As well as featuring in the League Paper's Team of the Week, Hereford United striker Andy Williams has also made the Football League Division Two Team of the Week.
Williams scored both goals in Hereford United's win at Swindon on Saturday.
Meanwhile Swindon Town have confirmed that 1067 Hereford supporters were at the game.
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Monday, November 06, 2006
Williams does the double
Mackenzie Doubt As Laws Set For Owls
The future of loan signing Neil Mackenzie, whose opening displays for the Bulls have impressed many fans, is set to be thrown in doubt with it now being widely reported that Scunthorpe manager Brian Laws is set to join Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow.
Mackenzie has been an outcast at Glandford Park, and is widely believed to have been farmed out on loan with a view to a permanent transfer, but will relish the opportunity to impress a new manager at a higher level than the Bulls. With him, and fellow loanee John Eustace, in the side the Bulls have recorded back to back wins for the first time this season.
Eustace is also expected to return to his home club, Stoke, at the end of his loan spell with the Potters set to lose Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie from a similar loan spell. Eustace's loan spell ends after next Saturday's FA Cup tie, for which Stoke have refused permission to play, meaning that Eustace is likely to have played his last game for the club after helping the Bulls to 10 points from 12 in his four games in Bulls colours.
The loss of the pair will be demonstrated in the FA Cup match next Saturday, where Bulls fans - and the management - will be able to guage the situation. Mackenzie will still be available for two games afterwards, against Walsall and Boston, giving Graham Turner time to find a further replacement if the young Bulls side struggles to find it's feet without the experienced pair.
Wilderness signing at Legends on Thursday
Interest in Ron Parrott's new book, Hereford United - The Wilderness Years, will increase this week with the signing of copies at Legends on Thursday evening from 7pm.
Graham Turner, some of the first team squad and authors, Ron Parrott, Richard Prime and John Williamson will be present.
Hereford United will make around £5 on every book sold on Thursday.
Supporters who have already purchased their copy of the book can bring it along to Legends should they wish to get it signed.
Meanwhile, the official launch of the book will take place at Walterstones in High Town, Hereford on Sunday November 12th between 1100 hrs and 1230 hrs.
The authors have lined up a mixture of past players and current players as follows:
Rob Elmes, Ian Rodgerson, Jamie Pitman, Andy Williams, Andy Ferrell, with two more possibilities yet to be confirmed, in Dean Beckwith and Ian Wright.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Sturrock to take over at Swindon
Paul Sturrock is set to take over at Swindon according to the League Paper.
He watched yesterday's game at the County Ground where the Robins were defeated by the Bulls.
Sturrock, who helped Plymouth win two promotions, is beleived to have agreed compensation with Sheffield Wednesday of around £200,000 and will start work tomorrow.
The Football Paper starts next Sunday
The Football Paper is to be launched next Sunday.
In essence it will be a combination of the League Paper and the Non-League Paper.
The publishers say it should contain 120 pages, cost £1-50, and have an initial print run of 150,000 copies.
It will include a section on the Premiership as well as the regular features.
League Two Results Round-Up
Walsall are back on top after being the only top five side to win at the weekend. The 1-0 home win over Torquay gives them a three point lead over Lincoln, who lost to Stockport 2-0. Wycombe are third after a 0-0 draw at Shrewsbury.
MK Dons move up to fifth after a 3-1 at Grimsby, while Peterboro are sixth after a 4-2 win at home to Accrington. Notts County are seventh after squandering a 3-1 lead to draw 3-3 with Boston.
Down the bottom, Macclesfield are now the only team in the top seven tiers of football - over 200 teams - not to have recorded a league win after their 0-0 draw at Wrexham. They remain 10 points from safety. Rochdale remain 20th after a 3-1 home loss to fast improving Bury, whose last league defeat was at Edgar Street in mid-September.
Bristol Rovers move up to mid-table after a 1-0 win over Mansfield. Barnet beat Hartlepool 1-0 - their third 1-0 win in four games, while on Friday Darlington beat Chester 1-0 with Chester finishing the second straight game with 10 men.
Turner pleased for the lads
Graham Turner's comments after yesterday's win at Swindon:
"The object of the exercise is to get another 28 points so that we'll be safe from relegation. I'm pleased for the young lads today," said the Hereford United manager to the press core.
"They held on well when Swindon were on top and we managed to sneak a win.
"We battled hard all over the pitch and I'm very pleased with how the lads performed."
Andy Williams, who scored Hereford's two goals, commented to BBC Hereford and Worcester:
"It was a bit disappointing when we conceded the goal but luckily we managed to play some good football towards the end of the first half and get back in the game.
"Then we managed to pop up with the second goal to give us the win in the second half."
Williams made the League Paper's team of the week.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Stats seem harsh on Hereford
The PA stats for this afternoon's match seem harsh on Hereford United.
Only Andy Williams and John Eustace were given an eight. All the other players were given a seven except surprisingly goalkeeper Wayne Brown and Neil Mackenzie who only received a six.
No Swindon player was given an eight.
Swindon had 13 attempts at goal whilst Hereford had six but as usual Hereford gave away fewer fouls, four whereas Swindon's tally was 10.
Alan Connell was booked for dissent after it looked as though Stuart Fleetwood had been fouled.
Andy Williams's two goals brings his total for the season so far to five. Rob Purdie is still Hereford's leading scorer with six (League games only)
Robins manager was hughly disappointed
Afer the game Swindon manager Ade Williams conceded his side conceded two goals too easily.
"When we scored our first goal I thought it was going to be one of those afternoons, but it wasn't to be. To concede so soon after scoring was really disappointing.
"The lads have been outstanding at the back all season - whoever has been in there - but we can't concede goals like that. The defending wasn't good enough and to lose 2-1 at home is hugely disappointing. On quite a few occasions this season we have conceded possession and been hit on the break.
"The last goal we conceded wasn't good.
"We had a real good go at them today but we conceded two good goals."
Swindon brought down to earth
Swindon's manager may need to chooose his words more carefully next time before any visit of Hereford United to the County Ground.
"Hereford scrapped their way into this league and they will keep doing that," said Ade Williams.
"They will come here in front of a good crowd and on a good pitch and will treat is like their cup final."
Not only on the pitch but off Swindon looked second best. The Hereford support, probably around 900, outsang the Robins for most of the game.
The organisation at the ground was poor. For whatever reason the stewards did not want to give the Hereford fans any more room than was absolutely necessary.
The plan appeared to be to push Hereford fans into the far end of the Arklles stand. When more fans turned up than were expected, the stewards looked unable to cope. Some fans missed the start of the game.
In effect the latecomers were given better seats than those who arrived half an hour earlier.
Then the stewards decided to allow around 30 fans to move to behind the goal which was otherwise empty.
To pay £20 for an old seat with a view directly into the sun was a bit rich. On top of that Swindon charged £5 to park at the ground.
And then after the game ended Hereford fans who had parked at the ground had to walk all the way around the outside of the ground and attached playing field to get back to their cars. There were no police or stewards anywhere along this route. It was reminiscent of Aldershot and Cambridge in the Conference.
At least one young Hereford fan was ejected from the ground.
Williams steals the win
Andy Williams' goal nine minutes from time gave Hereford United their third successive victory, as they upset Swindon Town at the County Ground. Graham Turner stuck with a winning formula as he made no changes to his side, and it paid dividends in the end.
It was by no means an easy victory for The Bulls, who were under the cosh for large periods of the game, as the 6,000 home fans in a crowd of 6,910 tried to spur their team on, but they couldn't match the vocal support of the travelling army of close to one thousand.
Despite Williams' early shot going wide, the first half hour belonged to The Robins. Few clear cut chances came about, though John Eustace had to clear a Jerel Ifil header off the line following a corner from Aaron Brown. The hosts had a succession of four corners, at the end of which Wayne Brown made an easy save when Ifil attempted an overhead kick, but Swindon finished off their dominant spell with a goal on thirty two minutes.
United may feel aggreived though, as Eustace seemed to be fouled on the left by Michael Pook, but play went on and Pook delivered the cross for Christian Roberts, returning from injury, to power in a header from six yards out. Wayne Brown could have done better, as he got a hand to the effort, which was straight at him.
The goal seemed to wake Hereford up, and four minutes later a fantastic break down led to their first shot on target, and their first goal of the afternoon. Stuart Fleetwood was at the heart of it, bursting from the middle to the left before crossing to the far post where Williams met the ball with a powerful strike, beyond the reach of debutant Andy Lonergan.
The ball was very much in Hereford's court now, and they took control of the remaining ten minutes of the half, and could well have taken the lead two minutes after having equalised. Andy Connell saw a shot take a deflection and then fall kindly to Eustace, who'd got in behind the defence. Lonergan was out quickly though, and blocked Eustace's shot, though he should have done better. Before the half time whistle sounded, United had two more opportunities, both headers, the first Lonergan made easy work of Williams' effort and the second, from a corner, travelled inches wide off Tamika Mkandawire's head.
Swindon were rejuvenated second half, and took control once again as they had done in the first half hour. Once again though, Hereford had an early opening. Fleetwood had released Alex Jeannin on the overlap, who crossed superbly towards Williams the far post; only a vital touch from the 'keeper prevented Williams' second. Goalscorer Roberts had a mazy run but couldn't force any danger with the resulting shot, but Paul Evans' effort from the edge of the box following Aaron Brown's dash down the flank.
Swindon really were dominating the second half and, although the visitors broke away on a couple of occassions they couldn't get an effort in. Wayne Brown wasn't really troubled either, for all of the possession Town were enjoying, only going close through Ricky Shakes who blasted over. That was until Roberts held off the challenge from Phil Gulliver, and then centred from the by-line for Shakes, who had what seemed an easy chance from point-blank range. Rob Purdie was the saviour though, as he threw himself in front of the ball, and turned it out for a corner.
That challenge really was important, as, although Lee Peacock had a shot deflected onto the roof of the net soon after, Hereford got the vital winning goal late on. Neil MacKenzie played a long ball for Williams, who was waiting on the left. He then managed to round right-back Jack Smith, before tucking away a clever low shot.
Swindon's only chance of levelling the scores came in the third of four added minutes, when Aaron Brown curled a free kick inches wide of the top corner. A third win on the bounce means United move up to eight, just two points out of a play off position. If they can continue this rich vein of form, the future is looking bright for the Whites.
HUFC: Brown, Beckwith, Gulliver, Mkandawire, Jeannin, Purdie, MacKenzie, Eustace, Connell, Fleetwood, Williams. Subs: Thompson, Ferrell, Rose, Webb, Sills.
STFC: Lonergan, Jack Smith, Vincent, Ifil, Nicholas, Shakes, Evans, Pook, Brown, Roberts, Peacock. Subs: Phil Smith, Williams, Whalley, Rhodes, Onibuje.
Bulls Stun Swindon
The Bulls recorded their third straight win at the County Ground as they beat Swindon 2-1.
A brace from Andy Williams saw the Bulls come back from behind after Christian Roberts opened for the Robins. The win moves the Bulls back up to eighth after losing the spot to Darlington last night.
Full report later.
In the earlier youth game, the Bulls youth team picked up their first point of the season with a 1-1 draw at home to Yeovil.
Shrewsbury tickets on route
Hereford United have started to send out tickets for the FA Cup game at Shrewsbury next Saturday.
Early orders taken through the new facility on the official website were dispatched yesterday afternoon by first class post.
The club are still taking orders on-line and will continue to do so until mid-day Tuesday.
Local supporters can buy their tickets at the club office which will remain open next Tuesday until 8pm.
That evening the Hereford United youth side play Bristol Rovers in the FA Youth Cup.
If they win they face either Barnet or Milwall in Round Two.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Turner wants a mini-run
Graham Turner is hoping that Hereford United can continue the better form shown in the last two matches with a win over Swindon tomorrow.
"We were on 20 points before last Saturday. 20 points is 15th or 16th in the table," Turner told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"So one win, two wins can changes thing dramatically.
"The back to back wins has done the confidence of the players a power of good.
"Maybe they're (Swindon) in a little disaray having watched the manager and the coach leave.
"I know the care-taker manager, Ade Williams, will be anxious to put last weeks defeat behind him and stake a claim for the player-managers job there.
"So those things count against us but at the same time they might be a little unsettled."
Meanwhile Hereford United dropped a place to nineth in the League table this evening after Darlington defeated Chester 1-0 and so went above the Bulls.
Second-half commentary from Swindon
BBC Hereford and Worcester will have second-half commentary tomorrow from Swindon where Hereford United are the visitors.
As well there will be a preview, first half reports and full time comment from the game.
The commentary will be on 94.7FM only.
Evans Gets Suspended Sentence
Boston manager Steve Evans has been handed a 12 month suspended sentence for his part in the £323,000 tax fraud at the club.
Evans wept as he was told he was free to go. Former Chairman Pat Malkinson received a two year suspended sentence for his part in the fraud. Both were handed suspended sentences because of what the judge described as "exceptional circumstances".
Eustace and MacKenzie cup-tied
The official Hereford United website has this afternoon confirmed that both John Eustace and Neil MacKenzie will be cup-tied for next weekend's away tie at Shrewsbury. Both Stoke and Scunthorpe, where the players are on loan from, have opted against letting them play. This enables either player to play for their respective club in the FA Cup if need be.
Turner warns of Swindon backlash
The Hereford United manager has warned that there may be a backlash from Swindon tomorrow.
"Swindon have had their upheavals recently and also lost their last match, so we have to be prepared for a backlash from them," said Graham Turner according to the Western Daily Press.
"But confidence is on a high at the moment and we feel that we can go to the County Ground and produce another good performance."
As reported yesterday Hereford will be without Martyn Giles, Simon Travis and Trent McClenahan for the game.
Swindon expect new on-loan goalkeeper Andy Lonergan to feature. The former England Under 21 stopper is highly-rated at Preston and will be looking to impress during his stay with the Robins.
Jerel Ifil returns from suspension and Christian Roberts returned to training yesterday following a knee problem and could make the bench whilst Paul Evans is also pushing for a return to the squad.
Swindon's current manager Ade Williams said "Hereford scrapped their way into this league and they will keep doing that.
"They will come here in front of a good crowd and on a good pitch and will treat is like their cup final."
News Round Up
Crawley's future edges nearer to total uncertainty with the news that parent company SA Retail is facing a winding up petition from HMRC over unpaid Corporation Tax. The bar and club operator has already seen its flagship bar closed by Police over repeated violence and it failed to pay the required sums to settle Crawley's CVA last week.
It's starting to look like we were the sane ones holding the Conference together. Grays Chairman, and now caretaker Manager, Mick Woodward has told supporters that if they don't stop being so negative towards him he will walk away. Woodward has received criticism over his decision to take over team affairs.
Hartlepool have signed Hull striker Dayryl Duffy for a two month loan. Duffy was a prolific striker in Scottish football before joining Hull. Stockport are stocking up on loan players, with Wolves teenage midfielder Stephen Gleeson joining Sheff Utd defender Tony Kane on loan this week. Five players are now on loan at Edgeley Park.
Boston midfielder Simon Rusk will miss the Xmas programme after surgery on a knee injury. He may not be the only Boston man to be out for a while, with manager Steve Evans being sentenced later today on tax fraud charges. Barnet will be without Guiliano Grazioli for at least a month after the striker picked up an achilles injury.
The Football League have donated £70,000 to the BBC Children In Need appeal, after it took £1 from every Carling Cup final ticket sold. Wrexham have added strikers Maheta Molango, from Brighton, and Kevin Smith, from Sunderland, on loan. They currently have a striker injury crisis with seven out including Middlesboro loan signing Tom Craddock, who was injured on his debut.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Sporting Dinner Success
Thursday evenings Sporting Dinner at the Three Counties Hotel proved to be a great success and was greatly enjoyed by those that attended. Introductions by our lord and master, Graham Turner, preceded a superb roast Herefordshire Beef Dinner, an auction and excellent entertainment from guest speaker Bob "The Cat" Beavan. Guests for the evening were joined at their tables by many of the players. The club were indeed fortunate to obtain the services of "The Cat" who, rumour has it, had rushed to the Three Counties direct from Exeter's end of season presentation evening. For those who were unable to attend, I would highly recommend the purchase of a ticket for the next one - a thoroughly good night out.
Bulls on Soccer AM
Hereford United will feature on Sky Sport's Soccer AM, when they take part in the Crossbar Challenge. The show starts at 9AM on Saturday.
The Crossbar Challenge involves Hereford players trying to hit the bar from the half way line.
Yet, as the show is on Saturday, and the Crossbar Challenge is usually featured towards the end of the programme, many Hereford fans will miss it as they will be on their way to Swindon.
Wins breed confidence says Trewick
After two successive wins John Trewick, the Hereford United coach, is hoping the Bulls can continue their better form with another win on Saturday at Swindon.
"Wins breed confidence. They were good performances against MK Dons and Accrington," Trewick told the Worcester News.
"We thoroughly deserved the win and had the lion's share of possession. If we can continue in the same vain, we will be OK."
Trewick commented on the uncertainy Swindon are facing since their last manager Dennis Wise left to go to Leeds. Currently in temporary charge are Ady Williams and Barry Hunter.
"Sometimes when there are changes teams can get good results or they can go off track. We are hoping things go off track a little bit for them.
"I believe they (Williams and Hunter) have been given six games so they will be looking to pick up as many points as they can to stake a claim for the job.
"It's a tough game against Swindon. However, if we can maintain the same form and attitude then we will give a good account of ourselves."
Hereford United looking for part-time clerk
Hereford United are looking for a part-time office clerk with experience in account work.
The club asks anyone interested in this position to apply in writing with full details to Hereford United FC, Edgar Street, Hereford HR4 9JU.
They are also looking for persons, who must have experience in handling cash, to work at the turnstiles on matchdays. Applicants must be over 18. Application forms from the club.
The club's telephone number is 01432276666.
These adverts appeared in today's Hereford Times.
Swindon sign goalkeeper
Swindon Town have signed Andy Lonergan from Preston North End for an initial month on loan.
Lonergan is recovering a serious knee injury. It is thought he will go into the squad to face Hereford United on Saturday.
He will competes with Phil Smith to be in goal whilst Peter Brezovan recovers from a broken arm.
Swindon Pub for Saturday
I have now had advice from the Swindon Plod who suggest the Merlin in Grove Road which is a short walk from the County Ground. It is a good sized Pub and the Landlord, Jason, is expecting us!
DRAUGHT BEERS SERVED
All the lagers are dispensed from iced pumps.Carling, Fosters, Kronenbourg, Stella, John Smiths, Guinness, Guinness Extra Cold, Strongbow Cider.
REAL ALES
Greene King IPA / Ruddles County + Rotating Guest ale.
Sky Sports & Premiership Plus, 8 TVs, 2 Plasma TVs, 67" Plasma Screen, 3 Pool Tables, 2 Darts Boards, Video Juke Box.
Link http://www.pub-explorer.com/wiltshire/pub/merlinswindon.htm
Enjoy.
Buses filling up for Swindon
It looks likely that there will be a good turnout of Bulls fans at Swindon on Saturday.
HUMADS, the Malvern based supporters group, say that their large coach to Swindon is sold out.
HUISA are still taking bookings through the club on 01432276666.
UPDATE Thursday pm: Hereford have sold their 300 tickets for the game and are advising supporters who wish to purchase early-bird tickets to telephone Swindon on 0870 443 1894.
Meanwhile HUMADS also say that their bus for the Shrewsbury game has a few seats left at a cost of £8. They will be calling at Hereford to pick up supporters. More details on 01684572945
UPDATE: Thursday 5pm: Humads will like to take bookings for the Shrewsbury coach as soon as possible. They will then accesss if they can run a second coach.
Coach will leave Malvern at 8am, Hereford 9am and Leominster at 9.30am
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Three out for Swindon game
Hereford United will be without Martyn Giles for the game at Swindon on Saturday.
Simon Travis and Trent McClenahan are also unlikely to be considered as their respective recent leg injuries are still causing problems.
The Hereford Times reports that Giles was yesterday expected to have a scan on his head injury which occured in the Darlington game on October 14th.
In his column, manager Graham Turner writes about how new loan signing Neil MacKenzie was a youth trainee at Edgar Street some years ago.
"He found it difficult to get on with the then youth team coach and he left the club at 17 years of age," said Turner.
"He told me that he shared digs with Andrew Brownrigg who was later sold to Norwich City.
"It obviously didn't work out for him here but he has had a decent career in football and, at the age of 30, he still has plenty to offer."
Yellow balls are back for winter
With winter on its way yellow balls will be used in all Football League matches until the end of February.
The Mitre Pro 100 T Fluo is the official Football League match ball for this period.
Next Saturday will be the first time this season Hereford United will have played with the so-called revolutionary football which is said to give excellent visibility in low light conditions whilst still retaining all the controllable aerodynamics of the regular Pro 100 T.
Reserves beat Cardiff 3-2
Hereford United reserves defeated Cardiff City reserves 3-2 this afternoon according to the Worcester News.
Marcus Palmer, Tim Sills and Sam Gwynne fired the Bulls into a 3-0 lead but Cardiff fought back from the penalty spot. The Bluebirds, whose first string are top of the Championship, then reduced the arrears to 3-2 late on but Graham Turner's side held on for victory.
Goalscorer Sills was the only player in the starting side to feature in Hereford's Coca-Cola League Two 1-0 victory over Accrington Stanley at the weekend.
Updated: Thursday with more information on the game from Cardiff City's Official Website some of which conflicts with the Worcester News report.
With just three minutes on the clock Hereford's first goal came from a close range tap-in after a poorly dealt with free-kick.
Hereford's second was another close range finish from another free-kick afer 15 minutes.
Just three minutes into the second half Cardiff narrowed the lead with an expertly-taken penalty from Willo Flood.
However Hereford increased their lead five minutes later. This was a calmly put-away shot, while one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
The Bluebirds were then handed a lifeline when substitute James Upcott brilliantly finished a good move from Cardiff.
Special Trains for Slop Cup Tie
Information has reached Bulls News of special arrangements made by Network Rail for Bulls fans wanting to travel to Shrewsbury on Saturday 11th November for the Noon kick-off FA Cup tie. The train leaving Hereford at 09.56 arriving in Shrewsbury at 10.52 is to be a "strengthened" service. This, we understand, means it will carry additional carriages to accommadate the expected extra passengers. Also, a "football special" extra service will leave Shrewsbury after the game at 14.40 and will stop at just Leominster and Hereford. Fans are encouraged to buy tickets as soon as possible to enable the rail operators to better judge the demand.
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