Most football clubs in the lower leagues are having difficulty finding places to train at present. The wintery weather has left many pitches either covered with snow or frosted.
And with the forecast suggesting a cold night on Friday, there is the potential for several games to be called off this weekend.
Herefordshire has missed the worst of the weather as at this morning and Graham Turner will be hoping the game at Edgar Street on Saturday against Brighton can go ahead. The last but one home game against Leeds was postponed but the pitch inspection was done in good time which was noted by the Football League.
Brighton had to train indoors yesterday but were hoping to return outside this morning. They have a couple of new players in their squad and want to integerate them 'into their game plan'.
“Hereford are scrapping for their lives, very much like we are. We’ve gone four games unbeaten so we want to go there and be positive,” Adams told the Argus.
.jpg)
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Weather playing havoc with training
News Round Up
Cheltenham have said they will stick by manager Martin Allen even if they are relegated. Their defence has shipped 22 goals in the last seven games, and have not won for two months. Yeovil midfielder Darren Way has left hospital, six weeks and eight operations after a car crash that ended his season.
Luton loaned Bulls loan target Lewis Price after Leicester goalkeeper Conrad Logan priced himself out of a move to the League Two strugglers. Tranmere have told midfielder Adnan Ahmed he will not be offered a new contract in the summer. He is currently on loan at Port Vale.
Woking have needed owner Chris Ingram to put his hand in his pocket to bail the club out as attendances fall. Ingram has stated he will cease to fund the club in the summer, and it will have to seek funds elsewhere. Weymouth forward Anton Robinson had to agree to write off six weeks wages for the club to allow his move to Bournemouth.
The cost of Swindon hiring covers for the County Ground pitch, reported yesterday, to keep Saturday's game running is £4,000. The covers are expected to become mandatory for Football League clubs next season. Scunthorpe are giving a trial to Ipswich midfielder Liam Trotter, one of several players they will look at who will be out of contract in the summer.
Orient Appoint Williams
Leyton Orient have appointed former Colchester boss Geraint Williams as their new manager.
The 47 year old joins on a contract until the end of the season. He was sacked as Colchester boss in September after two years in the post, taking over the reigns following six years as assistant boss after Phil Parkinson went to Hull.
Kevin Nugent, who has been caretaker boss at the Matchroom Stadium, will continue at the club as his assistant. Meanwhile Chairman Barry Hearn has ended takeover talks with an unnamed party after the pair could not agree terms.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Robbers take Hereford Game Receipts
A robbery took place at Stockport County's Edgeley Park yesterday morning. Most of the takings from the game against Hereford last Saturday and from the rugby match the previous evening were reported to have been taken.
The robbery took place at 8.50am when three masked men charged into the ticket office and forced staff to empty the safe.
"There are often lots of strong feelings about people’s loyalty to rugby or football, but this damages both clubs. Although thankfully no-one was injured, the staff were traumatised and I would encourage anyone who has any loyalty to County and knows something to come forward," said Mark Maquire as reported by the Stockport Express.
Police confirmed the robbers netted a five figure sum.
"There was an unacceptable level of violence used against totally innocent people who were about to begin a day’s work. Those responsible should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves. A significant amount of money was stolen. It is very unusual for football or rugby clubs to be targeted by attacks of this nature," said Det Insp Kevin Dolan, from Stockport CID.
Anyone with information can contact Stockport CID on (0161) 856 9840 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Preview: Bulls vs Brighton
The Bulls entertain Brighton in a League One match at Edgar Street on Saturday.
The two sides met in October at the Withdean Stadium, sharing a goalless draw to earn the Bulls' first away point. Previously the Seagulls have not won at Edgar Street since their first visit - a 1970 FA Cup match - including their last visit which was another FA Cup match that saw current Bulls physio Jamie Pitman help the Bulls to a 2-1 win thanks to a Neil Grayson double.
The Bulls have had a surprise break which will have given time for new signings Peter Gulacsi and Febian Brandy to familiarise themselves with surroundings. Graham Turner's only dilemma, barring injuries, is which of the six loanees will not make the final sixteen. The last time the Bulls had a match postponed they gave a debut to an on-loan Man Utd youngster in the following game and slammed five past Oldham. No pressure, lads.
The Seagulls' pre-season hopes of a play-off run under fans' favourite Micky Adams have all but disappeared. Last season's seventh place cost Dean Wilkins his job and Adams was expected to take them higher, but they sit just two points clear of the drop zone. January's window has seen two Championship midfielders, a £150,000 full back, and a small fee for Oldham striker Craig Davies in the hope of rewinding their form back to last season.
Hereford United vs Brighton and Hove Albion, Edgar Street, Saturday 7th February, 3.00pm.
News Round Up
Leeds failed to sign former Stockport striker Liam Dickinson on loan until the end of the season after their forms arrived at Football League HQ 14 minutes late. Southend and Scunthorpe fans are fuming after referee Keith Hill postponed last night's match between the two sides just 20 minutes before kick-off. He had deemed the match playable in the afternoon.
Swindon have hired covers from Sandown racecourse to ensure their match at the weekend is on. Bournemouth's future is up in the air after millionaire local businessman Adam Murry failed to find the money to secure the purchase of shares agreed with 50% owner Paul Baker. Baker has now opened talks with a second bidder.
Chester had a mini-clearout before the transfer window closed, with five players departing permanently and one on loan. They have just two recognised strikers remaining, with last night's match against Rochdale - watched by just 1,357, having a bench full of untested teenagers. Cheltenham have won their appeal against Damian Spencer's red card against MK Dons, and he will be free to face the Bulls next weekend.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Premier League urge Crackdown on IIlegal Websites
The Premier League is urging the government to crackdown on websites illegally showing live matches and pub landlords who broadcast foreign feeds according to the FSF, Football Supporters Federation. While the league has concerns around the impact on live attendance most of its worries stem from the loss of TV revenue, both domestically and internationally.
So called “peer-to-peer” sites allow users to watch live streams from Premier League games, free of charge. While the picture quality has often been slow and jerky in the past it is expected to improve vastly in the coming years as the technology improves. There are obvious concerns that when this happens, and word spreads, more and more people will use this technology which would hit TV viewing figures – and the money the Premier League can charge for rights on the next deal, due in 2010.
Chief executive Richard Scudamore wants culture secretary, Andy Burnham, and business secretary, Lord Mandleson, to stamp down on copyright infringement by making internet service providers (ISPs) responsible for their customers behaviour. However, news emerged last week that none of the government’s proposals on how to address infringement had won support from both rights holders and ISPs.
Scudamore also revealed, to an all-party committee, that the league had sent over 700 cease and desist letters. Most of these were in China with the league claiming an 87 per cent success rate, although many sites just pop up under another domain name.
The struggle mirrors that of the music industry, record sales have collapsed as illegal downloads spiralled out of all control in the past five years. The music industry’s response? While they’ve attempted to stop illegal downloads with pressure on ISPs and prosecutions, there’s tacit acknowledgement that it’s a battle that might never be won. So they’ve increased focus on what people want from the live experience and heftily discounted CDs, compared with only a few years ago.
Will the Premier League respond in similar fashion and encourage clubs to cut prices? The average Premier League crowd is now in its mid-40’s and the next generation of fan doesn’t seem to need the live fix. Young supporters have been priced out and think football is something you watch on TV anyway.
There’s no doubting Scudamore’s negotiating skills but if all these supporters turn to free streaming sites instead of pubs and Sky subscriptions, revenue will collapse, and football may start to realise just how important its ‘customers’ at the matches actually are.
Memories will come flooding back on Saturday
Brighton and Hove Albion will be Hereford United's opponents this coming Saturday, weather permitting.
The last time the two teams met in a League Fixture at Edgar Street was in May 1997.
People sometimes wonder why there is a rivalry between Hereford United and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Ask any Hereford United fan and they will take you back to May 3rd, 1997. It was the last game of the season, and Hereford United, who had been dragged into the relegation dogfight, were bottom of the Division Three table. Brighton, who were twelve points adrift at one point, had clawed their way to 23rd place. Brighton were in trouble with the FA, as their stadium was to be demolished in a few days time, and pitch invasions had been penalised with a two point deduction by the FA.
So guess the final game of the season. You guessed it! Hereford United vs Brighton & Hove Albion at Edgar Street. (Doesn't the fixture calender pull some horrible stunts). The morning before the game Hereford had 47 points, and Brighton also has 47 points. Brighton had scored 53 goals, Hereford had scored 50. So if Hereford won, they would stay up. A draw or defeat would mean relegation to non-league football.
At half time, the score was 1-0 to Hereford, and Brighton were on their way to relegation from the Football League. The final whistle blew, and the crowds poured onto the pitch, but with the minority celebrating. The majority were crying, astonished that the unthinkable had happened. A second half equaliser, scored by Robbie Reinelt, had put the game at 1-1, and Hereford United were relegated. The Bulls 25 season stay in the Football League had come to an end.
Within weeks, the club had disintergrated. The manager, Graham Turner, resigned, but was later re-appointed by the club. Many first team players left, and the club were back to non-league status which they had left in 1972.
In the November of that year, Hereford United were drawn at home against Brighton in the FA Cup First Round after winning the qualifying round tie. At Edgar Street, the Bulls emerged as winners by two goals to one, which was some revenge but the damage was done. Brighton proceeded to struggle in Division Three whilst Hereford finished a respectable sixth in the Conference.
The sides have not played each other at Edgar Street since the FA Cup tie, but when they do so next Saturday, it is sure to be a passionate affair for Hereford fans everywhere.
This article, with minor amendments, was originally written for www.hu-fc.co.uk
Three League One Games This Evening
Just three League One games survived the winter weather this evening.
None had any real bearing on Hereford United's position.
Leicester stay top with a 4-1 win at Walsall. MK Dons, in second place, won 1-0 at Stockport.
Finally Huddersfield drew at home 1-1 with Hartlepool. Ex-Hereford United winger Lionel Ainsworth started for Huddersfield.
Turner believes in me - Gowling
Joss Gowling, the 23 year old defender currently on loan at Hereford United, has been speaking about his relationship with Carlisle who have allowed him to play against them when the two teams meet later this season.
“It shows what the club (Carlisle) think of me by letting me play in the game,” said Gowling in a long interview with the News and Star.
“That’s fine. It won’t make any difference to me. I’ll just give my all, as I always do. I’ve been getting better and better each week I’ve been playing at Hereford, for a manager who believes in me. That’s good for me. My confidence is high.
“I don’t see it that I have a point to prove when the Carlisle game comes around. I know what I can do and I wasn’t given a chance at Carlisle.
“I came into the team when they weren’t doing very well and my confidence was low. Nobody was playing as well as they can. I could have done a bit better and there are no excuses from me about that. But I wasn’t given the chance to show what I could do with a run in the team.
“I’m still a Carlisle player and I’ll be coming back in the summer when my loan is up. If I scored the winner for Hereford up at Brunton Park, I wouldn’t do anything stupid. I like the Carlisle fans – they’ve always been good to me – so I wouldn’t go overboard. You’ve got to be professional about things.
“I’m back near my roots in the Midlands, playing under one of my old West Brom youth coaches John Trewick, who is the assistant manager here at Hereford, and I feel I’ve been doing ok.
“We’ve been unfortunate with some results, although Stockport battered us at the weekend. The lads have done alright and we’ve got to try and keep improving. We are playing a lot of the teams around us in the table over the next few weeks so if we pick up a couple of wins we will be right up there.”
Little Action for Brandy at Swansea
Febien Brandy, the young striker signed on loan by Hereford United yesterday, has had two spells on loan with Swansea City but didn't see too much first team action when based with them.
He first went on loan to Swansea on January 18th last year. This spell lasted until the end of last season. He made two starts and was a substitute some 17 times.
He re-joined Swansea on July 22 and stayed there until last month. He didn't start once but came on as a sub 14 times. However he did made two League Cup appearances.
Tom Edwards is a Swansea City season ticket holder and has seen Brandy come on as a sub many times during his two loans.
"A quick, direct player who is deceptively strong for a player of his size," Tom told Bulls News.
"He will run all day and work the channels well, causing problems for defenders, but his poor finishing lets him down along with his temper. Would do well if played alongside a big man to feed off."
Carlisle Date to be Changed
Despite Hereford United announcing that the postponed game at Carlisle will take place on March 24th it appears that is now not the case.
Discussions are reported to be taking place between the two clubs as March 24th is in the middle of an international week.
Whilst Carlisle were happy with the date, Hereford United now want it changed.
"We accepted that advice from the Football League and, even though it is likely that Michael Liddle will be called up for duty with the Republic of Ireland, we decided that we were happy with 24 March," said a spokesman for Carlisle.
"However, the Hereford keeper (Peter Gulacsi, in on-loan from Liverpool) is a Hungarian international and is also likely to be called up, so they are not prepared to take the risk on the game being played on that date."
Possible dates are February 24th or a Tuesday sometime in April.
Lewis Price was set for Hereford
Lewis Price, the Welsh international goalkeeper, was expected to come to Hereford United on loan but, for whatever reason, has gone to Luton instead.
The Burton Mail reports that Price who is currently third choice keeper at Derby 'was due to be loaned to Hereford United'.
It looks as though Graham Turner decided that the young Liverpool keeper he has signed on loan, Peter Gulacsi, was a better or perhaps cheaper option, or both.
To have the choice of two keepers does suggest that managers at a higher level are happy for players to come to Edgar Street.
Watford release Ashikodi
Watford Football Club has confirmed that they have released Moses Ashikodi. It is only a few weeks since he returned to the club after a loan spell with Hereford United.
As his contract was terminated before 5pm yesterday he is free to join up with any club that might like to give him another chance.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Odd One Out
When the game of musical chairs stops on Saturday, Graham Turner will have to choose which five of the six loan players get to sit down in the matchday sixteen.
With the two new additions the Bulls exceed the allowed quota for loan players in each squad and, considering the likes of Liverpool and Man Utd have handed some of their highly prized young assets to the Bulls, new arrivals Peter Gulacsi and Febian Brandy are expected to be holding two of the five positions.
Sam Hewson, whose 'engine room' work has impressed many, is another likely pick and Josh Gowling, a regular since his arrival, would be the hot favourite to take seat number four. And that leaves one berth for two Williams.
Contestant number one is Andy, a five foot eleven inch forward or winger. A crowd darling in his previous spell but whose second stint at Edgar Street has been less than productive. The boy has become a man - and will have to fight like a man for the wide berth that will be up for grabs once Brandy takes the forward spot, as is the general expectation.
Contestant number two is Jennison, a five foot eleven inch forward or winger (no relation). Has topped the media's ratings charts over his two appearances so far - but is yet to truly endear himself to the locals due to the general disappointment over the results in those games. He has the pace to suggest he would be a better barman for a fast Brandy, but would be the less experienced choice in terms of the workings of the Bulls tactics.
GT, the choice is yours. Your race to survival starts... now.
Brandy signs for the Bulls
Febian Brandy has signed for the Bulls. He's a 19 year old 5ft 6in striker from Manchester United who recently had a loan spell at Swansea City.
He will become the second Manchester United player at Edgar Street. Young midfielder Sam Hewson joined the Bulls a fortnight ago.
The length of the loan appears uncertain. The Official Site says an initial one month loan but another source says for the rest of the season.
This profile of Brandy is from Wikipedia:
Febian Earlston Brandy (born 4 February 1989 in Manchester) is an English footballer currently playing for Manchester United. His regular position is as a striker.
Brandy has been at United since the age of nine, having been invited down to the club's old training ground at The Cliff, after he was spotted playing for his local team, West End Boys. Having recovered from various injuries, including a broken leg, that ruled him out of much of the 2005–06 season, Brandy is now a regular starter in the United reserve team, and scored his first goal for the reserves against Bolton Wanderers in October 2006.
Brandy started up front for United against Liverpool in both legs of the FA Youth Cup final, winning a penalty in the first leg – which Sam Hewson converted – but missing a chance when through on goal in the second leg, which his youth team manager Paul McGuinness described as a "key moment" in the tie which Liverpool won on penalties. Brandy was also the scorer of the only goal in the 2007 Champions Youth Cup final against Juventus.
On 17 January 2008, Swansea City claimed that they had signed Brandy on loan until the end of the 2007–08 season. This was confirmed by Manchester United the following morning, and Brandy made his Swansea debut in their match against Port Vale on 19 January 2008, coming on as an 82nd-minute substitute for Paul Anderson.
Brandy returned to Manchester United for pre-season training in July 2008, but was sent out for a second six-month spell on loan at Swansea on 22 July 2008. He returned to Manchester United on 12 January 2009.
Moss to Referee if Grass is Green
Assuming the wintery spell relents enough by the weekend for the home game against Brighton to go ahead, Jon Moss will be the referee.
Moss is a Head teacher in a West Yorkshire primary school and started refereeing in 1988, spending a long time in local and Supply League football before reaching level three in 2001. Thereafter he was double-jumped to level two and the National List of assistant referees in 2003. After two more years he was promoted to the National List of Referees in 2005.
The last time Moss was in charge of a game involving Hereford United was in December 2007 at Gigg Lane, where the Bulls defeated Bury 1-0. The scorer was Theo Robinson.
To date this season Moss has been in the middle for 25 games in which he has given out 58 yellow and 6 red cards.
NFU Mutual to sponsor Carlisle Game
Cumbria is much like Herefordshire in that it is primarily an agricultural and tourist area.
That probably explains why the NFU Mutual together with the local farming community feel that sponsoring a match at Carlisle is worthwhile.
Unfortunately the game they were to sponsor was tomorrow's evening match against Hereford United. But despite the inconvenience of a postponement they have agreed to sponsor the re-arranged match between the two clubs on March 24th.
Whilst the NFU Mutual haven't, certainly in recent times, sponsored a match at Edgar Street, they have helped Bulls News with their fund-raising for the Macmillan Renton Appeal which was set-up to help provide improved cancer facilities at Hereford hospital.
Meanwhile all 2,700 Carlisle season ticket holders are to be given a £5 voucher to be used in their club shop. This voucher is being sent out as a way of paying back the recent VAT reduction.
Carlisle game called off
The Official Hereford United website reports that there will be a pitch inspection today at 2pm for the forthcoming Carlisle v Hereford match, set to take place tomorrow evening. It is thought that an early pitch inspection will be in the best interests of Hereford fans who face their longest away trip of the season.
Update: The Official Carlisle United website has confirmed that the weather has had its way and that the game has now been called off. They cite a health and safety concern with thick snow covering the terracing and surrounding areas.
The first possible date for the postponed match to take place is February 24th. After then all the Tuesdays are already accounted for until March 24th.
Update: The game will now be played on Tuesday, March 24th.
A little more about Peter Gulacsi
Hereford's new loan signing Peter Gulacsi - now confirmed by the club - was born in Budapest, Hungary on the 6th May 1990, making him 18 at this present time. He formerly played for MTK Hungaria before joining Liverpool on loan last season. After impressing the coaching staff at Anfield, he made his move permanent in the summer of 2008 signing a two year contract.
At 6 foot 3, the 'keeper has made a number of reserve appearences and was part of the treble winning reserve team of 2007/2008. Most recently, he kept a clean sheet against Man Utd reserves. The Hungarian has joined until the end of the season and is likely to be first-choice for Graham Turner and go straight into the starting line-up against Carlisle tomorrow evening.
Keeper Gulacsi Due In On Loan
The Liverpool Echo is reporting that goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi is due to join the Bulls in time for Tuesday's match with Carlisle.
The 18 year old Hungarian has spent the last 18 months with Liverpool after coming through the same Hungarian side as current first teamer Krisztian Nemeth. He has been a regular for the reserves, keeping a clean sheet against Man Utd reserves on Thursday night. He has also received call ups to the Hungarian national squad.
Carlisle Boss Slams 'Pub Team Defending'
Carlisle boss Greg Abbott has slammed his side's performance in their 2-0 loss against Colchester at the weekend, accusing them of defending like a pub side:
"How can we keep clean sheets when we defend as comically as that? The first goal wouldn't have looked out of place in a pub game on a Sunday, never mind in a League One game on a Saturday afternoon."
Abbott is set to give new winger Lewis Neal his debut, and will demand nothing short of a comfortable win against the Bulls after three games without a win: "Hereford is a game you probably want – a team struggling who haven't won many on their travels. It’s a big one for us now and I'm sure we'll get some criticism if we don't win the game and win it comfortably."
The Cumbrians will be without player-coach Graham Kavanagh through suspension but have experienced strikers Scott Dobie and Michael Bridges available to come back into the team.
News Round Up
Peterboro have signed Man Utd defender James Chester on loan for a month. The 20 year old played as a sub in the Carling Cup semi final against Derby. Posh striker Aaron Mclean is due in court to face charges of driving without insurance or a valid licence. Stevenage are threatening to sue Kettering after they pulled out of a deal to sign striker Iyseden Christie permanently after a loan spell. The player has now gone on loan to Torquay.
Cheltenham have appealed against Damian Spencer's red card in Saturday's match with MK Dons, while his hat trick has persuaded Martin Allen to take him off the transfer list. Swindon captain Hasney Aljofree will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. Colchester have loaned defender Matt Lockwood to Barnet for a month. Leeds have named former player Glynn Snodin as a coach.
Ten of the twenty two sides in the League Of Ireland have failed to pass their certification test over financial issues. Most of the problems relate to missed payments to players, with one club owing €41,000 to players. Walsall have extended the contract of Paul Boertien until the end of the season after telling him they wouldn't two weeks ago.
Brighton have signed Stockport defender Jimmy McNulty for £150,000 after the player did a u-turn and agreed a three and a half year deal at the Withdean. He had previously turned down the move due to the distance. Carlisle have extended the loan of Michael Liddle from Sunderland until the end of the season.
Scunthorpe have signed Arsenal midfielder Henri Lansbury on loan. The 18 year old has played in three of the Gunners' Carling Cup games this season. Stockport have signed Oldham striker Chris O'Grady on loan for the remainder of the normal season. Northampton have extended the loans of Man Utd keeper Ron-Robert Zieler for another month, and Arsenal defender Paul Rodgers until the end of the season.
Hartlepool have signed Norwegian striker Rune Lange until the end of the season. The 31 year old has played in Turkey, Belgium, and his homeland. Leeds have signed American striker Mike Grella after a trial. The 22 year old signed an 18 month deal after scoring a hat-trick in his debut for the reserves. Millwall have loaned striker Adrian Forbes to Grimsby until the end of the season, and signed defender Richard Duffy from Portsmouth.
Cheltenham have loaned midfielder Andy Lindegaard to Aldershot for a month. Huddersfield have confirmed the signing of Gateshead striker Lee Novak, but he will return to his old club on loan for the remainder of the season. Leyton Orient have loaned defender Solomon Shields to St Albans for a month, and taken Chelsea midfielder Jimmy Smith on loan. No Bulls in the Team of the Week. Ex-Bull Gary Hooper is named alongside three from Stockport.
Leeds have terminated the contract of veteran Paul Telfer by mutual consent. Ex-Bull John Eustace has rejected a loan move to Brighton from Watford as he didn't want to drop out of the Championship.
Sunshine in Carlisle This Morning
The Met Office reports that the sun has been shining in Carlisle this morning and temperatures are slowly rising above 0C.
The area looks to missed the worst of the wintery weather so far.
Latest predictions from the Met Office show sunny periods and snow showers for today with more snow showers overnight. However it does suggest there will be little, if any, frost tonight.
Tomorrow is expected to be a brighter day with maximum temperatures of about +3C.
Hereford United are due to play at Carlisle tomorrow evening with a 7.45pm kick-off.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Mathieson to Referee at Carlisle
Scott Mathieson from Cheshire is set to referee tomorrow evening's League One match at Carlisle where Hereford United are the visitors.
43 year old Mathieson has been a National list match official since 1990, spending four seasons on the line before promotion to the referees list in 1994.
Hereford United have already seen Mathieson once this season as he was in charge of the home game against Walsall which ended goal-less. That day he booked just one player and he was from the Walsall team.
To date he had officiated in 26 games this season giving out 49 yellow and just 2 red cards.
Meanwhile with neither HUISA nor HUMADS putting on a coach for the game it looks as though the number of Hereford supporters at the game could be the lowest at an away game for many years. The FUNBUS is travelling to the game but even if full will only be taking about 16 fans.
Whilst current form isn't exactly helping, the idea of such a long trip to watch a game on a Tuesday evening isn't very practical for most supporters.
Light Snow For Carlisle
Met Office forecasts for Carlisle in the run-up to Tuesday's match suggest the match will be on.
Monday's forecast is for near freezing temperatures through most of the day accompanied by light snow, while Tuesday is expected to be slightly warmer but heavy snow is forecast for the evening and through the night.
The Cumbrians have pitch covers and are expected to use them ahead of the match. Pitch covers or undersoil heating will become mandatory from next season for all Football League sides, with the Cumbrians trialling a prototype fleece covering during the earlier cold snap at the start of the year.
Carlisle Predictions
Hereford continue their Saturday/Tuesday routine with the long trip to Carlisle and the Bulls News Prediction League is running as always.
To enter, send in your predictions for the Carlisle game to bullsnewspredictions@hotmailco.uk . Remember to include your username. The deadline for this game is at 7.15pm on Tuesday evening. You can also predict for the upcoming Brighton game should you wish.
Rest part of the build-up for Carlisle says Turner
It's a five hour journey to Carlisle from Hereford on Tuesday so Graham Turner has decided to break the trip with a work-out at a Premiership Club facility.
After yesterday's defeat at Stockport Turner told BBC Hereford and Worcester that rest was important when games are coming thick and fast so the players will not be training today.
"We've made our arrangements to stop on route to Carlisle, we'll train at a Premiership training ground," said Turner.
"Rest is part of the build-up.
"It's no good flogging them if it's not the right thing to do and with a game on Tuesday, it will be the fourth in a short space of time, we just got to make sure they get some rest as well as get their minds ready.
"Because that's the most important thing that we are making our minds up we are going to Carlisle and we've got to work harder than we've done today."
As reported yesterday Turner failed to bring in two loan players late last week but he is still very hopeful that a third player will be joining the squad en-route to Carlisle.
"I've agreed with the club and he is going in to sign with his club over the weekend and will join up with us on the way up to Carlisle.
"It's fairly cut and dried. The club are delighted that he is coming to us. It is a Premiership club."
Preview: Carlisle vs Bulls
The Bulls travel to Brunton Park on Tuesday night for a League One match against Carlisle United.
The Bulls will be chasing their first double of the season to wipe out the taste of two straight defeats. In mid-October the Bulls, in front of the lowest League One crowd of the season so far, beat the Cumbrians thanks to Andy Williams only goal of the season so far. Both Josh Gowling and Jennison Myrie-Williams were subs for Carlisle that night and are expected to line up for the Bulls on Tuesday.
Since Carlisle dispensed with the services of John Ward they have pulled themselves clear of the drop zone, but one point from the last nine have given them renewed fears with just six points keeping them safe. Their home form is considerably better than their away exploits, scoring an average of nearly two a game at home. Striker Danny Graham is top scorer with 16 goals and should remain at the club for the match, despite strong transfer interest, now winger Simon Hackney has been sold to balance the books.
The Bulls travel north hoping for at least one reinforcement to the small band of players that has battled through January, and the change of scenery in taking in a Premier League training ground on the way up may help. Taking youngsters, the injured, and the 'missing' from the picture, there may be just eighteen names in contention for the trip - severely limiting the amount of changes hinted at by Graham Turner after Saturday's capitulation. The squad has shrunk dramatically since New Years Eve, with seven departing from loans and short term deals and only two arriving.
Carlisle United vs Hereford United, Brunton Park, Tuesday 3rd February, 7.45pm.
The long journey to Carlisle.
Carlisle United v Hereford United
Football League 1
Tuesday 3rd February 2009 KO 7.45 pm.
Brunton Park
Warwick Road
Carlisle
CA1 1LL
Phone 0844 371 1921
Formed in 1904, "The Cumbians" were a product of the merger of two local sides Shaddongate United and Carlisle Red Rose. They moved to Brunton Park in 1909 and joined the Football League in 1928. Visiting fans are accommodated in part of the Cumberland Building Society Stand on one side of the pitch. Admission prices are believed to be Adults £20, Over 65's £14, Under 18's £10, Under 10's £6. Carlisle usually offer a £2 discount on earlybird tickets sold through the visiting club but there has been no announcement from HUFC regarding this facility.
COACHES - HUISA say they cannot justify running a coach to Carlisle because their usual more profitable trips are not showing the surplus to cover losses on less popular games. FUNBUS will depart from Legends at 1.30 pm. I expect to take a couple of 10-minute comfort stops on the M6 and to arrive in Carlisle around 6.30 in time for a glass or two before the game. The fare will depend on numbers but is expected to be around £18. Contact Oxo on 07917 695669.
CAR - Brunton Park is one of the easier grounds to find. Leave the M6 at J43 and take the A69 to Carlisle. You will see the ground on your right after about a mile. There is a car park close to the ground for a £2 fee. Distance from ES is just short of 250 miles and you should allow four and a half hours. Postcode is CA1 1LL.
ALEHOUSES - The Beehive on the A69 is probably the closest to the ground and serves Theakstons. In the centre of Carlisle in the Griffin which carries a decent range including Deuchars IPA and Jennings Best along with a variety of the usual fizzy stuff. The local 'Spoons are The Woodrow Wilson at 48 Botchergate and The William Rufus in the same street. Finally, the Rugby Club next to Brunton Park usually admits visiting fans and serves Theakstons and Yates beers to proper football and egg chasing fans alike.
Fingers crossed for the weather.