Graham Turner is 61 Today

How many Hereford United supporters have woken up on their birthday and thought what have I achieved in the last year?

Some of us might have changed jobs, moved home, changed partners. But none would be able to emulate what Graham Turner has done.

Go back twelve months and Hereford United were second in League Two. Brentford had been the visitors at Edgar Street the day before and the Bulls had run out 2-0 winners.

Not bad for one of the smallest clubs in League Two operating on a tight budget.

Turner must have been pleased with how well his club was doing. But as he pottered around on that Sunday morning he probably didn't think in his wildest dreams that Hereford United would be playing in League One this season against the likes of Leeds and Leicester.

They are.

"Going to Elland Road emphasises how rapidly things can change in football," wrote Turner in yesterday's match programme.

He then reflected on matters eight years ago.

"Leeds were playing in the semi-final of the Champions League, between their two legs in that competition we were losing 5-2 at Boston in the Conference."

And later returned to the present.

"Going back to the Leeds match with 25,000 of their supporters and 700 of ours, without doubt I could, despite being in front of a big stand full of Leeds fans, hear the noise generated by our 700."

Whilst Hereford United haven't had the best start in life in League One, there are plenty of games to come and, with Turner in charge, every chance of rising out of the relegation area.

And although he has had difficult times at Edgar Street, this morning he can reflect on the present - life in League One in charge of a small but sound club situated in one of the nicest parts of the country.

Enjoy your birthday.

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