Test: November 2013

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Bulls Advent Calendar - No.1

This year, Bulls News will be doing it's own Bulls-related advent calendar.

Behind door number one is Kevin Rose.

Arguably the Bulls' most resilient no.1, Rose played 253 consecutive League matches during the 1980's. Originally a Ledbury Town player, he was first sold to Lincoln City for £10,000 in 1979 - a sum worth over £40,000 by today's values.

He returned to Ledbury before joining the Bulls in 1983, where he established himself in between the sticks. He eventually left Edgar Street in 1989 for Bolton, before spells at Rochdale and Kidderminster.

For several seasons, Rose was the only senior keeper on the Bulls' books. When he finally got injured, the Bulls had to bring in a loanee with no reserve stopper available.

Foyle And The Trophy

Two seasons, Two FA Trophy Ties at Edgar Street, Two 3-0 defeats by teams at the time below the Bulls and similar comments from manager Martin Foyle.

What is it about the Trophy that Foyle doesn't like?

This season in particular chairman David Keyte was desparate for a win just to get some cash in the bank.

But it wasn't much different last season.

Go back to Foyle's post match comments after the Bulls lost to Chelmsford. He made six changes from the team he put out the previous Tuesday.

"Should I have played Joe Heath today? (who is on four bookings) But Ebbsfleet is in my mind because I still think we can do well in the League.

"Marley as well but he's on four bookings. I didn't want him to miss Ebbsfleet or Kidderminster.

"Was I being too clever today? No not at all."

And compare them with his comments today.

Damon Lathrope Came On At Half-Time

"When Damon (Lathrope) came on, he gave us that little bit of quality.

"But I didn't start him today because he's on four bookings and I wanted him more for the Nuneaton game.

"That's my decision and I know it would be the right one."

Selection Of Photos From Trophy Tie At Edgar Street

A selection of pictures from this afternoon's FA Trophy Tie At Edgar Street which Woking won with ease by 3-0.

Michael Rankine Makes Ground

Sam Smith Started Today's Game

Micah Evans Is Brought Down

Goal Mouth Scramble After A Dan Walker Free-Kick

Micah Evans Gets Ahead Of Two Woking Players

Banya Gets To The Ball With Three Hereford Players Watching

Keyte Talks About Financial Position

Hereford United chairman David Keyte has spoken to the Hereford Times about why the decision has been taken to introduce more cuts at Edgar Street.

"We have decided that we have to continue with further cutbacks," Keyte told Richard Prime of the HT.

"We made the decision after Tuesday night’s fixture with Halifax, with a gate of about 1,100, allowed us to bank around £3,000.

"We had been contemplating cutbacks for a few weeks and probably should have done it sooner.

"We have decided to cut back on hours; the bars will not now open until 6pm."

The cuts include staff such as club secretary Lee Symonds and other office staff being put on a three day week and two of the catering staff, Richard Fletcher and his assistant Shirley Cannan, who have also had their hours reduced and are understood to be considering their position.

The Starlite Rooms will be closed to the public until 6pm at night.

"Basically, the facility will not be open to the public during the day, which is the exact opposite of what we set out to do, but the bars will be open for 6pm and we will still be open for functions and bookings," said Keyte.

Woking winning the FA Trophy match this afternoon hasn't helped admitted Keyte.

"We want to stay in cup competitions – it keeps the season going - but today it was job done at half-time.

"The financial facts are that we are losing £30,000 per month, and we now believe that we are taking £7-800 per month out in terms of the non-football departments by this move, so we are clearly not going to balance the books by this."

Read the full article on the Hereford Times Site: http://www.herefordtimes.com/

Bulls Fall at First Hurdle

Captain Josh O'Keefe And Sam Smith about To Kick-Off Into The Bright Sunlight

United boss Martin Foyle made two changes ahead of today’s FA Trophy match against Woking. Both Chris Bush and Damon Lathrope dropped to the bench in favour of Joel Edwards and Dan Walker respectively.

Dan Walker In The Starting Eleven

With £5000 reward for the winners, this was a game that United needed to win.

The Bulls started off attacking the Blackfriars End and with Artus restored into the heart of midfield, he gifted Sam Smith a great chance to send the Bulls ahead, but his long ball was just out of reach and went out for a Woking goal kick.

Loanee Micah Evans won an early free kick 20 yards out and was taken by Artus. Instead of playing the ball into the Woking box he chose to pass back to Leadbitter who under pressure lost possession and Woking carried the ball into the box and Scott Rendell made no error in burying the ball into the back of Lloyd-Weston’s net.

As soon as United restarted play, Captain O’Keefe fed a ball through to Smith, who blazed his shot well over visiting keeper, Sam Beasent’s goal.

A chance to equalise came after 20 minutes for the Bulls, after O’Keefe headed Edwards’ pin point cross onto the cross bar, but United’s skipper was quickly deemed offside by the linesman.

Artus won possession in the middle of the field, passed to Rankine who set up Walker to make a decent shot from the left, but his effort deflected out. The resulting corner was sent deep into the box, but eventually cleared by Woking’s defence.

With little under 15 minutes remaining of the first period, Jack Marriott managed to double Woking’s lead. After making it past some sloppy Hereford defending, Bulls’ keeper Lloyd-Weston parried Marriott’s shot, only for him to follow up and plant the ball in the far corner of the net.

Sam Smith Fends Off Two Woking Players

Hereford were on the attack when Smith was brought down, winning a free kick in Woking’s half. Artus sent the ball into the box, only for it to be instantly headed away. With Woking retaining possession from the clearance, they wrapped up the game on 37 minutes. Lloyd-Weston made two great parries, but the third shot saw Rendell get his second as he side-footed the ball home.

Rankine missed a great chance of scoring on the stroke of half time, heading a cross from Walker agonisingly wide from 6 yards.

The Soup Was Better Than The Football

HT: Hereford 0 – Woking 3

As Hereford looked to drag themselves back into the game, they restarted in a 3-5-2 formation; Eric Odhiambo replaced the ineffective Sam Smith, and Joel Edwards, who made his starting debut, made way for loanee Damon Lathrope who Martin Foyle presumably was resting because of picking up 4 yellow cards in previous games.

Hereford looked more enthusiastic going into the second period, with Artus blasting an early 20 yard effort, just wide.

Artus was yet again involved in the build up to a decent chance, as he sent a long ball into the box which O’Keefe converted, but the goal was ruled out by the referee as O’Keefe was offside.

Sub Eric Odhiambo Appeared To Be Tripped But No Free-Kick Given

As the half wore on, Hereford used the services of wingers Walker and Evans, who did well to set up numerous chances in the 18 yard box. But the Bulls’ have gone back to lacking that cutting edge in the final third.

Leadbitter had the opportunity of scoring a consolation goal for the Whites in the dying stages of the game as, he broke free from defence and ran the length of the field to send a promising ball into the box, only for it to be caught by Beasent.

Woking could have added another goal to the score sheet deep in stoppage time, as Lloyd-Weston did well to save Giuseppe Sole’s close range shot.

FT: Hereford 0 – Woking 3

Att: 1,041 with 39 from Woking.

This was a very lacklustre performance by the Bulls after a four game unbeaten run, hopefully they have got it out of their system and can gain the points needed to stave off the threat of the dreaded R word.

Nuneaton next up at Edgar Street, so they will have to be on top form for that one. It can only be better than today’s performance.

Hereford: Lloyd-Weston, Leadbitter, McDonald, Collins, Edwards (Lathrope 46’), Walker, O’Keefe, Artus, M. Evans, Smith (Odhiambo 46’), Rankine. Subs not used: R Evans, Bush, Graham.
Woking: Beasant, Ricketts, McNerney, Cester, Nutter, Betsy, Murtagh, Payne (Parkinson 65’), Banya (Newton 72’), Rendell (Sole 78’), Marriott. Subs not used: Howe, Goddard.

See you on Saturday.

Trophy Defeat Makes Financial Position Even Worse

This afternoon's defeat in the FA Trophy has made the financial position even worse at Edgar Street.

Losing the game has denied the Bulls the £5000 prize money and another game in the competition.

But it's not only that.

The poor performance by the side, especially in the first half, led to chants of 'what a load of rubbish' at the final whistle.

Those who didn't come today aren't likely to return in droves to next Saturday's Conference match against Nuneaton.

Earlier this week BN reported that more cuts were expected at the club.

It's now understood some off the pitch staff are to lose their jobs and that might be just the tip of the cuts.

The gate money from the game is unlikely to be more than £10k which probably means about £4k for the Bulls. Add to that perhaps £1k from catering and programmes and it's not hard to work out that the club can't function as it is on this level of income.

Lack Of Fight Today Said Foyle

After an abject display against Woking this afternoon, Hereford United manager Martin Foyle suggested his players might not be as good as they think they are.

"It was one of those games, there was absolutely nothing in it, no excitement," Foyle told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"We had a free kick in a good area, got caught short, players on the edge of the box not doing their jobs.

"They go and break and they go and score.

"It was poor quailty by Frankie and it happened on the next goal after that as well.

"Tried to play inside - stick the ball in the box, we've got some height and we've got some penetration. We look dangerous at set pieces.

"I don't know, whether it's the case we think we are better than what we are.

"I've just said to the players you're nowhere near good enough for the next level.

"It's not me being harsh, it's me being honest and brutal with them.

"There was a lack of fight, I thought the mid-field two were very very poor today. Didn't influence anything but they have been good. But today they were well out of sorts.

"I've tried to go 4-4-2 to have a good go, play with two wingers to open up and show some attacking intent.

"It wasn't the defenders. I took Joel off at half-time, I felt sorry for Joel because he's an honest lad but the others let him down today."

Frankie Artus With Manager Martin Foyle Praying? In The Dug-Out

Foyle spoke about the quality of his squad.

"We had more quality last year and quality is getting thinner and thinner as the months go on.

"But that's the position I'm in.

"I've been let down for, probably, the first time today."

Foyle agreed that there had been some improvement in the second half.

"I thought we pressed them more in their half.

"But if people had done their jobs and were disciplined then we would have been in the game but there were some bad, bad individual performances today."

There were no youth team players on the bench today.

Rhys Evans Keeping The Sun Out Of His Eyes

"On the bench today was a half-fit Luke Graham, Rhys Evans isn't fit but we had him on the bench.

"When Damon (Lathrope) came on, he gave us that little bit of quality.

"But I didn't start him today because he's on four bookings and I wanted him more for the Nuneaton game.

"That's my decision and I know it would be the right one."

Bulls Out With A Whimper

The Bulls crashed out of the FA Trophy with a 3-0 loss to Woking.

An abject display saw the tie over inside half an hour. The Bulls hit the crossbar and had a goal ruled out for offside, but it simply wasn't good enough.

Full report later.

Bulls Plight Featured In London Evening Standard

The following is from the London Evening Standard (link):

A football club with a reputation for FA Cup upsets is appealing for investment to save it from administration.

Hereford United, who claimed their place in English football folklore by knocking Newcastle United out of the FA Cup in 1972, are hoping their traditions - and prospects of growth - will attract financial backing in their bid to raise £1.5m.

The Conference Premier side were playing in League One just four years ago but their subsequent fall from the football league has sent the Bulls to the brink of collapse.

"This club is on its knees and we need help," Hereford United chairman David Keyte told Standard Sport. "We've slashed costs and wages over the last 18 months. The community and supporters have been wonderful, coming up with various sponsored events but we are still in big trouble."

The Bulls have gone from receiving £750,000 from the Football League to just £47,000 from their participation in non-league football's top tier, while average gates have dropped from 2,500 to 1,700 per match, which means the club receive around £10,000 less every weekend than they used to.

In addition to the famous Newcastle win, Hereford United's ground Edgar Road has also played host to a number of memorable cup ties including draws with the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham, when a team including Geoff Hurst and Bobby Moore were frustrated by the spirited underdogs before eventually overcoming them in the replay at Upton Park.

Keyte added: "Our priority is to achieve the financial stability to help us return to the football league, but we also have the opportunity for residential and commercial development on both ends of the ground, thanks in part to a very supportive local council, so we feel there is a unique opportunity here."

In addition to seeking major investors, the club have also launched a share issue, with shares available for just 25p. To find out more email club@herefordunited.co.uk

£5000 Up For Grabs

£5000 is on offer to the winners of this afternoon's FA Trophy tie at Edgar Street.

The tie sees the return of Woking to Hereford for the first time since last September.

That Conference League game was played on a Tuesday evening and the Bulls won 2-1.

Currently Woking are 19th in the Conference with 20 points, Hereford are 17th with 25 points but have played one extra game.

The income the Tie generates is badly needed at Edgar Street so the club will be hoping that, given the good weather conditions and plenty of warm soup, there will be a reasonable turn-out of supporters.

The proceeds from the game are split after taking out reasonable expenses such as the match officials charges.

The Bulls are 11/10 to win the Tie with Bet365, a draw is 12/5 generally.

Please note admission prices have been reduced for today's match.

Friday, November 29, 2013

Blackfriars Terrace Trial Extended

The club have announced that they will open turnstiles on Blackfriars Street for those wanting to use the Blackfriars Terrace.

Having allowed access to the smoking area through Addisons for the last two games, the club will now open turnstiles for fans to go directly onto the Terrace. There will be no access from Addisons, and tickets need to be purchased on the turnstiles.

Adult Tickets are £10 on the Blackfriars and Meadow End Terraces, and £12 in the stands.

Meanwhile, the latest edition of The Bull is out tomorrow, priced at £2.50.

The programme is also available for download via the matchday digital app (link), priced at £2.49.

XSLF Return

Should Be A Good Game Says Woking's Hill

Woking manager Garry Hill has said that he is hoping for a good game at Hereford tomorrow.

The two clubs meet in the First Round of the FA Trophy at Edgar Street.

"I think we're due a run in the FA Trophy," said Hill.

"It's a great competition and the club has a proud history. Every game is important to us and we know Saturday will be tough.

"We know enough about Hereford and they know enough about us. Both teams have hit a bit of form recently so it should be a good game."

Hill has been lucky that Mansfield have allowed Keiran Murtagh to spend a third spell on loan with Woking.

"Having Kieran back is a big bonus for us," said Hill.

"He's a good player, good on the ball and gives us that little extra quality in the midfield area.

"He'll be in the squad for Hereford and there's a strong possibility he'll go straight into the side."

Wednesday December 11th - Prize Bingo

Conference Chairman Speaks On Match Fixing Probe

Conference chairman Brian Lee has spoken to the Daily Mail about the current match-fixing crisis.

The paper reports that two unnamed games in the three division competition are under scrutiny, with two charged and a further five - including Delroy Facey - out on bail.

Lee told the paper: "I have no evidence that it is the Conference but I would be absolutely horrified if something like this had affected our competition. I'm horrified that anyone would want to ruin our game.

"These people must be evil if they want to destroy the very essence of sport and I only hope that, if they are guilty, they are dealt with severely. I will obviously leave it to the Football Association and the relevant authorities to establish that."

The two people to have been charged are Singapore national Chann Sankaran, 33, and Krishna Sanjey Ganeshan, 43, who has dual UK and Singapore nationality. They are charged with conspiracy to defraud.

News Round-Up

Salisbury have signed Plymouth youngster Tyler Harvey on loan. The 18 year old will stay with the Whites until January, having made two starts and 24 sub appearances for the Pilgrims. Halifax have signed Rochdale midfielder Reece Gray and Burnley defender Tom Anderson on loan. Gray, 21, had been on loan at Hyde but was recalled earlier in the day, while Anderson, 20, was with the Tigers on loan last season.

Forest Green have signed Stoke youngster James Alabi on loan. The teenager has just completed a month at Mansfield, where he missed three games after being sent off. Boss Adrian Pennock told a fans forum on Thursday night that the club had too many players on it's books, and that he wanted taller players.

Scunthorpe say they will keep caretaker boss Russ Wilcox in charge until January, and that the former Iron defender is in 'pole position' to take the job permanently. Tamworth have signed winger Andy Haworth from Notts County. The 25 year old has made only three sub appearances for the Magpies since signing in the summer from Rochdale.

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Good To Have A Home Game Says Foyle

Hereford United manager Martin Foyle is pleased that the Bulls are at home in the Trophy tomorrow.

"I think we have played two extra League away games, then we had two in the Cup," Foyle told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"So we've been on the road a fair bit.

"It's nice for our supporters because the ones who have travelled a fair bit in recent weeks deserve a pat on the back.

"Hopefully we can get through this one and get another home one."

Foyle will be without Jon Brown, Rob Purdie, Rhys Evans, Kingsley James and Danny Pilkington for the game. He is likely to have a couple of youngsters on the bench.

Meanwhile Foyle says he pleased that his squad hasn't received that many cards this season. To date only Chris Bush has had a one match ban for collecting five yellow cards.

"They've been disciplined and I think the good thing about them is that they haven't taken a lot of bookings.

"The suspension side hasn't put pressure on me."

Sharp Could Lead Lincoln's Line Tomorrow

Chris Sharp found watching last weekend's match between Lincoln City and Hereford United difficult. Sharp is on loan at Sincil Bank for a month but wasn't allowed to take part.

"It was weird, yes," Sharp told the Lincolnshire Echo.

"Obviously you have got a foot in both camps. You want the boys here at Lincoln to do well because that is your team just now, but obviously it’s hard because I don’t want to see the boys at Hereford end up on the receiving end of a defeat.

"I think a draw was probably the best result for me. I think, probably on the share of possession Lincoln deserved to win the game. But neither team created a great deal it was just a lack of concentration at the end that allowed Hereford to nick the equaliser."

Hereford have given permission for Sharp to play in tomorrow's Trophy Tie between Stalybridge and Lincoln.

He may lead the line as Ben Tomlinson was sent off in the Hereford game and has to serve a three match ban.

"I have always been remembered for my work rate.

"Sometimes people have said I do too much pointless running, especially for a centre forward. But I like to run around and get involved and I think that’s the minimum anyone should expect from a professional footballer.

"I’d love a goal. That’s what strikers are paid for and that’s what you think about constantly."

Bulls 11/10 To Defeat Woking On Saturday

On Saturday Hereford United play Woking in the FA Trophy and currently 11/10 is the best price for a Hereford win.

That's with Betway.

Top price for a draw is 13/5 also with Betway.

A Woking win is 5/2 with BetVictor.

Meanwhile supporters are reminded that it's all pay on Saturday.

Seated:

Adults £12, Concessions £8, Juniors £3

Terrace:

Adults £10, Concessions £8, Juniors £3

Facey Out On Bail

Delroy Facey has been given bail by the police.

The former Hereford United striker has been released from police custody pending further enquiries about match-fixing.

Meanwhile Facey didn't play for his current club Albion Sports last night.

"He was due to come but didn't turn up," said secretary Jaj Singh.

"He was named on the sub's bench but was a no show. I have no idea. He's been with us about three months and is a cracking lad."

UPDATE: Friday 7am

This morning's Daily Telegraph confirms the BN story about sums of money bet on a Hereford game in 2011.

In 2011, the online betting exchange site Betfair reported that more than £300,000 was placed on a Hereford United game — 10 times more than the usual sum for a League Two game. None of the other games scheduled on the same night attracted total betting of more than £30,000.

Facey At Edgar Street

With Delroy Facey in the national sports news today, BN takes a pictorial look back at his time with the Bulls in the 2011/12 season.

Pictures taken by Andy Compton of the Hereford Journal and BN.

Delroy Facey Warming Up At Cheltenham In September 2011 - The game was drawn 0-0

Tom Barkhuizen celebrates his goal with Delroy Facey. Hereford defeated Bradford 2-0 in October 2011


Facey Scores For The Bulls In The Game Against Rotherham in December 2011. The Bulls Lost 3-2.

Facey And Shrewsbury's Ian Sharp in January 2012 - The Bulls lost 2-0

Facey Celebrates A Goal Against Cheltenham In February 2012. The Match Was Drawn 1-1

Facey Along With Yoann Arquin And Byron Anthony At Crawley In April 2012 - The Bulls Won The Game 3-0

Facey In Action Against Torquay In May 2012 - But It Was All In Vain As The Bulls Were Relegated That Day.

Tonight

Allardyce 'Shocked' By Facey News

Delroy Facey Being Interviwed By BBC Sport After His Last Game At Edgar Street In May 2012 - BN Pic

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has told the Daily Mail that he is shocked to hear that Delroy Facey could be involved with match fixing. Allardyce signed Facey whilst he was manager at Bolton.

"You can tell I'm shocked by my reaction," said Allardyce

"I’d heard the news on the radio while driving this morning but I didn’t realise any names had been linked. Wow.

"I remember Delroy. He did well against us for Huddersfield in a cup game and we did the usual thing, getting our scouts to keep an eye on him.

"He didn’t quite make it to the top but I thought he had a good career. He might have been frustrated that he wasn’t as successful as he wanted to be. He was a powerhouse. Lots of pace and strength."

Meanwhile Lincoln manager Gary Simpson has said that he reported a game to the FA because he suspected match-fixing.

"I must admit I have been involved in games where you think something is not right and I certainly flagged one of them up. I was involved in a game, I don’t want to say where it was, but there were two penalties given against us. I was told there had been an irregular betting pattern on it during the game and before the game.

"I flagged that up. We heard from the authorities that it was correct and there had been an irregular betting pattern in the game."

Final Day Of Loan Transfer Window

The loan window closes today with the Bulls struggling for fit bodies.

Boss Martin Foyle drafted Micah Evans into his squad on a youth loan earlier this week, but is unlikely to be able to bring in any more senior players without offloading his current contracted squad.

Finances remain tight at Edgar Street and Tuesday's gate of 1,158 - given the Bulls have 1,100 season ticket holders - was unlikely to be a significant payday.

Foyle has 21 first team players available, but seven are currently injured leading him to use the youth team for reinforcements in the 16 man matchday squad in recent weeks.

News Round-Up

Farnborough have given striker Reece Connolly 14 days notice after his positive drugs test. As yet the FA have made no charges against the player, but the club say they will now sue him for the transfer fee they paid and his wages. Nuneaton have loaned striker Greg Pearson to Hednesford until January. The former Burton man, 28, has started only two games since signing in the summer.

Grimsby have released midfielder Ritchie Jones by mutual consent. Jones, 27, signed a one month deal in September but has made only one start since extending his stay until January. Tamworth are reported to have allowed former Bulls loanee Lateef Elford-Alliyu to join Maltese side Valetta, with boss Dale Belford admitting they were only paying him 'petrol money' after he found himself without a club this summer.

Chester have signed Bury striker John Rooney on loan for an initial month. The 22 year old brother of Wayne has made just 4 first team appearances since returning to England 13 months ago. Woking have signed midfielder Kieran Murtagh on loan from Mansfield. The former Macclesfield man, 25, has had two previous loan spells with the Cards.

Cambridge have signed four players on loan deadline day. Carlisle's Josh Gillies, who scored 15 times for Gateshead last season, joins until January. Free agent keeper Jason Brown, 31, has arrived on a short term deal after leaving Ipswich, Southport midfielder Karl Ledsham has joined until January, and Brentford's defender Aaron Pierre also joins until January. Leaving the U's is midfielder Luke Allen, who joins Hemel Hempstead, while Scott Garner has extended his loan at Boston to the end of the season.

Salisbury have issued a statement denying reports they had sacked manager Mikey Harris after a radio station broadcast the dismissal before rectifying it to be Crawley as having sacked Richie Barker. Burton have reported a profit of £100,000 for last season. Turnover rose 23%, mostly due to off-field increases in income.

Forest Green fans are to travel with their Gloucester City counterparts on Saturday. Both clubs have away ties in Kent in the FA Trophy, so the two groups will travel together to cut costs with the Gumpers at Dartford and Tigers at Ebbsfleet. Grimsby are to loan keeper Jonathan Hedge to Evo-Stik side Matlock for an initial month. The former Cambridge stopper, 25, is yet to play for the Mariners after signing in the summer.

Welling have signed Aristide Bassele on loan from Bournemouth for an initial month. The teenage winger played three times for Lincoln in a loan spell 12 months ago. Macclesfield have signed Hyde midfielder Matty Mainwaring on loan. The former Stockport man had been a regular for the strugglers but last played at the start of the month.

Telford have loaned former Bulls loanee Dan Preston to Stourbridge for an initial month. The defender has only just completed a loan spell at Barrow. Chester have signed midfielder George Miller from Accrington on a month long loan. The 22 year old former Preston man has made only five appearances for Stanley this term after 33 last season.

Luton have loaned in three players, with two more leaving, ahead of the window closing. Defenders Alfie Mawson, from Brentford, Joe Davies, from Port Vale, and Pelly Ruddock, from West Ham have all signed deals until January. Two midfielders are leaving Kenilworth Road with Jim Stevenson joining Dartford, while JJ O'Donnell joins Hyde.

Welling have signed Leyton Orient defender De'Reece Vanderhyde on loan. The youngster was also on loan with the Wings last season, helping them to win Conf South. Alfreton have signed Northampton striker JJ Hooper on a month long loan deal. The 20 year old has made only one start and three sub appearances since joining from Newcastle in the summer.

Conference Clubs Linked To Fixing Arrests

ITV's website this morning carries the following statement:

A spokesman for the English Football Conference league has refused to comment on reports that at least three clubs in their division are involved in match-fixing allegations that has seen six men arrested.

It is currently unclear whether any of the three clubs are in the same division as the Bulls. There are suggestions that the arrests are linked to the ongoing Australian case involving four English players at Southern Stars, who all had previously played for sides in Conf South, while the 'fixer' recorded by The Daily Telegraph claimed links to a man currently assisting Hungarian authorities with their match-fixing probe.

The FA has told the press it is aware of the arrests, while the Football League say they have not been contacted.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Telegraph Names Facey In Match-Fixing Probe

Thursday's Telegraph
Pic - @telegraph

Former Bull Delroy Facey is reported to have been arrested in a match-fixing probe involving lower league clubs by Thursday's edition of The Daily Telegraph.

The paper claims Facey, listed as a 'player turned agent', three current players, and two others have been arrested in the past two days over match fixing allegations in the lower leagues.

The paper declines to name the teams involved due to the ongoing Police investigation, but claims that games could be fixed for as little as £50,000 and that the alleged match fixers are being held at a Police Station in the Midlands.

There is more on the paper's website here.

Delroy Facey Pictured In March 2012 At Edgar Street. Crewe Won The Game 1-0 (Andy Compton/Hereford Journal Pic)

Here's a reminder of an article about suspicious betting patterns that appeared on BN in 2011.

Friday, December 30, 2011

£275,000 Gamble On Bulls Game

By Bobo

Online betting exchange site Betfair are reporting that they have 'matched' over £275,000 worth of bets on tonight's Bulls match - mostly in the Bulls favour.

The figure is ten times the usual sum for a League Two game, with none of the other games scheduled for tonight topping the £30,000 mark at present.

Every bookmaker listed on the Oddschecker site reports that they have cut the odds on a Bulls win. The previously quoted 11/5 (22/10) odds available with Victor Chandler, for example, are now just 13/10.

It is not the first time there has been a significant gamble on a game involving Accrington. Back in 2009 six players were fined and banned over betting on a match between Accrington and Bury.

Update 4.30pm: With the sum wagered now past £300,000, Betfair have told the Hereford Times the figure is "not nearly as much as some matches", while another leading bookmaker has told Bulls News that they will investigate any suspicious patterns and are currently examining the market.

The game finished 1-1 .

Former Bull Leaves Swansea

A former Hereford United goalkeeper has left his post at Swansea.

Tony Pennock, who kept goal for the Bulls fifteen times in the 1994/95 season, has been head of youth at Swansea since 2008.

"After nearly six years at the club I feel the time is right for change and a new challenge," explained Pennock.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in charge of the Youth department and I believe the foundations are now in place for the club to continue making progress at all levels."

Another Former Player Joins HUST

This from the Supporters Trust:

The former Hereford United Right Back Matt Clarke is the latest ex Bull to join the Hereford United Supporters Trust.

Matt Clarke

The former Evesham United manager, joins his former assistant & team mate Rob Elmes, and other former bulls Gareth Davies, Stewart Phillips & Ricky George amongst the members of HUST.

Clarke has been commentating on Bulls matches alongside Trust Working Group Member Keith Hall recently, he has been allocated number 277 after paying across his membership fee.

To join Clarke & many others as a HUST member, you can sign up on this website via our online membership facility or in person on Match days on the HUST table in Addisons. Should you have for any reason not received your membership card please contact us usingsecretary@hufctrust.co.uk or membership@hufctrust.co.uk so we can get your card re-sent to you.

So, we’ve got 2 members of this squad, let’s try and get the rest of them!

Updated Hereford United Fixture List

Below are all Hereford United's first team fixtures for the next six weeks.

Saturday November 30th - Woking - Home - 3pm - FA Trophy

Saturday December 7th - Nuneaton - Home - 3pm - Conference

Saturday December 14th - Wrexham - Away- 3pm - Conference

Saturday December 21st - Cambridge - Home - 3pm - Conference

Thursday December 26th - Kidderminster - Away - 3pm - Conference

Saturday December 28th - Forest Green - Home - 7.30pm - Conference

Wednesday January 1st - Kidderminster - Home - 3pm - Conference

Please note should Hereford United defeat Woking in the FA Trophy this Saturday or in a replay and/or Wrexham win their Trophy game, then the game at Wrexham on December 14th will be postponed as the Second Round of the Trophy takes place on that day.

One other important fixture - The Hereford United Youth Team are in the third round of the FA Youth Cup at Bournemouth on Thursday December 19th. Kick-off is at 7pm.

Travel with The Youth to Bournemouth

The success of The Bulls’ Youth team in this season’s FA Youth Cup has been one of the highlights of the season so far.

They are due to travel to Bournemouth on December 19^th for a third round match against The Cherries and a decision has been made to provide them with a proper coach facility rather than their usual cramped minibus.

In order to supplement the cost spaces are being made available for a limited number of fans to travel with them.

The coach will depart from Edgar Street at 2.00pm with a fare of just £15.00. Spaces are expected to be snapped up fairly quickly so anyone wishing to travel should book through Lee or Rachel in The Club office as soon as possible (08442 761939).

News Round-Up

Southport have extended the loan of Chesterfield defender Matty Brown for a second month. The 23 year old played five times for the Sandgrounders during his first month, but missed last night's loss due to injury. Manager Alan Wright has also signed Chesterfield's young keeper Cameron Mason on loan as cover due to injury.

Cork City have signed former Bull Darren Dennehy and his brother Billy. The former Cardiff defender has signed on to the ambitious Irish League side after spending most of last season injured. Dartford have announced that striker Jason Prior fractured an ankle during last night's loss, with the former Wimbledon forward likely to miss several months.

Luton are trialling Dunstable Town striker BJ Christie. The 24 year old has netted 151 goals in four seasons for Dunstable and scored a hat-trick for the Hatters' development side in a recent friendly. Former Bull Joe Anyinsah is expected to return to training soon following a month out after passing blood following a match. A kidney problem was diagnosed, with the results of the latest scan determining when he can start playing.

The daughter and son-in-law of Hull City's controversial owner have taken over Conf North side North Ferriby. The village side are second in Conf North, with the new pair vowing to 'get money people involved' to secure promotion. Scunthorpe have reported losses of £1.5million for last season. They were relegated back to League Two during the campaign, having lost £2million the year before.

Cambridge want to sign Brentford defender Aaron Pierre on loan ahead of the window closing tomorrow. The 20 year old is available for loan after just two first team appearances for the Bees this season.

Tomorrow Night

Aspin Unhappy With Hereford's Goals

Halifax manager Neil Aspin felt his side were unlucky not to take something from last night's match at Hereford.

"I thought all three goals against were contentious.

"The first one shouldn't have been a free kick.

"The second was debatable whether or not it was over the line.

"The third one our right back has been pushed.

"So I'm not at all happy with the decisions that have gone against us.

"To get one decision wroung you might accept.

"But to get all three wrong I think was very poor."

I think all three goals against were contentious; the first one shouldn’t have been a free-kick, the second was debatable whether or not it was other the line and the third one, our right-back has been pushed, so I’m not happy at all with the decisions that have gone against us. To get one decision wrong, you might accept, but to get three wrong I think was very poor.”
Read more at http://www.halifaxafc.co.uk/news/article/hereford-neil-aspin-1175288.aspx#MBBGGRECAXjEZ2X9.99

Smith and the squad were left bemoaning the decisions of the officials which ultimately decided the outcome of the match: “All three goals were a bit suspicious, the second one didn‘t cross the line but we don’t know we’ll have to look at that again. There was a push for the third goal, I saw that one from the bench so it was disappointing that the referee didn’t spot them as well.”

From back to front you could fault neither the performance nor the commitment of the players even though some of them were playing in unfamiliar positions out of necessity. Town’s number seven acknowledges that Pearson and Maynard performed well after moving back to centre half in the unfortunate absence of Lowe and Roberts: “They did well, they went in there and dropped back and they did fantastically well. Matty went in there and gave it his all and Michael Rankine is a handful and they coped with him. Hopefully the lads who got injured aren’t out for too long but the guys that came in were fantastic.”