As the shadows lengthened this afternoon, a thread appeared on a Leicester City fans forum discussing the merits of a proposed move to The Walkers Stadium for beleaguered Bulls boss Simon Davey.
The Talking Balls forum, which is a long established chat site that has a history of well over half a million posts. The Milan Mandaric owned Foxes are currently managed by former Swansea gaffer, Paulo Sousa and have had a similar start to 2010/2011 to The Bulls. Since Martin O’Neill’s departure in 2000, they have had no less than eighteen men on the managerial merry-go-round, twelve of them since Mandaric’s arrival in 2007.
Don’t hold your breath.
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Thursday, September 30, 2010
Davey Crisp Packet Intrigue.
Green to miss Barnet Match
Hereford United's Ryan Green will miss Saturday's League Two match at Barnet. The experienced defender is reported to have a virus.
Green's illness was reported by BBC Hereford and Worcester this afternoon.
His absence will be a big blow to manager Simon Davey whose job at Edgar Street is by no means assured should the Bulls lose at Underhill.
Interestingly H&W said that the club were planning to send a doctor to check him (Green) over.
Midlands Today at Hereford United
As predicted on BN this morning BBC Midlands Today visited Edgar Street today to film an item about Hereford United's poor start to the season.
First they spoke to Keith Dodds chairman of HUISA.
"The lack of goals is the main reason - they just don't seem able to score," said Dodds.
"They've not been playing football on the ground, they've been playing the long ball.
"The team has been changed quite a lot.
"It just doesn't seem to be happening at all.
"The worse it gets the worse the crowd gets."
Then a few words from manager Simon Davey.
"When you walk into a managers job there's always pressure. I know that.
"My board have been very supportive, the players supportive. The fans are frustrated.
"We also know realistically that if we keep losing games, you lose your job."
Lastly Trevor Owens sports editor at H&W.
"They need a result this weekend at Barnet.
"You can't go on like this for ever.
"Simon Davey has been around long enough to know he needs a result now."
Saturday is the Turning Point says Davey
Hereford United manager Simon Davey has said that the Bulls must win at Barnet on Saturday.
"It's a big fixture for us and we have to go there and win the game," he told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"We need to be higher up the table and Saturday is for me the turning point where you pick up three points.
"It'll be a game in which we will have to concentrate for the 90 minutes and make sure all the good stuff we do is not spoilt by basic errors.
"At some stage you have to start climbing the table and Saturday is where it starts."
Davey is well aware there will be a lot of pressure on him if performances don't improve soon.
"At the end of the day my name is on the managers door. At the end of the day you live by the sword and you die by the sword.
"If the axe falls it will fall on me not the players.
"We all know that when you walk into a manager's office at any level at any football club inevitably you will be sacked.
"Whether that will be in a week, six weeks or three years you know that.
"You have just got to make sure you do your utmost to make sure you stay in your job.
"I haven't become a bad manager overnight and I haven't changed my style of management and I won't.
"The Chairman and vice-chairman have been very supportive from day one.
"But they can't see their team losing every week. I understand that, they understand that."
Bees fancied to sting Bulls
The bookmakers have made Barnet favourites to defeat Hereford United on Saturday at Underhill.
Lateat odds from Skybet:
Hereford 21/10 Draw 5/2 Barnet 6/5
Best odds on a Hereford victory are available from Victor Chandler whose offer is 12/5.
As regards the result a 1-0 win for Hereford is 9/1 with Skybet, Bet365 and William Hill.
A 1-1 draw is 6/1 at William Hill, BlueSq and 888sport.
A 0-0 draw is 10/1 with William Hill.
No doubt at some stage this season the Bulls will score first in a game. Should they do so on Saturday then Guillan Bauza is 7/1 to be the scorer with Ladbrooks. Stuart Fleetwood and Sean Canham are both 8/1 with Ladbrooks and Mathieu Manset 9/1 also with Ladbrooks.
News Round Up
The candidates for the vacant Lincoln job are forming an orderly queue. The local press are touting a 'dream team' partnership of Mick Harford and Steve Thompson, with both men starting their League playing careers at Sincil Bank. Martin Foyle has also been linked with Scott Lindsay taking charge on a temporary basis. The Imps have finally received clearance to play teenager Adifane Noussoura, with the Reunion Islander agreeing a contract nearly a month ago.
Macclesfield defender Shaun Brisley is out until at least the New Year after being told he needs an operation to have a piece shaved from his hip bone. Sheff Weds have been handed another court date, owing another £600,000 to the taxman just weeks after having their bank come up with £780,000 to bail them out. The Chris Turner led consortium have offered to cover the sum, but on terms yet to be disclosed.
AFC Telford have made ex-Bull Danny Carey-Bertram available for loan.
Preview: Barnet vs Bulls
The Bulls travel to Barnet on Saturday for a 'relegation six-pointer' that is coming far too early in the season.
The two sides have been paired together in seven of the last nine seasons. Overall, Barnet have managed just six wins in 26 games with the Bulls winning 13. Last season the Bulls drew 0-0 at Underhill before winning the return at Edgar Street 2-1 with James McQuilkin scoring the opener before both Richard Rose and Gary Breen put through their own nets.
The current Barnet side features four ex-Bulls. Anwar Uddin, Darren Dennehy, Mark Marshall, and Glen Southam all had short spells at Edgar Street to varying degrees of success. But for Dennehy's injury all four would line up on Saturday as regulars for the Bees. Top scorer Phil Walsh, on loan from Dagenham, has three goals in six games with Marshall and Steve Kabba having two each. Handed the fairly common pre-season relegation tag they have not disappointed so far thanks to a defensive record that reads an average of 2.5 goals a game conceded all season.
The Bulls go to Underhill having scored in their last three games and, finally, having scored a goal from open play. That is a huge leap on the preview to the last away trip when the Bulls had to seek a goal to end a lengthy drought. With Simon Davey turning 40 on Friday he will be hoping for some belated presents from the Barnet defence along the lines of those handed to Stevenage on Tuesday.
Barnet vs Hereford United, Underhill, Saturday 2nd October, 3.00pm.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Midlands Today at Edgar Street
BBC Midlands Today cameras are expected at Edgar Street this morning to film an item for inclusion in this evening's programme.
It's understood they will be talking to manager Simon Davey, vice-chairman Tim Russon and supporters about the poor start to the season. Hereford United are bottom of League Two with just five points from eight games and only three goals.
The programme will go out at 6.30pm and for those not living in the area can be seen on Sky channel 979.
Pugh Watched By West Ham
Today's Daily Mail says that former Bull Marc Pugh has been watched by West Ham on Tuesday night.
The winger scored his fourth goal of the season in their 3-0 win over Exeter. The Bulls hold a 10% sell on for the 23 year old after a transfer tribunal set an initial £60,000 fee.
Meanwhile another ex-Bull is on the move. Mark Robinson is moving back up into Conf North with a move back to Gainsborough Trinity from Whitby Town. The full back spent the end of last season at Brian Little's side, helping them to avoid relegation, but Trinity find themselves again at the wrong end of the table.
Barnet travel – Saturday
Barnet FC v Hereford United
Football League 2
Saturday 2nd October 2010 KO 3.00pm
Underhill
Barnet
EN5 2DN
Phone 020 8441 6932
Bulls fans are accommodated in part of the covered East Terrace with some seats provided in the North Family Stand. Admission prices are somewhat difficult to understand but appear to be £16 for seats and £15 for the terrace. There are advance concession tickets available through the Barnet ticket office (0208 449 6325) for over 60's, U18's and students at £12 along with U14's at £8 for seating and terrace. However, the Official Barnet site says that no concessions are available for the terrace on matchday (hope I've got that right). Advance tickets are available until 12 noon on Friday.
HUISA – departs Radfords at 9.00am. Fare £17 (non-members £19).
FUNBUS – departs Radfords at 9.00am.
By Car: - Leave the M25 at Junction23 and at the roundabout, take the 4th exit onto the A1081 towards Barnet. At the next roundabout, 1.45 miles, take the 2nd exit onto St Albans Road – A1081. At traffic signals in Barnet take a right onto the A1000. Barnet FC is at the bottom (if you’ll pardon the expression) of Barnet Hill near the Junction of Station Road (A110). Car drivers must rely on Street Parking although; there may be spaces at High Barnet Underground Station (£2). Distance is between 130 and 140 miles depending on route.
Alehouses – the traditional meeting place is The Old Red Lion just a short walk from Underhill but there are several others worthy of a mention. In particular, Ye Olde Monken Holt at 193 High Street and The Mitre at 58 High Street have both received good reviews and offer a selection of good ale and food. The local 'Spoons is The Railway Bell at 13 East Barnet Road (near New Barnet Station) while a short walk from The Old Red Lion (passed the Cinema) will take you to The Weaver and The Queens. Others worth a look are The Green Dragon in St Albans Road and The Lord Nelson on West End Lane.
There is a cracking chip shop about three doors from The Weaver (with The Old Red Lion behind you, turn right and walk down passed the cinema about 2/300 hundred yards).
Enjoy.
Davey remains 'At The Moment'
Tim Russon has backed Simon Davey as manager of Hereford United for the present but suggests that there might have to be a change at some stage if results don't improve.
Several supporters have openly called for Davey's head but Russon, in his interview with Trevor Owens of BBC Hereford and Worcester earlier today, has dismissed these calls at least for now.
"Like all the fans you're upset, you go home at night and think it's not good," said the Hereford United vice-chairman.
"It's not a question of pointing the finger of blame at one particular person."
Reminder by Trevor Owens that the fans are pointing the finger of blame at one particular person, Russon said that's always going to happen.
"It's easy to panic, it's easy for the knee-jerk. We've got to understand what the problems are.
"At some stage you've got to come to some sort of decision or way of cracking what the problems are"
Trevor Owens then asked if Simon Davey 'remains your man'.
"Yes he does at the moment," said Russon.
"Because both of us think well what do you do - knee-jerk it's easy but you've also got to think what comes next. It's a hugh decision to make.
"The manager has come in, we've backed him, he's built the squad.
"And in a way he's got to be given, or allowed, time to let that squad try and develope.
"But at the same time there is a cut-off point. He's knows that. Any manager knows that.
"There is a clock that is ticking but what the dial is we don't know.
"There's got to be a point where you reach and say well some action has to be taken."
The full interview can be heard by going to: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hereford_united/9045928.stm
No Ultimatum for Davey says Russon
Hereford United vice-chairman Tim Russon has said that there is no ulimatum over Saturday's game at Barnet for manager Simon Davey.
"I don't think that's fair to say if you don't win this one, that one then you are out of a job," Russon told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"We don't need to put any pressure on the manager.
"The manager when he comes out sees the team on the bottom of the table, hears the crowd calling - he's professional manager.
"He doesn't need anybody to say hey the pressure is on, he knows the pressure is on."
Bulls 500/1 For Top Spot
If you were waiting on better odds on the Bulls before taking the plunge then now is the moment, with Victor Chandler offering 500/1 on the Bulls winning League Two.
Promotion is available for a mere 50/1, with the Bulls now second favourites for the drop ahead of only Barnet in the bookies' lists with the Bees 9/4 and the Bulls 5/2.
Russon Backs Davey
Hereford United vice-chairman Tim Russon has said that he is backing under-seige manager Simon Davey.
Russon has also told BBC Hereford and Worcester that discussions are to take place at the club this afternoon with senior players.
"This afternoon myself and the chairman will be sitting down with senior professionals, talking to them, to seek their opinions," said Russon.
"I know the players have talked amongst themselves at a meeting.
"We've had lots of heart to hearts with the manager. That's our job, that's what we should be doing."
Russon has also given an interview to Bulls Player where, in essence, he asks the fans to stick together and help the club get through this difficult time.
"It's fair to say that like everyone who cares and loves Hereford United we're deeply disappointed with the start and we're very concerned with where we are in the league," he said.
"The board are always listening to the fans, we monitor what the fans think and want, they're the supporters and it's their club.
"What we've got to do is be careful not to rush in and do anything too hasty. We've got to keep in mind that in the summer there was a huge rebuilding job, lots of new players in, change of board, management, change of everything really.
"Having said that, we said right from the word go that we want to take Hereford forward and that's our pledge, anybody in their right mind understands that there comes a time when whatever has to be done will be done.
"The key thing for us to do now is to look at the problem, to listen to the manager, the coaches, we're meeting the players, we'll sit down with the senior pros and talk it through with them."
News Round Up
Barnet have signed released Charlton striker Izale McLeod. The 25 year old has been 'secretly' training at their Hive training facility, with the club paying for a knee operation on the forward. He will not be fit for several weeks as he continues his rehabilitation. Port Vale have appealed to fans to report any incidents after a spate of damage cause to seating in the home areas in recent weeks.
Bradford have signed Man Utd defensive pair Oliver Gill and Reece Brown on a months loan. The 19 year olds have more famous relatives at Old Trafford, with Gill being the son of chief exec David and Brown being the brother of ex-England defender Wes.
Scott to Referee at Barnet on Saturday
G D Scott is set to referee next Saturday's League Two match at Underhill where Hereford United will be the visitors.
The Bulls met Scott once last season. This was at the home fixture against Port Vale which resulted in a 2-2 draw. No Hereford player was booked.
To date this season Scott has yellow carded sixteen players in five games.
Sutton leaves Lincoln
Chris Sutton has resigned as manager of Lincoln for personal reasons. Assistant manager Ian Pearce is also leaving.
A news conference will take place at Sincil Bank this evening when more details will be revealed.
Lincoln are 20th in League Two with eight points some three more than Hereford United.
Match summariser and former Imps manager Steve Thompson told BBC Lincolnshire: "I think for Chris Sutton it's probably been coming.
"The results, the dwindling crowds and they've not improved in 12 months so I wouldn't say I was surprised."
"Sutton took over at a difficult time from Peter Jackson, kept Lincoln in the league but finished 20th and 12 months down the line, they're still 20th."
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
THAT SINKING FEELING
For a brief interlude after the break, it seemed that there may be light at the end of a long, dark tunnel. The Bulls, however, reverted to type and conceded some shocking goals, leaving a Stevenage side with their biggest league win to date, and Hereford boss Simon Davey on decidedly thin ice.
Despite the heavy rain, the game began brightly. Scott Laird had the first chance for the visitors, but shot narrowly wide when well placed. Guillem Bauza then combined with Richard Rose to allow Stuart Fleetwood to test Chris Day. Adam Bartlett needed some acrobatics to deny John Mousinho (surely a pseudonym- didn’t our former Conference foes call the charming Anthony Elding “Eldinho”?). After a well worked move, Charlie Griffin skied his shot, whilst at the other end, Bauza repeated the trick from a Fleetwood pass.
After 13 minutes, the visitors opened their account. The normally reliable Ryan Valentine attempted to shepherd a harmless crossfield pass out of play, but was mugged by the lively Lawrie Wilson who crossed for Chris Holroyd. Despite Bartlett’s presence, the striker skilfully prodded the ball over the keeper high into the net. Bauza, Sam Gwynne and James McQuilkin showed some trickery and fleetness of foot as the Bulls strived for a leveller. However, the better chances were created by their opponents, Mousinho stinging Bartlett’s palms and then firing the rebound over, and Griffin finding space but shooting wide. The interval arrived with Hereford a tad fortunate to trail by just the odd goal.
HT: HUFC 0 STEVENAGE 1
The home side emerged from the dressing room determined to get amongst their opponents, playing easily the most positive and exciting football seen this season. Fleetwood twisted and turned and was unlucky with a shot that ricocheted off the shin of a defender, and other rapid passing moves looked promising. And then….. could it be? …
yup, a goal from open play. On 49 minutes, McQuilkin played a delightful ball to Valentine, seen for the first time as an attacking force. His pinpoint cross was met by the onrushing Sean Canham who headed adroitly into the net. For the next ten minutes ,the Bulls midfield looked more combative, the sparse crowd got behind the team and a series of crisp moves led to corners and half chances for the home side. These, alas, could not be taken, and the optimism proved a false dawn.
With 62 minutes elapsed, Stevenage regained the lead. A regulation corner from Lawrie Wilson found a curiously unattended Jon Ashton who headed powerfully home. The Bulls confidence evaporated, and seven minutes later allowed another alteration to the goals against column. Gwynne’s pass was intercepted and a lightning break by the visitors went largely unchallenged. Mousinho played in Holroyd who finished with relish from close range.
A long range shot from Gwynne, a chipped cross from Fleetwood, and a mishit effort from Rose were the only bright spots in a dismal end to the game, with the visitors always looking the more likely to score. Indeed, with 82 minutes on the clock, Holroyd completed a splendid hat trick. Set up by Peter Vincenti, the striker was allowed a ludicrous amount of time before picking his spot. In the closing exchanges, some profligacy at least spared the home side further embarrassment. Cue a happy return to Hertfordshire for Messrs Westley, Holroyd (with match ball), and a small but vociferous band of travelling fans. Meanwhile, the fate of Mr Davey rests in the balance. Watch this space.
FT: HUFC 1 STEVENAGE 4
Attendance: 1444 including 84 from Broadhall Way (though not CD).
HUFC: Bartlett, Green, Valentine, Townsend, Rose, McQuilkin, Gwynne, Lunt (Manset 74), Fleetwood, Canham, Bauza.
STEVENAGE: Day, Wilson, Laird (Winn 61), Charles, Ashton, Henry, Long (Sinclair 85), Mousinho, Bostwick, Griffin (Vincenti 76), Holroyd.
Stats from Edgar Street
Below are the main stats from Edgar Street where Hereford United were on the end of a 4-1 defeat by Stevenage.
Possession: Bulls 50% Stevenage 50%
Shots on Target: Bulls 7 Stevenage 7
Shots off Target: Bulls 5 Stevenage 7
Corners: Bulls 7 Stevenage 4
Fouls: Bulls 15 Stevenage 16
Cards: Yellows for Sean Canham and Kenny Lunt
Attendance: 1444 with 84 in the away end.
Man of the Match: James McQuilken
And a mention for Referee Naylor who controlled the game well.
Bottom of League Two:
17 Gillingham 9 0 10
18 Northampton 9 -3 10
19 Macclesfield 9 -6 9
20 Lincoln City 9 -6 8
21 Bradford 9 -8 8
22 Morecambe 9 -9 7
23 Barnet 9 -12 6
24 Hereford 9 -14 5
Results Round Up
The Bulls stay rooted at the foot of the League Two table after tonights results.
You don't normally get a relegation six-pointer in early October but Saturday's trip to Barnet is being lined up for it after they lost 4-2 at Wycombe to retain their place a single point above the Bulls. Morecambe come a further place and point higher after they were the other side to lose 4-1 at home tonight with Bury doing the business. Bradford moved onto eight points with a goalless draw at Rotherham, as did Lincoln who got the same result with Burton. Cheltenham's slide down the table continues as they drew 1-1 at home with Oxford, while Macclesfield earned a valuable point with a 1-1 draw at Crewe.
At the top Port Vale beat Shrewsbury 1-0 to go four points clear of Rotherham and Chesterfield, with the Spireites winning 2-1 at Northampton. The Shrews are fourth ahead of Bury, with Torquay sixth after losing 1-0 at home to Aldershot. Stevenage take the final play-off spot from Accrington who drew 2-2 at Stockport. In the other game Gillingham and Southend drew 0-0.
In the Conference Fleetwood are top after winning 2-0 at Barrow, with Newport second after their 3-1 win over Forest Green. Kidderminster lost 2-0 at Bath.
Back Four Were Not Good Enough - Davey
Hereford United manager Simon Davey blamed basic errors for the 4-1 defeat by Stevenage at Edgar Street this evening.
"Astonished with the defending," Davey told BBC Hereford and Worcester. "Everything I asked them to do they did. I thought they passed the ball well. They created chances.
"But, yet again, people let me down and didn't do their jobs.
"The back four weren't good enough. End of story.
"Basic errors. Ryan Valentine first half, Townsend second half, we'd got a head of steam up and got the goal back. There was only one team going to win then a mistake again.
"Then your 2-1 down, then another mistake in the middle of the park. Sam Gwynne lets a ball go over his foot and they break and score.
"At the end of the day you can only tell them to do their jobs but if you're going to make errors like that you know what more can you do."
Sean Canham equalised for the Bulls and for a short time they created several attacks.
"I said at half time the game will be won by us unless our back four make basic errors and they did it.
"You could play teams in the Northern Conference who will score if you are going to give silly basic errors away.
"At the end of the day they performed, they passed, they did everything that was asked of them, but defensively they weren't at the races.
"And that was the difference between the two teams."
Keith Hall then asked Davey how he was 'feeling personally'.
"I've got to take it on the chin. At the end of the day I'm in charge of them.
"I can prepare them, I can do everything I possibly can but once they cross that white line - I don't tell Ryan Valentine not to tackle someone on the halfway line, I don't tell Michael Townsend not to put the ball and pirouette on it.
"I take responsibility we lost the game. That's my responsibility.
"And it doesn't look good, no it isn't good, and the results are not good but some players have to take responsibility."
"At what point does Davey's job become untenable?"...
...asked the reporter. "About ten minutes ago" was the response from the HUISA chairman; "and you can quote me on that."
The Bulls fell 4-1 at home to Stevenage tonight. In truth, it was the best footballing performance of the season but individual lapses cost the Bulls every goal. A dismal 1,444 watched the game with 84 visitors, with the majority of those at the end applauding the players efforts but calling for a change.
Full report later.
HUISA – Barnet
Fans are reminded that seats for the coach to Barnet on Saturday can be booked this evening in Radford’s before the Stevenage game.
Departure is set for 9.00am with a fare of £17 (£19 for non-members).
After this evening, seats can be booked through The Club offices (08442 761939).
A full Barnet travel guide will be published later.
Stevenage Predictions
Don't forget to predict for tonight's match with Stevenage at Edgar Street. Simon Davey's men are in desperate need of a victory, will you back them?
To enter, send in your final score and attendance predictions to bullsnewspredictions@hotmail.co.uk. Remember to include your chosen username.
The deadline for tonight's match is 7.00pm.
Being Bottom "is Wake-up Call' says Davey
Hereford United manager Simon Davey has told the Worcester News about being bottom of League Two.
"It’s a wake-up call. We have been down there for a bit with teams above us on the same number of points.
"But we are bottom now and the players must realise they have to fight their way out of it. One victory will do that but we need to get back-to-back wins.
"You usually have seven days to wait until the next match but we need to respond very quickly.
"It’s about what we do and we have got another home fixture. We have to take the game to Stevenage and make sure we get a result."
Kenny Lunt is expected to return to the starting eleven after missing last Saturday's game through suspension.
However it's not clear whether Michael Townsend will be fit enough to take part. Whilst he managed ninety minutes last Saturday, it was noticable that he was in discomfort with his knee injury.
Another doubt is whether Matthew Manset will start. Davey publically slated him in his post match interview with BBC Hereford and Worcester accusing the big striker of 'downing tools' after twenty minutes.
News Round Up
Bradford boss Peter Taylor has threatened to put his entire squad on the transfer list after their poor start to the season. The Bantams, one of the pre-season title favourites, are just a point clear of the drop zone. No Bulls in the Team of the Week. The XI for League Two is made up from eleven different clubs, with weekend scorer against the Bulls Barry Corr getting the nod for Southend.
Morecambe have loaned winger Neil Wainwright to Barrow for a month. It is his second spell at Holker Street after a spell there last term, with the former Darlington man not playing once for the Shrimps this term. Sheff Weds chairman Howard Wilkinson says the club will fall into receivership if he and chief executive Nick Parker walk away. Fans have protested against the pair after four straight losses in League One.
Wycombe say they want to build a new 17,500 capacity stadium at Wycombe Air Park to share with Wasps rugby side. Fans have already questioned the need for a new ground for the football club with gates averaging only 5,500. Bury have loaned teenage defender Andrai Jones to Altrincham for a month. The 18 year old signed his first pro deal in the summer.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Preview: Bulls vs Stevenage
The Bulls entertain Stevenage in the Football League for the first time, with Bulls fans hoping it won't be the last.
The two sides met during nine successive Conference seasons, and resume battles after a four season break. Honours are even overall, with eight wins apiece and five draws, while goals have been a little sparse over the seasons. On only three occasions from the 21 in total has either side scored more than two goals, the last being in April 2002 when an early Stephen Piearce goal brought early hope before the Boro won 3-1. That game saw a young DJ Campbell make a brief sub appearance for Boro before his meteroric rise up to the Premier League.
For the Bulls things are beginning to look a little desperate. It's never easy to follow a long serving manager, as John Trewick found to his cost, but no goals from open play is a telling statistic after nine competitive matches and the pressure must be piling on Simon Davey to turn it around even at this early stage. His summer wish list of 20 players now totals 24 so the budget must be just about stretched to breaking point for more transfer market action.
Stevenage dropped the Borough in the summer in a bid to shake off their non-league image, but their forward line can't shake off the problems prolific strikers seems to have making the step up. Conference hot-shots Lee Boylan, Charlie Griffin, Yemi Odubade, and Tim Sills have managed just four goals between them this term. Ex-Bull Sills, who was farmed out back to the Conference in favour of another Conference man Chris Holroyd, has failed to score in 20 games for the Boro since arriving from Torquay in January.
Hereford United vs Stevenage, Edgar Street, Tuesday 28th September, 7.45pm.
The last Bulls versus Stevenage Game
The last time Hereford United played Stevenage was in the Conference. It was a Monday evening late in February 2006 and the Sky cameras were at Edgar Street to witness a 2-0 win for the Bulls.
Here's a reminder of the BN report:
Willo in Wonderland
By Brian
Andy Williams was in dream land once again as he found the scoresheet for the second game in a row, moving his season total up to eleven goals of which seven have come in the Nationwide Conference. The youngster again impressed this evening, in front of a wider audience than usual with the game being live on Sky, as Hereford United defeated play off rivals Stevenage Borough at Edgar Street.
United, who were unchanged from the side that started last week against Aldershot, started well but failed to really test Alan Julian in the Boro goal in the early stages. Stuart Fleetwood, who is also making quite a name for himself at Edgar Street, had a shot blocked in the opening stages and then moments later Stevenage threatened for the first time when Dino Maamria volleyed wide at the near post.
Tamika Mkandawire's header, from Ryan Green's free kick was saved by Julian before Nicky Nicolau was replaced, on seventeen minutes, by Rob Purdie due to injury. Williams latched onto a flick-header by Fleetwood but a defender was in the way of his shot while, at the other end, George Boyd almost created a goal out of nothing. He caught the ball on the full volley twenty five yards from goal, almost catching Wayne Brown out, but the 'keeper managed to scramble across his line to push the ball behind.
Fleetwood and Andy Ferrell both had shots saved before the deadlock was broken in the final minute of first half added time. Ferrell delivered a free kick into the box, which was met by the head of Dean Beckwith and Williams was on hand in the middle to stretch out a leg and volley high into the net from around eight yards.
Boyd again forced Brown into a brilliant save just after the restart as the goalie clawed an effort from the winger out of the air extravagantly but it was the Bulls who were to score again and put a clear margin between the two sides. Green took a throw in on the right which Williams touched to Craig Stanley. Stanley played another short ball to Fleetwood who, with his back to goal, span off his marker before planting a shot across the helpless Julian and into the far bottom corner.
Jefferson Louis, one of three first half bookings for the more-than-physical side, almost grabbed one back for the visitors a minute later but saw his curling effort rebound back into play off the post and from then on United were in complete control. Mkandawire headed just over from a Ferrell, impressive again in midfield, free kick crossed to the far post before Fleetwood showed he is human after all when he fired wide of the mark, having skinned two opponents.
Then, rather inevitabely, a red card was produced for a Stevenage player with twenty minutes left on the clock. Justin Gregory, who had been terrorised by the pace of Daryl Taylor all evening had already picked up a first half booking and left the referee, Rob Lewis, no choice but to show him a second when he tripped Taylor as the winger skipped past him once again. Ronnie Henry had to be careful to clear over his cross bar as he got a foot to an inviting Taylor cross from the right with attackers lurking at the far post. Then, from the resulting corner, more danger lingered for Boro. Fleetwood crossed to outside of the box where man of the match Stanley awaited before unleashing a thunderous volley that flew just inches over the bar.
Julian showed good hands to deny Williams a second goal, as the attacker beat his man from the bye line, leaving Henry to head behind before Danny Carey-Bertram was given two minutes (and the four injury time minutes) to have a run out, in the place of Taylor and then seventeen year-old Sam Gwynne was given his debut in place of Fleetwood.
There were some very impressive individual performances this evening, but everyone worked well together also and, in the end, United quite easily overcame what appeared to be a very difficult fixture. In particular Beckwith, Stanley, Ferrell, Williams and Fleetwood stood out. The result takes United back into second place and leave Stevenage where they were before in fourth position. The only slightly disappointment of the evening was the attendance, no doubt affected by the live coverage on Sky, which was 2,394 including 41 away fans.
HUFC: Brown, Green, Mkandawire, Beckwith, Travis, Nicolau, Ferrell, Stanley, Taylor, Williams, Fleetwood. Subs: Haliday, Mawson, Purdie, Gwynne, Carey-Bertram.
SBFC: Julian, Hocking, Quinn, Henry, Gregory, Bulman, Berquez, Miller, Boyd, Maamria, Louis. Subs: Goodliffe, Weatherstone, Obinna, Nurse, Stamp.
Bulls 9/4 to defeat Stevenage
Hereford United are 9/4 to defeat Stevenage tomorrow evening. The Bulls are still looking for their first home win of the season and Stevenage who are eleventh in the League will be tough opposition.
Latest odds from Skybet:
Hereford 11/5 Draw 12/5 Stevenage 6/5.
Slightly better odds of 9/4 for a Hereford win are available at Victor Chandler, 888sport and BlueSq.
To score the first goal of the game, Guillem Bauza can be backed at 7/1 with Ladbrooks, 888sport and BlueSq, Stuart Fleetwood at 8/1 with Ladbrooks and Mathieu Manset, Sean Canham and Amadou Rabihou all at 9/1 with Ladbrooks.
A 1-0 win for the Bulls is 17/2 with Skybet and a 0-0 draw is 9/1 with Sportingbet, Skybet and Bet365.
News Round Up
Crewe are trialling winger Euan Holden. The Scot is brother of Bolton's USA international Stuart with both of them moving to the States as children. Oxford have loaned midfielder Dannie Bulman to former club Crawley for three months and allowed teenage striker Aaron Woodley to move to Oxford City for a month.
Port Vale have extended the deals of ex-Bull Lee Collins and goalkeeper Stuart Tomlinson to the end of next season. Barnet defender Daniel Leach will miss several weeks after the foot injury he sustained last weekend was put in plaster. He is the second defender to be ruled out for a lengthy spell, with Darren Dennehy already sidelined, with the Bees signing Charlton defender Grant Basey on loan as cover.
The Gloucestershire Echo reports that Cheltenham were booed off at the end of their 2-0 home loss to Bury. Manager Mark Yates pulled his side in for training on Sunday after conceding eight goals in their last four matches.
A Deflected Goal off a Pigeon Will Do
FC Boro, an excellent Stevenage website, put the following questions to a Hereford United supporter in advance of tomorrow's meeting between the two clubs at Edgar Street.
It’s been a poor start to the season for you. Why do you think that is?
Simply, we don’t look like scoring. We’ve netted three this season – one from a corner, one penalty and Saturday’s flukey free kick. Not a single goal from open play.
Simon Davey joined in the summer, but there are already calls for his head. How much time will he be given to get it right?
People started calling for his head after five games, which is a bit early for anyone to be judged. Three games later and it’s still too early to make a move in my book. We’ve had a lot of change over the summer - new board, manager, 20 new players – and it needs time for everyone to settle.
What was Hereford’s aim at the start of the season?
Top ten was touted pre-season. It was generally considered to be a two year ‘project’ with a proper promotion push next term once the new arrivals had found their feet.
Who is your key player?
If it wasn’t for keeper Adam Bartlett we’d probably be totally pointless. On the attacking side Guillem Bauza is clearly too good for League Two after just two games.
Are there any injuries/suspensions on Tuesday night?
Captain Janos Kovacs is definitely out. Midfielder O’Neill Thompson has been ‘taken out of the firing line’ by Davey. Kenny Lunt comes back after suspension.
It’s been a few years since we visited Edgar Street. Has anything changed?
Not a lot. The catering is better. The god-awful Lindley have been dumped for a local firm.
Lastly, what is your prediction for the game?
We need a positive result of any variety. 1-0 win with a deflected goal off a pigeon will do.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Players Contracts at Hereford United
With so much discussion going on about Hereford United's poor performances here's a list of the 25 players currently at Edgar Street, the length of their contracts and when they were signed. As far as BN is aware the information is correct but any updates or corrections are welcome.
Seven of the squad have agreed two year deals.
Bartlett - One year extension deal (March 29th)
Green - One year deal (June 8th)
Valentine - One year extension deal (March 29th)
Kovacs - Two year deal (June 28th)
Townsend - Two year deal (July 15th)
Rose - One year deal (July 5th)
Fleetwood - Two year deal (July 2nd)
Stratford - One year deal (July 16th)
Manset - One year deal (May 8th)
Canham - Two year deal (July 1st)
Malsom - One year deal (July 15th)
Connor - Two year deal (July 1st)
McQuilkin - One year deal (May 27th)
Gwynne - One Year Deal (July 19th)
Lunt - One year deal (June 9th)
Colbeck - Two year deal (July 29th)
Kanoute - One year deal (August 6th)
Thomas - One year deal (August 6th)
Thompson - One Season loan Deal (July 2nd)
Weir - One year deal (May 19th)
Whittaker - Unknown but probably week to week until Connor is fit
Evans - One year deal (Aug 6th)
Werling - Two year deal (Aug 31st)
Rabihou - One year deal (Aug 31st)
Bauza - Deal until January (Sept 17th)
News Round Up
In today's Conference action Crawley returned to the top of the table with a 1-0 win at Rushden, while Kidderminster beat Wimbledon 2-0. Dundee say they face Administration over a £250,000 debt to the taxman. The club claims that the taxman told them they 'wanted to bring Dundee to account and bring the rest of Scottish football to heel' with the taxman demanding immediate payment of the full amount that has been building up over the last two years.
Garforth Town have made Paul Gascoigne their new manager. The Northern Premier League club previously signed Brazil legends Socrates and Careca to play for them with their owner running soccer schools in Brazil. Southend boss Paul Sturrock told a fans forum on Thursday that they had been quoted £150,000 by Barrow for striker Jason Walker. He also spoke about ex-Bull John Grant's trial: “With John Grant, I find it strange that, when someone is looking for a new club, that they can be so out of condition."
Ex-Bull Moses Ashikodi will miss several months due to a troublesome knee injury that has seen him start only two games this season for Kettering. Morecambe boss Sammy McIlroy faces a defensive crisis after central defenders Will Haining and Chris McCready both suffered hamstring injuries during Saturday's draw with Barnet. Both will miss several weeks.
Bury have signed Man Utd teenager Nicky Ajose on a months loan. The 18 year old forward debuted as a late sub in their win at Cheltenham on Saturday.
You’ve lost that Lovin’ Feelin’
Exiled Bull compares his two footballing loves:
You need to see just how good football can be to really appreciate just how grim watching Bull watching has become. As I explain (ad infinitum) I actively watch two teams and the contrast couldn’t be greater. According to the League table as of Saturday night I support both the best and worst teams in the Midlands.
In midweek I saw an Albion reserve team side rip apart a strong-ish Man City side. WBA had loaned four first team experienced players out yet their second string still included eight current internationals. Fast attacking wing play, exquisite passing from the back, leadership from the middle and a proper centre forward. 6-1 would have fairly reflected the play. And next was Edgar Street. You don’t need me to start listing the problems – you either saw them for yourself or knew what was coming and stayed away.
One of the worse factors for me was the apathy. You’ve lost that lovin’ feelin’ . Five home games with one goal and no wins would provoke apoplexy elsewhere. On Saturday there was largely resigned acceptance. There is nothing worse than apathy for a football club. The "I’ve got enough problems of my own so I don’t want to pay to share somebody elses" argument. Its corrosive – without passion a football club is finished.
Admittedly the team is almost beyond criticism with all the satisfaction of stealing sweets from kids. All too easy and there’s nothing to fight back with. Reminds me of the years when the Dingles (Wolves) were in the Fourth Division, a club I’ve always had a healthy dislike for. They’d fallen so low they were no threat to anyone – except themselves. Hereford United – only a threat to themselves. Sad.
The current situation begs the question – what does loyalty at Edgar Street mean? It’s hard to have any empathy with a playing staff which largely changes every year and doesn’t have locals as first team regulars. As the only professional club in the county, community activity is vital. The players and owners should be out and about all the time building bridges and rapport. Admittedly I’m an exile but I don’t see enough ongoing evidence of such activity.
The main finger pointing is aimed at the manager. He hasn’t admittedly covered himself in glory. It was always a hard act to replace Graham Turner (who appears to have left his office in Blackfriars as a permanent reminder). Is it realistic to talk about sacking a man after 9 games? Were it to be suggested at any other club, we’d question the sanity of their supporters. To be practical unless Davey resigns, we’d have to pay him off which would severely limit options for new players for his replacement. We do like a scapegoat in this country yet with new owners, new manager and (mainly) new players it’s hard to fairly argue that any of them have had enough time to make a difference.
The big fear remains relegation to the Conference. Why is this? We know the Conference and what’s so great about the lower ranks of the League anyway? We’ve tried it out thoroughly and generally speaking it’s not much fun. Four of the five seasons to date were often grim and the fifth felt like never never land. It was too – there was no long term future in winning matches 1-0 with loanees. Go on, think about it.
Are Hereford’s League players more talented than their Conference counterparts? No – if anything they’re worse. There is no modern equivalent to Gav, Paz and Tam.
More interesting opposition? Come on – are Rotherham, Gillingham, Southend etc THAT fascinating?
Better facilities? Hardly. Although the new temporary seats look surprisingly permanent the reality is that the ground is becoming increasingly senile.
More local matches? Not really with Kiddy, the Gumps and now Newport County in the Conference.
A chance to see all United’s goals on TV? Yeah right.
I think Hereford just may be better off as a slightly bigger fish in a smaller pond. The ways things are going, we may not have a choice. In the short term I will be re-thinking my regular attendances at matches. The temptation to see more of the Best and less of the Worst is overwhelming.
It's Not Just Us
It's not just Bulls fans griping about their manager at the moment, Lincoln and Bradford fans are also pondering changes with their gripes oddly similar to the Edgar Street faithful.
Lincoln fansite theimps.ka has this to say on Chris Sutton's transfer market activity: 'The problem is that the vast majority of the players that Sutton has brought to this club have been awful. For every Somma there's an Uwezu, for every Herd there's a Smith, for every Saunders there's a Anthony Pulis, I could continue for another two or three players before running out of the good players, but still with plenty of poor players to spare.'
While over at Bradford, before yesterday's loss to Northampton, their Boy from Brazil site had this to say about Peter Taylor: 'Unlike his predecessor, Stuart McCall, Taylor is clearly not someone readily prepared to blame himself and believe those questioning him are right to do so, and one can speculate whether the reason his assistant Wayne Jacobs was sent out to face the media after the game was due to anger at having his decisions questioned once more. A frosty relationship between manager and many supporters is beginning to develop.'
Despite the negativity, the Bulls are only six points short of a play-off spot. Two wins in the next week will see a substantial rise up the table.
Manset and Fleetwood on Four Cards
Two Hereford United players were given yellow cards yesterday making this season the worst for discipline seen at Edgar Street for many years.
Stuart Fleetwood's card was slightly surprising. It happened after Southend had been awarded a free kick.
It appeared that Fleetwood must have thought Southend had touched the ball as he charged towards it. The referee thought differently and gave Fleets a yellow card for his trouble. Fleets was not impressed. To rub salt into the wound Southend scored from the free-kick.
Manset's card after a melee which appeared to involve two Southend players.
Both Fleets and Manset now have four cards, just one card each away from a one match suspension.
Naylor to Referee on Tuesday
Michael Naylor from South Yorkshire is set to referee next Tuesday's League Two match at Hereford where Stevenage will be the visitors.
It will be the first time Naylor has been in charge of a game at Hereford. He was promoted to the League at the beginning of this season.
To date he has refereed four matches in the League and has given out two yellow cards.
Davey's Guarantee
Despite another disappointing performance yesterday, Hereford United manager Simon Davey did give two interviews to the press afterwards. However neither interviewer questioned him about how long he might stay in charge at Edgar Street given that the Bulls are now bottom of League Two.
This is his record to date:
Position Bottom. Played Eight, Won One, Drawn Two, Lost Five. Goals For Three, Goals Against Fourteen. Points Five.
Granted there are still some thirty eight games to play and a lot can change in that time, however this start to a season must rank as one of the worst ever witnessed by Hereford United supporters and they are beginning to ask questions about how long this can continue.
One has to feel particularily sorry for new chairman David Keyte. Considering all the hard work he and vice-chairman Tim Russon have done off the pitch, Davey's lack of success on the pitch must be making life very difficult for them at present.
At the beginning of any season managers are given a budget to work with. No doubt a little money is in kept in reserve for emergencies. However at a club like Hereford that can't be too much.
Yesterday Davey said he wanted a left winger, someone with presence in midfield and another defender. Where will the money come from to pay them? With gates down it's probable that the club is already close to the top amount it can pay the squad given the turnover.
Being an accountant Keyte will know just how far he can go with money for Davey. He will also know that any extra money put into the playing budget might mean less for the promised improvements so badly needed at Edgar Street.
On the other hand if results don't improve soon, the club could easily be sucked into a relegation battle. And some extra expense could make the difference between staying in League Two or dropping down to the Conference.
Seemingly Davey has dismissed relegation.
"I can guarantee we won't be there at the bottom at the end of the season," he said when interviewed for Bulls Player yesterday.
Hereford United play Stevenage at Edgar Street on Tuesday evening and Barnet next Saturday. It goes without saying that the Bulls need to get some points from these two games.
If that doesn't happen then Davey will need to consider his position. If he has any principles he will resign before he is pushed.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Old Trafford To Host League Play-Offs
The Telegraph is reporting that Old Trafford is to hold the League One and Two play-off finals this May.
The move is due to the Champions League final being held at Wembley on May 28th, the day of the League Two final. The Football League have not confirmed the announcement, but the paper says they still intend to run the Championship play-off on the Bank Holiday Monday at Wembley just 36 hours after the European match.
Meanwhile Mansfield have a new owner. Lifelong fan John Radford has bought the club for £1 from the previous incumbents, but it has also cost him £500,000 in cash to keep the club operating this season. Radford made his fortune from an insurance company that is currently Doncaster's main sponsor.
Ex-Bull Watch
Jordon Mutch scored the second for Watford as they beat Middlesboro. It was Williams all round at Yeovil as Andy Williams was booked, and Gavin Williams assisted in their goal as they lost to Exeter. The goal was scored by former Bulls trialist Sam Williams. Glen Southam scored a penalty and was booked as Barnet drew at Morecambe. Lionel Ainsworth scored the second as Shrewsbury drew at Wycombe.
Alan Connell scored his seventh of the season for Grimsby as they drew at Altrincham. Jamie Tolley scored the opener for Wrexham as they beat Histon.
Results Round Up
Port Vale take top spot after beating seventh placed Accrington 2-0, with Shrewsbury dropping down to second following their 2-2 draw at Wycombe. Rotherham are third after beating Chesterfield 1-0, with the Spireites fourth. Torquay are down to fifth after a shock 3-1 loss at home to Macclesfield while Bury are up to sixth after beating Cheltenham 2-0. Crewe are knocking on the door of the play-offs after drawing with Oxford 1-1.
At the bottom the Bulls slip to the foot of the table after Barnet drew 2-2 at Morecambe despite holding a 2-0 lead. Lincoln and Bradford are stuck on seven points after the Imps lost 1-0 at home to Stevenage and the Bantams lost 2-0 at Northampton. Gillingham also won, 1-0 at home to Burton, to pull themselves clear, while Aldershot's 2-2 draw with Stockport saw both sides slide down the table.
In the Conference Mansfield top the table after beating Eastbourne 4-0, with previous leaders Wimbledon playing Kidderminster tomorrow. Fleetwood are up to third with a 2-1 win over Bath. Forest Green lost 2-0 at home to Kettering.
ROCK BOTTOM BULLS
The portents, at least, were good. The league only really takes shape once the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness has arrived. Herefordshire looked its best in the pale morning sun, the first frost had been etched onto car windscreens, and Channel 4’s racing coverage was from Market Rasen. Those depressed by party politics rejoiced in the news that Labour were putting up the Steve Miller band to fight the coalition, and Bulls fans were encouraged by the battling point achieved at Bury last week. Bulls News’ Useless Facts Department then announced the anniversary of a 3-0 home win against a now mighty Wigan Athletic side, new to league football at the time. All this combined to create a positive outlook for today’s game against a struggling Saafend side.
It all started so brightly. Just over 3 minutes had elapsed when Hereford were awarded a free kick over by the corner of the box, a rather innocuous push on Fleetwood being the crime. Instead of the expected ball floated to the opposition keeper. Little Jimmy McQuilkin tried his luck with a shot curled towards the near post. A startled Glenn Morris could only palm the ball into the roof of the net, the Bulls were one up, and fans speculated as to the last time we had scored direct from a free kick had been.
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Pictures taken by Andy Compton of the Hereford JournalRyan Hall was proving a difficult opponent with some enterprising runs down the left flank, but Ryan Green coped well, and some timely interventions from Richard Rose and Joe Colbeck repelled the Shrimpers. Then, somewhat out of the blue, Sean Clohessy crossed perfectly for the out of form Barry Corr to head confidently past Adam Bartlett for the equaliser. Almost immediately, a carbon copy move gave Corr another chance, but this time he glanced his effort just wide of the upright. Fleetwood shot over with a long range volley, and a neat move involving Guillem Bauza and Mathieu Manset saw McQuilkin’s shot clear the bar.
On the stroke of half time, Michael Timlin, on loan from Swindon, prevented the quick taking of a Hereford free kick, some wrestling and handbags ensued. Referee Mr Evans took exception to the shenanigans, flourishing his yellow card three times in succession with Manset, Timlin and the argumentative Anthony Grant the lucky recipients. The chance came to nought as half time beckoned.
HT: HUFC 1 SOUTHEND UTD 1
Manset embarked on a promising run and cut a dangerous ball back into the area. A hasty clearance arrived at the feet of Daniel Stratford, replacing the suspended Kenny Lunt, but the midfielder could not control the ball. On 52 minutes, the game provided its only comedy moment. Eager to charge down a free kick, Fleetwood arrived ball-side before it had shifted more than a few inches, leaving the Southend players confused. It was reminiscent of one of the African teams from Italia 90 (answers on a postcard please).However, Mr Evans was not amused, carding the Newent hero who became incandescent with rage over the sheer injustice of life. Comedy soon turned to tragedy when, from the retake, a distracted and unsettled Bulls defence allowed the visitors to take the lead. The ball was touched to Timlin who blasted home from 25 yards.
After this concession, Hereford meekly accepted their fate. Just as against Oxford, the visiting team, an efficient yet hardly outstanding outfit, could scarcely believe the ease with which they held on to a three point haul. A dangerous cross from John Simpson evaded the strikers, Ryan Hall was allowed to waltz through the entire midfield, to be thwarted only by Bartlett’s fine save, and then manager’s son, one Blair Sturrock, brought out another Bartlett stop. Bauza showed a classy turn and shot which narrowly missed its target, but from the restart, Southend extended their lead. Just as Labour were announcing their new supremo, the return of Blair as a strike force was seen. Mr Sturrock, out of sorts lately, was given the freedom of Edgar Street as he ran, untroubled, straight down the middle. The newly shaven Bartlett managed to block his first attempt, but the striker bundled the rebound home.
A triple substitution by beleagured manager Simon Davey brought little or no respite. The Bulls capitulated ridiculously easily, with little spark or imagination being shown. Unsurprisingly, with such meagre fare on offer, the home support is dwindling, and much dissatisfaction was expressed at the final whistle. One could scarcely believe that a day that had begun as an excellent chance for Hereford to climb the table would end with the Bulls propping up the entire football league in 92nd place. Worrying times.
FT: HUFC 1 SOUTHEND 3
Attendance: 2104 (including 204 Shrimpers)
HUFC: Bartlett, Green, Rose, Townsend, Valentine, Colbeck, Stratford (Gwynne 72), McQuilkin, Fleetwood (Malsom 72), Manset (Rabihou 72), Bauza.
SAAFEND: Morris, Clohessy, Gilbert, Bilel, Barker, Simpson, Grant, Hall (Soares 81), Timlin, Corr (Prosser 85), Sturrock (Jarvis 77).
Fans blame Davey
Both the forums and BBC Hereford and Worcester are full of calls for manager Simon Davey to resign after another defeat for the Bulls which has put them firmly at the bottom of the League Two table.
Below are a few of the texts read out on H&W.
"Scoring a goal in a few minutes I had optimism for a win, after watching Hereford since 1983 I should have known better. Nothing to say you could air," - LadyBull.
"Awful stuff from the Bulls again. Left the game with 15 minutes left. Worst team in years. Chairman must make a hard decision now otherwise the Blue Square Premier beckons," - Shropshire Whites.
"Defence flaky, no mid-field, the forwards had no clue. Not a recipe for a win. Still no goal from open play. Hereford deserve to be bottom. Today was the first time in 36 years I left before the game ended," - Dan and Andy.
"Call for Simon Davey to be removed, he's the problem not the players," - Jack.
"Everyone on the Meadow End could see the midfield wasn't strong enough. Time for hard decisions or the crowd will drop even further," - Tim without Tom (he had work -lucky man)
"Absolute dross today. The sooner Simon Davey goes the better. Shocking game with people leaving early," - Paul
"I can't help but feel we've been fed a lot of tripe by Simon Davey when he came into the club, we have nothing, absolutely nothing" - Tom.
There's lots more on the forum with very few voices backing Davey at present.
All the Lads are Gutted - McQuilkin
In a interview with BBC Hereford and Worcester, mid-fielder James McQuilkin said that the squad was gutted after losing 3-1 to Southend this afternoon.
"We've just got to keep going, we've got to pick ourselves up again and look for a win on Tuesday against Stevenage," said McQuilkin.
"Of course the squad is feeling the pressure, we want to win as many games as we can. We don't want to be battling against relegation.
"I'm sure the lads are strong enough mentally and we can go again and pick ourselves up and eventually start getting the result we need."
McQuilkin scored the only Hereford goal this afternoon.
"Delighted to score a goal and we tried to close the game out but they managed to get in and the big lad up front caused a lot of problems.
"He's got on the end of a cross and it's 1-1 at halftime. That changed the game."
Davey's Reaction to Another Defeat
Simon Davey gave his reaction to this afternoon's defeat to BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"We got off to a flyer, got our goal then took our foot off the gas," said the Hereford United manager.
"They stopped doing the jobs they were asked to do. Then they got punished.
"A cross into our box, good finish. A dubious second goal. Still don't know what has gone on there.
"Obviously he touched it and we tried to get onto the ball but I could see from where I was sitting that they moved the ball three or four yards further, closer to the goal. He, the referee, doesn't see that and the next minute it's in the back of the net.
"Then we conceded again from a bad error which was a bad decision from one of the back four."
Davey felt the players hadn't done their jobs this afternoon.
"They have to start doing their jobs for ninety minutes. At the end of the day it's no good doing it for twenty five minutes or fourty five minutes. They have to do it for ninety minutes.
"We got our nose in front then didn't have the belief to win the game when they should have done.
"We need a bit more presence in there. We look a bit lightweight in there.
"I thought Manset didn't work hard enough today. I thought he worked for twenty minutes and then downed tools which is not acceptable."
Davey was asked about the absence of O'Neil Thompson from the squad.
"I've taken him out of the A team. You earn the right to play in the eleven. He hasn't done in the last two or three weeks."
Davey finished off by saying he was still looking at the loan market.
"I need somebody with presence in the middle of the park and I probably need an out and out left winger. I've been looking for a left winger for ten weeks.
"They are very hard to come by and they cost a lot of money.
"The players I brought in are good enough to be a lot higher than they are at the moment.
"I won't give up on them and I'll make sure they have the right preparation, the right workload and they are out fighting on Tuesday night."
Stats from Edgar Street
Below are all the main stats from this afternoon's game at Edgar Street where Hereford United were defeated 3-1 by Southend United.
Possession: Bulls 40% Southend 60%
Shots on Target: Bulls 5 Southend 7
Shots off Target: Bulls 5 Southend 4
Corners: Bulls 4 Southend 4
Fouls: Bulls 15 Southend 17
Cards: Fleetwood and Manset
Man of the Match: James McQuilkin
Attendance: 2104 with 204 from Southend
Bottom of League Two:
16 Wycombe 8 1 9
17 Gillingham 8 0 9
18 Aldershot 8 0 9
19 Macclesfield 8 -6 8
20 Morecambe 8 -6 7
21 Lincoln City 8 -6 7
22 Bradford 8 -8 7
23 Barnet 8 -10 6
24 Hereford 8 -11 5
Bulls Hit Rock Bottom
The Bulls now prop up 91 other football sides after today's 3-1 home loss to Southend means they are now bottom of the Football League.
"Worst team in years" was one of the texts sent into BBC H&W's post match show, none of those that Trevor Owens read out were very positive. James McQuilkin's fourth minute goal, straight from a corner, suggested a better day than previous efforts but it proved to be a false dawn.
There were 2,104 there at the start, many didn't make the end and a lot of those that did booed the players off.
Full report later.
News Round Up
The Conference have announced that this year's play-off final will take place at the City of Manchester Stadium rather than Wembley. The move had to be made as Wembley is holding the Champions League final. Jimmy Quinn has applied for the manager's job at York, telling the local press he would relocate from his current Crewe base as he has no wife to tie him down.
Accrington believe they can increase home attendances past the 2,000 mark thanks to a new database of supporters. They have added 3,000 names to their database in a couple of months and will actively promote ticket deals to supporters in a bid to increase their current 1,500 home attendances.
It's a Beautiful Morning in Herefordshire
Herefordshire has woken up to a cold, crisp morning with plentiful sunshine and the forecast suggests it will remain dry and bright for the rest of the day.
Every reason then to come along to Edgar Street this afternoon when Hereford United play Southend United and get behind the Bulls.
And for the first time for several seasons home supporters will be able to watch the game from the Blackfriars End as the club has decided to make use of the temporary seating it has hired for the season primarily for the use of visiting fans when their numbers can't be catered for in one half of the Len Weston Stand. As Southend aren't expected to bring a very large following, they will not require the extra seating this afternoon.
Having supporters backing the Bulls behind both ends could give Simon Davey's team a real advantage.
Admission to the Blackfriars end is the same as the Meadow End - Adults £13, Concessions £9 and Under 10's just £3.
Finally a reminder that Radfords will be open from 12 noon with special offers on all draught. They will also have Bulmers bottles @ £2.50 and the world famous Peters Pies available.
Live football at Edgar Street, so much better than shopping with the family, gardening, do-it-yourself, or stopping at home with the radio on!
Friday, September 24, 2010
Adam Stansfield Day
Hereford United have decided to 'brand' the forthcoming Paint Trophy game against Exeter City as 'Adam Stansfield Day'. The tie takes place on Tuesday October 5th with a 7.45pm start.
The club is looking for supporters with special memories of Stansfield, whilst he was at Edgar Street, to send any of those memories and photos for possible inclusion in the match programme.
A collection will be held for the Adam Stansfield Football Foundation before and during the game.
Meanwhile the BBC cameras will be at Yeovil's Huish Park tomorrow for the visit of Exeter. Stansfield played for both clubs and events are planned to celebrate his life.
Keyte to speak to Local Referees
Local referees will be able to listen to Hereford United chairman David Keyte and manager Simon Davey at a Herefordshire Referees Association’s meeting next Monday, September 27.
The meeting takes place at the Richmond Club in Hereford and starts at 7pm.
All local referees are invited.
Davey admits Fans Deserve Better
Hereford United manager Simon Davey has admitted that his side hasn't played well recently and it is up to the manager to improve matters starting with Southend tomorrow.
"It will be a tough fixture but one we can definitely go out and get three points from," Davey told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
Reminded by Trevor Owens that the fans have been pretty patient recently, Davey admitted they had.
"They vented a little bit of their frustration in the last home fixture (Oxford). They expect football to be played in the right way. They expect you to play in a style that is in fitting with the Hereford badge.
"In my opinion in the last two games before Bury, we haven't performed.
"There's nobody more disappointed than myself.
"At the end of the day it's my name that's on that door and it's me that has to take the questions and answer the critics.
"It's been disappointing for me and for the players and the fans. They deserve better than that."
Southend Predictions
Next up for Hereford United is the visit of Southend United tomorrow afternoon. Are the bookies right go give Hereford the favourites tag? Or will United crash to a third league defeat out of four at Edgar Street?
To enter the Bulls News Prediction League, simply send in your final score and attendance predictions to bullsnewspredictions@hotmail.co.uk. Remember to include your username.
The deadline for tomorrow's match is at 2.30pm.
Southend Expect New Arrival
Southend are reported to be on the verge of signing a new striker ahead of their trip to Edgar Street tomorrow.
The Echo paper says a youngster from a Championship side is expected to sign on a months loan later today to bolster their much criticised forward line. Fans have laid into their hastily assembled strike force with manager's son Blair Sturrock and top scorer Barry Corr getting the worst of the flak.
Corr admits his performance against Morecambe last week was not good enough despite scoring, telling the paper: "I set myself standards and I didn’t reach them last week. I didn’t hold the ball up as well as I should’ve done or win enough headers either. I was pretty bad and I know that. The manager does too and I won’t let myself have another performance like that.
"Scoring a goal covered up a bad performance from me and it’s been in my head ever since. I’m desperate to get out there again and I feel like running to Hereford right now to play because I want to put things right."
The Shrimpers will still be without captain Craig Easton due to a calf injury, with Swindon loanee Michael Timlin expected to continue.
UPDATE: Southend have signed Cardiff teenager Nathaniel Jarvis on a months loan. He played alongside ex-Bull John Grant in their reserve loss to Stevenage earlier in the week. Jarvis was top scorer for the Bluebirds' Academy side last term.
News Round Up
The Chris Turner fronted takeover bid for Sheff Weds tried to buy out Hartlepool first. The reported £10million deal was rejected by the current Pools owners, causing Turner and chief executive Russ Green to quit the club. Barnet have extended the loan of young winger Danny Hart to Thurrock for a second month.
Stockport's owners have released some information on their plans. The consortium is 14 strong, with no single person holding more than 10% of the club so that it is protected from a single shareholder damaging the long term future of the club. Bournemouth say they will be debt free by the end of October. They have cleared all but £200,000 of the £1.7million debt inherited from the previous owners and expect that to be cleared within six weeks.
Northampton say they 'will be able to pay their bills on time' after beating Liverpool on Wednesday night. The game was worth around £150,000 to them and they hope for another big side to cancel out projected losses for the season. The local press say their wage bill is around £1.2million. York have announced that manager Martin Foyle has left the club after a slow start to the season. They currently lie 15th in the Conference.
Accrington's JPT match with Stockport has been postponed while the League investigates the ineligible player charge against Stanley and midfielder Ray Putterill.
Sonko Swaps Cyprus For UAE
Former Bulls midfielder Edrissa Sonko has swapped Cyprus for the United Arab Emirates.
The 30 year old Gambian has left Cypriot side APEP for UAE Second Division side Ras AlKhaima Club. He only joined the Cypriot side in May but appears not to have played a game for them, telling African paper Daily Observer:
"Yes I am now with AL Khaimah Club in Dubai. I have signed a year contract with them, but with an option to extend next season."
Meanwhile Tim Sills has returned to the Conference after another brief Football League spell. The 31 year old has joined Rushden on loan for three months from Stevenage after making only one League appearance for the new boys this term.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Bookies favour Bulls
Hereford United are favoured to land their first home win of the season tomorrow, when Southend are the visitors at Edgar Street, if the judgement of the bookies is correct.
Latest Odds from Skybet:
Hereford 7/5 Draw 12/5 Southend 9/5
A slightly better price of 6/4 for a Hereford win is available from Bet365, William Hill, Corals and BlueSq and Betdaq are offering 11/7.
After scoring on his debut last Saturday, Guillem Bauza is 6/1 with several bookies to score the first goal of the game, Stuart Fleetwood is 8/1 with William Hill, Sam Malsom and Sean Canham are 9/1 and Matthew Mathieu is 11/1 at Skybet and William Hill yet only 6/1 with Corals.
A 1-0 win for Hereford is 8/1 at Betfair, a 0-0 draw is 9/1 at Skybet and a 1-1 draw is 6/1 at William Hill.
Kovacs back within Four Weeks
Janos Kovacs could be back playing for Hereford United within four weeks according to manager Simon Davey. The defender had an operation for a suspected torn cartilage last week but the injury isn't as serious as first thought.
"The prognosis was he would be out for four to eight weeks but when they went inside his knee they couldn't find any tear," Davey told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"Even though he's gone under general anesthetic and he has had an operation the time scale of when he will be back has probably been halved.
"It is two to four weeks now whereas it had been up to eight weeks."
In other news from the club, home supporters can sit in the new temporary stand on the Blackfriars End of Edgar Street this Saturday for the visit of Southend. Admission prices will be the same as the terraces - Adults £13, Concessions £9 and under 10's £3.
Finally the club are looking for a special person to help run the VP club as Veronica Richardson is standing down. More details on the OS.
Life's a Pitch needs Your View
A new football website is being launched by BT on 4th October, called Life’s a Pitch, and they’re looking for Hereford fans to give their views on what’s going on at your club each week.
They’re not looking for War and Peace or professional journalism, just a handful of sentences (up to 200 words) each week on whatever’s on your mind – whether it’s the weekend’s result, off the pitch troubles or the latest transfer rumours, they want to know what’s on the minds of fans of clubs across all four divisions.
As a little reward, all contributors will be entered into a monthly draw throughout the season for a chance to win an LG 50” Plasma TV for your troubles.
If you’re interested and want to put your name forward, or just want to ask for more details, simply email Rachael@audacity-group.com with your name, club and contact details and they’ll do the rest.
On this day…
…in 2003 (23rd September) The Bulls defeated Telford United 2-1 at Edgar Street in front of 4190 watching spectators.
Hereford United left it late to secure all three points at Edgar Street tonight against Telford United.
In the third and final minute of injury time, a chip into the box from United's midfielder Jamie Pitman was volleyed home by Ryan Green, who had run the length of the pitch to get into the postion.
Bulls' boss Graham Turner changed his starting eleven for the first time this season as David Brown replaced Rob Purdie upfront, whilst Richard Teesdale was handed a start in place of the injured Andy Tretton in the centre of defence.
The game started evenly with both sides creating chances. John Grant struck over the bar in the second minute for Telford after Scott Ricketts played a pass through the defence. However, it was Hereford who netted first. Good, flowing passing in the midfield led to Paul Parry being sent down the left wing. Parry took the ball past ex-Bulls right back, Matt Clarke, and crossed superbly for Steve Guinan to hit a powerful header into the top corner from ten yards out.
The goal seemed to give a boost to Hereford as they started to control the game. Several opportunities arose before half time with Danny Williams and David Brown both going close from within the six-yard box. At the other end Grant won the ball in the air from Green, squared the ball to Ricketts who hit a shot into the side netting.
The second half was scrappy to start, with neither team being able to gain possesion for long periods. There were many hard challenges in the midfield. Both Scott Eustace of Telford and David Brown were booked for reckless tackles. Brown's booking was followed by him being substituted for Danny Carey-Bertram.
On eight-two minutes Telford equalised. A blocked shot from Fitzroy Simpson was met by Lee Mills, who headed the ball over the advancing Matt Baker, and into an empty net.
Telford almost grabbed a winner in the eighty-nineth minute when Trevor Challis blazed a shot over the bar from the edge of Baker's area.
It was in the final minute of the game when Hereford hit Telford on the counter attack to grab a dramatic winner, which sent the vast majority of the crowd of 4190 home delighted.
On the same day in 1983 we defeated Tranmere at Prenton Park in Division 4.
More interesting facts brought to you by the Bulls News useless information department.
News Round Up
Bury have loaned striker Danny Carlton to Grimsby for an initial month. The 26 year old was a regular Conference scorer in his Morecambe days, but has struggled for goals since graduating into the League. The Shakers have opened contract talks with Ryan Lowe and Michael Jones about extending their current deals. Police say they have dropped their investigation into financial irregularities at Histon with no charges being made.
Croydon Athletic have been saved after owner Mazhar Majeed surprisingly put up the bond to guarantee the club will finish the season. The club will no longer pay players or the management staff. Ilkeston's Official Receiver has ten serious offers to buy the club. The main asset on sale is their 11 year lease on their ground.
Rotherham have released former Bulls trialist Jeremiah Ani after his month long contract expired. He made just one start in the JPT, and did not feature in the League at all. The Millers are chasing Reading winger Abdulai Bell-Baggie, who has just finished a loan spell at Port Vale. Ex-Bull John Grant played 90 minutes of Southend's 1-0 reserve loss to Stevenage last night as he bids to win a contract there.
Ex-Bulls Steve Guinan and Nathaniel Wedderburn were playing subs at Anfield last night as Northampton beat Liverpool. Guinan missed his penalty in the shoot-out. Wycombe striker Jon-Paul Pittman will be out until the New Year after having surgery on a knee injury. He was injured in the warm up before their match with Macclesfield two weeks ago.
Kettering have named Morrell Maison as their caretaker manager. Maison was the catalyst behind Halesowen's recent financial problems and was investigated by the Police for fraud as well as being suspended by the FA for failing to pay fines. Stevenage are set to sign Brighton striker Chris Holroyd on a three month loan. The former Cambridge man hasn't scored in 15 games since making the move into the League in January.
Burton are trialling two Midland Alliance strikers. Coleshill's Danny Carter and Marvin Johnson of Romulus will spend the next ten days with the club. Carter has scored 14 goals so far this season including three hat-tricks. Cheltenham have loaned youngster Marley Watkins to Bath for an initial month.
Robinson 'would consider' playing for Hereford
The Hereford Times has an article featuring former Welsh international Carl Robinson who was born in Llandrindod Wells and, although still playing in the USA, has a house near Hereford.
The paper suggests he might like to play and/or coach the Bulls.
"I would definitely consider playing for Hereford because they have always been in my thoughts as I grew up close to the area and I now live very close to the ground," said 34 year old Robinson.
"I know a lot of people linked to Hereford United and obviously the manager, Simon Davey, is a Welsh guy.
"I will definitely go into coaching and management at some stage. I've got mu UEFA coaching licences."
Perhaps a Welsh dream team of Carl Robinson and Gareth Davies to be in charge at Edgar Street in a couple of years time?
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Bauza's Confidence should help other Strikers
Hereford United manager Simon Davey feels that the confidence of new signing Guillem Bauza should help his other strikers return to form.
"Their confidence was getting a bit low," Davey told the Hereford Times. "They live and die by the goals they score.
"Bauza's confidence and belief in his own ability will, perhaps, take a bit of pressure off the rest of them and we can see a more free-flowing strike force."
Meanwhile Michael Townsend is a doubt for Saturday's match against Southend. His knee is still causing him problems.
And Kenny Lunt will miss out as he is suspended after receiving two yellow cards at Bury last Saturday. Currently the Bulls have the worst disipline record in League Two and Davey admitted that lack of discipline cost the Bulls three points at Gigg Lane.
"I am certain that had we had 11 men on the pitch to finish the game we would have won," said Davey.
"We have to make sure that we are a bit more sensible and professional."
Temp Stand Makes Sense To Keyte
At tonight's VP Club meeting David Keyte told the assembled members that the hiring of the temporary stand was costing just £26 per seat for the entire season.
With the Ross based events company not requiring the structure until the summer months, the club were able to strike a special deal to extend the away capacity of Edgar Street. The deal means that the stand's break-even level is around only 10% of it's capacity.
Tim Russon also noted that early indications were that the old Supporters Club was not economically viable to repair. It was likely to be cheaper to dismantle the whole structure and rebuild from scratch than repair the existing building, but they were still waiting on confirmation from experts.
VP Club Offered Autonomy Again
At tonight's meeting with VP club members, the football club's board offered the VP club their autonomy back.
After being forcefully integrated into the football club last summer, a move that alienated several long standing members, the assembled board offered the members the chance to take the day to day running of the VP club back on board and return to the structure that had been in place since 1972.
The matter will now go to a full meeting of members to be held soon.
Money for Nothing
Recently some football clubs have decided to give their attendance as the number of tickets sold, including season tickets, as opposed as to the number of spectators who actually go through the turnstiles.
One such club is Huddersfield. Last Saturday they played Yeovil.
The match attendance was given out as 13,479 which included 165 from Yeovil. However Huddersfield later said that 11,222 spectators watched the game.
This implies that 2,257 fans didn't turn up despite having tickets and Huddersfield currently top of League One.
It is assumed virtually all of the 2,257 were season tickets holders. The value to the club at, say £12 a ticket, is around £26,000.
Which simply goes to show that it's very important to sell season tickets as the income is assured especially when the team isn't playing very well.
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