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."

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