Clever Work by Peters and Pitman

The news that Andy Todd had left Hereford United was made public yesterday afternoon and later director of football Gary Peters told supporters that the club could manage without him despite the fact that Stefan Stam is likely to be out with injury for several weeks.

Understandably there has been a lot of comment on the forum about his departure but a look back at events over the past few weeks might explain why Todd has gone.

Peters watched Todd playing for Port Vale in a reserve match early in October. A day or so later Todd left Vale.

"Andy asked to come into training, and playing for the reserves will do him a favour as there may be scouts at the game," said Mark Grew, the Vale assistant manager. "But there's nothing on the table for him here at the moment."

His move to Edgar Street on non-contract terms was confirmed on Thursday October 13th. The following Saturday he started alongside Stam in the center of defence.

"I thought he was fantastic," said manager Jamie Pitman. "He reads the game very well and gets into good positions. Defending is all about getting your position and he does that very well."

The following Thursday Pitman suggested Todd could be offered a longer deal.

"If he shows what is he capable of doing I'm sure it will be longer than just a month," Pitman told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

Todd had a good game against Barnet on the Saturday and even made the League Two team of the week. At this stage he could do no wrong.

However the first sign that something might not be quite right came at Northampton on Tuesday October 25th. Todd started but was subbed just after half-time. He didn't look happy as he very slowly came off the pitch and might have been booked after what looked like a bit of pushing and shoving with a couple of Cobblers.

He appeared to go straight into the dressing room and it was rumoured that he had left the ground before the end of the game - his home is at Derby.

Were Pitman and Peters already concerned about Todd? Pitman was polite.

"We thought whether he could play Saturday/Tuesday Saturday/Tuesday," said Pitman.

"He's got great spirit about him and he's a true professional."

Pressed about a further contract Pitman was more guarded.

"We've got to make sure he keeps performing to the extent he is.

"He's got to be happy here as well."

Todd started at Torquay the following Saturday but was replaced at half-time apparantly with a dead leg. (Not the sub!)

Late in the second half of that game Michael Townsend came on. According to both Peters and Pitman some booing was heard at the time which they made much of a few days later.

Last Monday Sky Sports published an interview with Todd in which the 37 year old defender hinted that he might not stay with Hereford.

"I am still living in Derby, so it gives me a chance to get myself fit, play some games and if it doesn't work out at Hereford, at least a few other managers have seen me playing," said Todd.

Then on Thursday Gary Peters spoke about Townsend. It's now pretty clear that the club knew Todd was leaving and, in essence, told supporters to get behind Townsend because he would be playing.

Refering to the Torquay game, "Michael came on and went up front to try and worry them a bit," said Peters.

"And some of the fans were booing him.

"He's one of the players who is going to be fighting with us to try and keep Hereford in the League this season."

At the time of Peter's interview being released Stam's fresh injury details weren't generally known. However on Thursday morning they was confirmed by Pitman although there was still nothing official about Todd.

"Stefan has unfortunately damaged his cartlidge in his knee," Pitman told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"He's having an operation today so he is going to be at least four to six weeks with that. That's unfortunate.

"Toddy is 50/50 with his groin."

Yesterday afternoon Keith Hall broke the news on BBC Hereford and Worcester that Todd had left. There had been rumours on the forum the previous evening that he hadn't trained with the squad on Friday.

And later yesterday the club released a video in which Peters gave his views on the Todd situation. Basically he thanked Todd for his time at Edgar Street but hinted that it would be unfair to keep players like Rob Purdie and Ryan Green out of the starting eleven. And, whilst Peters would not have known how well Townsend would perform yesterday as the interview was recorded before the match, it appears Peters must have felt Townsend could do a decent job. As it turned out his view was justfied.

So Todd has moved on. Of course there may be other reasons. Perhaps he wasn't a good influence in the dressing room, perhaps he asked for a wage Peters and Pitman felt couldn't be justified. We may never know.

What is certain that Todd came in when the Bulls needed to steady the ship. That happened and whatever the reasons for him moving on he should be thanked for his efforts.

Gary Peters and Jamie Pitman have had an experienced player at the club for four games which brought a decent return. And it probably hasn't cost much either.

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