Hereford United travel to Shrewsbury Town next Saturday and supporters are reminded that the game is all-ticket for Bulls' supporters.
Tickets can be purchased at Edgar Street all this week but supporters wanting to have their tickets posted to them need to contact the club today. The number is 0844 276 1982.
Prices are as follows:
Adult: £17
Over-65s: £12
Students: £12 - must have ID
Children 12-16: £10
11 and Under: £4
Disabled: £12 - carer goes free.
Family tickets are also available, prices are as follows:
1 adult plus 1 child aged 11 or under: £18
1 adult plus 1 child aged 12-16: £20
1 additional child aged under 11: FREE
1 additional child aged 12-16: £4
Supporters will be required to sit in the seat number as stated.
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Monday, September 05, 2011
Ticket Sales for Shrewsbury Game
News Round-Up
In addition to not renewing the contract of striker Jason Price before last week's transfer window closure, Barnet have also not renewed the month long deals of Ryan Watts and Exodus Geoghaghon. Boss Lawrie Sanchez says he wanted to keep both Price and Geoghaghon but couldn't agree a deal with Price, and ran out of time with Geoghaghon.
Accrington forward Nat Taylor will miss six matches after a 35 day ban picked up last season playing for his former college side kicked in. The 18 year old missed Saturday's game with Barnet and will not play again until next month. Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio says he intends to bring two more players in on loan when the window opens on Thursday. A striker and a defender will be targeted with Blackburn reserve forward Nick Blackman his prime target.
Gillingham have been fined £3,000 after being charged with failing to control their players in a Carling Cup match with Brighton. A bad challenge by midfielder Stefan Payne sparked a mass confrontation that saw two Seagulls players booked. Plymouth's fans are to hold a 'red card' protest against the Administrator at Saturday's home match with Port Vale. They will urge Brendan Guilfoyle to open talks with James Brent over his rescue plan.
Dagenham have extended the loan of West Ham youngster Olly Lee for a second month. The 20 year old midfielder has started all six of the Daggers' League Two matches this season. Accrington will received £110,000 initially for striker Jimmy Ryan, who joined Scunthorpe in the summer. A tribunal told the League One side to pay the sum in staged payments until January, with further clauses capable of taking the fee to £170,000 plus a sell-on clause.
Sunday, September 04, 2011
Hargreaves Book Competition Ends Today
Just a quick reminder that the chance to win a free copy of Chris Hargreaves' book entitled 'Where's Your Caravan' ends at 10pm this evening.
It is easy to win - just answer the following question:
How many League goals did Hargreaves score for the Bulls in the 1996/97 season?
Answers by e-mail to: bullsnews@hotmail.com.
For more details about the book see article published on BN last Thursday.
Where's Your Caravan written by Chris Hargreaves is published by Friday Books.
Bulls 4/1 to win at Shrewsbury on Saturday
Early offers from both Bet365 and Stan James put the Bulls at 4/1 to win their League Two match at Shrewsbury next Saturday.
SkyBet isn't quite as generous with their Hereford to win price:
Shrewsbury 8/11 Draw 13/5 Hereford 10/3
Prices from oddschecker.com and are likely to vary as the week goes on.
Young Group of Players
For the record the eleven players that ended the game against Dagenham yesterday were one of the youngest put out by Hereford United for some time.
Just three of the players were over 23 - Michael Townsend, Ryan Green and Simon Clist. The average was 22.
Here's the list:
Green 30
Heath 22
Pell 19
Townsend 25
Featherstone 21
Arquin 23
Clist 30
Barkhuizen 20
Winnall 20
Cornell 20
Evans 19
The ages of those players who started the game and were subbed:
Lunt 31
Williams 30
Facey 31
Money wasn't a factor says Fleetwood
Stuart Fleetwood, who moved to Luton from Hereford last Wednesday has said money wasn't a factor in his decision to leave Edgar Street.
"It was a new challenge for me," Fleetwood told Bedfordshire on Sunday.
"Money wasn’t a factor, it was more about securing a good deal for myself and a two-year deal was important for me to move. The club showed a lot of faith in me and in what they offered, so I was delighted to sign."
He said he didn't know what the transfer fee was.
"I’m not sure what it is. It’s between the two clubs to decide and they left it undisclosed. It adds no pressure to me. I think the pressure is more on the club than the player, so I won’t be thinking about it."
Saturday, September 03, 2011
Williams Picks Up Thigh Injury
Danny Williams was subbed at half time today with a thigh problem.
The stand-in full back didn't reappear for the second half, being replaced by loanee Will Evans for the second half. He told supporters afterwards that he didn't think the problem was too serious but it would be assessed later.
Meanwhile Adam Bartlett admitted to fans that his return to the team on Tuesday night at Bournemouth had been too soon for his injury to recover. He lasted only 45 minutes of that game before being forced off with a recurrence of his problem.
Pitman later told reporters that, as reported yesterday, Joe Colbeck should train again on Monday. Stefan Stam is expected to join in later in the week, but Rob Purdie may miss out again ahead of next Saturday's derby match.
LATE WINNALL STRIKE EARNS THREE POINTS
In a game of few clear-cut chances, Hereford left it late to claim their first league victory, thanks to a splendid strike from loanee Sam Winnall. As expected, Jamie Pitman started the post-Fleetwood era with Yoann Arquin and Delroy Facey up front, Danny Williams at right back, and three recent loan signings on the bench.
Burghill School returning to the stand after forming the guard of honour - click to enlarge
Luke Howell had the first attempt on goal for the visitors with a smart turn and shot that failed to hit the target. Facey fed Simon Clist with a delicate flick, and he should have done better with his shot. Arquin won possession and laid the ball back for Clist who sent an ambitious crossfield pass just beyond Facey’s reach. Then the French striker robbed Damien McCrory and laid it back for Kenny Lunt whose rising shot cleared the crossbar by some margin.
An episode of the Green and Williams show then took place, as, in rapid succession, their DJ (aka Danny) and Sam had their paths to goal expertly cut off by their home namesakes, Ryan and Danny. Damian Scannell then fired in a low cross which hit Nicky Featherstone’s hand; heart in mouth time for home fans, but Mr Madley clearly saw it as accidental. Shortly afterwards, confusion arose as Danny Williams handled, and then Arquin was penalised for a foul, though the official did not make clear which offence he had punished. The visitors certainly seemed puzzled about where to take their free kick from, though in the end, from the kick, DJ was caught offside.
Facey’s through ball to Arquin beat the offside trap, and Chris Lewington had to be smart to deal with the danger. A hanging cross from Harry Pell was then caught by Lewington at the second attempt. Ryan Green’s tackle on Howell was expertly timed on the edge of the area, but the assistant referee saw it as a penalty and held his flag across his chest to indicate this. After much disbelief, Mr Madley handled the situation fairly, waving aside the arguing factions, before consulting his linesman and then over-ruling him- common sense had prevailed.
As half-time approached, there was time for Lunt and Facey to have shots for the Bulls, and Green and Tomlin to threaten for the Daggers, though the closest we came to breaking the deadlock was when the energetic Featherstone robbed McCrory and passed to Clist who saw his shot deflected crazily onto the top of the bar.
HT HUFC 0 DAGENHAM and REDBRIDGE 0
Will Evans joined the action after the break as a replacement for Danny Williams who had taken a first half knock. A Featherstone run gave Facey the chance to shoot, whilst at the other end, David Cornell, under pressure from Williams, dropped a high ball. Luckily, Michael Townsend was on hand to clear. Uncharacteristically, Pell gave away possession to Oliver lee who stroked his effort past the post.
The match settled down into an all too familiar pattern, as neither side seemed capable of making decisive moves. There was the odd shot at either end, with Facey endangering the personal safety of the Meadow End faithful, and Cornell clawing a swerving cross from Lee out of harm’s way. Speculation turned to such matters as the lack of width in the Bulls build up, the wisdom of watering the pitch so heavily (a number of attempted through balls skidded off the surface beyond the reach of their intended target), falling levels of determination, and such trivia as the diagonal mowing of the hallowed turf, and the luminosity of Ryan Green’s new laces- these last two obsessions a sure sign that another barren afternoon looked on the cards. The crowd were certainly not in full voice, anyway. Pitman introduced Tom Barkhuizen, who had scored on his debut, and the youngster looked keen to repeat the trick, racing onto a through ball and firing into the side netting from a tight angle. Sam Winnall then came on, and he too looked eager to create an impression.
Featherstone kept up the energy levels, constantly harrying opponents and regaining possession. One such intervention allowed Winnall to win a corner, and Featherstone’s flag kick went beyond the far post to Arquin who headed wide. With just five minutes remaining, Our Nicky was once more instrumental in getting the ball to Winall. The Wolves man, successful last term with Burton, picked it up on half way, and headed goalward. Checking and shielding expertly, he sought overlapping colleagues two or three times. Unable to find the right pass, and finding himself fast approaching the eighteen yard box, he tried his luck and sent a scorching low shot beyond Lewington’s despairing fingertips and into the corner of the net. Hallelujah.
Buoyed by this, Hereford finished with a flourish. Green made a tremendous intervention, and played a great ball to Arquin, whose fierce shot from a tight angle was well saved. Winnall then pounced and almost added a second goal. For their part, the visitors forced a few late corners, but never really looked like souring the Bulls first taste of victory.
FT: HUFC 1 DAG and RED 0
Attendance: 1885, (with 124 evenly split between the two visiting towns’ supporters.)
HUFC: Cornell, Heath, Green, Townsend, Williams (Evans 45), Pell, Featherstone, Lunt (Barkhuizen 61), Clist, Arquin, Facey (Winnall67).
DAG and RED: Lewington, McCrory, Walsh, Doe, Green (Reed 70), Howell (Gain 51), Lee, Scannell, Williams, Ogogo, Tomlin.
Luke Howell had the first attempt on goal for the visitors with a smart turn and shot that failed to hit the target. Facey fed Simon Clist with a delicate flick, and he should have done better with his shot. Arquin won possession and laid the ball back for Clist who sent an ambitious crossfield pass just beyond Facey’s reach. Then the French striker robbed Damien McCrory and laid it back for Kenny Lunt whose rising shot cleared the crossbar by some margin.
An episode of the Green and Williams show then took place, as, in rapid succession, their DJ (aka Danny) and Sam had their paths to goal expertly cut off by their home namesakes, Ryan and Danny. Damian Scannell then fired in a low cross which hit Nicky Featherstone’s hand; heart in mouth time for home fans, but Mr Madley clearly saw it as accidental. Shortly afterwards, confusion arose as Danny Williams handled, and then Arquin was penalised for a foul, though the official did not make clear which offence he had punished. The visitors certainly seemed puzzled about where to take their free kick from, though in the end, from the kick, DJ was caught offside.
Facey’s through ball to Arquin beat the offside trap, and Chris Lewington had to be smart to deal with the danger. A hanging cross from Harry Pell was then caught by Lewington at the second attempt. Ryan Green’s tackle on Howell was expertly timed on the edge of the area, but the assistant referee saw it as a penalty and held his flag across his chest to indicate this. After much disbelief, Mr Madley handled the situation fairly, waving aside the arguing factions, before consulting his linesman and then over-ruling him- common sense had prevailed.
As half-time approached, there was time for Lunt and Facey to have shots for the Bulls, and Green and Tomlin to threaten for the Daggers, though the closest we came to breaking the deadlock was when the energetic Featherstone robbed McCrory and passed to Clist who saw his shot deflected crazily onto the top of the bar.
HT HUFC 0 DAGENHAM and REDBRIDGE 0
Will Evans joined the action after the break as a replacement for Danny Williams who had taken a first half knock. A Featherstone run gave Facey the chance to shoot, whilst at the other end, David Cornell, under pressure from Williams, dropped a high ball. Luckily, Michael Townsend was on hand to clear. Uncharacteristically, Pell gave away possession to Oliver lee who stroked his effort past the post.
The match settled down into an all too familiar pattern, as neither side seemed capable of making decisive moves. There was the odd shot at either end, with Facey endangering the personal safety of the Meadow End faithful, and Cornell clawing a swerving cross from Lee out of harm’s way. Speculation turned to such matters as the lack of width in the Bulls build up, the wisdom of watering the pitch so heavily (a number of attempted through balls skidded off the surface beyond the reach of their intended target), falling levels of determination, and such trivia as the diagonal mowing of the hallowed turf, and the luminosity of Ryan Green’s new laces- these last two obsessions a sure sign that another barren afternoon looked on the cards. The crowd were certainly not in full voice, anyway. Pitman introduced Tom Barkhuizen, who had scored on his debut, and the youngster looked keen to repeat the trick, racing onto a through ball and firing into the side netting from a tight angle. Sam Winnall then came on, and he too looked eager to create an impression.
Featherstone kept up the energy levels, constantly harrying opponents and regaining possession. One such intervention allowed Winnall to win a corner, and Featherstone’s flag kick went beyond the far post to Arquin who headed wide. With just five minutes remaining, Our Nicky was once more instrumental in getting the ball to Winall. The Wolves man, successful last term with Burton, picked it up on half way, and headed goalward. Checking and shielding expertly, he sought overlapping colleagues two or three times. Unable to find the right pass, and finding himself fast approaching the eighteen yard box, he tried his luck and sent a scorching low shot beyond Lewington’s despairing fingertips and into the corner of the net. Hallelujah.
FT: HUFC 1 DAG and RED 0
Attendance: 1885, (with 124 evenly split between the two visiting towns’ supporters.)
HUFC: Cornell, Heath, Green, Townsend, Williams (Evans 45), Pell, Featherstone, Lunt (Barkhuizen 61), Clist, Arquin, Facey (Winnall67).
DAG and RED: Lewington, McCrory, Walsh, Doe, Green (Reed 70), Howell (Gain 51), Lee, Scannell, Williams, Ogogo, Tomlin.
Still thought it was a Penalty
Dagenham manager John Still thought that his side should have been given a penalty when Ryan Green tangled with Gavin Tomlin. However the referee thought differently.
"I don't know what the ref saw but we definitely had a penalty," said Still.
"I don't think there was any doubt about it and the linesman didn't have any doubt about it but the referee decided he didn't think it was.
"It was a frustrating afternoon. As the away team, I certainly felt we deserved something from the game. Other than the penalty incident, it was a game of just two or three efforts on goal but I need more from my front four and certainly more from the wide men to deliver the ball better.
"Our front two worked hard but they didn't create enough problems in the box."
Ahead of Davey
It's not been the best start to the season for Hereford United, but compared with last season it's an improvement.
It took then manager Simon Davey ten games to gain four points and he didn't register a win in either cup competition.
Fast forward to this evening. Current manager Jamie Pitman has gained five points from six League games. Added to that a Carling Cup win against Brentford and a money-spinning tie at Aston Villa.
It's still not good but at least it's better than twelve months ago.
And whilst it's a brave fan who would back the Bulls to win at Shrewsbury next Saturday, two home games follow against Aldershot and Gillingham respectively.
Both of those are winnable.
It wasn't Pretty but It's a Result
A no doubt very relieved Jamie Pitman thought the game against Dagenham was stretched when he brought the three young loanees on. Soon after the Bulls scored their first home League goal of the season and eventually three points.
"The result is great," Pitman told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"It's a win, a win at home.
"If you look at the league table, a defeat would have left us with a big uphill task. It wasn't pretty but it was fantastic to get a result.
"Again we were solid at the back so we have to take a lot of heart from that into the next games."
Pitman made three subs in the second half taking off Delroy Facey, Danny Williams and Kenny Lunt and replacing them with Tom Barkhuizen, Sam Winnall and Will Evans.
"I know what they are capable of and they've made a great impact on the game and they just stretched the game."I felt we always had a goal in us but it was just getting that chance. Young Sam (library picture) is a fantastic prospect and he knows where the goal is.
"That was what the game in the week was for - to see what they were capable of in men's football.
"All three have come on and done very well."
But the result might have been different had the referee not over-ruled the assistant when Ryan Green tangled with a Dagenham defender just inside the box.
"I'm going to be slightly biased but I didn't think it was penalty," thought Pitman.
"You can see by the way the ball has gone. The ball has come to the right hand side which is the way Greeny is tackling it.
"So obviously he's got contact on the ball. For me it's not a penalty."
Ex-Bull Watch
Marc Pugh scored an equaliser for Bournemouth but they lost at Notts County. Ben Smith scored for Crawley as they beat Bristol Rovers. Alan Connell scored twice for Swindon as they beat Rotherham.
Jamie Tolley scored for Wrexham as they beat Kidderminster. Phil Gulliver scored for Corby as they won at Worcester. Sammy Igoe scored a penalty for Havant and Waterlooville as they lost at Eastbourne.
Stats from Edgar Street
Here's a run down of the stats from Edgar Street this afternoon:
Final Score: Hereford United 1-0 Dagenham and Redbridge
Goalscorer: Sam Winnall
Possession: Hereford 49% Dagenham 51%
Shots on Target: Hereford 7 Dagenham 5
Shots off target: Hereford 5 Dagenham 6
Corners: Hereford 6 Dagenham 7
Fouls: Hereford 12 Dagenham 8
Yellow card: Yoann Arquin
Attendance: 1,885 with 124 from Dagenham.
Table:
20th - Crewe - 6 points
21st - Bradford - 5 points
22nd - Northampton - 5 points
23rd - Hereford - 5 points
24th - Plymouth - 1 point
Results Round-Up
The Bulls remain one off the bottom at the foot of League Two, level on points with two sides, only after Bradford scored a last minute equaliser to draw 1-1 with Morecambe. Northampton were also looking to be in danger after going 2-0 down but drew with Southend 2-2 to stay level with the Bulls. Plymouth fielded their first team but still lost 2-1 at Burton to remain rooted to the table and four points adrift already. Three teams are a point better off than the Bulls with Swindon getting their first win and points since the opening day with a 3-2 win over Rotherham, Crewe earning their second win with a 3-1 win over Oxford, and Barnet drawing 0-0 with Accrington despite Stanley having two players sent off.
At the top of the table Crawley lead after hammering Bristol Rovers 4-1. They are level on points with Rotherham and Morecambe, with Torquay and Shrewsbury two points behind. The Gulls beat Macclesfield 3-0, while the Shrews won 1-0 at Gillingham with an injury time penalty. Wimbledon beat Port Vale 3-2 to move into the play-off zone, while Cheltenham slip down the table after losing 1-0 at Aldershot.
In the Conference Wrexham have their best start to a season since 1904 after beating Kidderminster 2-0 to retain the top spot. Gateshead beat Alfreton 2-0 to keep pace, with the pair six points clear of third placed Kiddy. Grimsby won 1-0 at Forest Green to arrest their poor start to the season.
Bulls Win One With Winnall
The Bulls won their first League Two game of the season with a 1-0 win over Dagenham.
Sam Winnall came off the bench to fire home the only goal in a game largely void of clear cut chances.
Full report later.
Former Bull moves to Morecambe
Jason Price has been signed by Morecambe after Barnet released him just before the transfer deadline.
34 year old Price came to Hereford late last season on loan from Carlisle but did little to suggest manager Jamie Pitman would offer him a contract.
He teamed up with Barnet on a one month contract early in August and scored once in seven appearances.
"Jason is the sort of player we have been looking for," said Morecambe manager Jim Bentley.
"He is big and experienced and will offer us that something different we have been keen to find."
Fleet's Fee is for Pitman's Pot
Hereford United chairman David Keyte has told the Worcester News that the money from the sale of Stuart Fleetwood to Luton will be for manager Jamie Pitman.
"We didn’t have an agreement with Luton in the afternoon and then I had a call to say Stuart was aware of it and was willing to agree terms with them to go," said Keyte.
"It was money that wasn’t required by the club so that will go back in the manager’s pot.
"The deadline has gone so it will have to be for loanees to freshen up the side and that’s back with the manager.
"We have received money from Luton Town that we were not chasing so that is there for the squad."
Points to be Proved
Jamie Pitman and his squad will need to put on a performance this afternoon against Dagenham that will firstly prove they can cope without Stuart Fleetwood and secondly that they can satisfy supporters there is enough fire-power given the recent addition of loan players.
Looking at the stats from all five League games played to date, the Bulls have managed 28 shots on target but, of those, just one has gone in the net.
Opponents in those five games have had 41 shots on target of which 9 have been goals.
Those stats suggest that shots by the Bulls have been easily dealt with by opposing keepers.
Manager Pitman has said he'll go with Arquin and Facey, at least to start with, this afternoon. And he will have two young loanees to take over if need be.
But whoever he plays, unless supporters see a performance that offers some hope that there is enough fire-power in the squad, he will need to get on the telephone for reinforcements.
The point about the lack of goals has been noted by chairman David Keyte.
"We performed well at Bristol Rovers and for an hour at Bournemouth.
"What we need to do is score some goals."
Meanwhile it has to be hoped that supporters will turn out in reasonable numbers this afternoon and get behind the team.
The club needs all the turnover it can raise as this has a bearing on how many players Pitman can have in his squad given the 55% wage cap. So the bigger the gate the more money to strengthen the squad.
HUISA – Shrewsbury
The official HUFC travel organisation have announced their plans for the game at Shrewsbury on Saturday 10th September.
Coaches will depart from Radford’s at 10.30 am with a fare of £12 (£10 for members).
Fans are reminded that it will not be possible to travel by train on this day because of track maintenance work.
Seats can be booked in Radford’s before the game with Dagenham on Saturday 3rd September or through the Club office (08442 761939).
Meanwhile tickets for the game are currently on sale for the club office. No tickets will be available on the day.
Meanwhile tickets for the game are currently on sale for the club office. No tickets will be available on the day.
Friday, September 02, 2011
Life after Fleetwood
Hereford United manager Jamie Pitman has been speaking about life after Fleetwood. He's hopeful that Yoann Arquin and Delroy Facey will cope.
"Yoann and Delroy, along with Sam (Winnall), look a threat but we need to keep working with them and hopefully we will get opportunities," Pitman told the Worcester News
"Stuart (Fleetwood) has been a sub and Yoann and Delroy have done well in the last couple of games. We feel we are able to get goals and we will be looking to strengthen again in the loan window."
Pitman also commented about Fleets move to Luton.
"We got an offer from Luton. I put that to the board and to Stuart and he has taken the opportunity to go. He’s been a very good asset to this football club and I wish him all the best in the future."
UPDATE: Fleets failed to get into Luton's starting eleven at Stockport this evening. But he came off the bench for 12 minutes, six of them injury time, and hit the post. The game ended 1-1.
Plymouth To Play On After Wage Deal
Plymouth's players will play in tomorrow's match at Burton after a late deal saw them receive part of their wages.
They have agreed to defer August's wages and take 40% of September's money - originally due at the end of this month - to continue playing until September 15th. The Administrator hopes to conclude a deal to sell the club by then, but sources have told the BBC that the club's bidder still doesn't have funds in place despite the Administrator telling supporters that he had received adequate proof last Friday.
Player Carl Fletcher told the BBC: "The worrying thing from our point of view is why did it have to take us to come out and say what we said yesterday to stump up some money? Surely the players and staff should be one of their priorities and it shouldn't have to take the threat of not playing for them to do that.
"They're taking advantage of our professionalism and our desire to keep the club going"Since the threat of strike action a flurry of bets have been placed on Burton to win. Betfair currently report nearly £85,000 having been placed on the game, while the Bulls match with Dagenham has just £1,689 placed at the time of writing.
Preview: Bulls vs Dagenham
The Bulls face Dagenham at Edgar Street on Saturday looking for a boost to their season.
The two sides have met four times in the Football League, with the Bulls unbeaten at home. The 1-1 draw in 09/10, with loanee James Walker scoring, was preceeded by a 4-1 win for the Bulls in 07/08. Loanees Sherjill Macdonald and Gary Hooper provided three of the four Bulls goals in that game. Sandwiched between those two games was a goalless FA Cup match at Edgar Street, where no loanees were playing for the Bulls.
The Bulls will be looking to loanees Sam Winnall and Tom Barkhuisen to fill the gap left by Stuart Fleetwood's departure, but the starting pairing is likely to be the one from last Saturday with Delroy Facey being partnered by Yoann Arquin. One player not featuring tomorrow is Joe Colbeck, who has tweeted that he will not play and is hoping to get a full week of training in next week. Jamie Pitman will be feeling the pressure to get a result tomorrow after two disappointing home results.
The Daggers have made a strong start to the season, currently lying in fifth place with ten points from five matches. Their three wins this season have all been 1-0 scorelines, and only their opposition has scored more than once in any of their games this season. Having lost their two top scorers from last season, goals were expected to be a problem this term for the Daggers, with former Bulls trialist Sam Williams one of four players as their highest scorer with one goal apiece. Former Bulls Richard Rose will travel with their squad, but will likely warm the bench after getting splinters for the last two games.
Hereford United vs Dagenham & Redbridge, Edgar Street, Saturday 3rd September, 3.00pm.
News Round-Up
Oxford striker James Constable turned down a deadline day move to Bournemouth over personal terms. The forward, who has scored 72 times in 132 games for the U's, stated only last week that he was staying with the club after signing a new three year deal in February. Southend say their monthly losses are down to £60,000 from last season's £100,000. Chief Executive Tara Brady told the BBC the club was at the limit of it's 55% wage cap, making them have one of the highest wage bills in League Two.
Grimsby joint boss Rob Scott has issued a lengthy apology for the confrontation he had with a fan last weekend. In it, he questions the motives of people who pay money to watch the team and then only moan about what they seen. He also wishes half of those who have watched his rant on Youtube came and watched the team. Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio claims striker Leon Clarke asked to leave the club before their Tuesday bust-up, and that the Italian thinks the player engineered the situation to force a move.
Plymouth's players are still waiting on an answer from the Administrator over their unpaid wages. They were expected to be paid on Monday after the deal to sell the club was cleared, but no money has been forthcoming and attempts by various members of the press to contact the Administrator have proved fruitless. The players say they will refuse to play this weekend without answers, with boss Peter Reid preparing to play the youth team in their game at Burton.
Bournemouth striker Steve Lovell has announced his immediate retirement from football. The 30 year old played 60 minutes of Tuesday's game with the Bulls but the injury-plagued forward has decided enough is enough. Former Bulls forward Sam Malsom is to sign a one month deal at Truro City after returning to the UK. The 24 year old has just returned from another stint in Scandanavia and is now awaiting international clearance.
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Fleetwood Speaks On Move
Stuart Fleetwood has given an interview to Luton's official site this afternoon.
"A bit of a whirlwind last night. Happy to be here, a good training session and looking forward to tomorrow night."
When asked about Gary Brabin, who called Fleetwood his 'no.1 target':
"I spoke to Gary a few times. I knew there was interest. I was a little skeptical about dropping down the leagues like any player would be but Gary sold the club to me and here I am."
Fleetwood is then asked about his past Conference history and his move to Charlton before brushing over the past season with the Bulls. The interviewer then asks if it was tough to leave Edgar Street:
"Yes, definitely. My partner's from there, got my little girl there, friends and family, but it was a deal I couldn't refuse. I was on the bench the last few games with Hereford. We were struggling a little bit this year with finances and resources so it's nice to come to a club that is challenging in the right half of the table."
When asked about the praise given to him following the move by Jamie Pitman and David Keyte:
"It's lovely. No problems with any of them. I was in having a chat last night with the Chairman as I was signing the papers, and Jamie came in to see me as he was out for a meal, popped in to say goodbye. That's football sometimes and I'm happy where I am."
The full interview can be watched by Bulls Player subscribers by logging into the Luton site here.
Win a Copy of 'Where's Your Caravan'
As previously reported on BN, former Hereford United player Chris Hargreaves has just had his first book published.
'Where's Your Caravan' is Hargreaves life story so far and a highly entertaining read.
It's the sort of football memoir we don't see enough of these days - an account of life in the lower leagues. It takes us from his wild youth through to domesticated family man, complete with school runs and flatpack furniture, and plenty of football in between.
There's plenty of Hereford related stories in the book. For instance Hargreaves shared a room whilst at West Bromwich with Stacy Coldicott who later played for the Bulls. And it was at the Hawthorns where Hargreaves met up with current Bulls coach Richard Sneeks.
Hargreaves reveals how he came to Hereford, he thought, just to play football. However 'unwittingly I had joined a club in financial turmoil off the field, and in a crisis on it'.
He relives that final game of the 96/97 season against Brighton which would decide who was dropping to the Conference
'The week leading up to the game was pure agony. It was a media frenzy and by the time the game kicked off every single TV company was there.
'We were relegated on goal difference. It was a surreal experience. I had never felt so much pressure on a football pitch and I never wanted to again.'
Hargreaves had a lot of time for Tony Ford who was the fitness trainer at Edgar Street.
'Tony came onto the pitch like one of those American life coaches, with music playing and a pretty full-on motivational speech. Most of the players were having none of it. The way they saw it, this old man (Tony was over sixty) couldn't help them.
'How wrong they were. I knew straight away that Tony was great for the club and for me.'
He also had praise for then manager Graham Turner.
'I have only got the utmost respect for that man, reinforced by the work he did turning that club around.'
Bulls News has a few copies of the book to give away. Simply answer one easy question about Hargreaves and if lucky we'll forward a copy to you.
Question: How many League goals did Hargreaves score for the Bulls in the 1996/97 season?
Answers please to: bullsnews@hotmail.com
Competition closes 10pm Monday September 5th
Where's Your Caravan written by Chris Hargreaves is published by Friday Books.
Brabin Targeted Fleetwood 'From Day One'
Luton boss Gary Brabin says Stuart Fleetwood was his no.1 target from the start.
He told the Bedfordshire on Sunday paper: "Stuart has been on that list from day one. We are pleased to get him.
"There is no exaggeration when I say how hard we've worked behind the scenes to get things done. It seems like you leave things to the last minute but that's not the case. Stuart is one we identified very early on. It was one of those that we thought we'd lost but it came alive again and we are delighted."We didn't have to sell the club to him. He knows a few of the lads and, in terms of that, the challenge excited him. He had his own personal issues - I think his family are from Hereford and he's just had a little'un, so that was a big step.
"There was also the point of dealing with Hereford, who were brilliant and professional. Understandably, they didn't want to let their player go too easily but in the end we came to an agreement and we are delighted."
Stansfield Foundation To Sponsor Local Teams
The Adam Stansfield Foundation is to sponsor two girls sides at Westfields with kits for the coming season.
The Foundation will support community teams near Adam's former sides, with Westfields' girls under 12's and under 14's wearing kits bearing the Foundation's logo for the coming season.
The two sides will compete in the Herefordshire Junior Girls leagues, but they are in need of players for the coming season. Organiser Luke Powell told us:
We have 1 team in the under 12 (school years 6 and 7) and 2 in the under 14 (years 8 and 9) Herefordshire junior girls league this year and are really struggling for players this year. If you know anyone who may be interested (particaurly for the 2nd under 14 team in years 8 and 9) in joining then please get them to give me a call (07876 077152).
No experience is needed and its just a bit of fun and not taken too seriously. Its a great way for the players to meet new friends and stay healthy!
News Round-Up
Northampton have released midfielder Kevin Thornton following the expiration of his short term deal. Manager Gary Johnson told the press the club's decision to sell Shaun Harrad was partly financially motivated, with chairman Dennis Cardoza stating early gates at Sixfields were lower than expected. Torquay's new grandstand will not be open until next season after a dispute with the contractors. The existing condemned stand will not be demolished until October with the club still yet to finalise a new deal with a different company.
Burton are trialling defenders Robbie Nelson and Rob Kozluk as they seek reinforcements. Nelson left Leicester in the summer and Kozluk was most recently with Sheff Utd. Bradford have confirmed that assistant manager Colin Cooper will remain as no.2 to new boss Phil Parkinson. Plymouth's staff still haven't been paid despite the Administrator claiming he had received adequate proof of funds from bidder Bishop International.
Dagenham have signed winger Dominic Green following his release from Peterboro. The 22 year old was sold by the Daggers to the Posh three years ago for a six-figure fee but was released in the summer by mutual consent after just 11 starts.
BN agrees to Sponsor David Cornell
Bulls News has agreed with Hereford United to sponsor on loan goalkeeper David Cornell for the rest of the season.
With Stuart Fleetwood moving to Luton, BN moved quickly to back the young Swansea keeper.
Meanwhile Hereford United vice-chairman Tim Russon has spoken about the Fleetwood move.
"I think it's fair to say the approach from Luton came out of the blue and the deal was done late yesterday," he told BN.
"Jamie P who is the man in charge of football will I'm sure be explaining things in the next day or so."
UPDATE: Manager Pitman has commented on Fleetwood's move but has not mentioned anything about the details.
"I wish him all the best," Pitman told Bulls Player.
"He's a great lad, he's a great athlete, he's a really good person to have around."
Canham and Kovacs turn down moves
Sean Canham and Janos Kovacs have both turned down moves away from Edgar Street according this morning's Hereford Times.
Both could have joined Conference clubs but have decided to stay at Edgar Street and continue to receive their wages which were agreed when Simon Davey brought them to Hereford.
"There is always speculation surrounding players but the only enquiries we’ve had have been about Kovacs and Canham," said Bulls chairman David Keyte.
"I’ve heard rumours about other players supposedly leaving - but those have been speculation and you hear rumours all the time in football.
"Kovacs and Canham have turned down about three moves each.
"We’ve circulated them widely and they’ve had interest from Conference clubs.
"One or two of the clubs interested in them would actually be bigger clubs than us."
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