Seventies legendary centre forward Eric Redrobe is to return to Edgar Street as a guest of "The Forum" for their sponsorship game against Bury on Saturday March 22nd.
Redrobe joined The Bulls in October 1972 when signed from Southport by then Manager Colin Addison. He made his debut in the home 2-0 defeat of Northampton Town on 21st of that month. Although not finding the net, Redrobe immediately impressed the fans on that day with his "all action" display. Eric only had to wait a few days before opening his goal scoring account for The Bulls in a Wednesday evening win over Mansfield when he notched the second of three goals scored on the night. His somewhat robust approach made him a firm favourite with the Edgar Street crowd while the Meadowend choir were often heard to be singing endless renditions of "Redrobe Redrobe, Redrobe Redrobe, born is the King of Edgar Street".
Anyone who would like to join the Forum Sponsored day should contact Chris Powis at Cpowis001@aol.com. The cost is £50 to include pre-match hospitality with buffet lunch and half-time refreshments. Also included along with your Grandstand seat is a complimentary copy of the Matchday programme, credits in the programme with a mention over the PA system, acknowledgement on the electric scoreboard, before the game and at half-time and a framed photograph of the group on the pitch as a memento of the occasion.
Confirmation of bookings and payment in full is required by the 8th March.
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Monday, February 25, 2008
The Return of The King?
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Relive the Goals at Shrewsbury
Highlights showing the goals at the New Meadow last Saturday on now on Virgin Media.
Hereford United defeated Shrewsbury 2-1, the first time the Bulls have won at Shrewsbury in a league game for many many years (1935/36 season when Hereford played in the Birmingham League).
Meanwhile anyone thinking of going to Dagenham is reminded that slightly cheaper tickets are available from the club office up to 12 noon today.
Also there are a few places on the HUISA coach. More details 01432 276666.
Life On Mars?
"My name is Sam Tyler. I had an accident, and I woke up in 1973. Am I mad, in a coma, or back in time? Whatever's happened, it's like I've landed on a different planet. Now maybe if I can work out the reason, I can get home."
Or at least it's that long since we've been looking at promotion from the Football League basement.
Way back in 1973 the Bulls last escaped through the right end of the League's basement division. That season it was strong home form that carried us to second place in the table. A solitary home defeat that year was not echoed on the road, with just 17 goals being scored in 23 matches and just five wins being secured by the Bulls on their travels. At least it was only two points for a win, securing second place with just 58 points.
Every one of the top five that season, with Southport, Cambridge, Aldershot, and Newport, fell into the non-league abyss, with only the Bulls so far regaining their status. Three more of the table also are no longer League sides, with three more clambering out of the chasm in the intervening years, while Reading are now a Premier side. Ambitious Darlington spent the season as the worst team of the 92, while 'big club' Bradford were 16th and Peterboro 19th. Seven of the division are now League One, with only Barnsley now a Championship side.
The Encyclopedia Parrottica records that the Bulls dropped only one point from their last 17 home matches, and recorded an average home gate of nearly 9,000. "The King" Eric Redrobe scored nine in 26 games that season (and returns March 22nd for the Forum sponsorship) while Brian Owen scored eleven.
Regular goalie of 1973 David Icke may now think the world is run by lizards, but he kept clean sheets in his last six Edgar Street appearances. Mr Brown: We'll forgive any sight of a turquoise tracksuit for a similar record in our last six home games!
Fire up the funbus!
Preview: Dagenham vs Bulls
The Bulls travel to Dagenham on Tuesday night looking for a quickfire double over John Still's men.
It'll be little more than two and a half weeks since the first game between these sides. A debut double from Shergar helped demolish a side that was widely regarded as the worst seen at Edgar Street all season.
Dagenham's transformation since that 4-1 drubbing has been rapid. Like the Bulls they have won all three games since and the usually blunt Daggers have bagged twelve goals in the process after manager Still made five changes to the sorry side that rolled over at Edgar Street including the arrival of defender Mark Arber from Stevenage.
The Bulls will be looking to record their sixth successive win, with Gary Hooper looking for his sixth successive scoring appearance. With none of the injured players expected back, Graham Turner's only problem will be to pick the five out of his seven loanees.
Dagenham and Redbridge vs Hereford United, Tuesday 26th February, 7.45pm.
Tuesday Travel To Dagenham
Dagenham and Redbridge v Hereford United
Tuesday 26th February 2008 KO 7.45 pm.
Football League 2
London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Stadium
Victoria Road
Dagenham
Essex RM10 7XL
Our Tuesday night return to Victoria Road will no doubt bring back memories of the "Wilderness Years" and one game in particular. Not a Friday and no Sky cameras this time but any sort of win will be well received by a Bulls team looking to go top of League 2. Whilst a midweek trip to The Daggers may not be the most attractive of propositions, it is hoped that a decent following can make the journey and provide the vocal backing that is so much appreciated by the players.
Visiting fans are normally accommodated on the uncovered Pondfield Road Terrace. Admission is via gates 10 and 11 and costs £15 for adults and £10 for concessions (inc U16's). Alternatively, visitors can purchase tickets for seats in The Barking College Stand through gate 9. Admission to the seated area is £18 for adults and £12 for concessions. Refreshments inside the ground are reputed amongst the best in the division.
HUISA - Coach departs The Street at 2.00 pm with a fare fixed at £18. Seats are understood to be still available and can be reserved through the Club office (01432 276666).
FUNBUS - Will depart at the slightly later time of 2.30. Fare is expected to be in the region of £15 but will ultimately depend, as usual, on numbers. Contact Oxo (Rodders on the forum) ASAP on 07872 344712.
TUBE - From central London take the District line to Dagenham East. Exit left out of the station and Victoria Road is on the left after about 500m.
CAR - From Hereford, my advice is to go via Gloucester then straight on at the top of Birdlip towards Oxford using the A40. Then take the M40 (sign London) before joining the clockwise M25 (sign Watford). Continue on the M25 around north London towards the Dartford Tunnel. Leave the M25 at Junction 27 and take the M11 towards London. At the end of the M11 continue onto the A406 towards Docklands (A13) and London City Airport. At the intersection with the A13, turn onto this road towards Dagenham/Dartford Tunnel. As you near Dagenham, you will see a cinema complex on your left. At this point you leave the A13 and join the A1306 towards Dagenham. At the third set of traffic lights turn left at the McDonalds into Ballards Road. At the end of this road you will come to a large roundabout, (known as the Bull roundabout, after the public house of the same name) at which you turn left, into Rainham Road. Proceed up Rainham Road passing Dagenham East tube station on the left and Victoria Road is a quarter of a mile further on, on the same side of the road. There is a fair sized car park at the ground, which is free, but is normally full 45 minutes ahead of kick off. Otherwise street parking. Distance is just short of 175 miles and you should allow at least four hours. POSTCODE RM10 7XL.
ALEHOUSES - The social club at the ground generally allows entry to visitors for a small fee. Otherwise, there are three Pubs within walking distance of the ground with The Eastbrook being the closest. It can be found by walking down the hill towards Golds Gym. Next is The Railway which is down the road beside the station. A ten-minute walk away is the Bull, which is down Rainham Road (going past the Jet Garage), by a large roundabout.
Cooeeeeeee Mr Roberts……it’s behind you!
And he missed it
Taking the michael out of other team's supporters is nothing new but a Shrewsbury supporter went the whole hog yesterday by getting the PA man at the New Meadow to wish a certain Hereford United supporter a happy birthday.
The announcement was made at half-time but unfortunately the recipient missed it as he was otherwise occupied.
Ratcliffesghost, a well respected Shrewsbury supporter, organised the scam which wished a certain Hereford United supporter, Mr Powis, a happy 69th birthday. It also wished him all the best in his 12 month sabatical from alcohol.
Chris Powis, pictured on the FunBus yesterday, is understood to be somewhat younger than 69.
It is also thought unlikely that he will partake in any sabatical.
Hereford Liberals were at Shrewsbury
Hereford Liberal MP Paul Keetch and Terry James, the Leader of the Liberal Group on Herefordshire Council, were both at the Shrewsbury match yesterday.
It is understood they were invited by the editor of the Hereford Journal who thought it was a good chance for the politicans to look around Shrewsbury's New Stadium.
Meanwhile the Conservative candidate for Hereford, Jesse Norman, recently met with Bulls News for a general discussion about Hereford United and how it might fit in with the Edgar Street Grid. Another meeting is planned towards the end of the season.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
More Reaction From Shrewsbury
Shrews sub Chris Humphrey spoke to their official site after the game:
"If you look at it I think we've played well even with the changes the gaffer's made so you can't blame the changes, it just didn't go our way today. Even the weather conditions you can't say affected things. The wind was all over the place but it was the same for both sides. I thought we tried to get the ball down and play, I thought our passing was a lot better so there are some positives to take from the game even though we're all gutted in there.
"It's always difficult to defend pace. Their lads have come on and they're quick and he's brought them on late as well to try and get the third goal. We're pushing hard for an equaliser so it's left them really dangerous breaking on us. So it was hard when they came on but we've tried our best to save the game and it just wasn't to be."
Humphrey also noted the demoralising effect of the Bulls support: "It's really annoying when the whistle goes and you look up and see all those Hereford fans celebrating like that on your ground. It's hard for the staff and the fans too, when you play so well but don't have anything to show for it at the end. We haven't won, we haven't even drawn so everyone's going to be down, we just have to pick ourselves up and stay positive for next week and try to win that one."
Turner hits back at Peters
Graham Turner has hit back at Gary Peters, the Shrewsbury manager, after he poured scorn on Turner's loan policy.
"I had nine registered players in pre-season and if we go up we will have to make changes. But when you've got the manager of Wolves and West Brom ringing you up and offering you players it shows we're regarded as a good club who play football," Turner told the Daily Mail.
Meanwhile Richard Prime of the Hereford Times has reported that despite all the media suggesting that Simon Johnson scored the first goal it may have been Gary Hooper who had the last touch.
"I'm claiming the first goal and I got the last touch," said Hooper.
Shrewsbury's New Stadium
Today will have been the first visit to the New Stadium for virtually all Hereford United supporters.
The general reaction seems to have been positive but it's position and the lack of 'corners' have proved talking points.
From the outside, with it's large car park, it looks impressive. In fact, despite publicity saying there wouldn't be any room for Hereford supporters to park, there was quite a lot of empty bays. Getting in was easy, getting out was slow. The coaches ferrying fans to the station or park and ride had preference. One good idea was an area for supporters to leave their bicylces.
Being cashless the turnstiles worked well with few delays.
The club shop appeared a little small but there was plenty of stock including easter eggs in Shrewsbury Town mugs.
Shrewsbury have included various extras in the stadium including conference facilties and entertainment areas for supporters and clients to enjoy their day at Shrewsbury.
There is a small practice pitch to the east of the stadium. And at the back of the stadium was the railway line. To have had a small station for use on match days has been suggested but ruled out, at least at present.
Inside the stadium didn't look quite finished as it still had large open corners which seemed to make the stadium cold and prone to gusty winds.
The seating, which was well laid out and quite comfortable, gave supporters a good view of the game. The refreshment area was equipped with Sky TV. The catering was done by a local company but probably needed a little more room and a few more staff and there looked to be a need for a few more waste bins around. However the food was deemed an improvement on the regular fayre sold at many grounds.
In essence the New Stadium is perfectly adequate for its needs.
And as Brucie would say: So much nicer than Chester's!
More Reaction from Gary Peters
In a long interview on BBC Radio Shropshire Shrewsbury manager Gary Peters continually contrasted the difference in the make-up of the two teams this afternoon.
"So, who were we playing out there? Were we playing Hereford or were we playing an amalgamated team from the Premiership and the Championship loan players?"
Asked about Hereford striker Sherjill MacDonald, Peters though he was the main difference between the sides.
"The fellow is brilliant. Absolute quality. He's magnificent. He's a great player. He's going to play for West Brom.
"If you want to make the team better with someone elses players it's a different thing. Loan players at your club when it's going well - they love it."
Shrewsbury's loan player scored their goal
"That's the difference between Hall, our loan player who wants to join us and can join us at the end of the season in comparison to going and getting the best players from the Championship who can't join you.
"We tend to have one loan player at a time that we can turn into a permanent signing. Our lads are all going to be with us next year.
"They (Hereford) are a good side at the moment. What do they do when the seven go back?"
Talking about MacDonald and the Hereford goals Peters said:
"It was just that bit of magic, bit of quality from MacDonald that opened it up. He's the best player in our League by a mile. The sooner he goes back to the Championship the better."
Peters thought Shrewsbury were on top most of the second half.
"We pressured them more. We were the better side in the second half.
"We done better than them today. They won the game because they've got that little of quality. The substitutions they made were just bringing on other signings from the Premier League.
"That's not building anything - we're trying to build something here."
Had to pass it today said Smith
Ben Smith told BBC Hereford and Worcester that the windy conditions meant the Bulls had to try and pass the ball at the New Meadow this afternoon.
"It was a bit of a hard fought game. The pace was probably a lot quicker than the games we've had of late.
"Even after going a goal down I felt confident we could win the game.
"It was really windy. It's a lovely stadium but because of the corners it leaves it quite open to gusting wind. We knew that we had to pass it really because if we didn't and played it long it would probably would have been playing into their hands. More up their street than ours."
Smith talked about new loan signing Stephen Glesson who started in mid-field alongside him.
"I think he grew into the game as it went on."
As regards Shrewsbury Smith thought they were destined for mid-table obscurity.
Bulls Triumphant at New Stadium
Hereford United came from behind for the second successive away game to claim a priceless away victory at local rivals Shrewsbury town. Asa Hall had blasted Shrewsbury into the lead after breaking from midfield, before Simon Johnson's close-range rebound levelled proceedings. Gary Hooper, pictured, grabbed the winner mid-way through the second half when he nodded in to send the away following of 1,655 into raptures.
Two changes were made from last weekend's home victory over Chesterfield with both coming in central midfield. Kris Taylor was demoted to the bench, despite impressing in recent games, with Ben Smith making a return. Sam Gwynne was out altogether, with new loan signing Stephen Gleeson joining Smith. Former Conference hotshots Guy Madjo and James Constable started up front for The Shrews, whilst under pressure manager Gary Peters handed a debut to left-back James Meredith.
The Bulls mustered up the first opportunity of the first half, with Sherjill Macdonald shooting over after linking up with Hooper on the edge of the box. Moments after, Shrewsbury took the lead with Hall netting in the sixth minute. Madjo turned Beckwith in the middle of the park, and played a sidewards pass to the onrushing Hall, who had burst from midfield in acres of space. The former Birmingham youngster struck powerfully past Wayne Brown from 18 yards to hand first blood to the hosts. Smith tried his best to bring things level against his old club, but a low long shot went wide. The half passed with some neat football, but little in the way of goalmouth action until Hereford got the equaliser.
It came following a fine flowing move, involving the likes of Macdonald, Hooper and Clint Easton on the edge of the area, with Macdonald bursting into the box. His low cross was met by Hooper, who saw his initial shot blocked, and second shot be pushed away by Glyn Garner, before Johnson finally found the back of the net by smashing in from close-range. The half ended with a series of half-chances; firstly Smith shot from a Macdonald lay-off, but again it went wide, whilst Kelvin Langmead's header went over from a Marc Pugh corner. Finally, Macdonald shot weakly at Garner from outside the area, before Uriah Rennie blew up for half-time.
The second half started with Hooper trying his luck, following again some good attacking football, and close knit passing. The ball fell to the on loan Southend striker from the left-hand side of the box, but his low shot was held by Garner. At the other end, Ben Herd's long shot was routinely held by Brown before Constable neatly turned on the edge of the area, but his end shot was woeful and nearer the corner flag down the goal. Steven Leslie replaced Darren Moss for the home side, as they continued to probe with some half-chances. Madjo directed the ball goalwards after a deep cross from Herd wasn't fully cleared, but the ball fell past the post.
Then the moment came when United grabbed the win. It came following some fantastic football, with Macdonald the star. He won the ball on the half-way line, before turning and running at the defence, using his strength and pace to good effect. Hooper collected a low-pass from his strike partner, before feeding the ball out to Johnson on the right-wing. The goalscorer crossed to the back-post where Macdonald headed down and Hooper nodded in past Garner in front of the away end. A fantastic end to a fine move. Hooper's confidence was shown minutes later, as was Johnson's as they linked-up once more, but the end product from Johnson let him down as he sent a half-volley into the arms of Garner.
Chris Humphrey came on for Pugh, as Shrewsbury injected some pace to their wing and they came mighty close to equalising when McIntyre went forward. A deep cross to the back-post was headed back to McIntyre who sent a flying volley inches past Brown's post. Andy Cooke came on in place of Meredith, as Shrewsbury added another attacking option, whilst Theo Robinson replaced Macdonald. The Watford loanee was soon in the action, setting up Gleeson for a sliced half-volley, before shooting himself into the advertising boards from an acute angle. Easton didn't finish the game, as Threlfall took his place, as Hereford looked to see out the closing stages but Shrewsbury came close to snatching a point. Again, a deep-cross to the back-post caused problems, and this time Madjo rose well to head down, but the ball fell just past the near post. Trevor Benjamin came on for Hooper for the final few minutes, and after the three added minutes were filled with whistles from the away end, Uriah Rennie did the honours and blew the all important whistle.
The result now means Hereford have won five on the bounce, and are looking good in the automatic promotion places. 7,402 were present at Oteley Road as United edged a close-game. Again, Macdonald and Hooper did well up front together, with the latter now scoring in his last five games. Gleeson made his debut in central midfield, and looked tidy, without being spectacular. Up next for The Whites is a long trip to Dagenham on Tuesday night; after the 4-1 victory against The Daggers in early February, United must be confident they can complete their third double of the season following previous doubles over Bradford, and Shrewsbury today.
Hereford: Brown, McClenahan, Beckwith, McCombe, Rose, Johnson, Smith, Gleeson, Easton, Hooper, Macdonald.
Subs: Ingham, Threlfall, Taylor, Benjamin, Robinson.
Shrewsbury: Garner, Moss, Langmead, Tierney, Meredith, Herd, Hall, McIntyre, Pugh, Constable, Madjo.
Subs: Bevan, Hunt, Leslie, Humphrey, Cooke.
Beckwith to miss Stockport Game
Dean Beckwith will miss Hereford United's home game against Stockport County after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season this afternoon at the New Meadow. His was the only Hereford United booking.
The stats show that Hereford United had 52% of the possession and Shrewsbury 48% in a game that was spoilt by a gusty wind.
The Bulls had eight shots on target and Shrewsbury four. Unusually Hereford did not have one corner throughout the ninety minutes, whereas Shrewsbury had six.
All the players in both teams had ratings of either six or seven. Perhaps surprisingly Hereford's Sherjill MacDonald was only given a six despite Shrewsbury manager Gary Peters suggesting he was a class above the rest of the players.
As reported earlier the attendance was 7402 with 1655 from Hereford. However there was room for perhaps another 100 fans in the away end.
There is little change in the League Two table:
1 Milton Keynes Dons 33 31 66
2 Hereford 32 23 64
3 Darlington 32 29 62
4 Peterborough 32 28 62
5 Rotherham 33 12 57
6 Wycombe 34 10 57
7 Stockport 33 9 53
There was little trouble during the game other than a handful of Bulls' supporters running onto the pitch when the equaliser went in. However the one of the Shrewsbury stewards appeared to get in a discussion with other stewards and fans and promptly walked away from his job in an almighty sulk throwing his ear piece and yellow jacket to the ground. He (pictured) took refuge in a Shrewsbury stand.
However some damage was reported in the toilets below the away stand. Why some 'fans' feel the need to damage excellent facilities and therefore give Hereford United supporters a bad name is beyond belief.
Turner: Resilient Once Again
Speaking to the Hereford United website, Graham Turner admitted that the performance wasn't entirely up to scratch even though the result was what was needed:
"Shrewsbury have played well and passed it well. Once again we've been resilient, once again we've come back from the setback of a goal behind and I've always thought we look very lively going forward.
"It didn't quite go as well as it has been recently in terms of our passing and movement but, none the less, it was still sufficient to get us the goals."
Peters: Shergar Was The Difference
Speaking to the Shrewsbury website after the game, Gary Peters felt his side had the better of the game but lacked a cutting edge:
"I thought we passed the ball a lot better and competed well but didn't quite have the quality they had in front of goal. They've got 7 players on loan from the Championship or Premier League so who were we playing, Hereford United or a team amalgamated of players from the Premier League.
"Sherjill MacDonald was the difference, he is absolute quality and the fella is brilliant, he's going to play for West Brom and he'll go on to play for Holland. They have a lot of players on loan but none will stay, that's not building for the clubs future but they are getting success with it at the moment.
"Glyn Garner made couple of great stops before their second goal went in, but again it came from that bit of magic and quality from MacDonald that opened it up."
Bulls Stamp Out Shrews Season
Goals from Simon Johnson and Gary Hooper were enough to beat Shrewsbury 2-1 in today's League Two derby match.
A crowd of 7,402 - with 1,655 Bulls - watched the Bulls record their first league double over their neighbours at the eighth attempt, effectively ending the Shrews' hopes of a play-off charge with them now 13 points adrift of seventh place. Hooper's goal was his fifth sucessive scoring outing. The Bulls remain second in the table.
Full report later.
League Two Results Round-Up
MK Dons retain their two point lead at the top after beating Barnet 2-0. Darlington hold onto third place after a 2-1 win at Bury but their goal difference advantage is down to just one goal after Peterboro beat Macclesfield 3-0. Rotherham beat Lincoln 3-2 for their first win in six. Wycombe beat Rochdale 1-0, and Stockport beat Accrington 2-0 to keep their play-off spots. Chesterfield beat Brentford 2-1 to stay within two points of the play-offs.
Down the bottom, Wrexham could only draw 0-0 with Grimsby to remain six points adrift of safety. Mansfield remain in trouble after losing 3-1 to Chester - their first win in thirteen thanks to two goals from the returning Kevin Ellison. Dagenham eased their troubles with a 2-0 win over Morecambe. They move above Macclesfield, Bury, and Notts County, who lost 3-1 at home to Bradford. The Magpies' only wins in the last 14 games are a double over Chester.
Full Programme of League Two Matches
There is a full programme of League Two matches this afternoon.
Pick of the day is the local derby at Shrewsbury where Hereford are the visitors but there are several other games the results of which will be of interest.
Leaders MK Dons travel to Barnet (18th) and third placed Darlington play at Bury (20th). The leaders play again on Monday evening against Swansea in the second-leg semi-final of the Paint Trophy. The Dons won the first leg at the Liberty Stadium 1-0 and no doubt will have the possibility of playing in the final on their minds.
Should the Dons lose and the Bulls win then Hereford United will top League Two by 5pm this evening. If the Dons draw they will stay top whatever happens elsewhere.
Accrington Stanley v Stockport
Barnet v Milton Keynes Dons
Bury v Darlington
Chesterfield v Brentford
Dag & Red v Morecambe
Macclesfield v Peterborough
Mansfield v Chester
Notts County v Bradford
Rochdale v Wycombe
Rotherham v Lincoln City
Shrewsbury v Hereford
Wrexham v Grimsby
Meanwhile twenty years ago this week 'Peterborough boss Noel Cantwell issued a public apology in the wake of a 2-1 defeat by lowly Hereford, witnessed by just 2,065 hardy souls on a harsh winter night at London Road. Mick Gooding gave Posh the lead but things soon turned sour.'
The Hereford goals were scored by Phil Stant and Steve Spooner. The win kept them 18th in Division Four.
Up The A49 We Go
Up the A49 will go the majority of the 1400 Hereford United supporters expected at the New Meadow this afternoon for the League Two derby between Shrewsbury Town and Hereford United.
Other Bulls fans will arrive from different directions but all will be hoping that Graham Turner's side can make it five wins in a row.
Hereford United failed to defeat Shrewsbury Town in a League or Conference match whilst the home side played at the Gay Meadow. Another reason to win at the New Meadow this afternoon.
Meanwhile several prominent Hereford politicians are expected to be at the ground this afternoon. As well as backing the Bulls, it is thought that they will be interested to see what the new stadium looks like and whether any of its features could be used at or incorporated into an updated Edgar Street.
Finally both BBC Hereford and Worcester and Radio Shropshire will have reports from the game. However there is no commentary on H&W.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Baggies loan Moore from Villa
West Bromwich Albion have completed the loan signing of Luke Moore from Premeirship side Aston Villa until the end of the season. The 22 year old could then join The Baggies on a permanent deal in the summer.
With the striker's arrival at the Hawthorns likely to push Sherjil Macdonald further down the pecking order, the Dutchman could well have his loan extended at Edgar Street.
Turner and Peters in advance of Tomorrow's Derby
Both Graham Turner and Gary Peters have been talking to their respective web-sites in advance of tomorrow's local derby at Shrewsbury's New Meadow.
The Hereford United manger said that he had already looked around the new Shrewsbury stadium.
"With trying to get things done at Edgar Street, I thought it would be interesting to go and see how they've done the new ground and what could be incorporated.
"There should be a good crowd, a good atmosphere. The players are looking forward to going there on the back of four straight wins. We go there with a lot of confidence.
"So far this season the away support has been absolutely outstanding - when you think of Leeds, Bradford, Tranmere.
"I don't think there will be quite 1,700. They have reduced the amount to around the 1,400 mark. But the vocal support we get away from home has been absolutely first class. It's important we out shout them, it's important we get behind the players.
"I keep putting in my programme notes that sometimes things don't go quite to plan and it is then, more than ever, that we need that vocal support."
Whilst Turner has some injury problems he should be able to put out a strong side. Shrewsbury manager Gary Peters has both injury and suspension troubles.
"Both Dave Hibbert and Colin Murdoch are suspended for the Hereford game. Then we've got Ben Davies and Cookie and Darren Kempson as well now. We can't say we are in better shape for Hereford than we were with the game at Morecambe," said Peters.
"Let's hope there is no wind this week, we definitely know we have a nice flat pitch, so its whether the quality that they have obviously got, with all the loan players they've got from clubs in the Championship and the Premiership, shows.
"The good thing with this stadium is that we can have a good crowd here, they can all have good facilities and be seated well. I think everyone is expecting so much from the season that a lot of time they're feeling disappointed but the last game (MK Dons) here, no-one was disappointed with that display and fightback. We should show that spirit all the time and maybe we've got to pretend we are 3-0 down before we get out there, see if that works. If people come to enjoy themselves then they usually do but we've got to make sure that everybody keeps that atmosphere going. I think there was doubts that we would get the atmosphere we did at Gay Meadow, because of the corners being open and things like that but certainly, when we have raised our game, the supporters have raised their game and its a chicken and the egg situation with who's going to be first. If it were really volatile in the crowd with everybody really getting behind the team, maybe that would set us off, rather than us setting them off with a second half fightback."
Chester Not Paying Wages?
Rumours have circulated for some time that Chester City are on the brink of Administration.
Few solid facts have come from the club in regards to their financial status since Stephen Vaughan quit as chairman in December but it is now understood that players wages are not being paid on time, if at all.
Speaking to the press before the weekend game with Chester, Mansfield boss Billy Dearden became the first to 'go public' with the problems at the Deva Stadium: "It is a shame they are having problems. At times players' wages have not been paid which shouldn't happen but does happen."
Dearden himself is a former Chester player, and a friend of Chester boss Bobby Williamson. Since Vaughan's decision to quit the club has won just one of 14 games, and have cut six players off the wage bill. Former players Phil Bolland and Gavin Ward, both now at Wrexham, acknowledged in a radio interview that there were problems with wages.
Vaughan faces a summer court case over two cars he purchased in 2005. He is alleged to have fraudulently obtained finance deals on the cars and insured them under false pretences, and there are also theft charges over the vehicles.
All we want to do is win says Trewick
Hereford United coach John Trewick is aware that given results elsewhere the Bulls could top League Two tomorrow tea-time but he has told the Worcester News they must not get carried away with the possibility of promotion.
"We have just put a little run together where we have picked up four consecutive wins, which is pleasing. We have scored a number of goals and hopefully we can continue that.
"Regardless of who is top tomorrow all we want to do is win our match.
"We are not looking at the promotion issue. We can see the league and we understand where we are but we also know what we have done to achieve that. We are looking at the short-term.
"We have broken the season down into six-match mini leagues and we have tried to achieve our points target within that period. So far this season we have achieved that and that's all we are doing at the moment and not looking beyond that goal.
"It's very much centred on what's happening now.
"We need to go there (Shrewsbury) and make sure we continue our progress and keep them where they are.
"But it will be a diffiuclt match, they are a decent side and will be going out for the win.
"As far as we are concerned it's another game that we can get three points out of."
News Round Up
Stockport have signed Man City full back Shaleum Logan and Everton goalie John Ruddy on a months loan. Logan was previously on loan at Grimsby, and has played in the Carling Cup for his parent club. Ruddy had a previous loan at Stockport last season. Notts County defender Austin McCann has signed a pre-contract agreement with Scottish side Dunfermline.
Brentford have announced that the land for their proposed new stadium has been purchased. Developers Barratt Homes have bought the land to build the new ground before turning Griffin Park into housing. Rochdale goalkeeper Sam Russell will miss six weeks of the run-in with a broken finger. They will recall youngster Lloyd Rigby from loan to cover.
Peterboro defender Tom Williams has been banned for an additional two matches and fined for his recent sending off at Chesterfield. He admitted charges of abusing match officials and Chesterfield staff. Bournemouth's former boss Harry Redknapp will invest in the club to keep it alive, but FA rules will prevent him from being a major contributor until he quits management.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Smith has a chance of playing at Shrewsbury
Hereford United's mid-fielder and stand-in captain Ben Smith has a chance of playing against Shrewsbury Town tomorrow.
Smith missed the Rochdale game after picking up a groin injury in the warm-up. Subsequently he could not take part in the Chesterfield game. He is expected to have a late fitness check before manager Graham Turner decides whether to play him.
Turner gave BBC Hereford and Worcester an injury update:
"Toumani Diagouraga is not going to make the weekend. Ben Smith has got a chance. Steve Guinan and Luke Webb are long-term absentees and not making a lot of progress at present."
New loan signing Stephen Gleeson may start alongside Kris Taylor if Smith is unable to play.
Turner talks about Gleeson
Graham Turner has told BBC Hereford and Worcester that had it not been for an injury new on-loan signing Stephen Gleeson, pictured, would have joined the Bulls sooner. He had been due at Edgar Street before the game against Barnet at the end of January.
"The paperwork wasn't done quickly enough for Barnet so he played in their (Wolves) reserves and got injured on that night. So you can imagine the feeling immediately after we had lost to Barnet - a phone call from Mick McCarthy.
"Graham, sorry, the lad's got injured, Can't join you tomorrow.
"So we've waited a couple of weeks but we're pleased to have him in."
H&W reported that the loan was for an inital month 'although there's a chance it could be extended for the rest of the season.'
Turner also spoke about extending the loans of his front pair of Gary Hooper and Sherjill MacDonald.
"The vibes are quite good although I've not spoken to either West Brom or Southend yet.
"The players have indicated they would like to stay, and we would like to keep them until the end of the season."
Macmillian Renton Appeal Reaches Target
The appeal to raise a £1.5 million share of £3.4 million needed to build a cancer unit at Hereford County hospital has been accomplished.
"It is truly amazing. We asked people to raise £1.5 million to build something they would never want to go near themselves, and they did so," said Ron Davies, fundraising manager for Macmillan Cancer Support as reported by the Hereford Times.
"We asked the public to raise the money. We were never disappointed or ever let down. No-one ever said no. It has been truly amazing and it is wonderful to have been associated with it..
"There were some big donations but ordinary people raised the majority of the money. I think nearly everyone in Herefordshire and parts of Powys did something to make sure we get a new cancer unit in Hereford."
Bulls News was pleased to support this appeal by running a car park at the Hay-on-Wye festival. With the help of several young Hereford United supporters over £21,000 was raised for this excellent cause.
Shrewsbury Captain to miss Hereford Match
Ben Davies, the Shrewsbury captain, will miss Saturday's local derby with Hereford United.
He picked up a ham-string injury in their game against MK Dons and has told the Shropshire Star that the Hereford game will be too soon for him.
Meanwhile Kelvin Langmead will take over as captain, while Davies recovers from injury.
Defender Darran Kempson is also likely to miss the game.
Gleeson To Be Loan No.7
Graham Turner has confirmed to BBC Hereford and Worcester that Wolves midfielder Stephen Gleeson should join the club.
The Dublin born 19 year old playmaker is a full Irish international but has had limited chances in the Molineux first team, making only one start in this season's Carling Cup and four sub appearances last season. He did get good experience from sixteen games for Stockport during a loan spell last season, his last game being at Edgar Street as the Hatters won 2-0.
Turner said: "We've had our problems with both Toumani Diagouraga and Ben Smith being injured. Stephen will give us a little bit more balance in midfield." The deal is expected to be completed tomorrow.
Below is a short profile of Glesson edited from Wolves Official Website.
The loan system served Stephen Gleeson well during 2006/07. The Academy graduate spent a period on loan at Stockport, where he won plaudits from the County fans.
He returned to Molineux and made his first team debut for Wolves, as a substitute, against Hull in April, also going on from the bench in the second leg of the play-off semi-final at West Brom.
Having thought his footballing year couldn't get any better, Stephen was called into the full Irish squad in May and earned his first cap in a friendly against Ecuador.
He further established himself at international level in the early weeks of 2007-08 when, in his debut for Ireland's under 21s, he scored both goals in a 2-2 friendly draw against Germany in Furth.
UPDATE: In an article this afternoon confirming the deal the Wolves site says that Gleeson has joined Hereford United 'on an initial one months loan'. It also mentions that 'injuries have restricted his opportunities'.