NEXT HOME GAME - TBC
NEXT AWAY GAME - SUPPORTERS XI ARE PLAYING WORCESTER AT MALVERN ON SUNDAY AUGUST 3rd AT 3.00pm

Friday, September 30, 2011

Southend - Top of League Two

Southend have moved to the top of League Two after they defeated Shrewsbury 3-0 this evening.

However their stay at the top could be over by 5pm tomorrow if Morecambe take three points from their game at Torquay.

In the other League Two match played this evening Macclesfield defeated Swindon 2-0.

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Nathan Elder - A Profile

Here's a profile, from Wikipedia, of Nathan Elder who has joined Hereford United from Hayes on loan for a month.

During his early football career, Nathan Elder (pic copyright Hayes and Yeading FC and used with their permission) played for his home-town team of Hornchurch, and also played for Aveley, both of whom play in the Isthmian League.

Elder joined Brighton on 1 January 2007, after 'the Seagulls' paid his former club Billericay Town a small transfer fee, believed to be £10,000, after being impressed with his talent during a match for Isthmian League Billericay against non-league rivals Worthing.

At Brighton, Elder found first-team opportunites under Dean Wilkins very difficult. During his time there he only started three games, two in the league and one in the Football League Trophy, scoring just twice for the club in total. On 31 January 2008 Elder joined Brentford for £35,000.

He scored an own goal on his debut for Brentford against Mansfield Town after just 15 minutes, but scored the winner as Brentford eventually won 3–2.

On 3 August 2009 he signed for Shrewsbury Town on a three year deal for an undisclosed fee. Elder was transfer listed on 9 November 2009, however, with manager Paul Simpson unhappy with a performance in the 1-0 FA Cup loss at home to non-league Staines Town.

On 15 January 2010 Elder joined Blue Square Premier club AFC Wimbledon on loan until the end of the 2009-10 season. The day after he signed, Elder scored his debut goal in AFC Wimbledon's 2-0 home win against Mansfield Town and picked up the man of the match award. He made a total of 18 appearances for the Dons and scored 3 goals. Shortly before he was due to return to Shrewsbury, Elder picked up an injury in a game at Tamworth. It was later discovered that he had suffered a tear of his anterior cruciate ligament and would be out for at least 6 months. It was announced on 24 June 2011 that he was to be released.

In August he joined Hayes and Yeading.

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Elder Signs For Bulls

Trialist striker Nathan Elder has signed on for the Bulls for a month.

The terms of the deal are subject to question. The official Bulls site says the deal is a loan, with Hayes and Yeading still holding his registration, but the Hayes site says it is a 'dual registration'.

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Oxford ticket sales


The Official Oxford site was this morning reporting that they had sold around 600 advance tickets for tomorrow’s match at Edgar Street.

All Cargill terrace tickets have been sold with less than a hundred remaining for the Cargill seated section.

Oxford were asked to sell the Cargill sections before offering the temporary Blackfriars end seating but with the match not being all-ticket it is expected that the final figure will be close to one thousand.

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Canham goes to Bath

Sean Canham is to have a one month loan spell with Bath.

The striker has been frozen out of the current squad at Edgar Street but, until today, had not agreed to move to another club.

It's not known how much, if any, of Canham's wages will be paid by Bath.

His arrival at Bath has been welcomed by another Canham.

"It will be a pleasure to link up with Sean again," said Mark Canham, who isn't related to Sean.

"I’ve known him for years and played with him for years also. He’s an honest, hard-working lad who’ll give his all when he plays. He’s always scored wherever he’s been and we hope he can continue that here."

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Both Sides Have Injury Problems

As well as the Bulls being down to the bare minimum of players for tomorrow's game, Oxford will also be down to barebones for the trip to Edgar Street.

The U's currently have seven players on the treatment table with boss Chris Wilder considering a loan addition to give his back line some cover. Former Bulls loanee Tony Capaldi is yet to play this season, while none of the casualties are expected to be fit for at least a month.

Captain Jake Wright will return to the side after missing last Saturday's draw with Accrington due to suspension, and the U's are expected to field the same side that beat both Barnet and Dagenham on the road.

Wilder told the Oxford Mail: "We have never used our injuries as an excuse for anything but it’s a fact, we have had a lot of players missing this season.

“Ideally I do not want to bring in another loan player, but we are really short in defence and I may have to – we’ll have to weigh the situation up. But despite what a lot of people think, we are not in a position where we can just go and throw money at bringing someone in.”

Meanwhile midfielder Simon Heslop says they won't be taking the Bulls lightly: "They are scrapping for their lives down the bottom of the table so it’s not going to be easy at all, we know that. We have dropped a few points at home that we shouldn’t have, but our away form has been very good of late and we are confident that if we play how we know we can, we can collect the points.”

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News Round-Up

Barnet have signed defender Gary Borrowdale on loan from QPR for an initial month. The 26 year old cost Coventry a six-figure sum four years ago but played just five games last season. The Bees have also named Marlon Beresford as their new goalkeeper coach. Northampton have signed Chris Arthur on a deal until January. The 21 year old left sided player has been playing in Conf South since leaving QPR.

Crewe will not be taking Swindon striker Jordan Pavett on loan after trialling him in a reserve match, with Dario Gradi saying he is not as good as the players he currently has available. Bristol Rovers are trialling former Plymouth defender Krisztian Timar. The 31 year old Hungarian left Home Park in the summer after a torrid three years since suffering a head injury in a game towards the end of the 07/08 season.

Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio says his two loan signings this week will be his last, and that he is now happy with his squad. He has signed 17 players since arriving at the club in the summer. Plymouth bidder James Brent has told the club's staff they will receive their back wages over a period of five years. He will pay them a lump sum up front with monthly payments to follow, although every member of staff and the PFA will have to agree to the deal for it to go ahead.

New Kettering boss Mark Stimson has transfer listed eleven of his players including fighting strikers Moses Ashikodi and Jean-Paul Marna. They are asking a fee for the pair with Ashikodi previously attracting interest from League sides. Northampton have signed youngster George Baldock on a youth loan from MK Dons. The 18 year old midfielder has made five appearances for the franchise side.

Gillingham have confirmed the signing of Bristol Rovers striker Jo Kuffour on a three month loan. The deal will tie the 29 year old to the Gills right up to the January transfer window. Burton have signed defender Kevin Amankwaah on a contract until January, and loaned winger Jason Banton from Leicester. Amankwaah left Swindon in the summer, while 18 year old Banton is yet to make a senior appearance.

Southend are trialling former Plymouth defender Krisztian Timar, who had a trial at Bristol Rovers last week, and French striker Yannick Boli, who has played in the French top flight for PSG and Le Havre. Scottish side Raith Rovers say they are considering dropping to part-time status as they are facing substantial losses this season despite cutting their budgets over the summer.

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HUISA – Swindon


Coaches for Swindon next Saturday (1st Oct) will depart from Radford’s at 12 noon.

Seats can be booked in Radford’s before tomorrow game against Oxford or through the Club office (08442 761939).

The cost for members is £12 with non-members paying £14.

Fans are reminded that advance match tickets are on sale which show a saving of £5 on match-day prices.

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Two League Two Games Tonight

There are two League Two matches tonight, with only one of the division's strugglers in action.

Macclesfield entertain Swindon at Moss Rose after becoming the first side to lose to Plymouth this season. The Robins have lost four of five away matches this term but Bulls fans will hope they can steal the points to keep the Silkmen at the wrong end of the table.

The other match is at Roots Hall, with Shrewsbury travelling to face Southend. The Shrews only need to draw to take the top spot in the table overnight, while the Shrimpers will be top of the pile if they win.

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Preview: Bulls vs Oxford

The Bulls face Oxford United in a League Two match on Saturday desperate for three points to pull clear of the drop zone.

This is only the third League season that the two sides have shared the same division. Last season's two games both ended up in 2-0 away wins with the Bulls winning at the Kassam Stadium with a brace of Stuart Fleetwood goals, and the U's winning at Edgar Street during Simon Davey's brief reign. Games between the sides have always produced goals, averaging 3.6 a match over the eight League and Cup matches since 1977.

Bulls boss Jamie Pitman is likely to have a limited choice again due to injuries. With Simon Clist unable to play against his parent club, young defender Will Evans is likely to be the only fit body able to take his place in the 16 man matchday squad apart from the outcast Sean Canham. Quite what that will do to the way the Bulls line up is up for debate. Pushing Kenny Lunt back out on the left side is likely to be unpopular, so Pitman may prefer to move Rob Purdie from his full back berth and slot Evans back into the defence instead.

The U's come to Edgar Street on the edges of play-off contention. They have picked up more points away from home, drawing four of five home games, but have lost twice on the road before beating both Dagenham and Barnet without conceding a goal. Main goal threat James Constable has three so far this season after 15 League goals last term, with midfielder Simon Heslop also on that mark. At the back, the arrival of veteran defender Michael Duberry has steadied a defence that was occasionally very leaky last season.

Hereford United vs Oxford United, Edgar Street, Saturday 1st October, 3.00pm.

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Oxford game is one to look forward to says Pitman

Jamie Pitman has told the Worcester News that tomorrow game against Oxford is one to look forward to.

"Hopefully, they will bring a good number of fans and we will get a good atmosphere inside Edgar Street," said the Hereford United manager.

"Believe it or not, we have been playing good football — we have conceded too many and not scored enough but those are things we are addressing and will keep working at.

"Once we have two or three wins, and a few goals, under our belts then we are more than capable of going on a run of games where we win a few more.

"But first and foremost, we have got to keep some clean sheets and we have got to start scoring some goals.

"Once we start doing that, then the points will start coming in."

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Thursday, September 29, 2011

Pitman Backs Winnall

Hereford United manager Jamie Pitman is pleased to have secured an extension to the loan of young striker Sam Winnall from Wolves and feels there are more goals coming from him.

"He's done very well," Pitman told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"He's come in, he's very committed to it, he works very hard and he's obviously a goal threat.

"That's something we need to get out of him as a group of staff and make sure he is getting in the right places to score some goals."

Winnall is expected to start against Oxford United tomorrow.

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Bulls 3/1 to Defeat Oxford

Hereford United can be backed at 3/1 to defeat Oxford United tomorrow at Edgar Street. This price is currently available with Victor Chandler.

Latest ofers from SkyBet:

Hereford 12/5 Draw 12/5 Oxford 1

Best price for a draw is 13/5. That's with Bet365.

Here's a run down of some of the best prices for a particular score:

Hereford to win 1-0: 9/1 with PaddyPower

Hereford to win 2-0: 23/1 with Betfair

Hereford to win 2-1: 13/1 with Unibet

Hereford to draw 0-0: 9/1 with Betfair, Stan James and Bet365

Hereford to draw 1-1: 6/1 with William Hill and BlueSq

Hereford to draw 2-2: 18/1 with SkyBet

Finally the first scorer in the game:

Nathan Elder (should he play): 7/1 with BlueSq

Sam Winnall: 8/1 with Bet365

Delroy Facey and Tom Barkhuizen: Both 17/2 with Bet365

No goalscorer: 9/1 with Bet365

Yoann Arquin: 10/1 with Bet365 and PaddyPower

Nicky Featherstone: 14/1 generally

Outside Bet - Stefan Stam: 50/1 with SkyBet, Victor Chandler and William Hill

All prices from oddschecker.com and are subject to change.

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No Announcement Tomorrow says Russon

Hereford United vice-chairman Tim Russon has played down speculation that an announcement about bringing in help for manager Jamie Pitman would be made tomorrow, Friday.

The forums have been full of posts suggesting certain names for a director of football at the club. Other posters have put forward names for new board members.

"I know nothing of any announcement tomorrow," Russon told BN.

Meanwhile Russon is looking forward to Saturday's game with Oxford at Edgar Street.

"Jamie Pitman and his men are busy working away in training and preparing for the challenge of Oxford having been lifted by a very spirited display at Cheltenham last week.

"It promises to be a great game and with Oxford bringing a big following of fans it would be wonderful to see the Bulls supporters out in force to cheer the team on."

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Bartlett out for another month

Jamie Pitman has told BBC Hereford and Worcester that because Adam Bartlett is still some way from full fitness he is hoping that David Cornell might be released from the Welsh under 21 squad. If Cornell plays for Wales on October 8th, Pitman will only have goal-keeping coach Russell Hoult available for the game at Swindon.

"Adam is nowhere near fit from what I am being told by Dodge. He's at least another month.

"We've got to access that situation - I'll put a call into Brian Flynn and we'll see what happens.

"Hopefully I will know in the next couple of days."

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Colbeck Out Til New Year

Bulls winger Joe Colbeck will be out until the New Year with knee ligament damage.

Jamie Pitman told the Hereford Times the former Bradford man had damaged his posterior cruciate ligament, and may also have damaged his anterior cruciate ligament, and would be out for 3-4 months.

UPDATE 10pm: Colbeck has said on Twitter that he will be out for 2 to 3 months.

Pitman also confirmed to the paper that Nathan Elder was on trial with the Bulls and a decision on his future would be made next week.

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News Round-Up

Plymouth's Administrator has formally announced an 'agreement in principle' to sell the club to James Brent's Akkeron Group. Administrator Brendan Guilfoyle will meet club employees today and tell them he wants the deal finalised within the next month. Brent also hopes to conclude the deal quickly, subject to Football League approval and reaching agreements with a number of key creditors.

Burton have extended the loan of striker James Ellison to Alfreton for a second month. Cheltenham say talks on a potential move to the town's racecourse are progressing to the point where 'firm decisions can be and need to be taken'. The proposed move will see the two entities share a new double-sided grandstand, with corporate facilities shared between them.

Work has started on a new stadium for Maidstone United, more than 20 years after they left the town. They were a different side, and Football League members, before they left the town in 1988. The club went bust in 1992 after four years playing in Dartford. Northampton are trialling defenders Jason Crowe and Eddie Oshodi. Crowe is a fromer Cobbler who last played for Leyton Orient, while teenager Oshodi was released by Watford in the summer.

Grimsby chief executive Ian Fleming, who is in control of the club after chairman John Fenty resigned, says they will listen to offers to take over the club. Former Bull Jimmy Harvey has been named Manager of the Month in Conf North after taking his Stalybridge side to second place in the table with four wins and a draw in the month.

Cheltenham have signed Everton defender Luke Garbutt on an initial one month loan. The England u19 international cost the Toffees £600,000 from Leeds' academy two years ago. Bradford have signed Sunderland midfielder Adam Reed on a one month loan. The 20 year old played 12 games for Brentford in a two month loan last term but is yet to appear for the Premier League side.

Aldershot have signed QPR winger Bruno Andrade on a months loan. The 17 year old has already made four appearances for the R's first team including a sub appearance in the Premier League this season. Gillingham are expected to sign Bristol Rovers striker Jo Kuffour after the two clubs reached agreement over a loan move.

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Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Newport Sack Manager Hudson

Newport County have sacked manager Andrew Hudson after the Conference club slumped to bottom but one in the league.

Hudson was appointed after former manager Dean Holdsworth moved to take charge at Aldershot.

"It is a results business," County chairman Chris Blight told BBC Wales.

"We find ourselves in the unenviable position of being bottom but one.

"And we need to make sure we not only stay in this league but put matters right. We have high ambitions.

"We are a quarter of the way through the season and to be where we are, to Newport County Football Club is not what we expected or anticipated."

Newport have progressed up the leagues over the past few seasons and there had been hopes that they might have joined Hereford United in League Two in a season or two.

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Cornell in Welsh Under 21 Squad

Hereford United's David Cornell is in the Welsh Under 21 squad which is due to play two international games in early October.

Cornell, who is on loan from Swansea, could have to miss Hereford's away trip to Swindon on October 8th if selected.

The games are against Montenegro and The Czech Republic on October 8th and 11th. Both take place at Wrexham's ground, the Racecourse.

Currently Russell Hoult is the only other fit goalkeeper on the books at Hereford as Adam Bartlett recovers from a thigh problem.

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News Round-Up

Darlington boss Mark Cooper says he will not quit the club after last night's 3-0 home defeat to part-timers Southport dropped his side to 17th in the Conference table. The game was watched by a season-low gate, who booed the team off at full time. Shrewsbury defender Reuben Hazell believes his season is over after picking up knee damage in Saturday's win over Torquay. Gulls forward Rene Howe was sent off for the challenge than did the damage.

Swindon have signed Huddersfield defender Liam Ridehaugh on a months loan. The 20 year old left back hasn't played for the Terriers this season but made 26 appearances last term. Notts County chairman Ray Trew is now the sole owner of the club after reaching a deal with the other two shareholders, who will take Trew's stake in Nottingham rugby club as a result.

York have warned that the failure of a planning application to build a new stadium, submitted this week, could result in the club ending up homeless and playing part-time. The Minstermen have vastly scaled back plans down to a 6,000 capacity arena with a £2million loan from the Football Stadium Improvement Fund due to be repaid in 12 months. Without the new stadium, they would have to sell their current home to settle the debt.

Dagenham are expected to sign QPR forward Troy Hewitt on loan. The 21 year old has made only one sub appearance for the Premier League newcomers after a March switch from the Ryman League. The Daggers had trialled Southend striker Harry Crawford earlier in the week. Dorset Police are reported to be examining footage of Bournemouth chairman Eddie Mitchell's on-pitch rant at fans a couple of weeks ago to determine whether there was a public order or football-related offence committed.

Wrexham have reached an 'amicable' agreement with Greene King to end their sponsorship deal that threatened to derail the takeover of the club by the Supporters Trust. The brewers say that as the new club owners do not have ownership of the ground they cannot enforce the terms of the deal.

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Discount Swindon Tickets Available

The Bulls' have announced they have discounted tickets on sale for the Swindon away game on October 8th.

The advance tickets are priced at £20 for Adults rather than the on-the-day £25 price that has come in for much criticism. OAP (over 60) and Student tickets are £14 rather than £19, Young Adults £12 (was £17), and Junior £7 (was £12).

Tickets are on sale now until Friday October 7th at 2pm at the discounted rates.

Meanwhile Dan Connor is looking to extend the merchandise range in the club shop. He has a variety of T-Shirt designs in mind and is asking for fans to vote for their favoured design on the official site here.

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O'Kelly 'Sacked By Text'

Doncaster sacked their management pair Sean O'Driscoll and ex-Bull Richard O'Kelly by text message, the local press report.

The Yorkshire Post says the club made their decision at midnight on Thursday to dispense with the pair, after agreeing terms with Dean Saunders, but were unable to contact O'Driscoll to tell him the news. He only found out the following morning via a text message left by their Chief Executive, less than an hour before the decision was made public.

Both O'Driscoll and former Bulls physio/coach O'Kelly are believed to still be on gardening leave while negotiations take place over the majority balance of the three year contracts the pair held. Neither would be able to secure another job without agreeing a settlement or walking away from significant six-figure sums for nothing.

The thought of a hefty settlement for the pair is not likely to bother Rovers chairman John Ryan. The club is expected to lose £4million this season and the cosmetic surgery millionaire has already allowed Saunders to open talks with free agent Premier League stars El Hadj Diouf and Pascal Chimbonda in a bid to make the play-offs this season.

On Saturday, Keith Hall fuelled message board speculation of a return to the Bulls by O'Kelly during his BBC Hereford and Worcester commentary by referring to a 'certain someone' in the stands watching the game. It is currently unclear whether O'Kelly was actually at the Cheltenham game or, indeed, it was him Hall was referring to.

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Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Jervis to Join Swindon

Striker Jake Jervis, who has been a loanee with Hereford United, is set to join Swindon Town on loan from Birmingham and could feature against the Bulls when the two teams meet on October 8th at the County Ground.

Another former Bull, Alan Connell, is currently at Swindon.

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Loan And Ex-Bull Watch

Janos Kovacs played 90 minutes as Luton lost 1-0 at home to Cambridge. Stuart Fleetwood also played 90 minutes of the game but had few chances. Moses Ashikodi scored for Kettering, but was later sent off for fighting with fellow forward Jean-Paul Marna after missing a penalty, while Ben Smith set up one of their other goals as the Poppies lost 5-3 at home to Hayes and Yeading.

Mathieu Manset scored with an injury time backheel to give Reading a 3-2 win at Bristol City, just eight minutes after coming off the bench.

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'New' Referee for Saturday's Match against Oxford

Saturday will see referee David Coote making his first appearance at Edgar Street. He will take charge of the game between Hereford United and Oxford United.

Coote from Nottingham is in his second season as a League referee.

To date this season he has been in charge of 8 games in which he has given out 26 yellow cards and 2 red cards.

Meanwhile Hereford can be backed at 11/4 to win the game. That price is currently available with both Bet365 and 188Bet.

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Winnall Gets Second Month With Bulls

The Bulls have extended the loan of forward Sam Winnall from Wolves for a second month.

The 20 year old has scored twice in six matches since arriving from Wolves, and, according to the Wolves OS, will now remain at Edgar Street until October 31st.

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News Round-Up

The Football League are to seek a new sponsor for the League Cup after the sponsors of 14 years, Molson Coors, withdrew from talks on an extension. The cup has been both the Worthington and Carling Cups during the 14 year association. Mansfield's new CEO Carolyn Still is now reported to have got engaged to club owner John Radford, just a week after they both refused to comment on claims the pair were in a relationship.

Crewe are trialling Swindon striker Jordan Pavett in their reserves later today. The teenager won a FourFourTwo competition to earn a pro contract with the Robins but has not made a first team appearance after previously playing for Colchester's youth team. Wrexham have confirmed that assistant manager Brian Carey is to join Dean Saunders at Doncaster, as will fitness coach Mal Purchase. Goalkeeper coach Michael Oakes will now assist interim boss Andy Morrell.

Gloucester are to open talks with Cheltenham over extending their groundshare at Whaddon Road into a third season. They say that it would definitely be their last at the ground with a planning application for their own ground hoped to be granted within the next six months. Plymouth bidder James Brent says he has not ruled out keeping Peter Ridsdale as chairman 'with the appropriate governance structure in place'.

Macclesfield boss Gary Simpson expects to lose teenage right back Elliott Hewitt sooner rather than later with scouts watching the Welsh u21 man. The 17 year old made his debut at the end of last season against the Bulls as a 16 year old, and Simpson has called him the best right back in the lower two divisions of the FL. Barnet council say they are still considering a revised application from the football club over their Underhill home made less than two weeks ago, and have not reached a decision yet after club chairman Tony Kleanthous said yesterday that talks had reached stalemate.

Plymouth chairman Peter Ridsdale has had the charges of fraud brought against his by Cardiff Trading Standards dropped after they offered no evidence. Fans had reported the matter to the authorities after the club, under his stewardship, offered season tickets until the promise that the club would spend the money on new players and would later refund supporters if they reached the Premier League. No new players were purchased and fans complained.

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Thornton reportedly had Trial with Bulls

Yesterday it was Nathan Elder, today it is Kevin Thornton who is reported to have had a trial with Hereford United, according to the Northampton Chronicle.

Thornton is a 25 year old Irish mid-fielder who was released by Northampton at the end of August. He was on a monthly contract.

He has also had a trial with Exeter but is currently without a club.

Thornton spent four years with Coventry but left by mutual consent in July 2009. According to Wikipedia 'Both the club and player refused to comment on this, but it is believed to be down to his court appearance the previous month. He had been found guilty of failing to stop at the scene of an accident, driving with excess alcohol and without insurance or a full licence. For his crimes he was banned from driving for 22 months, fined £2,750 and ordered to pay £260 in costs and compensation. Two years earlier he had been convicted for criminal damage to a taxi after a night out in 2007.'

Recently he has supplemented his football income by 'touring the West Midlands with his Indie three-piece band.'

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Monday, September 26, 2011

Testimonial Match for Matt Murray at Wolves

There will be a testimonial match for Matt Murray at Wolves on Sunday October 9th. Teams captained by Steve Bull and Mike Stowell will have footballers and stars from the entertainment world in their sides.

Murray's career has been cut short because of a succession of injury problems. In August 2010 he was forced to retire from professional football at the age of just 29.

The top class goalkeeper came to Hereford United on loan from Wolves to get some match practice in November 2008. But at MK Dons on November 25th Murray sustained yet another injury.

Matt Murray cleared up field and immediately fell to the ground clutching his knee. Play was stopped by Gueret hoofing the ball into touch. Jamie "the sponge" Pitman was quickly to the scene and almost instantly called for a stretcher. Sadly, it may be some time before we see Matt Murray again.

After the game which the Bulls lost 3-0, manager Graham Turner spoke to BBC Hereford and Worcester about Murray.

"It looks very serious, that has absolutely devastated the dressing room.

"His knee gave way under him and he looks in a bad way, he was fairly upset and it looks very very serious for him.

"That's after a couple of years trying to get back."

The following day Murray had a scan and was told he would be out for 12 months after snapping a tendom in his right knee. Later that week he had his fifteenth operation of his career.

"As he was leaving the field of play he was devastated," Turner told BBC Midlands Today.

"He was almost in tears with the pain and the realisation of what might happen to him.

"Over at the hospital where we saw him a bit later, he had come to terms with it.

"Wolves were fantastic with getting things organised."

Turner was asked if there was a more unlucky footballer in the Midlands.

"Well there might be but I've never met a nicer one and that's all the more reason to feel sorry for him."

Tickets for the match are just £10 for adults.

There is a lot more information on the Wolves OS and also at www.mattmurraytestimonial.co.uk

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Supporters in charge at Wrexham

A deal to keep Wrexham Football Club in existance has been agreed.

At a meeting this afternoon an agreement was hammered out between the owners and the supporters trust. Afterwards a short statement was issued by the club.

"The directors of Wrexham FC are delighted to annnounce that agreement has been reached with WST today to purchase the football club.

"During this period Wrexham Supporters Trust will run the football club under a licence agreement pending approval by the football authorities. Following today's meeting a suitable financial agreement has been reached."

Wrexham have had a great start this season in the Conference and are currently top of that league.

However last week their manager Dean Saunders moved to Doncaster. Andy Morrell is now in charge.

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Pitman Completes Full Season

With Saturday's goalless draw at Whaddon Road, Bulls boss Jamie Pitman has completed a full 46 game 'season' in charge at Edgar Street.

His record from those 46 League games reads 54 points gained from 12 wins and 18 draws, earning the Bulls a safe place towards the lower end of the table. In those games the Bulls have earned 14 clean sheets, but conceded three or more goals ten times.

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News Round-Up

Southend defender Peter Gilbert has told the press that players are running 'credit checks' on clubs before signing. The former Plymouth man says players are asking around to check that the wages are being paid before agreeing terms at club. Burton are expected to bring in a loan defender after former Bulls man Tony James limped out of Saturday's loss to Gillingham with a knee injury, leaving them with only veteran Darren Moore as a central defender.

Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio says he still wants to bring two players in, but one of them won't be a defender after midfielder Alan McCormack made a successful debut in defence this week. A deal to sign Arsenal's Daniel Boateng has gone dead after the Gunners changed their mind. Plymouth bidder James Brent is expected to be named as the new preferred bidder for the club by the Administrators later today.

Sam Gwynne played 60 minutes as Neath beat Bala Town 4-0 in yesterday's Welsh Premier game. Neath are currently second in the table, a point behind TNS. Accrington boss John Coleman says his biggest achievement on Saturday was getting his side to avoid a £2,000 fine for six bookings. Stanley had five players carded, leaving them 25 minutes to avoid a sixth and an automatic fine. He told the BBC that their weekly budget was only £10,000 and a fine would be 'crippling'.

Barnet have warned that they will have to ask the Football League for permission to leave Underhill during next season after reaching an impasse with the local council over long standing issues. The club's rights of access to land around the stadium expires at the end of 2012, meaning the club would be unable to use large parts of the ground and would be unable to get the correct licences to pass FL approval for the second half of the season.

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Elder Leaves Hayes to Trial at Hereford

Further to the article on BN yesterday which suggested Nathan Elder might be on trial with Hereford United, this morning there are quotes from the Hayes manager Nas Bashir.

He has spoken to the Uxbridge Gazette about Elder.

"Nathan has gone to Hereford," said Bashir.

"He loved what we were doing here, but he had the opportunity to get back into the league and good luck to him."

Whilst with Hayes he only made a few appearances as he recovered from 'a serious knee injury'.

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A View From The Neutral Zone

Journalist Jeff Taplin covers the South West for The Sun, and Saturday was his first assignment to feature the Bulls this season.

His blog gives a lot more insight and player quotes than his short piece in the paper, catching Delroy Facey after the game:

"Delroy Facey told me that he and his Hereford team mates had “a little base to build on now” after picking up a first point in four games and I think he’s right.

"I 'tweeted' on a regular basis for the first time during a game on Saturday and while it was a complete pain in the bum (as I seemed to spend too much time tapping away rather than watching the game), I remember making the point that confidence seemed to be growing in the Bulls camp as the game wore on. On reflection, I think I got that one right (the tweeting is another matter though and I might have to rethink that one!).

"I also chatted to both Delroy and keeper David Cornell about the pressure Jamie Pitman is under from some fans (definitely not all given the superb support by 370 in the away end) and both were fully behind their boss.

"It’s interesting to note how the local newspaper and the board are behind Pitman and yet some supporters aren’t. In my experience the dreaded vote of confidence given to an under-fire manager becomes worthless as soon as the directors find out he’s lost the dressing room.

"Equally, those managers who manage to pull back from the abyss do so because players like Facey and Cornell are fully behind them."

The full blog is here.

Meanwhile, former Bulls midfielder Ben Smith has started a column for Total Football magazine. His first piece is here.

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Sunday, September 25, 2011

Cornell backs Pitman

On loan goalkeeper David Cornell has backed Hereford United manager Jamie Pitman to keep his job.

Cornell made several good saves to keep a clean sheet and take a point at Cheltenham last Saturday.

"He's a really good man and we're all sticking by him," Cornell told the Sun.

"He doesn't deserve to go and he'll be fine I'm sure. He's a legend to work with."

Meanwhile police have confirmed that there was no trouble between rival fans before, during or after the game.

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Nathan Elder linked with Bulls

There is speculation that former Shrewsbury Town player Nathan Elder has been training with Hereford United.

26 year old Elder joined Hayes and Yeading this summer after being released by Graham Turner following a period on the side-lines with an injury. He had been out on loan with AFC Wimbleton when the injury happened in a Conference game against Tamworth.

He signed for Shrewsbury Town on a three year deal for an undisclosed fee in August 2009. However he was transfer listed on 9 November 2009 by then manager Paul Simpson who was reported to have been unhappy with a performance in the 1-0 FA Cup loss at home to non-league Staines Town.

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Yesterday at Cheltenham

Yesterday the Bulls paid a visit to Cheltenham.

The welcome was similar to previous visits.

Former Robin Michael Townsend was on the bench.

Kenny Lunt was in the starting eleven.

Referee Carl Boyeson gave out three yellow cards. This one was for a Cheltenham defender.

Hereford's Will Evans, who is on loan from Swindon, sat with the crowd during the second half of the game.

Nicky Featherstone had a good game in the middle of the park.

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Loan Bull Watch

Tyler Weir was a second half substitute, playing the final half hour, in Gloucester's 2-2 draw with Jimmy Harvey's Stalybridge.

Janos Kovacs played the full 90 minutes as Luton crashed 3-0 at York.

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Ex-Bull Watch

Paul Parry was sent off for two bookings as Preston beat Tranmere. Joe Anyinsah scored the winner as Bristol Rovers won at Morecambe. Ben Smith played the full 90 minutes, and was booked, in the first game of his loan spell at Kettering. Nick Chadwick scored for Stockport as they drew at Tamworth. Tim Sills scored for Basingstoke as they beat Farnboro.

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Oxford Offered 1275 Tickets for Hereford Match

Oxford United has been offered 1275 tickets for next Saturday's match at Hereford United.

They have been asked to sell tickets for the Len Weston Stand first. Once that allocation has been sold, then seats in the uncovered temporary stand, pictured, will be available.

The 'away' end of the Len Weston holds 675. 445 of these are upstairs in the seated area and 230 are on the terrace below. The temporary stand holds around 600.

Unlike Cheltenham and Swindon, Hereford United do not charge a premium price for away supporters.
Covered seated prices at Edgar Street are: Adults £16, Concessions £14, Juniors under 11 £3.

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Winnall Loan Spell Ends This Week

Sam Winnall's loan spell at Edgar Street is due to end this coming week. It's not yet known if Wolves will agree to an extension.

Winnall joined on Friday August 26th and was on the bench the following day at Bristol Rovers. His first full appearance for the Bulls was on the following Tuesday evening in the Paint Trophy tie at Bournemouth.

The young striker had to be content with a place on the bench when Dagenham were the visitors on September 3rd. However manager Jamie Pitman brought him on in place of the tiring Delroy Facey on 67 minutes.

With just five minutes remaining, Our Nicky (Featherstone) was once more instrumental in getting the ball to Winall. The Wolves man, successful last term with Burton, picked it up on half way, and headed goalward. Checking and shielding expertly, he sought overlapping colleagues two or three times. Unable to find the right pass, and finding himself fast approaching the eighteen yard box, he tried his luck and sent a scorching low shot beyond Lewington’s despairing fingertips and into the corner of the net.

His second goal came in the Gillingham game.

Sam Winnal scored arguably the best gaol of the game when he cracked home a twenty-yard free-kick consolation with three minutes remaining.

Two goals in six games isn't the best of returns. However given the Bulls have only scored four League goals in ten games Pitman may be very pleased if his loan is extended.

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Saturday, September 24, 2011

We're happy with a point - Barkhuizen

On loan winger Tom Barkhuizen hopes that the draw with Cheltenham Town this afternoon will kick-start the season for the Bulls.

"They are a good side and we're happy to come away with a point," Barkhuizen told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"I haven't really played in a 4-4-2 for many years but I've come here and Pits has told me to play out wide and I'm enjoying it.

"Running with the ball, linking with the players, the players know my game and I know theirs. It's working really well.

Asked how tough life has been this week after the 6-1 defeat last Saturday, Barthuizen said that the lads were a bit down on Monday.

"Pits has kept our spirits high because we are all under pressure here and we're all trying to work hard. A few double sessions, doing a bit of fun in training.

"So we're happy to get the point at the end of the week."

The youngster who is on loan from Blackpool had a chance early in the second half.

"To be honest I couldn't really see it. The player was stood right in front of me and it's gone through his legs. I looked round and the keeper's got hold of it.

"It was nice to have a shot. I was hoping it would go in or we would get a re-bound.

"At the end of the day 0-0 is a good point for us."

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It didn't go for us - Yates

Cheltenham manager Mark Yates was probably the more disappointed of the two managers at Whaddon road this afternoon as his side couldn't breach the Bulls defence.

"Although the scoreline was frustrating, the performance was excellent, we just didn't take the chances that came along," Yates told the press.

"I have been told we had 24 goal opportunities, and we didn't make their keeper work enough. But I can't criticise the lads today - sometimes it just doesn't go for you.

"We had a couple kicked off the line, made a few bad decisions when we should have been in good positions, and Josh Low has missed a chance which I have never seen him miss in my life.

"But the clean sheet was a positive, we never looked like conceding a goal, and some of our play was decent. It is always frustrating not to win any home game, but anyone who thought it was going to be a four or five-nil walkover was in cloud-cuckoo land."

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WHADDON POINT FOR BULLS

The Bulls continued their record of never having lost a league game to local rivals Cheltenham Town, and deserved the point gleaned from a goalless encounter. Chances were at a premium at either end, though United can take some heart from the greater degree of stability shown by the inclusion of Stefan Stam, Kenny Lunt and Delroy Facey in the starting line up.


Simon Clist played Facey (pictured during the warm-up) in early on, but the striker’s effort went wide. The combination of James Spencer and Darryl Duffy posed a real threat for the Robins, but the calming presence of Stam and Ryan Green frustrated their attempts on goal. Rob Purdie too was ever watchful, and robbed the lively Kaid Mohamed just as he lined up a shot. A Keith Lowe cross was nodded behind by Green, and after some alarming ricochets, there was Stam once more to the rescue. Another episode of the Duffy and Spencer show saw the latter shoot wide when well placed, and David Cornell raced out of his area to baulk a marauding Russell Penn; the resultant yellow card was probably justified.

Hereford’s best moments came with some neat passing from Kenny Lunt and Nicky Featherstone, and some promising runs from Tom Barkhuizen on the right flank. Sam Winnall again looked lively, picking up a deft Featherstone pass and firing wide of Jack Butland’s goal, and then creating another chance for himself with a clever turn. The over-eager Mohamed was again thwarted by Purdie, and Duffy was just offside in another attack. Spencer burst through again, but Green’s timely tackle allowed Cornell to dive on the loose ball. Joe Heath rightly took no chances with a Danny Andrew cross and conceded a corner, from which an unsighted Steve Elliot stabbed wide.

As the half time oranges were being sliced, the game entered a quiet phase, leaving your reporter to ponder on such matters as why our opponents seemed to have borrowed Northampton’s kit, and for how long the stadium clock had been stuck on ten to eleven. And indeed, whether there would be “honey still for tea”. I knew that pre-match Jaeger bomb, or whatever it was, was not a wise idea. Back to the game!

HT: CHELTENHAM TOWN 0 HUFC 0

The Bulls emerged from the rather pretentious telescopic tunnel with renewed purpose. Barkhuizen turned his marker on halfway and sprinted clear. His low shot was smothered by Butland at the near post. Then Winnall’s shot needed some attention from the home ‘keeper. Facey flicked a pass to a determined Barkhuizen, and his near post cross was met by the late-arriving Clist, whose shot was deflected beyond the timber. Andrew played a deep cross to Josh Low who laid it back across goal, where the dependable Stam was on hand to clear. Cornell then raced out to clear, and the ball cannoned into Green, who seemed to be having his shirt tugged. Low then took careful aim with a chip that cleared the defence, but also the crossbar.

Barkhuizen again collected a Facey pass and drilled a dangerous ball across the area, where Elliot’s hesitancy served to put off Clist, and the chance had gone. Facey then flicked a header to Winnall, who was to be denied by an offside flag. Our Sam then caused some confusion amongst the home defence, and Clist did well to get a shot in, though the save was a comfortable one. There were not really any clear cut chances at either end in the remaining minutes, with some reasonably promising approach play lacking the finishing touches. Jamie Pitman earns a stay of execution with this hard earned point, and his side seem to have put last week’s shenanigans behind them. The “goals for” column is next in line for some attention.

FT: CHELTENHAM TOWN 0 HUFC 0

Attendance: 3011

ROBINS (though I have never seen one that colour): Butland, Lowe, Andrew, Elliott, Bennett, Pack, Low, Penn, Duffy (Goulding 60), Spencer (Smikle 81), Mohamed.

HUFC: Cornell, Purdie, Green, Stam, Heath, Featherstone, Lunt, Clist, Barkhuizen (Pell 93), Winnall (Arquin 83), Facey.
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Full Team Effort Today said Hoult

Hereford United's assistant manager Russell Hoult thought there had been a 'full team effort' from the Bulls this afternoon at Whaddon Road.

"It was never going to be easy coming here," Hoult told BBC Hereford and Worcester. "Especially with the situation we are in and the way things have been going.

"But we've had a great week, worked hard all through the week and it's paid off today."

Stefan Stam leading his side onto the pitch

Keith Hall suggested the calming influence from Stefan Stam helped.

"He's a quality player. He reads the game really well. The problem we have had of late is his fitness. If we can keep him fit then we have a great chance of getting out of this.

"But there again it's not all down to Stef, Joe Heath has done really well, Ryan Green has done really well.

"We just need that little bit of luck that we are not getting at the moment. We'll keep working and we'll keep digging out results like this."

Both Sam Winnall and Tom Barkhuizen started the game.

"They are quality players. We're lucky enough to get the lads out on loan and we are greatful to their club for letting them come.

"They are both a threat, very comfortable on the ball and they are great around the dressing room as well."

Summimg up Hoult felt the club must look forward.

"We have to build on things like today and take the positives out of that and hopefully things will start to turn."

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I'm glad to get 90 minutes - Stam

Hereford United supporters were pleased to see defender Stefan Stam warming up at Whaddon Road this afternoon, and even more pleased when it was announced he would be starting the game.

He has missed the last few weeks and his return helped to steady the defence.

"I was injuried for the last four or five weeks and the first few minutes I was blowing!" Stam told BBC Hereford and Worcester after the game.

"I'm just glad to get ninety minutes and to get a result especially after what we did last week. The clean sheet was important."

Stam played alongside Ryan Green in the center of defence with Michael Townsend warming the bench.

"Ryan is a good player. He's got the pace. He's good in the air for a smaller fellow.

"He's knows what he is doing. He's not going to make stupid mistakes. Just a quality player. He's easy to play alongside.

"I'm happy we got a clean sheet so we can build on that."

Keith Hall asked Stam if his injury , which he sustained at AFC Wimbledon, might re-occur.

"I hope not, I don't know yet.

"It feels good now. I hope it stays good like this now."

Finally Stam was asked about being captain.

"I like it. If I'm captain or not I play the same way.

"I'm a moaner that's the only thing. May be when I'm captain I listen a bit more.

"But if something goes wrong I just need to say something. Players got a bit annoyed but that's the way it is."

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Stats from Cheltenham

Below are the main stats from Whaddon Road where the Robins and the Bulls played out a quite entertaining goal-less draw.

Possession: Robins 50% Bulls 50%

Shots on Target: Robins 5 Bulls 3

Shots off Target: Robins 11 Bulls 2

Corners: Robins 11 Bulls 5

Fouls: Robins 7 Bulls 5

Cards: Yellows for David Cornell and Joe Heath.

Attendance: 3011 with around 370 in the away end.

Bottom of League Two:

18 Macclesfield 10 0 11
19 Accrington 10 -4 11
20 Dag & Red 10 -5 10
21 Barnet 10 -9 9
22 Bradford 10 -5 6
23 Hereford 10 -16 6
24 Plymouth 10 -14 4

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Results Round-Up

The Bulls are only goal difference away from escaping the bottom two after today's results. Bradford lost an early lead to go down 2-1 at home to AFC Wimbledon to cut their safety gap to just the eleven goal difference between them and the Bulls. Plymouth picked up their first win of the season, beating Macclesfield 2-0, to move within two points of safety. Barnet's nosedive continues with a 4-0 loss at Swindon, leaving them on nine points with an increasingly worse goal difference. Dagenham are next, a point further up, after losing 2-1 to Northampton, a result that moves the Cobblers up to 12 points.

At the top Morecambe lost 3-2 at home to Bristol Rovers to retain the lead by goal difference only from Shrewsbury, who beat Torquay 2-0 at home. Rotherham slip to fifth after a 4-0 home loss to Southend, with the Shrimpers going third ahead of Crawley on goal difference. Steve Evans' men beat Aldershot 1-0. Gillingham are sixth after beating nine man Burton 3-1, with the Wombles back up to seventh. In other games, Crewe drew 1-1 with Port Vale in their derby match, and Oxford drew 1-1 with Accrington.

In the Conference Wrexham are top on goal difference after winning 3-1 at lowly Grimsby. Newcomers Braintree are third after winning 4-0 at Southport. Luton lost 3-0 at York. Forest Green drew 1-1 with Lincoln, while Kidderminster won 3-0 at Mansfield.

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Bulls Gain Valuable Point

The Bulls claimed a valuable point with a goalless draw at Cheltenham this afternoon.

With the older heads of Kenny Lunt, Delroy Facey, and Stefan Stam restored to the starting line-up, the stability helped the Bulls to a generally assured display to claim their sixth point of the campaign. With Bradford losing, only goal difference is now keeping the Bulls inside the bottom two. After Simon Davey's ten games we were four points behind.

Full report later.

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News Round-Up

Six Luton supporters have been jailed over the violence that marred their Conference play-off match with York in May 2010. The York players had to retreat into a stand after a pitch invasion and Police arrested 37 in total. The Six have been jailed for periods of up to 13 months, and have received football banning orders of up to six years. Bristol Rovers have parted company with chief scout Paul Molesworth, who had held the role since 2004, and are now in talks with former Torquay scout John Milton.

Wrexham fans are claiming that the Supporters Trust deal to buy the club is in jeopardy after they uncovered a deal struck with pub company Greene King that will give them free sponsorship of the club for several years. The current owners are claimed to have struck the deal to release them from a personal guarantee made when the brewery agreed to sponsor their Crusaders rugby side. Torquay midfielder Eunan O'Kane is to sign a new deal with the club that will keep him at Plainmoor until 2014.

Aldershot will host Man Utd in the Carling Cup fourth round. The Shots are the only League Two side left, but warned supporters earlier in the week that they hadn't made any money from their cup run so far.

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Bulls to support St Michael's Hospice

Hereford United are in discussions with St Michael's Hospice about a range of fundraising and awareness-raising activities.

Recently Footall League fans voted for Help the Hospices to be their national charity for the 2011-2012 season and hopefully St Michael's Hospice which is situated at Bartestree, just outside Hereford, should benefit from these activities.

St Michael's Hospice, caring for Herefordshire and the bordering counties, needs at least £4 million each year to provide services not only to patients, but to their families, friends and carers.

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Brough had to move from Hereford

With Cheltenham playing Hereford United this afternoon, John Brough who played for both teams, has spoken to the Gloucester Echo about his memories from 1998 and a game the Bulls won 2-1.

Currently Brough is head of youth at Cheltenham but back in 1998 he was a central defender for the Bulls. Steve Cotterill was manager at Whaddon Road.

"I remember that game well and I was playing against Chris Banks and Mark Freeman," Brough said.

"Hereford were having financial difficulties and we were not paid for six weeks at a time.

"I looked elsewhere because I couldn't afford not to be paid.

"Steve said if he had half the team he already had and half the Hereford team, we'd win the Conference the following year and we did that.

"He sold the club to me and I signed pretty soon after that."

Brough was one of four Hereford United players that moved to Cheltenham during the 1998/99 season. First was Neil Grayson, then Brough followed by David Norton and finally Richard Walker. Bulls manager Graham Turner had no option other than to let the players go as there was no money in the kitty at Edgar Street at the time.

With all four ex-Bulls in the team Cheltenham gained a 2-0 win over Hereford at Edgar Street in February 1999. They've not defeated the Bulls since that game.

Meanwhile Brough has also disclosed he was in digs with Jamie Pitman back in 1998.

"Knowing Jamie, he will be hurting and will do everything he can to put it right today."

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Friday, September 23, 2011

Rose Axed By Bulls

Non-contract defender Jordan Rose has been released by the Bulls after only a week at Edgar Street.

The former Stockport man was an unused sub against Gillingham last weekend, and was injured in a reserve match with AFC Telford on Tuesday night.

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News Round-Up

Wrexham have placed striker Andy Morrell in charge of first team affairs after Dean Saunders' departure to Doncaster. The 36 year old is in his second spell at the Racecourse and has been ever-present this season, scoring four times. Swindon say they will listen to offers for striker Billy Bodin after Torquay expressed an interest in a permanent deal for their current loanee. The 19 year old Welsh u21 man has scored twice in five matches for the Gulls.

Plymouth bidder James Brent says he is unlikely to complete his deal by the October 10th date suggested by Peter Ridsdale, but would likely have control of the club a week or two afterwards. Ridsdale is to confirm he will leave the club when the takeover is complete. Meanwhile, Kevin Heaney claims that Truro owe less than £100,000 to the taxman that triggered the winding up order, and the club have had to deny claims that the players have not been paid this month.

Bristol Rovers have signed Leicester teenager Oliver Norburn on a months loan. The 18 year old midfielder is a first year pro and is yet to make his senior debut. Work on Torquay's new grandstand has started this week, several weeks behind schedule. The existing stand was condemned in the summer and will be demolished next month.

Bradford have signed Stoke defender Andrew Davies on an initial months loan. The central defender cost the Premier League side £1million three years ago but has made only two sub appearances since, with his Bantams spell his sixth loan exit. Wrexham's board have issued a statement demanding a non-refundable deposit from the Supporters Trust by Monday or they will open talks with other bidders. A statement claims the WST have been unwilling to meet the board after changing agreed terms in their current deal. A counter statement is expected later.

Cheltenham have loaned defender Andy Gallinagh to Bath for an initial month. The 26 year old was transfer listed in the summer and has not featured for the Robins this term. Macclesfield have loaned striker Vinny Mukendi to Southport for an initial month. The teenager has played 40 times for the Silkmen, mostly from the bench, scoring four times.

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From the Archives - O'Kelly and Hereford United

With the news that former coach Richard O'Kelly has been placed on gardening leave by Doncaster, BN looks back to June 2004 just after O'Kelly left Edgar Street for Bournemouth.

Richard O'Kelly has given a long interview to the Non-League Paper in which he admits that leaving Hereford was "a really hard decision because the job at Edgar Street isn't quite finished."

After talking about the past season and that decision to send off Andy Tretton in the play-off game, O'Kelly looks forward and says that he doesn't think that with some people leaving Edgar Street it will mean the break-up of the squad. He takes Chester as an example.

"Chester missed out in the play-offs and then won the league the following season. It will be hard for the Bulls but I think they are more than capable of bouncing back next season and going on to win promotion. The core of the team is still there.

"Hereford will always look for hungry players and I would tell anyone who is looking to get back into the Football League that Edgar Street is the place to come, as you will get a chance.

"Graham runs it like a League club. He picks up a lot of players who have been discarded by clubs higher up and lets them use it as a vehicle to get back into the League.

"The players are given an opportunity to play and show what they can do and, if they leave and move on to better things, then Graham will shake them by the hand and wish them all the best.

"Graham wished me all the best when I told him about the move to Bournemouth, even though he swore a few times when I first told him.

"It was nice to know he thought so highly of me and I have left with his full blessing."

Moving to the South Coast side with its higher standard of facilities will be a bit different for O'Kelly from Edgar Street.

"You used to have to fill in the rabbit holes, mark out the pitch and put the nets up every day. I'm sure that helped the team spirit as everyone mucked in and had a laugh about it.

"That great team spirit allied to the ability within the squad is why I'm tipping Hereford to be as strong next year as they were this season.

"I have given Graham a list of names who could replace me, and he has his own ideas too, so it is a case of watch this space.

"But I'm sure that whoever takes over the role will still have a talented, hard working bunch of players at his disposal and I'm sure they will make an impact next year."

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Hereford Game is Massive says Yates

Cheltenham Town manager Mark Yates has said that tomorrow's local derby with Hereford United is massive.

"Hereford's form is not my concern," Yates told the Robin's OS.

"If we can play to our best and work hard then we have a great chance of getting a result. I've heard the statistic that we've never beaten them in the Football League and that must be stopped. If we go about things the right way then we have a chance of winning.

"Their 6-1 defeat will be difficult to come back from but that is none of my concern. My priority is getting the three points at the weekend, the follow weekend and Cheltenham Town. We know their strengths and weaknesses but every manager has commented on what a decent footballing side they are and how they have cause problems. We have to make sure we look after ourselves and impose the way we want to play upon them.

"This Hereford game is massive. We aren't too close to any other team but we do have a few which we call derbies and this is one of those. Players have already gone between both clubs so there will always be an extra spice. Hopefully there will be a good atmosphere and the fans get behind the boys."

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Thursday, September 22, 2011

O'Kelly put on Gardening Leave

Former Hereford United coach Richard O'Kelly has been put on gardening leave along with Sean O'Driscoll following a poor run of results by Doncaster.

The pair has been in charge for five years.

Wrexham manager Dean Saunders will be in charge tomorrow for Doncaster's game against Crystal Palace.

O'Kelly, pictured talking to Terry Goodwin at Edgar Street, had two excellent years as coach/physio with Hereford United from 2002 to 2004.

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Bulls 15/4 to Win at Cheltenham

The odds for a Hereford win at Cheltenham tomorrow have stayed much the same all week with Victor Chandler and Bet 365 offering the best price of 15/4.

UPDATE 11am: Now 4/1 with Victor Chandler and William Hill.

Top price for a draw is 14/5 and that's from Victor Chandler.

Latest Offer from SkyBet:

Cheltenham 8/11 Draw 13/5 Hereford 100/30

Correct Score:

1-0 to Hereford - 15/1 at Unibet

2-0 to Hereford - 25/1 at William Hill, Bet365, BlueSq and Stan James

2-1 to Hereford - 15/1 at Unibet

3-0 to Hereford - 80/1 at Boylesports

3-1 to Hereford - 40/1 at Bet365

0-0 draw - 13/1 at Unibet

1-1 draw - 13/2 at William Hill, Victor Chandler and BlueSq

2-2 draw - 16/1 at William Hill

3-3 draw - 66/1 at several bookies.

Finally should a Hereford player score first:

Sam Winnal 17/2 with Bet365

Delroy Facey 9/1 with Ladbrooks and Bet365

Tom Barkhuizen 10/1 with Coral

Yoann Arquin 10/1 with Bet365, SkyBet and Paddy Power

No goalscorer (for either side) 12/1 generally

Finally for an outside bet - Harry Pell 28/1 with BlueSq

Prices from oddschecker.com and may vary.

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From the Archives - Bulls defeat Ten Man Burnley

Twenty years ago Hereford United were in the same league as Burnley, Blackpool and Cardiff City.

And on Saturday September 14th, Burnley were the visitors to Edgar Street. The previous season the Bulls had defeated Burnley 3-0.

There was a terrific start to the game between two in form teams. Hereford came close in the very first minute, only to be denied by Andy Marriott, but Burnley were just about the better of the two sides.

However just nine minutes into the game Burnley were down to ten men when John Francis was sent off in near farcical circumstances. There was an incident off the ball that left Francis down injured and whilst he was receiving treatment he was told by referee Peter Jones that he was going to be sent off.

Jones later confirmed that he'd been sent off for elbowing Hereford's Mel Pejic but after the game both Francis and Pejic confirmed it hadn't happened.

Three minutes later a Simon Brain shot was saved by Marriott but the rebound fell kindly for Steve Lowndes who made no mistake.

Eli almost put Burnley level just after half-time but on 56 minutes Hereford doubled their lead. Mark Monington carelessly lost possession of the ball just outside his own box. That enabled Brain to cross the ball for Peter Heritage to score.

The Bulls then settled for that in what then became a tedious second half although Burnley should have had the clearest of penalties right at the end of the game only for Jones to incredibly award a free kick for handball outside the box.

The result lifted Hereford into second place, amongst a cluster of four clubs on 13 points with Rotherham United now in first place.

Hereford United: Tony Elliott, Chris Fry, Greg Downs, Andy Theodosiou, Steve Devine, Steve Lowndes, Derek Hall, Mel Pejic, Simon Brain, Peter Heritage, Jon Narbett. Subs not used: David Titterton, Henry Caffrey.

Burnley: Andy Marriott, David Hamilton (Joe Jakub 15), Steve Harper, Steve Davis, John Pender, Mark Monington, Roger Eli, Mark Yates, John Francis, Mike Conroy, Andy Farrell. Sub not used: Ian Bray.

Referee: Peter Jones (Loughborough).

Attendance: 4,400.

BN would like to thank Tony Scholes at Claretsmad for his help with the above article.

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Ben Smith loaned to Kettering

Former Hereford United mid-fielder Ben Smith has been farmed out for a month to Kettering by parent club Crawley. Also moving is defender John Dempster.

"Both Ben and John need to get some first-team competitive action and they will get plenty of that over the next month at Kettering Town," said Crawley manager Steve Evans.

"Kettering are getting themselves two excellent players for a period of time and we get those lads the game time needed, so we all win with this agreement."

Smith had two spells with the Bulls. In 2002 he was signed by Graham Turner after leaving Southend. Two years later he moved to Shrewsbury.

In January 2006 he moved to Weymouth and a year later he returned to Edgar Street after Turner had paid £20,000 for his services. In the summer of 2009 he left Edgar Street for Crawley Town.

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There is No Ultimatum - Pitman

Jamie Pitman has told BBC Hereford and Worcester that the board is backing him in his quest to turn around the fortunes of Hereford United. The Bulls are bottom but one in League Two and travel to Cheltenham on Saturday.

"They believe that I've still got the ability to do that, I proved that last year," said the Hereford United manager.

"There is no ultimatum.

"There is no pressure that if you lose on Saturday you are going to get the sack.

"But at the end of the day that is their decision. All I can do is continue to do the job I've been asked to do. And I will do that because that's what I'm like. And I will do that until I'm told otherwise."

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Bulls Play Telford Friendly

The Bulls played a behind closed doors friendly with Telford last night.

There is no word at present on the scoreline or Bulls line-up, but the Shropshire Star reports that former Bulls loanee Craig King scored for the Bucks. The 20 year old has been a fringe figure since his summer move from Leicester.

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Yates Speaks On Derby Clash

Cheltenham boss Mark Yates has spoken to the Gloucester Echo ahead of Saturday's match, telling the paper he wants a better performance from his side than the loss to Wimbledon last weekend:

"I want us to get back to where we were, how we were playing. The Torquay performance was excellent, and the Wimbledon one was riddled with mistakes that cost us goals and we were chasing the game and didn't have enough to turn it around."

When asked about Jamie Pitman and the Bulls' current plight, Yates said: "He's a good guy, no problem. But that's not my concern. My concern is three points on Saturday.

"We know their strengths and weaknesses. Every manager that's played them this season says what a decent footballing side they are. They've caused problems, had chances against them, been a bit unlucky at times.

"They've always had a tradition lately of trying to play, getting the ball down, and I've seen them in pre-season and earlier in the season and they did, they played good football. We've got to try and make sure we don't let them play good football, try to impose ourselves on them."

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Kovacs Only Had Eyes For Luton

Janos Kovacs has told the press that Luton were the only side he would have joined in the Conference.

He told Bedfordshire On Sunday: “It was a definite interest because this season I had three different Conference clubs come in to take me on loan and I can say the only club at Conference level that I want to play for is Luton.

“I’m pretty sure this shows everything about my passion for this football club. I’ve always loved this football club and I think everyone has to say that Luton is a huge club, especially for Conference level.

“I’m very happy to come back and get some games under my belt.”

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Colbeck to Miss Saturday's Match at Cheltenham

Hereford United will be without winger Joe Colbeck and latest signing Jordan Rose for the match at Cheltenham on Saturday.

"Colbeck has got a re-occurance of his knee problem," said manager Jamie Pitman during his latest OS interview.

"So he is going to be unavailable this weekend.

"Jordan Rose pulled his thigh yesterday."

Pitman said that defender Stefan Stam was 'having a good week' but didn't reveal whether he might feature on Saturday.

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