Test

Monday, June 08, 2009

News Round Up

Accrington say they are losing out on a new ground sponsor due to the betting charges one some of their current and former players. The charges are expected to be heard at the end of July, with the club saying a potential sponsor won't commit to the club until the outcome is known. Lincoln have had full back Paul Green ruled out until Christmas as he needs hip surgery.

Notts County's Middle East bidders have outlined their plans for the club. They intend to invest in the 'underlying fabric and infrastructure of the club' with the plan to get the club into the Championship within four to five years. Crewe defender Danny Woodards has signed for MK Dons on a two year deal.

Ex-Bull Tamika Mkandawire is said to be interesting Scunthorpe, according to press reports, but he has denied knowledge of Plymouth chasing him. Cheltenham are set to sign released Kidderminster forward Justin Richards. The 28 year old has scored just one Football League goal in around 40 appearances, but scored 17 goals last term in the Conference.

Burton have announced the signing of released Walsall defender Paul Boertien on a one year deal. The injury plagued defender previously spent seven years at Derby, half of them in the treatment room.

Darlington have lost the services of central defender Alan White to Luton. The Hatters are sparing little expense in wanting to return to the League and are believed to have bid £40,000 for Ebbsfleet midfielder Michael Gash after the club's owners voted against a £30,000 offer.

Sue Parry Football Tournament

Now in its ninth year, the Sue Parry Six-a-Side Football Tournament will take place on Sunday July 12th at the Hereford Leisure Centre.

The tournament is open to all ages and will be split into under 9's, under 10's, under 12's, under 14's, and adults (over 16's). The entry fee is £25 per team.

As well as the football there will be a BBQ and face painting. Also on show will be a Mazda 2 TS, the first prize in the St Michael's Anniversary Draw.

Registration is at 9.30am and games will start at 10am.

More information from Sarah Curle on 01432 851000 or e-mail info@st-michaels-hospice.org.uk

The tournament is in memory of Sue Parry and money raised will go to St Michael's Hospice.

Sunday, June 07, 2009

News Round Up

Darlington's hopes of confirming Dean Windass as player/coach may be scuppered after Gillingham admitted holding talks with the 40 year old forward. Bournemouth midfielder Danny Hollands has withdrawn his 14 day notice to quit the club over pay issues. Hollands hopes the imminent sale of the club will cure it's money woes.

Burton may be on the lookout for a new keeper with veteran Kevin Poole unable to commit full time to the club. He has a full time job with Birmingham and can only train part-time, something that new boss Paul Peschisolido doesn't want. Ex-Bull Stuart Fleetwood is waiting for Charlton's takeover to be complete before he knows where he will be playing next season. Exeter still want to sign the former Conference hotshot.

A statement from Weymouth's Supporters Trust says the club 'remains in deep financial trouble and that pressure from some of the Club's creditors is a major and increasingly serious concern.' Chesterfield have called a press conference for noon on Tuesday to name their new manager. Colin Calderwood, John Sheridan, and John Ward have all been touted for the job.

Sheldon moves to King's Lynn

Another former Hereford United player is moving.

29 year old Gareth Sheldon, now known as hot-shot, has signed for Conference North side King's Lynn.

Last season he scored 23 goals for Tamworth and was thought to have been tracked by Kidderminster.

Travis moves to Leamington

Former Hereford United defender Simon Travis has signed for Leamington who play in the British Gas Business Southern League Premier Division.

Travis moved from Edgar Street to Nuneaton in summer 2007 and then to Solihull in summer 2008.

He joined the Bulls in February 2004 and was in the promotion winning squad that defeated Halifax at the Walkers Stadium in May 2006.

In the first year back in the League Travis made 41 appearances for the Bulls. Howver at the end of the season although offered a further contract he declined to accept it.

Both Travis and another former Bull, Alan Connell, was mentioned by then manager Graham Turner in a BBC H&W interview in July 2007.

"[With] Alan Connell; I think that there was one phone call, but I didn't hear anything more from him," said Turner.

"The Football League regulations state that you should inform your existing club by 18 or 19 June whether you accept or refuse that offer; we're still waiting for that letter of confirmation.

"It's annoying and it's unfortunate - Simon Travis was the same - he didn't get his letter in to us, so we withdrew our offers to them."

Morecambe's New Stadium to be Fan Friendly

Almost all 'new' stadia in the lower league are all-seated, however Morecambe are about to buck the trend and keep standing areas in their new stadium.

"We talked to the people that matter most, the fans, about what they wanted from a new ground - and what they wanted most was to be able to choose to stand and watch football rather than sit," said Morecambe's chief executive Rod Taylor in an interview with The Football Supporter.

"We are going to give them what they want - safe standing accomodation in the new ground. It's part of the experience of watching Morecambe which has served us well for generations. It's important to maintain such traditions, they're part of the heart and soul of clubs like ours."

Morecambe will lose out on Football Foundation grants (they insist on all-seated stadia) but will save on construction costs.

"In terms of Football Foundation funding, we've had to take the fact that they won't entertain funding any new stadia that isn't all seater on the chin," continued Taylor.

"However the new stadium will allow us to provide standing accommodation in a safe, family-orientated, environment and at affordable prices."

Morecambe have sold their Christie Park ground to a supermarket. Their new ground will still be within the town boundary and the club aims to be wholly debt free after the move.

Meanwhile many Hereford United supporters who currently stand in the Meadow End will probably hope that chairman Graham Turner follows Morecambe's example and keep it as a standing only area when it is re-developed.

Saturday, June 06, 2009

Hereford linked with Keeper Soutar

Hereford United have been linked with Ross County goalkeeper Derek Soutar.

Standing at 6 foot, the Scottish 'keeper has a wealth of experience at 28 years of age. Soutar spent eight years at Dundee making 44 appearences before various loan spells around Scotland. He then joined Aberdeen in 2006, before playing most recently for Ross County. Soutar also had experience for Scotland at Under 21 level and also B level.

The goalie has also been linked with Rochdale, Swindon and Oldham.

News Round Up

Shrewsbury have lost the services of assistant boss John McMahon after he opted to take a job managing Liverpool's reserve side. He had been no.2 for the Shrews under both Gary Peters and Paul Simpson, acting as caretaker boss between the two appointments. Bury have won the chase for released Chester striker Ryan Lowe. The former Crewe man scored 18 times last season and could be a replacement for Andy Bishop, who is wanted by Carlisle.

Bournemouth should be sold to new owners shortly, with owner Paul Baker saying he has agreed a deal in principle after talks with two parties. He has asked for a deposit and will enter exclusivity with one party once the deposit has been received. Ex-Bull Phil Starbuck has been sacked as manager of Unibond side Grantham Town. It was his fifth managerial appointment.

Stafford are to raffle off the name of their Marston Road ground to raise money for the club. The winning £50 ticket holder will be able to name the ground after themselves or their business. Rotherham have confirmed that influential midfielder Mark Hudson is to leave the club after he rejected their offer of a new deal.

Accrington fans are to set up a company on Tuesday to become a fighting fund for the club. Shareholder Ilyas Khan will put the £250,000 into the fund that the club have, so far, ignored. The club itself has held talks with the taxman over a repayment plan that they hope will postpone the winding up order.

Northwich have been kicked out of the Conference for breaking their financial rules. The relegated side will not be allowed into Conf North next season, but plan to appeal the decision. The Conference say the club went into Administration after the deadline set in the rules.

Trewick waits for Taylor Decision

Hereford United manager John Trewick is awaiting a decision from Kris Taylor over whether the defender will sign a new contract at Edgar Street.

"I'm still prepared to talk to Kris, I've told him that, but my feeling towards the situation is that he doesn't really want to be here, that's what I'm sitting here thinking at the moment," Trewick told BBC Hereford and Worcester yesterday.

"He insists he does. If that's the case he needs to get to me and discuss something before it is too late."

Friday, June 05, 2009

20% Drop in Income expected says Turner

Hereford United chairman, Graham Turner, has said that he expects a 20% drop in income this coming season and the squad at Edgar Street will have to be tailored to that drop.

"We looked at most things and decided to make an estimated cut of 20% in our income and that reflects in squad budgeting and everything else.

"We think that 60% of turnover (for players wages) should be sufficient to put a squad together to mount a challenge.

"We've proved that we can get out of League Two, we've proved we can bring in young players and improve them. If we can get a nice balance of players we've got every opportunity.

"We are pleasantly surprised at board advertising. There has been a steady trickle of people coming in and renewing their season tickets.

"We are very pleased with the way it is going."

Turner has also spoken about the recent meeting with members of the VP (Vice-Presidents) Club held to clarify his plans about the future of the club.

"I think it was accepted that everything was done with the best of intentions to make sure it continues to run as a business and I think the vast majority in the room accepted what the situation is going to be.

"We're pleased that the club is going to continue along the lines it has been run in the past.

"There is no change for members. What we are going to do is ensure the bar and front door are still properly organised.

"There are no problems with the VP's. They went away reasonably happy - I think about 50 turned up for the meeting - all went away, I think, reasonably happy.

"Certainly there were no dissenting voices at the end of the meeting."

(Turner's quotes were from his latest interview with the official site)

Green Returns For Bulls

Ryan Green has resigned for the Bulls on a one year contract, the club have confirmed.

The Welsh full back played 107 times in a three year spell from 2003 before joining Bristol Rovers. He was released in May after an injury hit spell with the Pirates.

He will be best remembered for scoring the winning goal in the play-off final at Leicester in 2006, but heralded his quality in his first game for the club when, on a sweltering day in Tamworth, he bounced a 40 yard chip off the crossbar within a minute of the Bulls taking the lead.

With John Trewick's earlier comments, the Bulls can expect to field a back four of Valentine, Rose, Lowe, and Green - featuring a good quantity of pace in the full back roles.

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Trewick talks

John Trewick has given a long interview today to the Official Hereford United website speaking about his pre-season dealings so far.

Speaking about his first two signings, Trewick said that despite Keith Lowe playing in a full-back role for Kidderminster, he will play in centre defence for United. "Keith will play in centre back. He played at full back last year but I don't anticipate he will be playing there, only in emergencies." Ryan Valentine was "delighted to join us" with the defender relocating back to the Wales area.

There is also a possibility of a new signing in the near future, with Trewick "very hopeful" that a right-back will join the club today.

"I'm trying to sort out the defence and the midfield first, which will leave the attacking area and the goalkeeper. I'm looking to leave a bit in the budget for someone like a striker, who can change the game when it's very tight."

Trewick also confirmed that he was interested in a striker, believed to be Ashley Vincent from Cheltenham, but he joined Colchester on a three year deal in the past few days after spending a loan spell there at the end of the season just gone.

Trewick also spoke out about his the coaching situation where he was pondering the possiblity of given Chris Adamson a goalkeeping coach role. The Ilkeston 'keeper worked with the club towards the end of last season. With regards the coaching staff, Trewick is "open-minded" over the situation with the former assistant manager still wanting to spend a lot of time on the training field. Jamie Pitman is also going to contribute to training "once or twice a week" whilst Graham Turner may also be involved with training on the odd day.

The full interview is available at www.herefordunited.co.uk

News Round Up

Luton have signed Peterboro striker Liam Hatch on a one year loan deal with a view to a permanent move. Accrington's takeover is still on, according to the potential buyer - and current General Manager - Dave O'Neill. O'Neill is said to have put £150,000 into the club last summer to avert a previous threat from the taxman. Assistant boss Jimmy Bell has confirmed to the local press that several players are refusing to agree new deals while the winding up order remains on the table.

Tranmere have surprisingly sacked manager Ronnie Moore after three years. The club cites gates falling 19% during his tenure, and the failure to reach the play-offs this season, as the main reasons. Grimsby have rejected an offer from Peterboro for teenage defender Ryan Bennett, calling the bid 'derisory'. The 19 year old has already played 100 games for the club. The Posh are believed to have turned to Bennett after Crewe quoted them £500,000 for their defender John Brayford.

Ex-Bull Clint Easton is to have a second trial at Mansfield. He played in an end of season reserve match against Shrewsbury, and the Stags want a second look. Ex-Bull Darren Randolph is one of four Charlton players to be offered new deals by the club. The Irish sulk machine played twice for the Addicks after storming out of Edgar Street.

Walsall Added To Pre-Season List

The Bulls have added Walsall to the pre-season list, with the Saddlers visiting Edgar Street on August 1st.

It will be the final match prior to the start of the season, and is the seventh friendly to be announced. Four of them are at Edgar Street, with the final three taking place within a week against two League One sides and a Wolves select XI.

Darlo To Offer 0.9p To Creditors

Darlington are set to offer less than a penny in the pound to creditors under draft CVA proposals.

183 unsecured creditors are owed a total of over £6.8million, with nearly another £1million owed to secured football creditors. Over £400,000 is owed in taxes, while the smallest creditor is owed just 64p.

A number of local businesses have told the local press they will find it difficult to continue to do business with the football club after the offer. One hotel owner, who is owed £2,560 for the stay of a loan player, will receive barely £230.

Meanwhile, Northampton say they will be on a par with the bulk of League Two in terms of wage bills next season. Manager Stuart Gray told the Northampton Chronicle: "I think we're on an even keel with about 70 per cent of the other teams in League Two. You look at last year, and Bradford and Shrewsbury both had budgets of £1.8m, but we're definitely nowhere near that."

Thursday, June 04, 2009

Rose Confirmed As Ninth Bull

Richard Rose has finally signed his contract for next season, the ninth player to commit to the club for next season.

It has been over three weeks since the club announced he had agreed to the new one year deal, but confirmation comes late tonight from the official site. He has started exactly 100 League matches for the Bulls in his three seasons so far, making 123 appearances in total, scoring twice - both at Edgar Street.

The status of Kris Taylor, who was reported to have agreed a contract at the same time as Rose, is still uncertain with Rose joining Sam Gwynne and Craig Jones in committing to the Bulls in addition to the two new signings, the two that remain under contract, and the two youth teamers that have agreed deals.

Vale Appoint Adams As Boss

Port Vale will confirm Micky Adams as manager at a press conference tomorrow.

The 47 year old has spent just three months out of the game after his return to Brighton turned sour in February. He won promotion from League Two with Fulham, in 1997, and Brighton, in 2001.

Meanwhile Rotherham have confirmed the signing of Crewe striker Tom Pope in a club record equalling £150,000 deal. The 23 year old scored 17 times in 64 games for the Railwaymen after coming through the youth ranks but has signed a three year deal at the Millers.

Hereford United's Pre-season Friendly List

Below is a list of confirmed pre-season friendlies for Hereford United (updated June 8th):

Thursday July 9th - Pegasus away - 7.45pm
Monday July 13th - Bristol City home - 7.45pm
Thursday July 16th - Wellington away - 7.30pm
Tuesday July 21st - Kidderminster away - 7.45pm
Saturday July 25th- Woverhampton Select XI home - 3.00pm
Tuesday 28th July - Bristol Rovers home - 7.45pm
Saturday August 1st - Walsall home - 3.oopm

Abbott: Gowling Talks Ongoing

Carlisle boss Greg Abbott will have further talks with defender Josh Gowling with the former Bournemouth man still rumoured to be a Bulls transfer target.

Gowling, who had a nose operation last week to cure a breathing problem, will meet Abbott in Coventry next week with both men hailing from the city:

"It’s not the end of the road for Josh because he has another year on his contract" Abbott told the News & Star,

"We're both from Coventry and we're both back there visiting our parents next week so we will meet up down there. We will have a chat face to face to see what Josh is thinking and what I'm thinking and what plans we have for each other."

Abbott played Gowling only once after becoming manager, and gave the 25 year old permission to play for the Bulls against the Cumbrians during his loan at Edgar Street.

Trewick hopes for two or three signings next week

Bulls manager John Trewick has told the Hereford Times that he is hopeful of announcing more signings by this time next week.

"I am confident that by this time next week, I should have at least another two or three signings,” Trewick told the Hereford Times.

"I am talking to a number of people at the moment and the PFA list of released players has just come out so it is just a question of working through that."

The dates for the two 'local' pre-season friendlies have been confirmed.

The Bulls will play at Pegasus on Thursday July 9th and Wellington on July 16th.

News Round Up

Notts County have announced a takeover of the club by a Middle East consortium. Former Everton commercial director Peter Trembling heads up the group that will give the club 'more money that it's ever had' according to the local press. The takeover will need approval of shareholders with the Supporters Trust holding a 60% stake in the club.

Shrewsbury have signed released Bristol Rovers midfielder Craig Disley on a two year contract. Rotherham have had a bid accepted by Crewe for striker Tom Pope. The Railwaymen want to reduce the number of strikers in their squad. Chesterfield will begin work on their new 10,500 all-seater stadium after Dave Allen's takeover completed the finances required for the project.

Southend made a loss of £2.4million for the 07/08 season. The club blame the losses on relegation from the Championship and lower gates. They made a £1.38million profit the season before while in the Championship. Dagenham have released five fringe first teamers, while Wycombe have joined the chase for in-demand pair Sam Saunders and Ben Strevens and Brentford have also expressed an interest in defender Danny Foster with all three out of contract.

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

Income rises in Lower Leagues

Income in the lower leagues increased to just over £500 million during the season 2007/08 according to Deloitte's latest figures.

For most clubs that figure will rise next season thanks to an improved broadcasting deal although with Hereford United dropping down a league they may miss out.

Players wages in League One rose by 27 per cent in League One and 8 per cent in League Two during the period.

"For larger clubs, playing to sold-out stadia, with strong demand for corporate packages and wide commercial appeal, the impact [of the economic downturn] may be limited," said Dan Jones, the author of the report.

"However, for smaller clubs, where demand is more variable and where significant excess capacity exists, the downside may be more pronounced."

Two other paragraphs from the report that relate to lower league clubs such as Hereford United.

Below the top two divisions, managing a club’s financial position remains a challenge from one season to the next. Legacy debt issues and the risks taken by some boards of directors will, without correction, inevitably lead to a continuing flow of insolvency cases in the seasons to come.

The economic downturn, driven and compounded by the unprecedented liquidity crisis, has led to a reduction in the amount of active investor interest in football clubs, and has also made some clubs’ proposed refinancing and fundraising more difficult to achieve until credit market conditions improve in due course. However, the fundamentals underpinning the development of the football business in England remain strong.

Bulls to benefit from Training Equipment Deal

The Football League has announced that Precision Training is to become the Official Training Aids Supplier of The Football League in a brand new three-year deal. The new agreement will see Precision Training supply market-leading training equipment to club community programmes across The League.

Each participating club including Hereford United will receive an annual supply of cones, speed ladders, boundary poles and ancillary training items to assist their effort to promote participation in football in their local area.

In announcing the new agreement with Precision Training, Football League Chairman Lord Mawhinney said: "I am delighted to welcome Precision Training as the latest official supplier in The League's commercial programme.

"The equipment they supply will help our clubs provide even more opportunities for local people to take part in professionally organised and equipped football activities."

David Sanderson, national sales manager for Precision Training, said: "This is one of the most exciting and ambitious partnerships we have entered into in the four-year evolution of Precision Training.

"We are delighted to have played a significant role in the increased participation of grass roots football throughout the UK across all age ranges.

"Our new partnership with The Football League will further encourage participation at grass roots level and ensure that thousands of young people across England and Wales get access to the same level of high-quality training aids enjoyed by our leading professional clubs."

News Round Up

Darlington are set to name Dean Windass as player-coach shortly. The veteran striker was officially released by Hull earlier in the week. The Quakers' potential owner Raj Singh has revealed that they will play at the Darlington Arena rent free for two years as part of the deal he has negotiated with ground owner George Houghton. Chester have announced an extension to their early bird season ticket sales despite the Administrator barring sales until a bidder is accepted.

Bournemouth will be on a restricted budget next season after owner Paul Baker revealed that they had already spent the money from the 800 season tickets they have already sold. Macclesfield have signed defender Carl Tremarco from Wrexham. The former Tranmere trainee had a spell on loan at Darlington last season.

Ebbsfleet fans have voted in favour of giving manager Liam Daish a new one year contract, and will now vote on a proposed £30,000 sale of midfielder Michael Gash to another Conference club. Grimsby hope to sign out of favour Leeds midfielder Peter Sweeney. The 24 year old hasn't played for their first team in 12 months.

Torquay are after a new physio after Damien Davey, son of former Bulls striker Steve, quit the club to concentrate on his private practice. Burton expect 46 year old keeper Kevin Poole to sign a new contract and play in the Football League next season. Garry Breen's Galway United lost their third straight match last night, 2-0 to Bohemians. He missed the last two matches through suspension after being sent off.

Brighton have missed out on a substantial payday over Gareth Barry's move to Man City. The Seagulls had the player in their youth system until Villa poached him with a tribunal giving a 15% sell-on clause, but they sold the clause to cover earlier debts missing out on a payday of at least £1.5million more than they received. Lincoln have signed released Rotherham striker Jamie Clarke on a one year deal. He joined Rotherham at the end of the January transfer window, scoring twice in 11 games, after bagging five in 17 for Accrington while on loan from Blackburn.

Darlington central defender Alan White is a target for Luton, who intend to spend their way out of the Conference at the first attempt. Peterboro pair Mark Tyler, also a target for Bury, and Liam Hatch also on their radar. Port Vale have confirmed a £1million playing budget for the coming season, which will put them as one of the biggest.

Accrington are hoping to use this summer's Football League payment to cover their outstanding tax demand. Minor shareholder Ilyas Khan, who is disliked by major shareholder Eric Whalley, has called a fans meeting to discuss the club's plight with his £250,000 share offer being ignored by Whalley. Fans may form a consortium, led by Khan, to buy the club.

Tuesday, June 02, 2009

Record Support for Macmillan Renton Appeal

The Hereford United supporters and friends who manned a car park at the recent Hay Festival have, once again, raised a substantial amount of money for the Macmillan Renton appeal for new cancer facilities at Hereford Hospital.

The weather for the eleven day event was the best ever which helped to swell the numbers attending the world famous festival.

Takings at the car park were well above last years level and the final figure to be handed over to appeal will be the highest amount collected by the supporters to date and will bring the total raised over the past four festivals to well over £50,000.

Monday, June 01, 2009

Vote for a great Britain says Guinan

Former Hereford United striker Steve Guinan has signed a letter to be published in tomorrow's (Tuesday) Guardian which urges voters not to vote for the BNP next Thursday when Britain goes to the polls.

The letter starts:

We love Britain precisely because of its tolerance and diversity. The British National party and its allies are a threat to everything that makes us proud of this country we love. The BNP is working hard to conceal its extremism because it knows that people in Britain totally reject the politics of racism and hatred.

and finishes:

A vote for the BNP is a vote against everything that makes this country great. We are determined to vote on 4 June: please join us in voting for a great Britain.

The list of signaturers include many well known left of centre politicians and trade unionists including Prime Minister Gordon Brown, but also includes footballers, actors and comedians such as Ross Kemp, actor, Gary Neville, Manchester United, Eddie Izzard, comedian, Phil Neville, Everton, Jimmy Carr, comedian, Richard Wilson, actor, Karren Brady, Birmingham City, and Steve Guinan, Hereford United.

VPs Want Say On Club Takeover

The football club met the Vice Presidents members tonight - and were left in no doubt that the membership wanted their say on whether the proposed 'takeover' goes ahead.

Addressing a surprisingly large number of members, far more than the average AGM, Graham Turner outlined the club's reasons behind their announcement last month. He went into much more detail than had been previously released in hoping that a committee would remain in place, but that the bar and ticketing would be taken over by the club.

One vocal member, who had been with the VP club since it's formation 38 years ago, suggested the 'takeover' would be illegal without membership approval under the terms of it's constitution, and that the club had no reason to take away the independence of an organisation that had, he believed, contributed £2million in today's money over the course of it's history to Hereford United.

While the football club appears to have already had a revision - or at least a detailed clarification - of their originally stated plans for the VP Club, from the original letter that aroused much complaint amongst members, they will have to face next month's AGM with the membership seemingly intent on voting on their proposals for the future.

Brown becomes assistant at New Lawn

Former Hereford United striker David Brown has been appointed assistant manager to Jim Harvey at Blue Square Premier outfit Forest Green Rovers. Brown joined Rovers in January from Barrow and is looking forward to working closely with Harvey. "I would only have considered taking such an appointment under Jim Harvey as I love his style," said Brown.

Current Hereford physio Jamie Pitman was assistant at the New Lawn until the start of the season just gone. He linked up once again with United in August 2008, when Wayne Jones left to join Yeovil Town. Jerry Gill replaced Pitman as assistant but his stint in the role has now finished.

Meanwhile, yet another former Hereford striker is in the news. Theo Robinson, who spent the 2007/2008 season on loan at Edgar Street is subject of a reported 100k+ bid from Southend United. The current Watford youngster spent a spell with the Roots Hall club following his year with The Bulls in which he finished top goalscorer. Robinson netted against Hereford last season, with a late penalty snatching a 1-0 victory for Southend at Edgar Street.

News Round Up

Accrington shareholder Ilyas Khan has had no response from the club over his £250,000 share offer. Khan approached the club on Friday, but has not had his call returned. Khan says he has cricket commentator David Lloyd ready to become the public face of the club.

Bournemouth have offered six players new contracts despite there still being uncertainty over the club's future. The club have two bids on the table after a second was handed in over the weekend. Midfielder Danny Hollands has handed in a notice to quit after he was only paid half of May's wages, after they were made to wait for the bulk of April's monies until late last week.

Dean Windass has accepted the post of Assistant Manager at Darlington joining newly appointed Colin Todd. Todd and Windass had previously worked together at Bradford.

Chester owe a total of over £7million according to their Administrator. He will be recommending Stephen Vaughan's bid to creditors that will see a CVA created that will pay just 15% to unsecured creditors. Crewe are chasing Shrewsbury defender Kelvin Langmead with the player reported to have rejected new terms offered by the Shrews.

Northampton are likely to lose defender Jason Crowe, with the player expected to sign for Brighton. Kidderminster striker Stefan Moore has rejected the club's contract offer but would stay for a better deal. He does not want to move from his Birmingham home. Torquay have released strikers Iyseden Christie and Roscoe D'Sane after their return to the League. All but four players are out of contract with negotiations continuing.

Crystal Palace have been fined £35,000 - £15,000 suspended - and docked a point for fielding an ineligible player. The point is the point earned in the game in question, for which Arsenal man Rui Fonte was not eligible, at the end of the season against Sheff Utd.

Turner talks about budget

Hereford United's Director of Football, Graham Turner, has been speaking to the Worcester News about the forthcoming season and how United are at a 'slight disadvantage' with their wage budget.

“We haven’t got a lot of bars or catering facilities that we can boost our turn-over with. We are at a slight disadvantage but there are probably half-a-dozen clubs of a similar size, like Barnet and Macclesfield, so the budget is not among the top ones" commented Turner.

“That’s something we have to come to terms with but over the last few seasons we have brought players in and those players have improved with us and with John’s expertise I would like to think the same will happen. Sometimes you pick and choose younger players that come on in leaps and bounds and can contribute a lot to the team and success of the club. What we’ve got to do now is fit the players into that wage budget.”

Meanwhile, Team Bath captain Gary Warren has joined Newport County despite reported interest from Hereford. The central defender had a trial at Edgar Street recently and was thought to have been offered a full-time deal by John Trewick, reports the South Wales Argus. Yet the defender opted to join County, who are two leagues below United.