Test

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Trialist Side For Bulls

The Bulls have fielded a largely trialist side for their match with Ledbury Town today. (Click on photo to enlarge)

Top (lt to rt): Djebi Zadi, Connor, Weight, Stratford, Townsend

Bottom (lt to rt): Gwynne, Edwards, Sheldon, McLaggon, Moore, Weir

Apart from keeper Dan Connor and full back Tyler Weir, the other nine starters were trialists. The official site named all nine, and they are believed to be:

Kye Edwards ex-Cardiff defender, former captain of their Academy side and Welsh u19 international. Michael Townsend ex-Cheltenham defender who has been interesting Crewe. Lionel Djebi Zadi Tall ex-Inverness French left sided defender. 28 year old has spent most of last five years in Scotland. Sam Gwynne ex-Bull hoping to impress new manager. Kayne McLaggon Welsh u19 striker released by Southampton.

Jamie Sheldon Former Birmingham trainee who swapped Conf North Redditch for Slovenian side NK Interblock in January. Josh Wright Uncertain to exact identity. May be current Scunthorpe midfielder and former England u19 man. Karl Moore Irish winger formerly with Man City's Academy. Played in the 2006 FA Youth Cup final. Daniel Stratford Previously revealed winger formerly with Inverness.

New Sponsorship Packages at Edgar Street

New sponsorship packages at Edgar Street are to be announced by Hereford United early next week.

The aim is to try and get as many individuals, groups and businesses to to take advantage of the special deals for sponsorship available at the ground.

These deals include match day sponsorship, player sponsorship, and perimeter board advertising.

All the packages will be competively priced and most will have added advantages for the 'purchaser' when compared with previous seasons.

Last season only around half of the players were sponsored. Chairman David Ketye is mindful of this and would much prefer to see virtually every player sponsored even if the cost per player is slightly reduced.

Meanwhile discussions are taking place to decide whether to bring back Billy The Bull who has not been seen at Edgar Street for six or so seasons. Former chairman Graham Turner once said he wasn't keen on mascots but the new 'regime' may take a different view preferring to think that a mascot can help the atmosphere particularily before the beginning of matches.

Finally discussions are also taking place about the VP club. Last season it was taken 'in house' but it is understood that income from the club has decreased so changes may be made.

FL to support Marie Curie

The Football League has announced Marie Curie Cancer Care as its Official Charity Partner for the 2010/11 season.

The charity, which provides care, free of charge, to terminally ill patients in their own homes and in its hospices, was chosen following a vote of over 25,000 Football League fans last season.

As a result, Marie Curie will benefit from unrivalled exposure across The League, including support from all 72 clubs.

The partnership will officially launch on Tuesday 3 August 2010 with the 'Daffodil Derby' Mascot Race at Southwell Racecourse, Nottinghamshire where Football League mascots will complete a stretch of the course to begin the fundraising effort.

Building on the success of last season's work with Help for Heroes, The Football League and Marie Curie have set a fundraising target of £500,000 for the 2010/11 campaign.

Fundraising activities are set to include bucket collections and fan initiatives, as well as a dedicated week of action from 7th to 13th March 2011 where all 72 League clubs will stage a game in support of Marie Curie.

Greg Clarke, Chairman of The Football League, said: "Marie Curie Cancer Care and The Football League are at the heart of communities throughout the UK.

"It is therefore fitting that The League is working with the charity this season and I would encourage all Football League fans to show their support for the partnership in any way possible."

Thomas Hughes-Hallett, Chief Executive of Marie Curie Cancer Care, said: "I am delighted that Marie Curie Cancer Care has been chosen as The Football League's Official Charity Partner for the 2010/11 season.

"Our goal is to raise £500,000 to ensure more local people with a terminal illness have the choice of free home care from Marie Curie Nurses. If we reach our target, we'll be able to fund 25,000 hours of free Marie Curie nursing care.

"The benefits of this partnership will last a long time after the final whistle of the season has gone and I want to thank all The Football League staff, clubs and fans for playing their part."

Meanwhile Bulls News will continue to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support in Herefordshire by running a car park at Hay Festival next May.

News Round-Up

With more information coming from their court appearance, it appears Southend told the judge that Sainsburys will continue to bail them out in order to complete the club's stadium move and the resultant new store for the supermarket chain. That, according to the club, proves they are not insolvent. Sainsburys have already loaned the club £2.6million in the past year, with the proviso that the club will fall into the hands of the supermarket if it defaults on the loans.

Bradford midfielder Luke Dean suffered a suspected hairline leg fracture during last night's friendly with Eccleshill. The Bantams won 2-0, with Lee Morris playing the second half in a bid to win a contract. Macclesfield beat Buxton 3-1 with three young trialists in their line up including non-league winger Osebi Abadaki. Silkmen midfielder John Rooney played last night on trial with Huddersfield, who beat Emley 5-0 with Lionel Ainsworth scoring.

Gillingham fielded seven trialists as they lost 2-1 to Braintree, one of which was former Bulls loanee Lewis Young. Also in their ranks was beanpole striker Fola Onibuje and former Accrington man Romy Bocu. Lincoln plan to have four long term loanees this season. All four will be Premier League youngsters, while they plan to sign one or two more to permanent deals.

Former Bulls keeper Craig Mawson has joined Conf North side Hyde after leaving Droylsden. Gary Hooper will not be risked by Scunthorpe in their friendly match today as they continue to try and negotiate a sale to either Middlesboro or Celtic.

Friday, July 09, 2010

...Will Be Next

As if history hasn't taught them anything Crawley have, just two years after racking up £1.8million of debt, spent £200,000 on players with £1,000+ a week contracts. On gates of 1,000.

They're not alone in non-league. Fleetwood are paying players £1,500 a week in their ambitious climb up the divisions, and Zamaretto League side Brackley, usually a place for part-timers, offered Stefan Moore £1,000 a week to tempt him to their side.

But, to crown it all, step forward our pre-season opponents Neath. The South Wales Argus today reports that they have outbid both Yeovil and Tranmere by offering Lee Trundle £2,500 a week to come to the Welsh Premier side.

Last season Neath had home league gates as low as 123, peaking at 515, and averaging little more than 200. Trundle, now 33, played 17 times and scored 15 goals for Rhyl in the Welsh Premier in 2000/01 to spark his meteroric rise up the English leagues.

If that signing comes off then Neath will be next. Just like Grays, Chester City, and Telford United.

Bulls Trial For Stratford

Sky Sports, who are usually quick to answer the phone to an agent, are reporting that Dan Stratford is trialling with the Bulls.

The much travelled 25 year old has already playing in the US and Scotland after graduating from Fulham's Academy and playing in their reserves without making an appearance in the first team. He moved to the States in 2004, playing as a right winger for West Virginia University then Cape Cod Crusaders before having a short spell with MLS side DC United.

He spent last season at Inverness, alongside former Bulls keeper Ryan Esson, playing 12 times as they won promotion back to the SPL.

Meanwhile, the official site has confirmed that the Bulls will only have three subs for tomorrow's match with Ledbury as it is a HFA match. The remainder of the squad and trialists will take part in a training session either before or after the game.

News Round Up

Former Bulls striker Lee Morris is one of two forwards confirmed to be on trial at Bradford. The other is Matt Tipton, the former Macclesfield man. West Brom are to loan out Paul Downing again this season to give the youngster more experience. Rotherham have lost out on the services of striker Josh Magennis after the ex-Cardiff 19 year old opted to join Aberdeen instead.

Gillingham are trialling their former midfielder Danny Spiller, who was released by Dagenham in January. Aldershot have signed former Exeter and York midfielder Manny Panther after his release from St James Park. The Glaswegian, of Nigerian descent, has signed a one year deal. Hinckley have received their sixth winding up petition after the taxman issued one for unpaid debts.

Southend say they will prove to the court they are solvent and can carry on trading, adding that they will settle the outstanding tax bill before their next court appearance. New boss Paul Sturrock says released defender Simon Francis was the highest paid player at the club, with wages rumoured to be £4,000 a week. The club are to play a behind-closed-doors game today featuring a string of trialists in a bid to rebuild their squad.

Grays face a drop into the Essex Senior League despite winning their reprieve to stay in the Ryman League after failing to complete paperwork in time on their groundshare. Macclesfield defender Paul Morgan will miss the start of the season as he requires surgery on a wrist injury. He picked up the injury in training.

Shrewsbury have signed released Carlisle defender David Raven on a one year deal. He spent four seasons at Carlisle, but missed most of last season with a groin injury. Aldershot have signed striker Damian Spencer on a one year contract. He spent the last three months on loan at the club from Kettering, but started only three of his 14 games with the club. The Shots are also trialling former Wycombe man Kevin McLeod.

Thursday, July 08, 2010

Brooks Quits Bulls Board

After ten years, accountant Hugh Brooks has decided to quit the board of directors at Edgar Street.

He told the Hereford Times it was a 'good moment to make a clean break'. David Keyte is expected to assume the accountants role with the club. His departure will leave the Bulls board one man short, as club rules say that a minimum of four people should serve on the board at any one time.

With Hugh Brooks' resignation, there leaves only Keyte, Tim Russon, and Grenville Smith so a new appointment should be expected shortly.

Meanwhile, former Bull Alan Connell has been in talks with Grimsby over a move, with Mariners boss Neil Woods admitting they were down the list of clubs he would sign for: 'We've spoken to Alan but that's as far as it's gone. There's a lot of interest. He's a proven goalscorer and a good footballer.'

Another former Bulls forward is also attracting interest. Theo Robinson is reported, by the agent-friendly Sky Sports, to be interesting Peterboro, Barnsley, and Brighton.

Bulls Ask For Catering Patience

Bulls Vice Chairman Tim Russon has told the official site he is delighted with the new catering deal with Ascari.

He asks fans for patience as the change will take a while to be fully implemented, but is confident that the local firm can be a success with supporters: "We're delighted to have Ascaris with us on this. They have long been friends and fans of the club and one of our main aims is to work with and reward local businesses. To start from scratch is a huge task so we can't do all we want to do straight away but given time we hope to give Delia a run for her money."

The new operation takes over from Lindley immediately, with their first test coming on Tuesday with the visit of Swansea to Edgar Street.

Ascari's MD Nick Vaughan has already asked fans for their opinions on new ranges through the Bulls Banter forum, with Hereford Steak Baps coming out as a firm favourite of the choices.

Clarke Wants Gwynne

Halesowen boss, and former Bull, Matt Clarke wants to sign Sam Gwynne after his release from the Bulls this summer.

Gwynne had been training with the Bulls in a bid to reclaim his spot in the squad under new boss Simon Davey, but has now linked up with the Yeltz with Clarke telling the Halesowen News: "At the minute they are just training with us, keeping fit while they assess their options and checking the club out. It was a shame to lose Jay (Denny).

"I think he would be the first to admit he never quite hit the heights of his first spell at the club but in the last third of the season he was starting to regain that form. But if he would could persuade some like Sam Gwynne to join us he would provide a more than adequate replacement."

Earlier in pre-season, Clarke revealed that Yeltz striker Stefan Moore had received a £1,000 a week offer from Southern League Premier rivals Brackley Town, who are managed by ex-Bull Jon Brady.

Southend Court Date Adjourned

Southend have been given 14 days to provide evidence against a HMRC application to appoint Administrators to the club.

The court failed to receive any response from the club from the June 28th filing of the application by HMRC in which they called the club "demonstrably insolvent". They owe the taxman £238,000 and face another court hearing next week over a £140,000 loan.

They will face the taxman again on August 2nd, despite chairman Ron Martin assuring fans that the money would be paid before today's hearing. Quite where that leaves manager Paul Sturrock is anyone's guess.

He was due to sign his three year deal after today's court date, but the 14 day extension would mean it likely that it will be the week before the season starts before the transfer embargo is lifted.

UPDATE: The Guardian reports that Sainsburys, who are partnering the club in building their new stadium, had paid the tax demand, but the taxman demanded the club be placed in Administration as it had missed payments due in the ten days since the winding up petition was issued.

Fleets 16/1 For Top Scorer

Stuart Fleetwood has been installed as a 16/1 shot to be League Two's top scorer this season.

He is the only current Bull to be named in the list published by Skybet, but a number of ex-Bulls are also quoted. Steve Guinan and Tim Sills are both rated as 40/1 shots, while Brian Smikle is 66/1.

Another ex-Bull is also on the list, but is currently without a club. Leon Constantine is rated at 33/1 despite having no definite place in League Two next season. He is one of a number of free agent strikers to be listed, with 14/1 shot Adebayo Akinfenwa rumoured to be wanted by Southend.

Adam Le Fondre is top of the list on 8/1, with Phil Jevons and the want-away Simeon Jackson at 10/1. James Constable joins Akinfenwa at 14/1 with Fleetwood one of four players on 16/1. Ex-Bull Theo Robinson is 25/1 to be top scorer in League One with free agent Joe Anyinsah a 66/1 shot.

On the seasonal betting, William Hill appear to have suspended betting on the Bulls. Their 50/1 offer was removed late on Sunday night and they have not offered a new price, leaving 40/1 as the best on offer. Southend's dramatic drop down the listings seems to have been halted despite their court date today. Only one bookie is now offering 33/1 on the Shrimpers, with one cutting their offer down to 20/1.

Stansfield Set For Six Months Of Chemotherapy

Former Bulls striker Adam Stansfield will face another six months of chemotherapy before standing any chance of resuming his footballing career.

The 31 year old delayed the start of his next round of treatment to participate in the first day of Exeter's pre-season training, with boss Paul Tisdale telling the Express & Echo: "It was great to see him. He has lost weight but he is a lot more happy than he was at the end of last season.

"He has got a long drawn out six months ahead of him but it was lovely to see him on the first day back. He was so desperate to be here that he put his chemotherapy back a day to be here. He wants to keep as active as he can.

"He wants to be here and he feels that this is a place that he can get on with being him again. So good for him. I am delighted that he is here and let's hope that it all goes to plan for him and he will be fine.

"We are not even broaching the subject of when he might return. When he feels like he can't do anything then he will step out. He is one of us and it was just great to see him around the place."

Stansfield was admitted to hospital with a mystery abdominal problem before being diagnosed with cancer and having part of his colon removed in April.

Open Day July 24th

Hereford United have announced an open day at Edgar Street on Saturday July 24th.

The ground will be open from 11am to 2pm, with admission set at £2 for Adults and £1 for concessions.

Radfords Fans Forum Tickets Gone

All 100 free tickets for the Fans Forum in Radfords a week today (July 15th) have been snapped up.

Limited tickets are still available for the Forum in Leominster on July 21st direct from the Rankin Club, while tickets for the Ledbury Forum (£2) at Eastnor Cricket Club are available from Jeremy Wolfe 01531 634387.

The Radfords Fans Forum will be broadcast live as an audio stream on Bulls Player.

Those interested in more free tickets should pick up today's Hereford Times. They are running a competition to win tickets for the first home League match on August 14th.

News Round Up

Shrewsbury are trialling released Doncaster goalkeeper Ben Smith. The 23 year old played 29 times for Donny over four years, usually in cup competitions. Gillingham are giving a trial to Ebbsfleet keeper Lance Cronin but are set to lose out on Darren Dennehy, who appears set to rejoin ex-Gills boss Mark Stimson at Barnet.

Southend have cancelled a third friendly, this time at Conf South side Thurrock. They have just three pre-season matches remaining but have promised supporters more will be added. The Shrimpers will receive a cash boost of £225,000 after Nicky Bailey finally completed his protracted move to Middlesborough. Bradford striker Gavin Grant in on trial for murder after new witnesses to a 2004 shooting pinned the blame on him. Grant, 20 at the time, is said to have shot the man after his friend was 'disrespected'.

Peterboro say six League Two and two Conference sides are chasing defender Exodus Geoghaghon, while the sale of Sergio Torres (updated) to Crawley has been completed for a fee in excess of £100,000. Darlington boss Mark Cooper says full back Dominick Werling will remain with the club. The Simon Davey signing was rumoured to have quit after both Davey and Ryan Kidd left the club, with speculation linking him to a move to Edgar Street.

The reborn Chester FC have already sold 400 season tickets for the coming season. Sheff Weds have secured a £3million bank loan to cover expected losses for the coming season, but that's peanuts compared to the £125million Barcelona needed after they failed to pay their superstar players for June. Southend have announced the signings of Barry Corr and Peter Gilbert on pre-contract agreements that will become two year deals when their embargo is lifted. The Shrimpers have also agreed to release defender Simon Francis from his contract.

Northwich are still to be paid their FA Cup prize money from last season. The FA refused to pay out until the club exited Administration, something that happened eight weeks ago, but they are still holding onto the £180,000 pending clarification of some issues. Bury have signed released Crewe midfielder Steven Schumacher on a two year deal. The one time England u19 captain, 26, has over 200 appearances to his name for Crewe and Bradford.

Ex-Bull Trent McClenahan has left Scottish side Hamilton after failing to agree a new deal. He is understood to have received offers from other SPL sides. Press reports say Barnet have asked Bristol City for £400,000 for winger Albert Adomah, who joined the Robins last week. Port Vale striker Lewis Haldane has been taken to hospital after an insect bite caused his ankle to swell up in pre-season training.

Middlesboro are to offer their shirt sponsorship on a monthly basis after offers to sponsor the shirts over the season were below the asking price.

Wednesday, July 07, 2010

Bulls announce friendly admission prices

The official HUFC website has this evening posted prices for the three home friendlies against Swansea (Tuesday 13th July 7.30 pm), Swindon (Friday 16th July 7.45 pm) and Plymouth Argyle Wednesday 28th July 7.45 pm).

Adults £8, OAP’s £4 and Under 16’s £1.

Parking at Ledbury

Some spaces are expected to be available in the Full Pitcher car park near to the ground.

Additional parking will be available at the nearby Ledbury Rugby Club.

Parking on the surrounds of the cricket pitch will not be available, as it is believed they have a match on Saturday afternoon.

First opportunity to see Simon Davey’s new signings.

Ledbury Town v Hereford United – Saturday, New Street, Ledbury KO 3.00 pm.

Williams Not Ready To Return... Yet

Gavin Williams has told the Hereford Times he is not about to return to Edgar Street.

The Bristol City midfielder has been the subject of speculation in the past week linking him to a Bulls return after eight years away that has seen him play in the Premier League and collect two Welsh caps.

He told the paper: "I am quite happy at Bristol City and, at the moment, I am concentrating on getting my place in the Bristol City side. I don’t know anything about the rumours but I would not rule out a move back to Hereford at some point in the future."

He left Edgar Street in 2002 for a move to Yeovil that eventually bagged the Bulls £85,000. He scored 27 times in 121 games for the Bulls.

Gannon 'Turns Down' Stockport

Stockport's pre-season plans have disintegrated with the news that Jim Gannon has turned down the manager's job.

It is three weeks since Stockport were taken over, with Gary Ablett being booted out of the managers office at the same time, and Jim Gannon's re-appointment seemed to be only a formality. But the Manchester Evening News reports this afternoon that Gannon has rejected the job after lengthy talks and that former Shrewsbury boss Paul Simpson is one of the two frontrunners to salvage their hopes.

The Hatters currently have less than ten contracted players and have no firm pre-season plans in place. Neither their official site nor the BBC list any friendly matches, while a game with Inverness seemed to hinge on Gannon being appointed as manager.

Former Gannon assistant Peter Ward, who is the other man in the frame to take charge, is currently putting the few players they have through their paces.

Bulls Set For Second Tribunal

The Bulls appear set for a second tribunal of the season over the valuation of a player.

With Marc Pugh's move to Bournemouth already destined to be decided by a panel, Gavin McCallum's move to Lincoln also seems to be heading down the same route considering Torquay's experiences with the Imps over winger Mustafa Carayol.

Gulls boss Paul Buckle told This Is Devon: "We are waiting for a date for a Transfer Tribunal. That's unless Lincoln turn round and actually offer us some money, more than a sell-on. They've got a first-team player from us for nothing at the moment.

"We'll go to a tribunal if we have to, and that's what we're planning for. We think we have a good case. Lincoln also think they're on solid ground, so it looks as if the argument will, indeed, go to the Football League."

Carayol was at Plainmoor for two seasons, but only started 11 League games last term and 14 the season before. The Imps have so far offered Torquay only a sell-on clause on the 21 year old.

McCallum Only Had Eyes For The Imps

Departed Bulls striker Gavin McCallum says he only wanted to join Lincoln of all the clubs that wanted his signature.

The Canadian told the Lincolnshire Echo: "As soon as I sat down and spoke with the manager then it became pretty clear to me that Lincoln were the only club that I wanted to sign for. He went into detail about his plans, about what he wants to achieve, his ambition and feels he can help improve my game along the way.

"That was a perfect match for my ambitions and I cannot wait to get started now because I do feel we have the ability to push for a play-off place. I want to be testing myself, trying to reach the highest level I can and hopefully I can do that here. I know the league, I know the teams, and we have a great chance.

"There’s no doubt it will be a challenge but it’s one that I and all the team will be ready for."

Meanwhile, former Bull Alex Jeannin is still wanted by Truro City. Now 32, Jeannin missed last season after breaking a leg in pre-season with Truro last summer before he had signed a deal. Since last summer, Truro have changed manager twice with former Torquay midfielder Lee Hodges now in charge.

In other ex-Bull news Dan Preston has signed his first professional contract at Birmingham. The 18 year old was signed on loan by John Trewick in February, making four appearances, but quickly dropped from the first team picture as Graham Turner resumed control.

News Round Up

Southend have cancelled Monday's friendly with Canvey after Friday's game with Ipswich went the same way due to the shortcomings of their squad. Their first friendly match will now be on the 16th, just three weeks before the season starts. Meanwhile chairman Ron Martin has told the Guardian that their court date tomorrow will be dismissed, and that Paul Sturrock will sign his contract afterwards.

Crewe are giving a trial to Sunday League striker Jimmy McCarthy. The 24 year old became an insurance salesman after Stoke dropped him from their Academy at the age of 15. Cheltenham have delayed a move for Portsmouth youngster Marlon Pack after boss Mark Yates had second thoughts. Crawley have had a 'substantial' bid accepted for Peterboro winger Sergio Torres.

Shrewsbury have signed Watford defender Mat Sadler on loan until January. The 25 year old cost the Hornets £750,000 but he has not played in the first team in over 18 months after injury. Stockport are said to be chasing former Macclesfield man Paul Bolland. Northampton have reappointed Tim Flowers as their goalkeeper coach after he ended his short spell at Hull.

Notts County say they have cleared their HMRC debt and are up to date with payments. Northampton have announced that they have retained midfielder Abdul Osman on a week to week contract to retain compensation rights should he sign for another club. They have offered him a new deal. Rotherham have beaten Shrewsbury to the signing of former Walsall midfielder Mark Bradley.

Southend are reported to be trialling former Swindon pair Barry Corr and Sofi Zaaboub. Both played for Paul Sturrock with the Robins. Striker Corr was released by Exeter after three goals in 34 games, while utility man Zaaboub was a bit player in a year with Walsall.

Tuesday, July 06, 2010

Bulls Dump Caterers

It is reported that the Bulls have dumped caterers Lindley Catering and appointed a local firm to handle matchday snacks.

Ascari Catering, who supplied food to hospitality areas of the ground last season, have been asked to extend the coverage ground wide with the deeply unpopular Lindley being given the boot.

Lindley were originally picked to supply food at Edgar Street back in the financially darker days as they were prepared to replace the ageing equipment and provide a financial guarantee to the club.

However their popularity with supporters, already low after horror stories at other clubs and the high prices charged, sank further in 2006 when Council health inspectors were forced to confiscate out of date pies and sausage rolls that were destined for sale, while two years later they were caught selling outdated crisps.

Big Dave In Bulls Talks

The Bulls have been given permission by Peterboro to speak to Toumani Diagouraga.

The Frenchman is also attracting interest from Shrewsbury, according to the Peterborough Evening Telegraph who report that a long list of the Posh's surplus players are attracting interest.

The move would be a surprise given previous comments, although as the clock ticks expectations often lower. Diagouraga, 23, stated a month ago that he would 'definitely not drop into League Two' when asked about a move to Barnet.

Before that Brentford's interest cooled when they were quoted 'a ridiculous amount of money' for the midfielder that cost the Posh a reported £200,000.

Meanwhile former Bulls winger Joe Anyinsah is reported to be training with Yeovil. The former Bristol City man left Carlisle to move closer to his Bristol home.

News Round Up

Cardiff have received a transfer embargo after the taxman issued another winding up order against the club for £1.3million in unpaid taxes. The club say the matter will be resolved in the next week. Former loanee Darren Dennehy is a free agent after he negotiated a termination to the final year of his Cardiff contract. The Irish u21 man has already received an offer from Gillingham.

Gillingham say they will not stand in Simeon Jackson's way if they receive a suitable offer for his services. Port Vale trialist Gary Roberts admits that he is on his 'last chance' of League football after being sacked by three different clubs for disciplinary reasons. Shrewsbury have named former Oldham keeper Paul Gerrard as their new goalkeeper coach on a part-time basis.

Bradford have cancelled a friendly at Guiseley next Tuesday after a disagreement over the kick off time. Boss Peter Taylor wanted a 7pm kick off so that he could hold training the following morning. They must play the game by the end of this season as part of the FA tribunal decision over the transfer of striker James Hanson. Accrington are to remain at their training base in Preston after the search for a more local option proved fruitless.

Lincoln are trialling former Kilmarnock striker Scott Anson. The 21 year old has been playing part-time for Annan in recent seasons. Torquay say they have made an improved offer to Burton to secure former loanee Guy Branston's services for the coming season, but talks have stalled. Oldham have received a major financial blow after chairman and major financial backer Simon Blitz quit the club yesterday, saying that poor season ticket sales have meant he was expected to pump even more money into the club.

Crawley are claimed by the NLP to have bid £150,000 for Rushden winger Lee Tomlin, £125,000 for York striker Richard Brodie, and £50,000 for Luton striker Matthew Barnes-Homer - with the paper claiming Barnes-Homer's wage demands were £2,000 a week. The paper also claims Fleetwood are paying Ian Craney £1,500 a week and that ex-Bull Moses Ashikodi is on four figures a week at Kettering.

Should any club now go bust and reform they will be placed in Step 5 of the pyramid system. The National League System Rules have been updated to enforce this after Chester successfully appealed against the rules and got put into Step 4 (Unibond/Evostik League). Barnet have signed Charlie Stimson, son of boss Mark. He turned down a pro contract at Gillingham after his father's dismissal.

Rotherham have signed Stockport defender Johnny Mullins on a free transfer. The 24 year old was club captain at Edgeley Park. Southend are claimed to be signing full back Peter Gilbert, who had his contract offer withdrawn at Northampton yesterday. Crewe are trialling ex-Bull Danny Blanchett and Man City defender Matthew Brown.

Southend have confirmed the cancellation of their friendly with Ipswich on Friday after they told the Tractorboys they could not field a competitive side. A club statement says the Shrimpers only returned to training today. Cheltenham have named four new trialists, with strikers Gary Mulligan (ex-Northampton) and Josh Klein Davies (ex-Bristol Rovers) being joined by defenders Alex Forde (ex-Derby) and Will Grocutt (ex-Aston Villa).

Stockport have denied that keeper Owain fon Williams is free to leave the club. He is one of only a dozen or so players still registered with the club, some of which are now out of contract. Bury defender Efe Sodje has signed a new one year contract with the club. Aldershot have announced a new shirt sponsorship deal with a local security firm lasting three years.

Crewe have confirmed the signing of Chelsea keeper Rhys Taylor on a two month loan. He will remain with the club until Sept 8, when Steve Phillips should be fit. Wycombe paid £125,000 for striker Scott Rendell, according to Peterboro wheeler dealer Barry Fry. Former Bull Jordan Fitzpatrick has signed for Redditch after his release from Worcester. He made just one appearance for the Bulls, on the final day of the 06/07 season.

Former Shrewsbury manager Paul Simpson has been linked to the international managerial job of Libya. He has extensive experience in managing in remote locations from his stint up the A49. Chesterfield have signed forward Craig Davies after he negotiated a settlement on his contract with Brighton. He scored seven goals in 24 games on loan with Port Vale last term.

Macclesfield have signed youngster Sam Wedgbury on a one year deal after he was released by Sheff Utd. The former Worcester player missed most of last season through injury, but was highly thought of previously.

David Brown Joins Wrexham

Another ex-Bull is moving. This time it's former striker David Brown who has joined Wrexham.

31 year old Brown joined the Bulls in June 2003 before leaving in March 2005 for Accrington.

Later he had a spell with Jimmy Harvey at Forest Green Rovers where he acted as the foil to Andrew Mangan, who made the switch to Wrexham earlier in the year.

Meanwhile former Bull Jamie Tolley is currently having trials at the Racecourse.

Finally, according to the Gloucester press, former Cheltenham defender, Michael Townsend, has been linked with Hereford United.

Monday, July 05, 2010

Ledbury Town – Saturday 10th July 2010 KO 3.00 pm.

Although tracing their origins back to 1893, the present version of Ledbury Town (nicknamed "The Friesians") joined The West Midland League in 1974. Four years later, despite only finishing fifth, they were promoted to the Premier Division ahead of higher placed teams due to the quality of the facilities at their New Street ground. After finishing second from bottom in 1983, they dropped out of the league and played only local football for the next 8 years.

In 1991 they joined the Midland Combination, initially in Division One, but the following season they finished bottom and dropped into Division Two, where they remained until 1999 when they decided to switch leagues and return to the West Midlands Regional League, initially in Division One (South). In 2001, despite having one point deducted due to an irregularity, they finished as champions and were promoted to the Premier Division (Step 7), where they remain to this day with fellow local sides Bromyard, Ludlow and Wellington. Last season they finished in 9th position just above Ludlow Town.

The Bulls are expected to give a run to all the currently signed players together with a number of trialists and possibly some youth players.

Directions
From Hereford, leave using the A438 passing through Bartestree and Tarrington. At The New Mills roundabout on the outskirts of the Town, take the second exit (sign A417 Gloucester). Cross two more roundabouts and at the third turn left into New Street. The ground is 100 yards on the right. Postcode HR8 2EL. Admission is expected to be £5 with U16's free.

Parking
Available at the Full Pitcher (currently closed) and on the grassed area around the cricket pitch behind the Pub. Edit...The Pub Car Park may not be available but the cricket field is believed to be OK.

Alehouses
The Ledbury Club includes a bar which stocks Carlsberg, Fosters and Thatchers Gold at £2.90 a pint with Tetley's, Grays Smooth and Dark Mild at £2.50. Further up New Street is The Olde Talbot and The Oak by the traffic lights has a decent pint of Bombardier available while The Prince of Wales in Church Street is well worth a visit for good ale, Weston’s cider and cheap food. Ledbury Town are expected to provide a pig-roast similar to The Bulls' last visit.

Enjoy.

Wingers Available?

With just over one month to go until United travel to Crewe for their opening League Two game, Bulls News takes a look at a number of wingers available, a position that Simon Davey is yet to bring in any new faces. All the players below have been picked out by Bulls News and should be taken very lightly!

In the former player category, Lionel Ainsworth's name keeps popping up from hopeful fans. Ainsworth is currently out of favour at Huddersfield Town after failing to make an impression there since his move in January 2009 from Watford. Joe Anyinsah has turned down a new deal with Carlisle United, looking for a move nearer to his Bristol home instead. Gavin Williams' future at Bristol City is insecure, with Steve Coppell looking to cut the wage bill. Williams spent the end of last season on loan at Yeovil, scoring five times in eight games. Tristan Plummer's future at Ashton Gate has been confirmed, with the tricky attacker having been released.

The Davey factor throws up three names, picked out by Bulls News. Mounir El Haimour was signed by Davey in 2008 from French football, but was released by the Tykes this summer, likewise Anderson da Silva. The Brazilian midfielder was highly rated in his early times at Oakwell, but has since faded. He has been linked with Notts County since his release. Simon Whaley had a loan spell at Oakwell in 2008 from Preston North End; the pacey wideman played on loan at Bury, where he is currently trialing, and Bradford last season, before having a brief stint with Chesterfield after Norwich released him.

And here's a few names where there is no connection at all. Craig Easton is a free agent, after recently leaving Swindon Town. Manager Danny Wilson was unable to guarantee the experienced winger first-team football; Easton has since been linked with Southend and Oxford. Kevin McLeod is a former Swansea and Q.P.R. player who was most recently with Wycombe Wanderers but is now available on a free transfer. Finally, Matty Hamshaw is an experienced League Two player having had spells with Stockport County, Mansfield Town and Notts County, where he won the League Two title last season. However, he was released from Meadow Lane in May.

Rose Finally Commits To Bulls

Richard Rose has signed a new one year deal with the Bulls to become the club's longest serving player.

Rose, 27, joined the Bulls in summer of 2006 but the club acknowledged last month that he had attracted interest from a League One side. He was reported to be absent from pre-season training last week, but has agreed his deal this morning to be the 13th player to agree terms for the 2010/11 season.