the next exit off the motorway (J1) and turn left onto the A6110 ring road. Take the next left onto Elland Road for the ground. The distance from Edgar Street is 176 miles with travel times varying between 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours. Fans driving will therefore have to make their own judgement on what time to leave. There are a number of car parks around the ground with the Official Leeds site quoting free on-site parking. For Sat. Nav. users, the postcode is LS11 0ES.

Rail: Leeds train station is roughly 2 miles from the ground, and so you are either looking at a long walk, or more likely one of the shuttle buses that cost £2.50 return to the ground. As you come out of the station entrance, cross the road and head down the stairs opposite so you land on the street that runs below. Turn right and cross the road and head towards the double-decker buses. The front bus sells tickets. You'll be dropped off at the ground on the corner of the North and East stands. Walk down past the East Stand (the biggest stand at Elland Road) towards the South Stand to find the away turnstiles. The pick-up point for the return journey is again from the Northeast part of the ground.

Alehouses: Despite being next to the "away" end, The Old Peacock is very much a home pub and therefore best avoided. The nearest visitor's pub is The Drysalters, which can be found at the southwest corner of Elland Road close to Junction 1 of the M621. The usual mainstream beers and lagers are served and it also does reasonably priced food from 12 noon on matchdays. Children are welcome and it has big screen TV's. On the opposite side of the M621 and just south of the canal you will find the Cross Keys in Water Lane, Holbeck which is about 1.5 miles from the ground. Here you will find up to 4 real ales and better than average food. In the same area but in Back Row is The Grove Inn. This is a traditional real ale drinkers pub with Adnams Broadside, Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Caledonian 80, Moorhouses Black Cat, Wells Bombardier plus other guest beers. Food is not served on Saturday lunchtimes. There are a couple of 'Spoons in Leeds with the nearest to the ground being close to the station in City Square. Finally, if you’re looking for something a little different away from Leeds, you will be hard pushed to beat the Fernandes Brewery Tap in Avison Yard Wakefield (WF1 1UA – J40 M1). On three floors, it houses a gem of a real ale bar with two REAL ciders and up to eleven ales with a separate Bier Keller with continental smorgasbords (meat and cheese).

Enjoy.

Turner talking about Premiership Player

Graham Turner is reported to be talking to a Premiership Club about a loan signing.

"I am currently talking to a Premier League club about a player who has got a bit of experience," the Hereford United manager told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"We will see if we can get him into the club so, yes, we are trying."

Meanwhile there is speculation on the Bulls Banter forum that Ashley-Paul Robinson may be about to be offered some sort of contract at Edgar Street.

It is said he has been training with the squad.

Robinson played in a friendly at Edgar Street on July 22nd.

Worcester City nearly £1M in debt

Once again the gap between the rich and the poor in football has been highlighted by reports that Conference South Worcester City Football Club are close to being £1M in debt.

Their latest accounts for the year ended May 31st 2007 show that the club lost £85,895 that season.

As at that date the club was £978,013 in debt and the worry is that when the 2008 accounts are released that figure may have climbed to over £1M.

In contrast Hereford United owe developers around £1M but are thought to have around £800,000 in the bank after a successful campaign last season and player sales.

News Round Up

Trevor Benjamin scored their second as Bournemouth's reserves beat Cheltenham reserves 4-1 this afternoon. His goal was described as 'the softest goal you'll ever see' by the local Gloucestershire newspaper report. Leyton Orient midfielder Jason Demetriou is a target for Charlton according to reports. The versatile 20 year old was voted the club's young player of the year last season.

Port Vale have apologised to Macclesfield after player Shane Tudor was quoted in the press, ahead of last weekend's match, saying: "No disrespect to them, but they're a s*** club." Oxford have denied rumours that they are on the verge of Administration. Falling gates and a failure to secure funding to buy the stadium have led to claims the club are on the brink, but the board have denied. It is claimed the club is £4million in debt and paying stadium owner Firoz Kassam £400,000 a year in rental without rights to the catering at the stadium.

Cheltenham have continued the clearout by telling part time fitness coach Martin Alps and matchday video analyst Jason Murphy they are no longer required. Midfielder David Bird has also been ruled out for two months after fracturing a toe at the weekend. Brighton have loaned teenage striker Sam Gargan to Conference strugglers Lewes for a month. The Rooks have scored just five goals in ten games this season. They are also expected to loan want-away defender Joel Lynch to Nottm Forest, and striker Johnny Dixon to Grays.

Monday, September 22, 2008

No Midweek Game for Bulls

Hereford United have the full week to prepare for their next League One game which is at Elland Road next Saturday.

However their opponents this coming weekend, Leeds United, are in Carling Cup action this evening against Hartlepool.

How seriously Leeds manager Gary McAllister will view tonight's cup match remains to be seen but his main challenge this season is to take Leeds back into the Championship.

Whilst their fans may not be very interested in this evening's game there is still a great deal of support for Leeds United. However it's not as high as last season.

Home games at Elland Road have averaged 21,190 this season so far. Last season's average was 26,564.

Macmillan Coffee Mornings

In addition to our list of Macmillan Coffee Mornings published yesterday, we have been asked to add the following venue:

FRIDAY September 26th:

Llanigon Village Hall, Hay-on-Wye.
8am to 12noon
Bacon Rolls, Coffee, Teas, Biscuits, Competitions etc.
All welcome.
This event raised over £700 for Macmillan last year.

(For a full list of events in Herefordshire - see yesterday's Bulls News)

Sinnott parts company with Port Vale

Another Football League manager has parted company with his club. The latest casualty is Port Vale manager Lee Sinnott.

It is understood that he was fired following a director's meeting this afternoon. Last Saturday Vale were defeated 4-1 at home by Macclesfield. The side included former Hereford United loanee Lee Collins but not former player John McCombe who is currently injured.

The manager’s fate was sealed following talks between the club’s directors this afternoon.

Vale have played just seven League games this season. Sinnott was in charge for 11 months, winning only nine of his 44 games in charge. He was previously at Farsley Celtic, taking the part time Leeds club into the Conference. Club stalwart Dean Glover, who spent six weeks in charge prior to Sinnott's spell, has taken temporary charge again.