Turner has excellent relationship with Hereford's Chairman

You know it's Sunday when the papers full their pages with articles that could have been written days ago but to its credit, the Independent looks forward to early next month when a certain manager will have reached another milestone.

Most football fans could name Sir Alex Ferguson as the longest-serving manager at a current English League club, but how many would know the second-longest?

Step forward Graham Turner, once in charge at Aston Villa and Wolves, but manager of Hereford United for the past 13 years and three months. He is due to reach both his 700th match for the club – and 1,500th in all – early next month, a record which has included a long spell at Conference level and has now produced two promotions in the past three years. Last season's effort earned him the title of League Two Manager of the Year, and his credits include two others that Sir Alex cannot boast: winner of the Welsh Cup (sadly Hereford were not allowed to represent Wales in Europe) and the Sherpa Van Trophy. Any other manager currently bottom of League One might nevertheless fear for his future, but Turner has an excellent relationship with Hereford's chairman and owner, both of whom are, er, Mr Graham Turner.

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