For the next few days BN will look back 40 years when Hereford United had their most famous FA Cup run which included the 2-1 win over Newcastle United at Edgar Street. For today's article a reminder of the Cup campaign from the 1971/72 season.
Fourth Qualifying Round November 6th - Hereford United 3 Cheltenham Town 0 (6441)
Round One November 20th - Kings Lynn 0 Hereford United 0 (2474)
Round One Replay November 24th - Hereford United 1 Kings Lynn 0 (7758)
Round Two December 11th - Hereford United 0 Northampton Town 0 (9510)
Round Two Replay December 14th - Northampton Town 2 Hereford United 2 (9099)
Round Two 2nd Replay December 20th - Hereford United 2 Northampton Town 1 (Played at the Hawthorns, West Bromwich Albion FC - 8331)
Round Three January 24th - Newcastle United 2 Hereford United 2 (39381)
Round Three Replay February 5th - Hereford United 2 Newcastle United 1 (14313)
Round Four February 9th - Hereford United 0 West Ham United 0 (15000)
Round Four Replay February 14th - West Ham United 3 Hereford United 1 (42271)
As a Southern League team, Hereford were required to enter the FA Cup at the Fourth Qualifying Round stage. In that round they defeated local rivals Cheltenham Town 3–0 with two goals from tony gough and an own-goal.
The first round the Bulls were drawn away against Kings Lynn. The game, played in thick snow, was drawn and a replay at Edgar Street took place which the Bulls 1-0. Tony Gough scored the Hereford goal.
The first game at Edgar Street was a goal-less draw. The replay ended 2-2 with goals from Dudley Tyler and Brian Owen.
There were no penalty shoot-outs in those days so a second replay took place at the Hawthorns. Northampton took the lead early in the game but in injury time full back Ken Mallender leveled from the edge of the penalty box. Extra-time was played and Dudley Tyler put the Bulls ahead. Hereford were in the third round of the FA Cup for the first time in six years, and only the third time in their history.
Hereford United travelled to St James' Park on 24 January 1972 for the scheduled Third Round match, the match having been postponed twice because of heavy rain. 5,000 Hereford supporters made the journey to the North-East with Newcastle clear favourites, fielding six internationals in their side.
With St James' Park open on only three sides, due to the ongoing construction of the East Stand, the match kicked off and Hereford took a shock lead after 17 seconds. They had won a free kick straight from the kickoff, which was quickly lofted into the Newcastle box. Brian Owen ran around the Newcastle defence onto the end of the free kick, and put the ball past Willie McFaul to give Hereford a dream start. Newcastle quickly went 2–1 after 13 minutes of play thanks to goals from Newcastle's £180,000 striker Malcolm Macdonald and John Tudor. But then Hereford player-manager Colin Addison equalised with a 25 yard shot and the match finished 2–2, in front of 39,301 spectators.
And so to February 5th 1972 and the replay at a very muddy Edgar Street. History was made that afternoon when the Bulls won 2-1 with goals from Ronnie Radford and Ricky George. (BN will feature that game later this week)
The Bulls had just a few days to prepare for their next game in the Cup, a fourth round home tie against West Ham United on February 9th.
14,819 watched the game which ended goal-less. In the West Ham side was current Spurs manager Harry Redknapp.
Manager Colin Addison had to make one change from the Newcastle game. Roger Griffiths was replaced by Ricky George and Billy Tucker was the substitute.
'Hereford blew a rich, ripe, agricultural raspberry at West Ham and all the football they represent. Colin Addison's part-timers reduced West Ham to a rabble, scrambling to prevent Hereford's historic FA Cup run escalating into the sensation of our time,' wrote Jeff Powell in the Daily Mail.
Kick-off was scheduled for 2.15pm, Monday February 14th. The nation had been hit by a power strike, so like the old days before floodlights, an FA Cup replay was being played on a weekday afternoon.
The traffic was so bad that we had to abandon the coach somewhere near East Ham station and pile into a police van to ensure we actually got to the game. We realised, as if it wasn't obvious before, that the reason for the roads being jammed in and around Upton Park was that the world and his brother were trying to see this match.
The generous reception were received was a combination of thirty-odd thousand East Enders and nearly 10,000 wonderful Hereford supporters. Special trains were put on and a film crew recorded forever happy fans in black and white singing a song especially written by Russ Lowe, a local disc jockey. The film, Cup Glory, was released later that year to celebrate 100 years of the FA Cup.
After less than ten minutes I had a chance easier than any goal Hereford had so far scored against first division opposition. Dudley Tyler crossed from the right and Tommy Taylor mis-kicked on the slippery pitch.
The ball spun up into the air and dropped on the volley onto my right foot. I was inside the penalty area and stabbed at the ball instead of striking it with confidence. It beat Ferguson but whistled inches past the post.
Just before half-time Geoff Hurst put the Hammers one up.
We gave another good account of ourselves, losing Ken Mallender with an injury in the second half when Hurst scored twice to end our gloroious run.
Fittingly, our great goal-scorer, Billy Meadows, was the player to score the last ever for the Giantkillers.
We were defeated 1-3 but left the field to magnificent and prolonged applause.
.jpg)
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
The 71/72 Cup Run
Phillips to Referee at Gillingham
David Phillips is set to referee next Saturday's League Two match between Gillingham and Hereford United.
The West-Sussex based official came twice to Edgar Street last season however he hasn't refereed a Hereford away game since September 2009 when the Bulls travelled to Aldershot.
That game was drawn 2-2 with Jamie Tolley and Glen Southam getting booked. On loan winger Tristian Plummer scored both goals for the Bulls.
To date this season Phillips has been in charge of 21 games in which he has given out 64 yellow cards and 8 red cards.
News Round-Up
Oxford have signed midfielder Mark Wilson until the end of the season. The free agent 32 year old was released by Doncaster earlier in the week after five years at the club. Bradford have released forward Nialle Rodney by mutual consent, with the former Nottm Forest youngster signing for Lincoln on a deal until the end of the season.
Northampton have signed defender Clarke Carlisle on loan for the rest of the season. The Burnley man, and PFA chairman, spent the first half of the season on loan at Preston but new boss Graham Westley opted to cancel the deal that was due to run to the end of the season. The Cobblers have also released Paul Walker and Ashley Corker by mutual consent. Goalkeeper Walker and defender Corker were both graduates of the club's youth team, with Corker making 16 appearances this term.
Ex-Bull Karl Hawley has joined Crawley on loan from Notts County for the remainder of the season. The 30 year old has scored five times for the Magpies this season, but only two of them have been in his 26 League appearances. Aldershot have sold midfielder Jamie Collins to Forest Green for an undisclosed fee, replacing him with former Bull Ben Smith who joins on a three month loan from Crawley.
Northampton (yes, they said they'd be busy today) have signed loanee Ben Harding to a permanent 18 month deal. The Wycombe midfielder has spent the last month on loan at Sixfields. Wrexham have sold defender Curtis Obeng to Swansea, their second departure to the Premier League of the day, with the Swans lending the Dragons teenager Daniel Alfei for the remainder of the season as a replacement.
Darlington have signed midfielder Clark Keltie on non-contract terms, and taken Sunderland youngster youngster Liam Bagnall on a month long loan. The Quakers have lost the services of forward James Gray after he chose to join a Swedish side.
Kettering Fans Meet As Darlo Talks Stall
Kettering's fans are to meet on Friday night to discuss their plight, with the club due to face the taxman in court on Monday.
Meanwhile, talks on Darlington's future have stalled with former owner Raj Singh apparently digging his heels in over a deal for his debt. He was believed to have agreed to have asked for no money in exchange for a five year block on development plans at the ground, but is still believed to be chasing a cut from any future redevelopment. There is currently only one bid on the table, from developer Paul Wildes, with the deadline for bidders to come forward having passed.
At Kettering, they face the taxman on Monday owing a reported £35,000 with currently no plan in place to pay the money. They have also been handed a deadline of Sunday to pay Southend Manor £4,000 in gate receipts from their FA Cup match three months ago. Fans will stage a meeting at Nene Park on Friday to consider the state of the club and whether the situation is salvagable.
News Round-Up
Oxford have signed striker Scott Rendell from Wycombe on loan until the end of the season. The former Peterboro man has scored just once this season after 19 goals last term, and had an unsuccessful month at Bristol Rovers. Swindon have signed midfielder Lee Cox on a two and a half year deal from Inverness. The former Leicester trainee has only just regained fitness following a lengthy injury outage. The Robins have also rejected another bid from Bournemouth for midfielder Matt Ritchie.
Northampton are reported to have rejected an offer from Blackpool for midfielder Michael Jacobs. The 20 year old has several admirers in the Championship. Dagenham have ended the loan of West Ham midfielder Eoin Wearen after they had seveal other midfielders return to fitness, but will extend the deal of teammate Ahmed Abdulla further.
No Bulls in the Team of the Week. Shrewsbury, Torquay, Aldershot, and Barnet all get two players each into the nominated XI. Stockport have axed four players and signed three more in a bid to avoid relegation from the Conference. Among those leaving is keeper Matt Glennon who had been a regular since signing last season with boss Jim Gannon confirming that further financial cuts had to be made.
Aldershot have released defender Aaron Brown by mutual consent after playing in less than half their games this season. Macclesfield have sent their squad to a warm weather training camp in Tenerife this week as a reward for their FA Cup run. West Ham striker Frank Nouble has rejected an offer to join Crawley. The Red Devils had a bid accepted, but the England u19 man wants to fight for a place with the Hammers instead.
Wrexham have sold teenage keeper Danny Ward to Liverpool for an initial £100,000. The youth team graduate made his first team debut on loan at Tamworth last season. Crewe are set to receive around £150,000 after former Academy player Ben Marshall was sold by Stoke to Leicester for an initial £750,000. They were paid an initial £30,000 for the player, but have a 20% sell-on clause.
The move of Bradford full back Luke O'Brien is back on after Exeter sold defender Scott Golbourne to Barnsley, freeing up funds to sign the 23 year old. Crewe are trialling full back Jordan Brown after he was released by West Ham. The 20 year old recently had a month long loan at Aldershot, playing four times. Loanee Jamie Lowry has been recalled from Gresty Road by parent club Chesterfield due to injuries.
Gillingham are trialling midfielder Oliver Lee. The West Ham youngster has had a loan at Dagenham already this season, scoring three times in 17 games. Crawley are reported to have rejected a £1.9million double bid for striker Tyrone Barnett and defender Kyle McFadzean from Peterboro. Bristol Rovers have released midfielder Ben Swallow by mutual consent. The winger was transfer listed in December after being sent off in the FA Cup.
Preston have signed Torquay defender Chris Robertson after he put in a transfer request. The 25 year old former Sheff Utd trainee has been at Plainmoor since 2007 and signs for an undisclosed fee. Northampton have signed American keeper Neal Kitson on a deal until the end of the season. The 26 year old hold dual US and UK passports and is awaiting international clearance after previously playing for Rochester Rhinos in the third tier of the US pyramid.
Plymouth have signed strikers Juvhel Tsournou and Alex McDonald on loan. German Tsournou, from Preston, signs until the end of the season after four goals for the Deepdale outfit this term, while Burnley's McDonald has signed for five weeks. Crawley have signed striker Billy Clarke from Blackpool on a two and a half year deal. The 24 year old missed last season due to injury, but made his comeback in a months loan at Sheff Utd before Christmas.
Bristol Rovers have signed full back Jim Paterson until the end of the season. The 32 year old former Plymouth defender was previously with manager Mark McGhee at Motherwell, and spent the last six months with Shamrock Rovers. Bradford have released teenage midfielder Patrick Lacey by mutual consent after he failed to make a first team appearance.
Wimbledon have loaned Ryan Jackson to Cambridge until the end of the season, extended Lee Minshull's loan at Newport to the end of the season, and sent James Mulley to Hayes and Yeading for an initial month. Rotherham have extended the loan of keeper Rhys Taylor from Chelsea until the end of the season. He made his debut at the weekend after replacing fellow loanee Conrad Logan.
Hessenthaler Made A Statement
With the Bulls due to travel down to Priestfield this Saturday, Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler has spoken to the press about his decision to dump keeper Ross Flitney.
Hessenthaler opted to remove the former Barnet stopper at half time against Accrington last Saturday after conceding four goals. He replaced him with teenage Argentinian keeper Paulo Gazzaniga, giving the 19 year old his first taste of League action:
"I wasn’t happy with him and we made the statement. I could have taken them all off after that first half. We do match reports on teams but if they don’t listen then they won’t be in the team. Paulo didn’t have much to do in the second half but what he did do, he did well."
Without Flitney, the Gills scored two goals back, but still lost 4-3. It is currently unclear which keeper will face the Bulls on Saturday with Flitney, who also worked with Hessenthaler at Dover, also having conceded four times against Wimbledon the week before.
Monday, January 30, 2012
From the Archives - January 31st 1998
For today's item from the BN archives we delve back to January 31st 1998 and a disappointing trip to Dover.
HEREFORD United 0 Dover Athletic 2 (report by Peter Povall)
With a longer than usual break between games, Hereford had chance to work on their game, but very little of it showed if they did.
Dover swiftly showed them the exit route from the FA Trophy with this 2 goal home defeat. Hereford had previously met Dover in the Conference last year where Dover went home with a victory as well. This just goes to prove that the smaller clubs can bite.
Again United were chasing the match as Gerald Dobbs claimed the opener after just 11 minutes. This goal came on the rebound after James McCue blazed the ball over the Dover goal. The resulting goal kick was sent down the pitch to Dobbs who confidently chipped the advancing Andy Quy.
United continued a try assualts on the Dover goal but nothing would work. Neil Grayson was given a good position by some excellent moves started on the wing but his shot was well wide of the net.
Another chance early in the second half was thrown away as Trevor Matthewson, who has played very little in the last couple of months due to injury, headed Murray Fishlocks cross wide.
Gavin Mahon however earned his money by denying Ayorinde a goal when he cleared off the line after Quy had been beaten.
The final blow was the result of an inspired substitution though as Roy Godden was brought on at the start of injury time and with almost his first touch of the ball be drove it home into the Hereford net.
HEREFORD UNITED (5-3-2): Quy; Rodgerson, Fishlock, Pitman (Foster 72), Brough (Mansell 23), (Williams 80), Matthewson; Hargreaves, Warner, Grayson; McCue, Mahon.
Ex-Bull Marshall Fails Drugs Test
Former Bulls loanee Mark Marshall has been provisionally suspended by Barnet after failing a drugs test.
The winger, who joined the Bulls on loan from Swindon in 2009, had missed the Bees' last two matches with speculation hinting at a transfer window move to one of a number of Championship sides.
However a statement by Barnet today says Marshall was tested after their Boxing Day match with Dagenham and failed for a prohibited substance. The statement adds that Marshall says he had unwittingly taken the banned drug as part of a supplement.
The FA are yet to make a statement on the matter, but a lengthy ban is likely.
Meanwhile, the Bees have released another ex-Bull. Anwar Uddin, who played ten times for the Bulls in the 03/04 season, had previously captained both the Bees and Dagenham, where he helped them to promotion to the League. The 30 year old has not played for the Bees' first team since October.
Pell to have Scan on Knee
Hereford United midfielder Harry Pell has told his followers that he is to have a scan on his knee this coming Wednesday.
Just what I need, not training today or tomorrow and scan on my knee on Wednesday!
At this stage it isn't known whether he will be available for the Bulls' trip to Gillingham this weekend.
Bulls 22/5 to win at Gillingham
Hereford United can be backed at a price of 22/5 to defeat Gillingham next Saturday.
This price is available with BetVictor. Many other bookies are currently offering 4/1 for a Hereford win.
Best price for a draw is 11/4. That's with Bet365, SkyBet and BlueSq.
Crawley Get £800,000 For Tubbs
Crawley have sold striker Matt Tubbs to Bournemouth for a reported £800,000 fee.
The Cherries had a £500,000 bid rejected last Friday, but have now resigned the striker they chose not to sign in 2008 from Salisbury. He had a loan spell at Dean Court midway through the 08/09 season, scoring once in eight games, but the Cherries opted not to follow up the deal.
The 27 year old scored 58 times in 80 games for the Red Devils after a phenomenal record at Salisbury prompted them to spend £55,000 on him.
Meanwhile, fellow striker Tyrone Barnett is also a transfer target after rejecting a £900,000 move to Blackpool last week. Peterboro have had several bids rejected for the former Macclesfield man.
Westley Goes Bananas!
New Preston boss Graham Westley sparked headlines last week when he sent his squad lengthy messages at 2.15am on the day of a game.
During those texts, the former Stevenage man dropped four players from the starting XI and reiterated - at length - his beliefs about how football should be played. Now, according to press reports, he warned his team of a potential terrorist attack before this weekend's trip to Yeovil, which they lost 2-1.
The Sun reported that Westley sent his players the following message: “In view of the must win game tomorrow beware of the low flying aircrafts as we are in a very high hotel which will be a target for al quaeda leaders. If we come under attack we must stick together and keep evolving as a team and bring pain on them. Make sure u have right footwear on incase of such events,”
The paper has since removed the article, but several other news organisations worldwide picked up the story beforehand. The paper quotes an unnamed source as saying: “Nobody is quite sure what to make of it. They don’t know if it is meant as a joke or what. It is a very odd thing to say. They can’t work the gaffer out - they all think he’s lost the plot,”
There are a few in lower league football that believe Westley lost the plot some time ago!
News Round-Up
Bristol Rovers have signed former Bulls loanee Matthew Lund on a month long loan deal. The 21 year old played three times for the Bulls last season, and had a month at Oldham at the start of this term. Northampton have extended the loan of Blair Adams for another month. The Sunderland defender has played five times since joining the Cobblers at the start of the month.
Crawley are claimed to have had a bid accepted for West Ham forward Frank Nouble. The England u19 man scored five times for Gillingham during a loan spell earlier in the season. One player not off to the Broadfield Stadium is Burton forward Billy Kee, with the Brewers' official site stating that the former Torquay man has rejected overtures from Steve Evans after a 'substantial offer'.
Rochdale have confirmed making a bid for Shrewsbury striker Terry Gornell. New boss John Coleman wants to be reunited with his former Accrington charge, and is claimed to have lodged a £100,000 offer. Former Bulls loanee Jake Jervis has returned to Birmingham after the end of his month at Preston. He scored twice in three starts, but only made brief sub appearances in their last two games.
Barnet have signed Wigan full back Jordan Mustoe on loan for the rest of the season. The 21 year old made his first start for the Latics in their loss to Swindon in the FA Cup. Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio says he will likely sell striker Billy Bodin in order to free up wages for new targets. The teenager scored five times in 19 games on loan at Torquay.
Bradford boss Phil Parkinson has criticised Exeter after they backed out of a move to sign full back Luke O'Brien. The Grecians are claimed to have told Parkinson they were unable to complete the deal financially. Former Bull Gavin McCallum has left Lincoln by mutual consent after he was reported to have opted to not feature in their loss to Kettering at the weekend.
Former Bulls forward Sam Malson is to leave Weymouth for Conf South side Dorchester Town tomorrow. The 24 year old has been a regular scorer for the Terras in the Ryman League. Darlington bidder Paul Wildes has given an undertaking to former club owner Raj Singh that he will not redevelop the ground for non-football uses for at least five years. The Administrator has set a deadline of tomorrow for bids for the club.
Bristol Rovers have loaned midfielder Charlie Reece to Tamworth for an initial month. The 23 year old was transfer listed in the summer but has only so far had a loan with Gloucester.
Police praise Supporters
West Mercia Police have praised supporters for their good behaviour last Saturday when 1500 Shrewsbury Town fans came to Hereford to watch the A49 derby match at Edgar Street.
"There was one arrest related to the match and that was for an offence under Section 5 of the Public Order Act," said Superintendent Charlie Hill, Territorial Policing Unit Commander in Herefordshire.
"As a result of this a 30-year-old man received a Fixed Penalty Notice.
"There were a significant number of officers working on the day and our operation went well. However, the fans themselves behaved extremely sensibly and were a credit to both clubs.
"We had assistance from British Transport Police on the day and that proved very helpful in terms of policing the rail network and helping to ensure the entire day passed off peacefully."
Two Days Left Of Transfer Window
There are just two days left of the January transfer window, with an 11pm deadline on Tuesday for permanent transfers.
The Bulls appear unlikely to make further movement unless some of the existing players depart Edgar Street. So far Janos Kovacs has quit the club after agreeing a settlement, and Sean Canham will not appear in a Bulls shirt again after signing for Bath on loan until the end of the season.
James McQuilkin has also left on a short term deal to Kidderminster, which appears likely to be extended, while fellow midfielder Kenny Lunt remains transfer listed. One possible destination for the former Crewe midfielder is Wrexham, who confirmed over the weekend their intention to strengthen further before the window closes.
The Bulls have signed six players in the January window, making loan moves for Will Evans and Simon Clist permanent deals and signing non-contract duo Sam Clucas and Dan Hanford to longer term contracts. Defenders Kern Miller and Ben Purkiss have also arrived at the club on deals.
The only rumour currently, still, doing the rounds is a departure for Ryan Green. The Welshman has recently denied message board claims that he is Shrewsbury bound, but is understood to be stalling on a contract offer until the Bulls league position is secured.
Young Bulls Draw with Plymouth
Hereford United under 18's draw 2-2 with Plymouth Argyle last Saturday. It was the first point the young Bulls had gained this season according to the Plymouth Evening Hearld.
Argyle took a two goal lead in the first twenty minutes of the game but the Bulls fought back with Joe Tumulty hitting the bar with a 20 yeard shot.
Jack Biggs then got one back for the Bulls from six yards after Argyle failed to clear. He was reported to have given Argyle 'incessant problems'.
However it was Tumulty who scored the equaliser some twelve minutes from time with a 20 yard drive.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
From the Archives: January 30th 1999
Here's a quick look back at a Hereford United news items from the BN archives dated January 30th 1999.
HEREFORD United insist their plans for a new ground will be their lifeline for the new Millennium.
The Bulls' precarious financial situation meant another player had to be sold this week when striker Mark Druce joined Kidderminster Harriers for £10,000.
Hereford boss Graham Turner was left with no alternative but to accept the offer when a series of bills for £9,000 landed through the Edgar Street letter-box.
Turner says the Druce cash will tide them over for now, but the only solution long-term will be to sell Edgar Street and move to a new ground.
The club has now identified three possible new sites and Alan Cotterill, who helped design the new-look Molineux and Reading's new Madejski Stadium, is already drawing up plans.
Turner stressed any concrete moves were still a some time away and any switch would depend on the go-ahead from the local council. Negotiations are continuing with several parties.
But he has no doubts that a move is the only way to secure the Bulls' future.
"The long-term future of the club is looking a lot rosier but we always knew this would be a critical season," said Turner.
"Moving to a new ground holds the key for us but hopefully that could happen in three to five years.
"If we have the co-operation of the local authority we can realise the asset of Edgar Street which is a prime site for leisure or retail development."
Druce, a free transfer signing from Rotherham last season, is the latest player whose departure has been enforced.
"We've sold nine players in the last two-and-a-half years and we've brought in £300,000," said Turner. "That has kept the club afloat.
"Selling Mark was a necessity. We were faced with several bills which came in and the money from Mark's transfer will enable us to pay our way again."
News Round-Up
Southend have signed Colchester defender Pat Baldwin until the end of the season. The 29 year old spent the second half of last season at Roots Hall, but has now made a permanent switch after ten years with the U's. Bradford have loaned winger Mark Stewart to Hamilton until the end of the season. The 23 year old is still subject to a FIFA tribunal over whether the Bantams owe a fee for the player, but he has made just eight starts since his summer move from Falkirk.
Bristol Rovers have extended the loans of defenders Aaron Downes and Cian Bolger, and midfielder Andy Dorman until the end of the season, and also extended the loan of keeper Michael Poke for another month. Swindon have had a bid accepted by Inverness for midfielder Lee Cox. The 21 year old started his career at Leicester but was released two years ago.
Barnet have loaned midfielder Sam Cox to Boreham Wood until the end of the season, and will not be offering the player a new deal. The 21 year old has started only six games in 18 months with the Bees. Barnet have also ended the loan of defender Jack Saville after failing to agree financial terms with Southampton over an extension. Morecambe have loaned new striker signing Jack Redshaw back to Altrincham for an initial month.
Gills to Compensate Supporters after Accrington Defeat
Gillingham Football Club have promised to compensate their 261 supporters who travelled to Accrington Stanley only to see their side lose 4-3. The Gills have now lost four games in a row and have dropped to ninth in the table.
"We'll pay for the supporters who came up this weekend," manager Andy Hessenthaler told BBC Sport.
"I feel really sorry for them.
"Every player in that dressing room will contribute towards the fans' travel up here.
"They deserve better. They can't come up here and pay their hard-earned money to see us do that.
"I feel really sorry for them, they travelled a long, long way on a cold day and they should be rewarded. We haven't rewarded them so I think we should pay them back. We'll pay for all the supporters coming up this weekend because it's not acceptable.
"We're on a bad run. I always take full responsibility.
"I want to repay the fans on the pitch, we haven't done that. We want to repay them and reimburse them for a long journey without a performance."
Next Saturday Hereford United visit Gillingham. Given the prospect of sitting outside on what's expected to be a very cold February afternoon, it's unlikely there will be a large following of Bulls supporters at the game.
Last season the game took place on the first Saturday in April.
I've got my foot back in the door says Elder
Hereford United striker Nathan Elder gave a long interview to BBC Radio Shropshire after yesterday's match at Edgar Street.
In it he described his time at Hayes and Yeading whom he joined after leaving Shrewsbury and then his move to Hereford and back in full time football.
"It wasn't full time football at Hayes," said Elder.
"Coming back from injury and then only part time was very difficult to keep your fitness and workrate.
"Then Hereford gave me an opportunity which was fantastic. Back in full time. Once you leave football it's so tough to get back in.
"I'm lucky I've got my foot back in the door."
Elder was asked about Hereford's position in the League.
"I think we need to give fans more, if I'm honest. Sounds a bit strong but I don't think we are giving the fans what they deserve.
"I don't think we are getting the results we should be especially at home and I think we need to improve on that.
"We've got half the season left and we need to be careful. We are not safe by any means. The teams around us are doing much better than they were. No excuses, we need to improve."
Elder was asked about Gary Peters being director of football with Hereford and what he does.
"He leaves most of it to Jamie. When he first came he had a lot of in-put.
"I think now he has put his side in and he steps back. Whenever he sees something that he thinks should be improved he's happy to step in and say.
"He's still got a passion for the game."
Saturday, January 28, 2012
A49 BRAGGING RIGHTS TO SLOPS
An early corner for the home side gave fans a chance to see the latest training ground move. No fewer than five Bulls congregated on the corner of the box, apparently in deep conversation, and then dispersed to all points of the compass as the ball was delivered. However, a fellow Bull proved elusive for Joe Colbeck. Terry Gornell came close for the visitors, latching on to a through ball and firing wide from an acute angle. Nicky Featherstone’s energetic harrying gave some cause for hope, though a half-hearted penalty appeal when he tumbled seemed optimistic at best. Will Evans embarked on a promising run which led to a corner, and Delroy Facey was penalised for a shove when well placed.
Despite more than holding their own for the opening quarter of an hour, Shrewsbury seemed less frenetic in their approach play, and it was a familiar story as they took the lead. After winning a corner which was cleared by Michael Townsend, the ball ran for Joe Jacobson out wide on the left wing. The defender delivered an exquisite cross onto an unmarked Gornell’s head, and Adam Bartlett stood no chance. Hereford’s response consisted of a Colbeck long shot which was way off target, and a cross from the same player which Facey nodded wide. Meanwhile, Jermaine Grandison, impressive in both name and stature (does he have a brother called Stretton?), did well to foil Featherstone’s determined run. Fellow defender Ian Sharps then headed Yoann Arquin’s cross to safety. Hereford then won a free kick which Colbeck wasted, though in the aftermath, Evans unleashed a piledriver which, unfortunately, went directly to Chris Neal in the Shrewsbury goal.
Clinical finishing, not a familiar concept at Edgar Street this term, then gave promotion chasing Town a second goal. 27 minutes had passed when Matt Richards’ astute pass found James Collins. Bulls defenders backed off, Richards, noticing everything opening up in front of him, took aim and fond Bartlett’s net from the edge of the penalty area. Bartlett did well to claim a hanging cross from Jacobson, and then was out quickly to smother a Gornell chance. At the other end, a Colbeck centre bounced up against a defensive hand, but appeals for a penalty were waved away.
HT: HUFC 0 SHREWSBURY TOWN 2
Mark Wright’s free kick was well saved, and despite the Bulls forcing a series of corners, the finishing touches were lacking. Either the ball would not fall for a Hereford player, or shots were off target or blocked by an alert Shrews rearguard. Harry Pell’s run at the heart of the back for created a chance for Arquin which was blocked. The introduction of Nathan Elder and Richard Peniket made little difference to the situation. Barkhuizen’s lively run ended with a pass to Colbeck who screwed his shot horribly wide.
Pell flicked on a Colbeck free kick, but could not find a colleague, whilst the dangerous Collins fired into the side netting when well placed for the visitors. New boy Ben Purkiss, who looked promising, calmly prevented a Gornell threat. Featherstone, maintaining his personal energy level, then won a late throw which Barkhuizen launched into the box, and once more no Bull could get in a shot. Shrewsbury were in the comfort zone, and completed the double over a disappointing Hereford side.
FT: HUFC 0 SHREWSBURY TOWN 2
Attendance: 3515, including 1256 from Salop.
HUFC: Bartlett, Purkiss, Green, Townsend, Purdie, Evans (Elder 68), Pell, Colbeck, Featherstone, Facey (Barkhuizen 46), Arquin (Peniket 77).
SHREWSBURY TOWN: Neal, Grandison, Jacobson, Sharps, Wright, Collins, Richards, McAllister, Taylor, Regan, Gornell.
We deserved the win said Turner
Shrewsbury Town manager Graham Turner felt his side deserved the win over Hereford United this afternoon.
"It's another three points for us - I thought we won the game in the first half," Turner told the press.
"In the second it had got a bit scrappy when we didn't pass the ball particularly well, but I thought we deserved the win.
"Our strikers have had a lean time of late but we scored two goals - the first was well worked and the second an individual strike. Overall it was a good result for us.
"We knew it was going to be difficult, being a local derby, and sooner or later Hereford are going to start winning a few games. So we are pleased to have got the game out of the way and have got the three points."
No Major Problems with Shrewsbury Fans
Around 80 police were visible around the town both before and after the game. 
Around 150 Shrewsbury supporters were allowed into the Herdman pub before the game and were then given a police escort to Edgar Street.
UPDATE: "There was one arrest made under the section five public order act. There was a very robust police operation in place and both sets of fans behaved very well," said a police spokesperson.
"We also had support from the British Transport Police who helped patrol the rail networks."
Results Round-Up
The Bulls retain a four point safety gap after today's results. Despite Dagenham (24pts) beating Rotherham 3-2, Both Plymouth (22) and Northampton (21) suffered 1-0 losses to Port Vale and Torquay respectively to keep the Bulls (26) clear of immediate danger. Bradford are a point ahead of the Bulls after going down 2-1 at Bristol Rovers, while Macclesfield are three points further clear despite going down 3-1 to Cheltenham. Aldershot are on 31 points after beating Wimbledon 2-1, and Barnet are up to 32 after a 2-0 win over nine-man Crewe.
At the top Cheltenham's win puts them three points clear with neither Crawley or Southend playing. That allows Shrewsbury to close their gap to third to a single point, with Torquay moving up to fifth as Swindon also didn't play. Accrington are into the play-offs after their 4-3 win over Gillingham, leapfrogging Oxford and the Gills.
In the Conference, Fleetwood beat Forest Green 2-1 to maintain a one point lead at the top from Wrexham, who beat Bath 2-0. It is then nine points to third place Luton, who beat Alfreton 1-0. Kidderminster retain a play-off spot despite losing 2-1 at Stockport. Darlington had over 6,000 for their home match with York that ended 2-2, while fellow crisis club Kettering beat Lincoln 1-0 to keep themselves out of the bottom four.
Two Bits of Quality was the Difference said Bartlett
Hereford United goalkeeper Adam Bartlett thought the Bulls started this afternoon's match with Shrewsbury Town 'quite well'.
"First ten, fifteen minutes we caused them a few problems," Bartlett told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"But two bits of quality on the day turned it against us.
"I think they were a lot more clinical in the final third.
"It's a great ball in for their first goal. The lad gone between two centre-backs and the second one, he's had too much space. He's got in and took the goal well.
"We're disappointed because of such a big crowd at the game. It was a real chance for us to make amends for how poor our home form has been this season."
Some Hereford supporters thought the second Shrewsbury goal looked offside.
"I think Rob Purdie said in the changing room at half-time that he thinks he played him on. The lad has been clever.
"We're disappointed, we shouldn't be conceeding goals like that.
"It was too easy for them to get the ball and play the pass in the first place.
"Too easy for the cross to come in for the first goal.
"We've got to address the home form because it's ten defeats this season.
"It's embarrassing really when you look at stats like that."
Barts spoke about the hand ball shout just before half-time.
"The most disappointing thing is that the linesman was on that side and he's decided not to give it. Sometimes you get them, sometimes you don't. Today was another one of those days."
Stats from the A49 Derby
Possession: Bulls 46% Shrews 54%
Shots on Target: Bulls 5 Shrews 6
Shots off Target: Bulls 7 Shrews 2
Corners: Bulls 4 Shrews 5
Fouls: Bulls 9 Shrews 10
Cards: Not one player on either received received a card.
Man of the Match: Nicky Featherstone was chosen by the sponsors, HM Care, as their man of the match.
Attendance: 3515 with 1256 in the away end.
Bottom of League Two:
20 Bradford 27 -6 27
21 HEREFORD 28 -18 26
22 Dagenham 28 -20 24
23 Plymouth 28 -21 22
24 Northampton 28 -24 21
Shrewsbury were more clinical says Pitman
In his post match interview with BBC Hereford and Worcester, Jamie Pitman felt Shrewsbury won this afternoon's game at Edgar Street because they were more clinical than the Bulls.
"I think that first half we had a number of opportunities that we haven't made the most of and the same in the second half," said the Hereford United manager.
"We were very close to matching them.
"The difference in the two teams was that they were more clinical than us. Simple as that.
"And I'll say again, because it's happened a number of times here, we haven't had the rub of the green.
"For us to get beat is very disappointing because I don't think they were that much better than us, just more clinical at the right times."
Pitman felt the referee missed a couple of hand-balls, one just before half-time.
"I don't think that was the only one to be honest.
"I felt the referee had a good game but big decisions I think he has got wrong.
"Whether it is intentional or not it's stopped the ball going from where we wanted it to go, so as far as I'm concerned it's hand-ball."
Bulls Downed In Derby
The Bulls lost the A49 derby 2-0 to Shrewsbury.
First half strikes from Terry Gornell and James Collins settled the game, but the Bulls had a clear penalty for handball denied before half time. Despite throwing on a trio of attackers during the second half they couldn't find a breakthrough.
Full report later.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Some Room remains for Hereford Supporters
Hereford United supporters who want to watch this afternoon's game against Shrewsbury Town and haven't bought a ticket should be able to pay on the gate.
Whilst some sections of the ground are said to be close to being full, others have limited space remaining.
Best advice to is to get to the ground a little earlier than usual.
Leslie signed by Wrexham
Just hours after leaving Shrewsbury, Steve Leslie has signed for Wrexham. The midfielder spent several months on loan with the Bulls earlier this season.
"I was training with Shrewsbury this morning and then had the call to say that Wrexham wanted me," he told BBC Sport
"I had no hesitation in agreeing to come here [to Wrexham] because the team is doing well and I just want to be playing football," he added.
"Wrexham is a big club and I've heard great things about the place. The team have been going great guns this season so I know I've got to play well to get into the side but I'm looking forward to the challenge."
Hereford has given me security says Elder
"It was nice to agree a deal and get myself a bit of security," Elder told the Shropshire Star. "Hopefully I can finally get settled and try and do my job properly.
"With the injury it was very tough to see me playing in the Football League again and Jamie (Pitman) and Mr Peters (Hereford director of football Gary Peters, the ex-Town boss) have given me a massive opportunity.
"I’ve not been starting lately, I haven’t played much in a while and I think they wanted to give me a rest, which I completely respect.
"But I want my starting place back and that’s the hunger I think you need.
"We’ve had patches where we have looked unbelievable but then we have gone on a couple of bad runs.
"Some of that was down to a bit of bad luck, like conceding late goals.
"But we’ve tweaked a few things and I think that will start to show in the second half of the season."
Odds Drop for a Hereford Win
The odds for a Hereford United win over near neighbours Shrewsbury Town tomorrow afternoon have dropped slightly. Yesterday BetVictor was offering 3/1 but late this afternoon their price had dropped to 13/5.
Current best price for a Hereford win is 11/4 with SkyBet. For a draw the best price is 5/2 and that's with BetVictor.
Latest quote from SkyBet:
Hereford 11/4 Draw 12/5 Shrewsbury 1
Onto the correct score:
1-0 to Hereford: 9/1 with Paddy Power, Stan James and Coral
2-0 to Hereford: 20/1 with BetFair and Coral
2-1 to Hereford: 12/1 with Bet365, SkyBet, William Hill and Coral
3-0 to Hereford: 70/1 with BetFair
3-1 to Hereford: 40/1 with Coral
3-2 to Hereford: 50/1 with SkyBet, Boylesports and William Hill
0-0 draw: 9/1 with Stan James
1-1 draw: 6/1 with William Hill, Totesport and BetFred
2-2 draw: 18/1 with William Hill
3-3 draw: 80/1 at various bookies
Finally first goalscorer in the game:
Delroy Facey 17/2 with Bet365
Nathan Elder 9/1 with Bet365
Tom Barkhuizen: 9/1 with Coral
Yoann Arquin: 10/1 with Paddy Power
Joe Colbeck: 14/1 with most bookies
As ever, all prices from oddschecker.com and are subject to change.
Giantkillers Dinner is Sold Out
The giantkillers dinner which is to take place on February 11th is sold out.
The dinner, which will be held in the Starlite Rooms, is part of a programme of events to celebrate Hereford United's FA Cup win over Newcastle United in 1972.
HUISA – Gillingham
Leslie Quits Shrews
Steve Leslie has left Shrewsbury Town by mutual consent, the Shrews have announced.
The winger failed to break into the first team picture after returning to the club following his second loan spell at Edgar Street. The 24 year old scored four times in 21 games for the Bulls over four months in total, and started half of his 120 appearances for the Shrews since debuting in 2006.
FSF View on Youth Development
The Football Supporters Federation feel that some elite clubs are trying to muscle in on the lower division clubs firstly by suggesting they should be allowed feeder clubs and secondly by wanting an increasing slice of the youth development budget.
FSF deputy chair Jon Keen gives his view:
Back in October 2011 the Elite Player Performance Programme (EPPP) was introduced despite opposition from many fans and a number of Football League clubs. Although the major controversy sparked by EPPP was the level of compensation (and how it’s calculated) when a young player moves from one side to another, other fundamental changes deserve analysis too, especially those relating to the organisation and grading of academies.
Under the previous youth development system, there were just two levels of youth development centre across all clubs, whether Premier League or Football League. These were Academies and Centres of Excellence, and the difference between them was the minimum level of facilities required at each - for instance an Academy would need an indoor covered training area.
But instead of these two levels, there will be four levels of youth development centre under EPPP. At the top will be Category One academies, the so-called “Super Academy.” It’s estimated that an EPPP Category One academy will cost £2m+ a year to run as it requires a high level of coaching and facilities. Category One academies which set-up accommodation and educational facilities or partnerships will also be exempt from the 90 minute (the restriction on the recruitment radius) rule making it easier for elite clubs to pool talent from across the country.
At the next level, Category Two academies will be roughly equivalent to academies under the old system, with Category Three academies similar to existing Centres of Excellence. Below these will be a new level, Category Four, limited only to registering young players between the ages 16–18. They will pick up released players.
All levels have greater flexibility in the time that can be spent each week coaching young players and there are also changes in player registration rules with young players permitted to sign a pre-scholarship agreement at 14. This is a crucial breakpoint which, should a youngster jump ship to another club, raises the question of compensation. And that is the biggest bone of contention among many clubs.
Compensation
Under the old system the level of compensation was decided either by mutual agreement or adjudication via the Professional Football Compensation Committee (PFCC). The decision was based on the potential of the player so, for example, when Jermain Defoe moved from Charlton Athletic to West Ham United aged 16 the award was £400,000 upfront with another £1.25m based on future club/international appearances and a 15% sell-on fee.
Under EPPP the Addicks might not have secured such (relatively) favourable terms. If mutual agreement on compensation cannot be reached the PFCC adjudication will run to a set formula based on the cost of training and the level of academy where they have been trained, without taking into account potential. These figures are strikingly low:
•For each year in an academy between ages 9-11: £3,000
•For each year in a Category 3 academy between ages 12-16: £12,500
•For each year in a Category 2 academy between ages 12-16: £25,000
•For each year in a Category 1 academy between ages 12-16: £40,000
So the maximum for a 16 year old moving from a Category 2 academy to a Category 1 will be £109,000 (three years at £3,000 and four years at £25,000). There are also cumulative fees based upon the number of appearances (up to a maximum of £1.3m) if the player makes 100 Premier League appearances. Add-ons will also be incurred for a player transferred between the ages of 12-16 (20% of the next fee if the player moves before turning 24 plus 5% of all future domestic fees).
Academy funding
The final set of changes concerns funding. Under EPPP, the total funding provided by the Premier League for youth development will increase although it will be paid in a different way. Instead of a lump sum distributed by the Football League, the Premier League will pay a proportion of core funding for each academy, according to its level. This will range from £775,000 per year (one-third of the cost of a Category One academy) down to an £100,000 for a Category Four academy (two-thirds of the running costs). These subsidies will increase gradually over the four year life of this EPPP agreement.
Had the clubs rejected EPPP it’s been reported that the Premier League would have withheld more than £5m currently set aside for youth development and set up their own programme. EPPP was thus passed at October’s Football League although some football industry figures stuck their head above the parapet to launch stinging attacks.
“This is a brazen attempt by the Premier League’s wealthy elite to cherry-pick the best youngsters from Football League clubs so they can comply with Uefa’s new regulations over how many home-grown players should be in their first-team squads,” said Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish in the Daily Telegraph.
Peterborough United’s Barry Fry told the BBC: “What frightens me is that a lot of clubs will pull out of having a youth system altogether. Lower league clubs will look at how much it costs to run their academy or school of excellence and think that, if the Premier League can nick their best players for a low price, what is the point of investing in it?”
What does the FSF think?
The stated aims of the proposals are solid ones – to increase both the size of the youth talent pool and the quality within it. But we have concerns that EPPP just won’t do this. There are four core criticisms:
1.Compensation. Fixed scale compensation packages for young players allows Category One academies to “Hoover up” promising youngsters safe in the knowledge that big bucks will only have to be paid out if players actually make it. This allows a level of speculation on the part of the buying club as there’s no chance an independent tribunal will compel them to pay huge compensatory packages to the selling club. Football League clubs who have previously depended on their academies to develop their teams and unearth the odd diamond might now be less inclined to do so if those players can be poached cheaply.
2.A lost generation? Category Four academies will be cheap and easy to run, a very attractive proposition to League One and Two clubs. As they can only take on 16-18 year olds the expensive business of real youth development will be avoided. But that means young teenagers who might have got their chance at a lower-league side could now be lost to the game forever.
3.Short-termism. EPPP has been agreed for a period of only four years, with no guarantees of funding after that period, but the development of a young player can take ten years or more. Permanent changes are being made to youth development based upon temporary funding arrangements, which can only be a real concern for the long-term.
4.One rule for one. EPPP breaks a long-standing principle of equality across clubs. There are now more favourable rules in youth development for Category One academies. This will discriminate against the academies at smaller clubs.
Thankfully there are a few safeguards in place and some ways that Football League clubs can minimise the impact of EPPP.
Safeguards
The first of these is to offer promising young players a pre-scholarship agreement at 14. Any youngster signed to a pre-scholarship agreement at 14 is outside the new EPPP compensation system. So the “bargain basement” for promising players doesn’t happen if Football League clubs commit to players at that age. And because compensation under EPPP rules can be based upon mutual agreement there is scope for Football League clubs to create a bidding war for a much sought after player.
Clubs outside of the elite can also dangle the carrot of first-team experience. Several Championship academies have successfully beaten Premier League ones to the signature of young prospects by showing their track record of blooding youngsters. This has proven to be an attractive selling point for game-hungry teenagers.
Finally, the biggest safeguard against Category One academies stockpiling is the limit on the number of players permitted at each age group – and these limits remain unchanged under EPPP. Thirty players in each age group are allowed at 9-14 gradually decreasing to fifteen in each age group by the team players are aged 17-21. This is critical to prevent Category One academies from monopolising youth development and any change to that would be resisted at all costs.
While we have major concerns about EPPP the FSF recognises that the Football League has voted to accept the proposals - they are now irrevocably in place. But we will closely monitor the effects they have on (largely) Football League clubs. The elite clubs must be held to account for any negative results emanating from these changes.
One big “selling point” of EPPP is that it will help develop young players for the England and Welsh national teams. We remain sceptical that this will be the case as opportunities for young players will still be limited but we’d be happy to be proven wrong on that.
Youth development is more important than any one club or individual league.
News Round-Up
Macclesfield have signed winger Marcus Marshall from Rotherham on an initial months loan. The 22 year old has fallen out of favour since being red carded in the Millers' FA Cup loss to Shrewsbury in early December. Northampton have signed midfielder Luke Guttridge following his release from Aldershot yesterday. The 29 year old previously spent two years at Sixfields from 2008, and has signed an 18 month deal.
Plymouth have extended the loan of Blackpool full back Paul Bignot until the end of the season. The former Newport man has played nine times for the Pilgrims so far. Crawley have signed Arsenal forward Sanchez Watt on loan until the end of the season. The England u19 international spent last season at Leeds, scoring once, and had a goalless month at Sheff Weds earlier this term.
Port Vale's Supporters Club have confirmed they have formally asked the club to call an EGM. The news comes on top of further revelations that the club have broken the rules of their £2.2million council loan for a second time after failing to provide the council with relevant financial information. Meanwhile, the club have come under further fire after reporting fans to the Police for protesting against the board. Several fans received Police visits including one that took photographs of the club's ground.
Wimbledon have signed Arsenal defender Gavin Hoyte on loan for a month. The 21 year old spent three months at Lincoln last season, making 15 appearances. Oxford have loaned midfielder Adam Chapman to Newport for an initial month. The 22 year old has made only one sub appearance for the U's this term. Barnet have signed Reading winger Jordan Obita on a months loan. The 17 year old has made two appearances for the Royals' first team.
Aldershot have signed forward Stefan Payne on a contract until the end of the season after Gillingham released him earlier today. The 20 year old started only three of 37 appearances for the Gills, scoring twice. Oxford have released defender Steve Kinniburgh by mutual consent. The 22 year old Scot has been only a bit part player since joining from Rangers on a two year deal in 2010.
Kidderminster midfielder Lee Hendrie has been declared bankrupt after failing to respond to court filings made by the taxman. The former Aston Villa midfielder is reported to have earned up to £24,000 a week during his career. Neath say they have settled their problems with the taxman, and made midfielder Kris O'Leary their permanent new manager. The club have shed several players, including ex-Bull Sam Gwynne, after having cashflow problems following heavy spending last season.
Shrews Sign Loan Striker
Shrewsbury Town have signed striker Romaine Sawyers on loan from West Brom ahead of tomorrow's game at Edgar Street.
The 20 year old's only first team experience was an eight minute sub appearance while on loan at Port Vale last season, during Jim Gannon's disasterous stint there. He is also a St Kitts and Nevis u23 international.
The Shrews have striker Marvin Morgan suspended for the game, while defender Shane Cansdell-Sheriff is out for a month with a damaged shoulder. Midfielder Nicky Wroe hopes to be back in contention after nearly a month on the sidelines, having come through a reserve game with Crewe in midweek with a goal.
Former Bulls pair Lionel Ainsworth and Steve Leslie also played in that match, with Ainsworth an unused sub in recent weeks and Leslie's only first team appearance for the Shrews this season coming in the JPT in August.
Memories from the 1972 Cup Run
Trevor Owens, head of sport at BBC Hereford and Worcester, will be at Edgar Street tomorrow looking to interview supporters who have interesting memories of Hereford United's famous FA Cup run in the 1971/72 season.
"We are majoring on the stories of the fans who went to Newcastle, and who saw the replay at Edgar Street - as well as the West Ham games," Owens told BN.
He has already spoken to Colin Addison, Peter Isaac and Ricky George amidst others.
"I am likely to be at Addison's from around 11am if anyone has a tale to tell, it would be good to see them."
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Stam Out For Two More Weeks
Stam was substituted at half-time in the recent away game at Dagenham with a knee problem.
"His fitness has let him down," Pitman told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"Fingers crossed it's going to be two weeks then he'll be back with us.
"I just want him to get back and play consistantly because he is such a big influence for us and we need him available."
Also missing tomorrow will be Joe Heath and Simon Clist, both having continuing groin problems, and Bruno Dalibard who is suspended. He will be available next Saturday for the trip to Gillingham.
Meanwhile Kidderminster manager Steve Burr has said he would like to extend the loan of mid-fielder James McQuilken from Hereford United for the rest of the season.
Commentary from Edgar Street on Saturday
There will be full commentary of the Hereford United versus Shrewsbury Town match on BBC Hereford and Worcester's 94.7FM frequency on Saturday.
Keith Hall will be behind the microphone at Edgar Street and former Bull Gareth Davies will be his summariser.
H&W head of sport, Trevor Owens, will also be at the ground on Saturday. He is currently making a documentary about the Newcastle FA Cup-tie in 1972 and will be looking to interview supporters and former players on their memories of that great day.
Hanford has 'Great Potential' says Pitman
Hereford United manager Jamie Pitman has followed the lead set by director of football Gary Peters in trying to justify the recent new contract deals for various players.
Talking to BBC Hereford and Worcester, Pitman called the deals given to Michael Townsend, Sam Clucas and Dan Hanford 'investments in the future'.
He thought that Townsend has worked hard to improve his game in recent months and that Clucas and Hanford are players for the future.
"Having spoke to the goal-keeping coaches, Houlty and Dan, they feel that Dan (Hanford) has got great potential.
"And the same with Sam Clucas.
"We've drip-fed him in and he's not really ever let us down.
"He can play a number of positions, he's a young lad, he's going to progress."
Butty Bach in Addisons Bar
144 pints of Butty Bach will be available in Addisons Bar on Saturday.
The bar will be open from around 10am for Hereford United supporters before the Shrewsbury game and will stay open well into the evening to help celebrate the result.
Turner expects Good Atmosphere on Saturday
Former Hereford United manager Graham Turner has told the Shropshire Star that he expects a good atmosphere when he returns to Edgar Street with Shrewsbury Town on Saturday.
“It will be a good atmosphere.
“It will be an intimidating atmosphere with the crowd so close to the pitch.
“I had 15 years there and I feel I left the club in a good state, both financially and in terms of the players they had available.
“I felt I had done my time at Hereford and served the club well. You move on and it’s now total concentration on Shrewsbury.
“It is one of the first results I look for after our own and I don’t want to see a former club struggle, but the concentration on Saturday is very much on getting three points for us.”
News Round-Up
Oxford have announced they will not be erecting a temporary stand for their derby match with Swindon due to the economics of the situation. The U's claim they would lose nearly £6 a seat due to the costs involved. The decision leaves the Robins with 1,250 tickets for the match that the home team have already sold out. Bournemouth say they have had a bid this week of around £500,000 rejected by Crawley for striker Matt Tubbs.
Burton have signed midfielder Lee Lucas on loan from Swansea. The teenager has made one sub appearance for the Swans at the end of last season, and is a Welsh u21 international. Torquay are to fanchise out their supporters bar as they cannot afford to spend money to improve the facilities themselves. Chairman Simon Baker told the local press the place needed 'some loving care'.
Accrington say they will give caretaker boss Leam Richardson every opportunity to earn the job if he wants it. The midfielder has only played 11 minutes on the pitch this season due to injury, and has been coaching in Leeds' youth setup. Doncaster chairman John Ryan has warned of 'dark days ahead' after four directors quit the club yesterday. The Championship side faces a £5million shortfall in their budget this season with two of the four previously funding the losses with Ryan.
Darlington's saviour is a 35 year old venture capitalist from Sheffield. Paul Wildes will put £300,000 in for a 60% stake in the club, with the fans raising £200,000 for the other 40%. His company specialises in constructing hotel and student accomodation and he intends the club to remain on the current site. Bradford say a move to the city's Odsal Stadium is still a possibility after the ground was bought by the Rugby Football League, but it would only likely happen if the club were to be relegated.
Rotherham have signed Crystal Palace winger Kieron Cadogan on loan until the end of the season. The 21 year old has started ten games in three years for the Eagles, and also had a short spell with Burton two years ago. Bradford have signed Hull winger Will Atkinson on loan until the end of the season, with a view to a permanent summer move. The 23 year old recently ended a season long loan at Plymouth due to a lack of game time.
Burton have extended the contract of midfielder Andres Gurrieri until the end of the season. The Argentinian has started two games and made a number of sub appearances since joining the club two months ago. Northampton have released Austrian duo Marin Pozgain and Lumbardh Salihu. The teenage pair were signed in the summer, with Pozgain failing to make a first team appearance and Salihu making only two brief sub turns.
Aldershot have ended the contract of midfielder Luke Guttridge by mutual consent. The 29 year old had been a regular this season but manager Dean Holdsworth says the player wasn't happy at the club. The Shots have extended the loan of Josh Payne from Oxford until the end of the season, but released defender Chris Doig after his short term deal expired. Harry Redknapp tried to buy Oxford, according to evidence given at his current trial. Redknapp is claimed to have lost £250,000 as part of a takeover of the club but the money disappeared 'into the mist'.
Former Bulls loanee Sam Winnall has joined SPL side Inverness on loan until the end of the season. The 21 year old Wolves forward scored twice in nine games for the Bulls.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
From the Archives : Bulls Cut Admission Prices
From January 26th 1995:
HEREFORD United have slashed admission prices after an "unacceptable" Endsleigh League Third Division performance against Chesterfield (on January 24th 1995). A mere 1,673, their lowest crowd of the season, saw Hereford beaten 2-0 at Edgar Street, and supporters at next week's home game have now been promised a £2 reduction from the normal prices of £7 for a seat and £5 to stand.
"The board decided that fans had not received value-for-money and discount prices will apply at the next game in an effort to redress the situation," the managing director, Robin Fry, said.
The Bulls next played Northampton at home and the crowd increased to 2,365. And the Bulls won 2-1.
Be Careful with Comments says Peters
Hereford United Director of Football Gary Peters has blasted some supporters for making comments about recent signings of Will Evans, Sam Clucas and Dan Hanford on Bulls Banter without knowing all the facts.
"I've seen certain comments about the youngsters we've signed," said Peters told the Official Site.
"I feel supporters need to know all the facts before making certain comments."
Peters went on to explain that the club doesn't have any second-year youth team players as yet.
"We've had to go out and get other people's youngsters. The three we've signed have all come in on first-year pro's wages. They've come here hungry to prove themselves, and if they manage that then they'll climb up the wages ladder."
Not for the first time Peters have emphasised the cost of the youngsters at Edgar Street.
"We've got nine players here with a total combined wage of less than Sean Canham.
"Other clubs are already starting to show an interest in some of these players, so again it's important that we've tied them down for next season early on."
Finally Peters asked supporters to think before they post.
"We have to be careful with comments we make, so that we don't break their spirit."
25th January 1972
News Round-Up
Port Vale's Supporters Club have nominated four people to form a new board should they get their wish to oust the current board. Two of the four are former club directors, one is the current Supporters Club chairman, and the other is the wife of TV commentator Gerald Sinsadt, who was previously a Commercial Manager at the club. Meanwhile, the local press has claimed that the club have tried to 'buy' the £150,000 shareholding of Blue Sky to use to vote for the existing board. The shares were claimed to have been voided in December, but an email last week offers to buy the shares for £1 and then pay for them 'to avoid legal action'.
Kettering's scoreboard operation expects the sack after using the scoreboard to call for chairman Imraan Ladak to leave the club during last night's shock win over Gateshead. The anti-Ladak message was followed by the message "I'm getting sacked in the morning". Elsewhere in the Conference, Wrexham slipped off the top of the table in losing 1-0 at Forest Green with Fleetwood taking top spot after beating Braintree 3-1.
Conf North side Histon have released striker Omer Riza as a cost-cutting measure. The former Shrewsbury forward was the club's top earner and was axed due to falling income at the club. Former Rotherham boss Ronnie Moore is to apply for the Accrington job. Stanley first team coach Mark Patterson is the current bookies favourite for the job, with Sligo Rovers manager Paul Cook, the former Wolves midfielder, second on the list.
Northampton are trialling defender Chris Doig. The Scot was released from a short term deal at Aldershot last month and previously spent two years at Sixfields, winning promotion in 2006. The Football League have agreed to move next season's League One and Two play-off matches forward a week to accomodate the 2013 Champions League final, shortening the season by a week. The Championship match will remain in it's usual Bank Holiday Monday slot.
Macclesfield have released goalkeeper Steve Collis and former Bulls striker John Grant after their six month deals expired. Keeper Collis made just one JPT appearance for the Silkmen but will continue to train with them. Grant, now 30, made only five sub appearances as he struggled for fitness. Cambridge have beaten off a couple of League Two sides to sign Welling striker Andy Pugh. The 22 year old has 15 goals to his name in Conf South this season and cost £15,000.
Barnet council have passed the resolution calling on them to settle their differences with the club. The Tory-led council will now meet with club chairman, and Labour activist, Tony Kleanthous after the resolution was proposed by the council's Labour members. Wimbledon have signed Bognor Regis striker Jason Prior on a two and a half year deal. The 23 year old has just finished a three week trial at Newcastle after netting nearly 100 times for the Ryman South side in two and a half years.
Bulls Trio Sign New Deals
Michael Townsend, Sam Clucas, and Dan Hanford have all signed new deals at Edgar Street for next season, the club have announced.
Townsend will extend his Edgar Street stay for a third season after originally being signed by Simon Davey in the summer of 2009. Clucas and Hanford, who both came from the Glenn Hoddle Academy side, extend their short term deals into longer stays.
There are now eleven Bulls signed up for next season. These will be denoted on our Playing Squad page.
Meanwhile, the official site reports that it will be three weeks before we see Simon Clist again due to his groin problem, Stefan Stam is resting his knee injury before being assessed further, and Joe Heath remains sidelined with his 'groin irritation' and is on a programme of stretching work.
Pilgrims Bring In Deehan
Plymouth have appointed John Deehan as the club's Director of Football to assist manager Carl Fletcher until the end of the season.
The 54 year old former Norwich manager has spent most of his career as no.2 to a string of managers including Mike Walker, John Gregory, and Steve Bruce. More recently he has had mentoring roles at Northampton, Lincoln, and Grimsby to mixed success. He helped the Cobblers to promotion, but was axed by Lincoln during their sliding fortunes, and released by Grimsby when they were relegated from the League.
Meanwhile, Stevenage have appointed Gary Smith as their new manager. The 43 year old former Wycombe and Barnet midfielder has had various coaching roles with the likes of Watford and Wycombe before ending up as manager of MLS side Colorado Rapids for three years.
Preview: Bulls vs Shrewsbury
The Bulls entertain Shrewsbury Town in another League Two match at Edgar Street on Saturday.
The two sides have been paired together in six of the last nine seasons after only sporadic meetings previously. The Shrews come to Edgar Street having won the last four encounters since Gavin McCallum and Ryan Valentine gave the Bulls a 2-1 win at Edgar Street in October 2009, while current Bull Nathan Elder came off the bench for the Shrews in that game. Earlier this season the Bulls lost 3-1 in some field in the middle of nowhere, with Tom Barkhuizen getting the Bulls' goal.
The Bulls seem to be relying on their away form again this season, going into Saturday's match having not won in seven home games but having taken eight points from 12 on the road in recent weeks. A variety of tactics have been deployed in recent weeks, and the long range artillery has been reined in a bit in the last couple of games. Joe Colbeck's pair of assists for Michael Duberry's finishing suggests the winger is back on top form, while the unpredictable Yoann Arquin will bamboozle a makeshift Shrews defence after three goals in the last five matches.
The Shrews will come to Edgar Street much depleted and still searching for new faces. Graham Turner took to the radio to rant about agents again yesterday after seeing a string of targets evade his grasp, with two loanees opting for other sides and a slew of injuries hampering their promotion bid. Nine goal top scorer Marvin Morgan, who hit two against the Bulls earlier in the season, is suspended for the game while former Bulls winger Lionel Ainsworth has been an unused sub for the last two matches since missing a sitter in their FA Cup match at Middlesboro.
Hereford United vs Shrewsbury Town, Edgar Street, Saturday 28th January, 1.00pm.