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Friday, June 07, 2013

News Round-Up

Cambridge boss Richard Money has rejected an offer from Indian I-League newcomers Jindal Steel Works. The Bangalore-based side, being formed for the new season, made the move last week but Money, who has already signed eight new players this summer, turned it down. Dartford have signed defender Tyrone Sterling for the coming season. The 25 year old was on dual registration forms with Dagenham and Dover in the second half of last season but didn't feature in League Two.

Wrexham boss Andy Morrell says he may offer a deal to released defender Chris Westwood now that Martin Riley has left the club in favour of Mansfield. Morrell admits that Westwood may not want to return after the nature of his departure. Lincoln have announced that midfielder Tom Miller has signed a new 2 year deal with the club. The 22 year old former Newport man made 42 appearances for the Imps this season.

Gateshead have signed defender Luke O'Brien on a one year deal. The 24 year old former Bradford trainee turned down a new deal with Oxford to return north. Farnborough's creditors have agreed their CVA, but the club is yet to agree a buyer. The Administrator has two potential bidders they are continuing discussions with.

Nuneaton's Supporters Trust has followed Oxford's move in getting their stadium designated as an Asset of Community Value (ACV). The move means the Trust will be given six months to prepare a bid for the ground should it be put up for sale.

Walker Speaks More On Move

New Bulls forward Dan Walker has told the local Luton press he had a chance to remain with the Hatters.

He spoke to boss John Still, but opted to leave when the veteran manager couldn't guarantee him first team football. He told the Luton News: “He rang me and said he would loved to have me as a player but I’m a free agent and he can’t guarantee me first team football which you will want and thought I should move on.

“I thought the same because I wanted to be playing first team and it was a mutual agreement. I had a few options, teams like Braintree but I didn’t want to go part-time.

“Martin Foyle the manager at Hereford wanted me on loan at the end of the season. I think John Still said no at the time. I went and spoke to him and got things sorted.”

Meanwhile, Crewe are reported to be in discussions with Kidderminster winger Marvin Johnson. The out of contract 22 year old is stalling on a new deal at Aggborough with the Railwaymen only likely to sign one of him or Sam Clucas. Both players would be subject to fees.

Thursday, June 06, 2013

Gumpers Swap Ends To Avoid Away Fans

Forest Green are to move their home terrace to the opposite end of the pitch for the coming season.

They say the move is to stop away fans from being the first to be heard by the players as they emerge from the dressing rooms. The change will see seats removed from the EESI stand to make it a full length terrace, pushing capacity at the New Lawn over the 5,000 required for the Football League.

Away fans will be relocated to the North Stand, which will remain a terrace.

Bulls Offer Cheapest Season Ticket In Conference

The Bulls are offering the cheapest Adult season ticket in the Conference for the coming season.

With 23 of the 24 clubs having announced prices, and Halifax having charged £219 for 21 games last term, the Bulls offer of £190 (and previously £180) season tickets are the cheapest in the division.

Hyde are the only other side to offer a sub-£200 ticket, at £199, although Barnet are offering a unique monthly ticket that could see a fan pay £198 to cover the season if the fixtures fall right.

Aldershot the most expensive offering currently. They have opted not to offer a discount period so their Adult ticket is £348, although it does include three cup matches, making it £13 a match - £1 more than a casual fan can watch games at Edgar Street.

Once the 'early-bird' period has expired, Grimsby offer the most expensive ticket at £378 while the Bulls will still offer a £200 ticket, at least £50 less than any of their rivals.

In terms of matchday prices, the Bulls are also offering the cheapest admission at £12. Only Nuneaton have matched that figure so far, with six sides yet to reveal prices. Alfreton and Grimsby will be charging £18 matchday admission for Adults as their cheapest price, with Alfreton offering a £2 discount ahead of matchday.

The Bulls have stated today that they have now sold 891 season tickets for the coming season.

Conference Set To Unveil Sponsor

Bulls News understands that the Conference have agreed terms with a new sponsor for next season.

The deal is expected to be unveiled over the weekend during the events that include the Conference AGM and awards dinner.

Meanwhile, the Conference are moving offices next week. The move will see them move 30 yards down the road in the same street in Birmingham.

Supporters Trust Update

The following is from the Supporters Trust Working Group:

MISSION STATEMENT

The Trust are pleased to share our mission statement with all supporters............

"To preserve and promote professional football in Hereford and the wider community of supporters, and to encourage supporter involvement with dialogue, fan representation on the board, and share ownership."

WORKING GROUP MEETING – want to get involved?

Next Wednesday, 12th June the Trust Steering Group are holding an informal meeting at the football club for supporters interested in becoming part of the Trust Working Group, which is the next stage of the process. The Working Group will consist of the original Steering Group plus any supporters wanting to get more involved than just being a member of the Trust.

If you feel you have genuine skills and/or experience to offer the Group we would like you to come along and share that with us. Please email your intention to attend hufctrust@gmail.com – so we can assess likely numbers.

The meeting will be held in the Vice-Presidents Club at 8pm. I cannot guarantee the VP bar will be open but drinks can be purchased at Addisons and brought down.

COMPETITION TO DESIGN TRUST CREST

We would like to invite all supporters to enter a competition to design the Trust crests/logo. The crests will be used on a range of merchandise to be launched later in the summer. There will be adult and children’s merchandise. The entries will be judged by the Working Group, who will choose 5 designs to put onto the Trust website and we will ask all supporters to vote for their favourite design.

The winning designer will win

- 1 year Trust membership

- Hoodie with their winning design embroidered on the front

Closing date for entries is Friday 5th July. Please send entries by email to hufctrust@gmail.com

Other news...........

The new Trust website will – hopefully – go live this weekend. We are indebted to Michael Cartwright for his offer of a professional website at no charge. Mike is a life long fan and joins the Working Group to head up the Web team. Details of the website address will be made public as soon as it goes live.

Thanking you all for the extremely positive vibe since the Open Meeting.

Jon Hale

On behalf of HUST

No Hard Feelings About Leaving Says Connor

Former goal-keeping coach at Edgar Street, Dan Connor, has said he has no hard feelings about leaving Hereford United.

"I have left the club - but there’s no hard feelings," Connor told the Hereford Times.

" I know that things are tough at the moment but I hope things work out for the club."

Connor is staying in the area.

"My two children will both be going to school in Stretton Sugwas and, as a family, we’re settled.

"It’s a good school and Herefordshire is a lovely part of the country to live in and bring up children."

And he says he will continue to support the club.

"I’ve said to Martin Foyle that if he ever needs help, I am always willing to come in and help out."

News Round-Up

Tamworth say they had made an offer of a playing contract to new Macclesfield assistant boss Efe Sodje before his appointment at Moss Rose. The 40 year old is yet to confirm whether he is to carry on playing. A proposed bid to rescue Farnborough is reported to have stalled. The deal, which would have seen a redevelopment of land around their ground, was due to be voted on at a CVA meeting tomorrow.

Ebbsfleet chairman Peter Varney says the club will be run in a 'financially responsible manner' despite having spent £13,000 on Dover midfielder Daryl McMahon and signing another from the same club yesterday. Dover chairman Jim Parmenter expects to lose more players to the Fleet, and has criticised their spending. Macclesfield defender Tony Diagne has left the club in favour of a two year deal at Morecambe. The 22 year old Frenchman was out of contract at Moss Rose, and ended the season at Lincoln.

Eastbourne have announced that former Bulls loanee Anwar Uddin is to leave the club. The 31 year old was a regular for the Conf South side but work and coaching commitments mean he cannot commit to the club next term. Wrexham have put up prices for the coming season. Adult admission prices have gone up £1 to £15 and £19 for next season, with concession prices going up £2.

Chester say that Nathan Jarman will stay with the club after the transfer listed striker failed to find a move away by manager Neil Young's deadline. Jarman wanted to find a club closer to his Scunthorpe home. Young also says that England C man Antoni Sarcevic will only be sold for a six-figure fee. The 21 year old former Crewe trainee has a string of Football League sides interested in his services, but Young has rejected the only firm offer so far.

Lincoln defender Andrew Boyce is reported to be considering offers from Mansfield and Scunthorpe. The 23 year old cost the club £12,000 from Gainsborough last summer, but only signed a one year deal and has stalled over new terms. Dartford are reported to have failed in a bid to sign Ebbsfleet defender Paul Lorraine after he agreed a new deal with the Conf South side.

New boys Salisbury have announced that Theo Lewis and Callum Hart have signed new contracts for the new season. Defender Hart, 27, has spent the last two years with the Whites but missed much of the first season through injury, while former Cheltenham forward Lewis, 21, signed last summer. Southport have signed keeper Dave Stevenson as back up to first choice Danny Hurst. The former England youth stopper had a spell at Barrow last season.

Macmillan To Receive £43K From BN Car Parking

Bulls News is to present a cheque for £43,000 to Macmillan Cancer Support. The proceeds will help fund their excellent work in Herefordshire and Mid-Wales.

The money was raised from operating a car park at the recent Hay Festival.

As ever BN would like to thank all who helped with the parking and also Nat West, NFU Mutual, Ivor Duggan and Sons and everyone connected with Hay Festival for their continued support.

Wednesday, June 05, 2013

Walker Had To Wait For Hatters Release

New Bulls forward Dan Walker has told the Luton press his future was in limbo for several weeks.

The 23 year old was the last player to be told his future by Hatters boss John Still. Walker told Luton News: “My contract was ending and I was thinking everyone was finding out about their futures one way or another and I was waiting.

“I wondered if there was a mix-up and they thought I was under contract for another season but that wasn’t the case, I didn’t know what to think.”

Walker's departure from Kenilworth Road was announced on May 24th.

Musa Turns Out For All-Whites

Former Bulls loanee James Musa turned out for a New Zealand 'A' side that lost to Jordan in a friendly match yesterday.

The 20 year old was looking to impress coaches Ricki Herbert and Neil Emblen in a bid to get into the full All-Whites squad for their World Cup play-off matches in November.

Musa, who will return to Fulham for pre-season training, made a 30 minute sub appearance in a match settled by a 'sloppy' third minute goal by the Jordanian side that is challenging Australia to advance to the Asian play-off matches.

Meanwhile, Yeovil have announced the release of former Bulls trainee Gavin Williams. Now 32, Williams left Edgar Street 11 years ago for Huish Park, and had stops at the likes of West Ham, Ipswich, and both Bristol sides before a return to Somerset two years ago.

He started only nine League games this term, scoring three times in 24 total appearances.

News Round-Up

Gateshead have announced the signing of defender Craig Baxter on a deal for next season. The 26 year old spent six years with the club before being released last summer, spending the past season with Bedlington Terriers. The Heed have also announced that striker James Marwood will leave the club after he turned down a new deal. The 23 year old started only 12 of 31 appearances last season.

Newport are expected to sign two players today. One is an attacking midfielder, who will require a transfer fee, from a Football League side who played in the Conference last season. The other is expected to be former Torquay and Bristol Rovers forward Chris Zebroski. Wrexham have confirmed the departure of defender Martin Riley, who has opted for a return to Mansfield after making the reverse trip last summer.

Woking have announced new contracts for eight of their existing players. The octet include striker Kevin Betsy, defender John Nutter, and midfielder Joe McNerney. Truro City have seen their CVA proposal passed at a meeting yesterday. The deal means the club will play next season in the Southern League after fears that they would drop three divisions.

Southport have told defender Chris Lynch he can leave the club on a free transfer. The 22 year old is wanted by former boss Liam Watson at Telford. Luton are reported to have failed in a bid to sign Concord Rangers' defender Matt Fry. The 22 year old is a former West Ham trainee but is reported to have rejected the offer.

Barnet are to lose the services of winger Ricky Holmes after the out of contract 25 year old announced his desire to sign for Portsmouth over a number of League One and Two sides. Gateshead have lost the services of winger Josh Gillies after the 22 year old opted for a move to Carlisle. The Heed will expect a fee for the former FA Vase winner with Whitley Bay.

Mansfield have acknowledged a £1million claim against the club to repay loans from former directors. The two directors claim that club chairman John Radford stripped them of their shareholdings with their relationship with him changing drastically once wife Carolyn Radford became CEO of the club. Halifax say midfielder Sean Williams and striker Alex Johnson have signed new contracts for the coming season.

Dartford have agreed to share their Princes Park home with Greenwich Borough for the coming season. The Kent League side have been groundsharing since their council facilities failed grading rules four years ago. Just days after being taken over, Ebbsfleet have had a £13,000 offer for Dover man Daryl McMahon accepted.

Aldershot's Supporters Trust are calling on fans to pledge sums towards their bid to buy the club. They will host a meeting of fans next week in a bid to raise £500,000 to make a bid for the club. Oldham's directors say they will not be selling the club to a consortium with Stephen Vaughan involved. The club is for sale, but talks with Vaughan's group were some time ago and have not been followed up.

Tamworth have signed teenage winger Kaiyne Woolery on a deal for next season. The 18 year old spent last season with Ryman side Maidstone after coming through a local academy.

Tuesday, June 04, 2013

Jackson Helps England C Defeat Bermuda.

Marlon Jackson was one of the scorers in last night's England C's 6-1 victory over Bermuda.

The former Hereford United striker set up the first, and scored England's second goal from the penalty spot after John Hunt was brought down.

Later Forest Green's James Norwood scored a hat-trick. Also on the scoresheet were Antoni Sarcevic and Andre Grey.

Bulls' winger Sam Clucas was in the starting eleven and was reportedly named Man of the Match.

The Need For A Share Issue

Hereford United chairman David Keyte has been explaining why the board feels it's a good idea to have a share issue.

"We've suggested that the current financial model with such low crowds and player budgets is not sustainable and we needed to have a radical rethink," Keyte told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"We've been doing that over the past weeks and months and we've proposed that we would like shareholders to consider a share issue.

"There's a bit of a strangle-hold in the current set-up which is 40,000 twenty five pence shares and for years they've all been allocated.

"And so when we've had investment discussions with various parties we have little or nothing to offer them so we need to widen that net.

"We would like to undertake a series of projects based on what we could raise from a share issue to a sum of £1.5M.

"The shareholders will need to support the share issue and vote it through.

"The advice we've got is whilst you've got a balance sheet in a negative situation as the club has had for probably thirty years, the shares are technically worthless which is a bit hard on somebody who has bought shares and thought they were supporting the club.

"Myself as the person with the most shares that cost me a sum of money three years ago, to be told that on paper they are worthless until you can get the balance sheet into positive figures.

"I would want to put something in that recognises that committment and so you set up a scheme that can be debated and agreed on, perhaps something that says the current shareholders get a multiple into the new structure. Perhaps if you have ten shares today, you might have fourty tomorrow in the new system.

"And the ability then to make your own choice about buying more shares at £1 each.

"There are a number of ways you can go through a share issue."

Walker Becomes First Summer Signing

Former Luton forward Dan Walker has become Martin Foyle's first signing of the summer.

The 23 year old spent three years with the Hatters, accumulating four loan spells during his Kenilworth Road stay, but has joined the Bulls for more first team action having spent much of his time on the bench.

He told the Official Site: "I'm really pleased to be coming to Hereford, I want to make a place in the starting eleven my own. Martin did a really good job here last season, and he's said he wants to push on and have an even better season this year."

"I've signed because Martin is a good manager, he's shown faith in me to bring me in and I want to repay him for that."

Foyle added: "I've been interested in Dan for a while, we've been watching him and tried to bring him in on loan last season. He's a skillful player who can play in attack or out wide, he's got a lot of pace and an eye for goal."

Walker joined Luton from Bedford Town in 2010 following a lengthy trial. His first year at Kenilworth Road was a learning season and last year was disappointingly disrupted by an injury that prevented him forcing his way into a regular starting place.

During his time at Luton, he won the goal of the season award for a twenty-five yard scorcher into the top corner in a 6-1 win over Forest Green.

Walker’s frustrations at Luton appear to have come close to him leaving twelve months ago with him turning down two offers to extend his stay before Paul Buckle stretched the budget to keep the man he said “is by no means the finished article but there is so much there to work with.”

Buckle continued: "Towards the end of last season we played Northampton and Colchester in reserve games and he tore them to shreds.”

Walker (no.30) playing for Braintree vs the Bulls in February.

Welcome to Edgar Street Mr Walker.

Bulls Out To 33/1 For Title Win

Bet365 have pushed the Bulls out to 33/1 to win the title in the coming season.

With just one player signed up the move outwards is unsurprising while Forest Green, who have already announced the completion of their summer business, are now generally considered favourites at 5/1.

Elsewhere, Cambridge have slipped to 14/1, Barnet to 18/1, Alfreton and Southport 200/1, Nuneaton 250/1, and Tamworth 500/1.

BetVictor have also released odds on other Conference markets, with the Bulls 5/1 to finish in the top five (as opposed to 16/1 for promotion), 5/4 to finish in the bottom half of the table, and 8/1 to finish in the bottom four.

Silkmen Appoint Askey As Boss

After apparently failing to acquire a string of higher profile targets, Macclesfield have named caretaker boss John Askey as their manager for the coming season.

The long serving clubman will be assisted by former Silkmen player Efe Sodje, who was released by Bury earlier this summer after ending the season on loan at Barrow.

The Silkmen had been linked to a variety of bigger names, with the pile topped by former England and Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler. The Non-League Paper went as far as to claim the job was his, and that he would be working for free, but he pulled out of negotiations after getting cold feet.

The likes of John Coleman were also linked to the post, with the Silkmen board interviewing five people and chief executive Jon Harris promising to appoint an experienced manager who knew the Conference.

Askey lost four of his five games in charge at the end of last season following the dismissal of Steve King, and his only prior experience was a caretaker spell with the club in the 03/04 season.

Jackson & Clucas to face Bermuda National Team tonight.

The England C squad that includes Marlon Jackson and Sam Clucas take on Bermuda later this evening at the National Stadium in Hamilton, Bermuda. There is still no official word on Ryan Bowman's situation regarding the tour but it is believed that he might have been removed from the squad following his link-up with Football League side York City.

Kick off is scheduled for 7.30pm local time or 11.30pm UK time.

Barnet's Director of Football, Paul Fairclough heads up the England coaching party to take on a Bermuda side coached by Andrew Bascome.

Andrew Bascome

In just two weeks...

Today

20th May 2013

Wrexham Failed In Bowman Bid

Wrexham Chief Executive Don Bircham has told their local press they made a failed offer to Ryan Bowman.

The Dragons made an offer to the 21 year old, with Bircham telling the Evening Leader: “We made him a very good, competitive offer and things looked encouraging at one point.

“He seemed keen, he came to have a look at the set-up and was impressed with the facilities at Colliers Park and the stadium.

“Understandably he chose to play in the Football League and his girlfriend is from that part of the country and those things combined saw him go elsewhere.”

Bircham also noted they also failed with a move for new Cambridge signing Ryan Donaldson, another striker who was released by Gateshead. Wrexham previously made a bid to sign Bowman in the January transfer window.

Meanwhile, Gloucester City boss David Mehew says he has held talks with former Bull Tyler Weir over a return to the Tigers. The versatile former trainee, who can play full back and in midfield, has made close to 100 appearances in Conf North since his last Bulls appearance in 2010.

Monday, June 03, 2013

"Not Fit And Proper" Vaughan Seeks England Return

Former Chester owner Stephen Vaughan is reported to be in talks to take over League One side Oldham.

Vaughan, the first person to fail the FA's Fit and Proper Person Test, has been exiled in Maltese football over the last year after failing in a reported bid to buy Wrexham. Vaughan is reported to still be banned from acting as a company director in the UK after receiving an 11 year ban in 2009 and is unlikely to pass the FA's test with such a ban still ongoing.

Spokesman for the consortium Alan Keeling admitted to the BBC that there 'are some stumbling blocks people should know about' and that talks had been ongoing for some months.

Foyle Confirms Friendly Changes

Bulls boss Martin Foyle has expressed his disappointment at changes to the pre-season fixture list.

He has told the official site that Westfields had forced their HFA Cup date on the Bulls after complaining to the Herefordshire FA. With Pegasus already agreeing to switch dates with Leominster, who the Bulls will now visit on the 13th, leaving Pegasus without a match with the Bulls this pre-season.

Updated pre-season schedule:

Sat July 13th - Leominster Town (A) 1pm

Tues July 16th - Bristol Rovers (H) 7.30pm
Sat July 20th - West Brom XI (H) 1pm
Sat July 27th - Torquay (H) 1pm
Tues July 30th - Westfields (A) 7.30pm

News Round-Up

Worcester have agreed a deal with developer St Modwen to extract themselves from their ground building deal. Their new stadium has been in limbo for years with the developer committed to only have started the stadium works by this summer, rather than having needed to build it, and the club faced a massive tax bill over the deal. It is currently unclear what terms have been agreed, and how much of the remaining £1.3million of the deal the club will retain to build a new ground.

Grimsby director John Fenty, who has been financially propping the club up in recent seasons, says he will put more money into the club than last season in order to build on their play-off failure this term. Lincoln are reported in the local press to have rejected a £15,000 offer from Crewe for striker Vadaine Oliver. The Lincolnshire Echo says the club want £20,000 plus add-ons for the out of contract former Sheff Weds man.

Cambridge have signed released Grimsby defender Ian Miller on a two year deal. The former Darlington man, 29, made 28 appearances for the Mariners last season. The Conference have confirmed that the fixture list will be released on Friday, July 5th. Further announcements are expected this week with the AGM at the weekend.

Lincoln have signed Macclesfield defender Nat Brown on a one year deal. The 32 year old ended the season on loan at Sincil Bank, having previously played for manager Gary Simpson at Moss Rose. Mansfield are reported to be subject to legal action by two former directors to recover loans made to the club prior to current owner John Radford's arrival. The pair say they had an agreement with Radford that he would repay them when the club regained it's Football League status.

Pitch Bidding Ends Tonight

The bidding for the prime pitch squares ends tonight at 8pm.

The Ronnie Radford square is up to £550, with the Ricky George square at £500. Both penalty spots are still awaiting their opening £150 bid.

Details on bidding can be found on the official site here.

Sunday, June 02, 2013

Tickets Selling Well For Mod Nite

There's an HUFC fundraiser taking place at the Starlite Rooms on June 14th when HUFC photographer Steve Niblett has organised a Mod Nite. There are two featured bands, XL5 and a band recognised as the premier tribute to The Jam, namely The Jam DRC. A Mod disco with tunes uniquely played on original vinyl by DJ Moon on Stick, with sound and vision being piped into Addisons Bar too so no one misses out. Food will be available and a BBQ is planned (weather permitting).

Steve says 'Interest has been incredible with 200 tickets sold already. Thanks to HUFC fans Chris Plane, Nikki Tyler and John Calandra for spreading the word around and promoting it - and there will be more fans helping on the night to make it a success. We've got people coming from Lancashire, Oxfordshire, Walsall and all around the county'.

There are plenty of prizes for the raffle including a guitar signed by Paul Weller, signed Jam boxed sets & CD's, drumsticks, books, Quadrophenia deluxe CD's signed by Pete Townshend, DVD's, CD's signed by original members of Stiff Little Fingers and Mod Art by Marty Street. (Marty will be there on the night, check out his Facebook site Cartoon Workshop to see his work). Dont worry if you miss out on the raffle as there are quite a few duplicate items which will be available to bid on in a following auction.

'I really hope we can raise some funds to assist Martin Foyle and Andy Porter on the immense challenge ahead this season' says Steve.

If you want a chance to win 2 tickets to the event a week on Friday, answer the following question. What are the FULL NAMES of the original members of The Jam? A winner will be chosen at random on Thursday 6th June at 12:00 and notified shortly afterwards. Email your answer to modnite@hotmail.co.uk

To purchase advance tickets, contact HUFC in person or on 08442 761939, or available at Calandras and Mens Room in East Street. Price is £15, £18 on night, subject to availability.

Foyle: "A Total Rebuild Job"

Bulls boss Martin Foyle has been interviewed by today's Non-League Paper about his summer task and next season at Edgar Street.

He told the paper: "It's a total rebuild job. Unfortunately the finances due to relegation have hit the club massively. We've had to reduce the numbers on the staff side as well as the playing side.

"That's the way it's going to have to be. I did the same at York when I bought players in and then sold them on. I've just got to try and make the best of it.

As for being competitive in the transfer market, Foyle knows he cannot compete financially but he can offer players regular games: "You look at a lot of the top clubs in this division and they're giving out 52 week contracts but we're only at 44. We're a long way behind but I certainly know we're going to be organised and hard to beat."

He also comments on last season: "Last season was absolutely brilliant on the pitch. You have to credit the players, especially ones like Luke Graham and Josh O'Keefe who helped organise the dressing room.

"A lot of players get knocked in football for bad attitudes but 95 per cent of them were very, very good. They wanted to train every day and never moaned about anything.

"Attitudes are probably more important than talent now. You can't afford to have a few bad eggs in the group. Your recruitment has to be spot on. I've been busy meeting players and getting a feel for them because you know straight away.

"This has been the longest summer ever. I downed tools for a week as my daughter was expecting a baby but other than that it's been full on. I've spoken to a lot of players and we have a wage cap and we have to stick to it."

Bulls To Take On Westfields

The Bulls are to take on Westfields in the HFA Senior Invitational County Challenge Cup Final.

The Hereford Times are reporting that the game will take place on Tuesday July 30th, at the same time as an already announced friendly with Leominster Town is scheduled to take place.

It is currently unclear whether the Bulls will scrap the Leominster game, or field two sides with one being a youth XI. Last season the Bulls sent a first team side to face Westfields, winning 2-0, but had a mostly youth side the year before, losing 3-2.

Saturday, June 01, 2013

News Round-Up

Grimsby have signed York midfielder Scott Kerr on a one year deal. The 31 year old helped the Minstermen into the Football League after being part of the Lincoln squad that eventually lost their place in the 92. Released Luton midfielder James Dance has signed for Kidderminster for the coming season. The 26 year old made only one appearance for the Hatters this term, spending the second half of the season on loan at Nuneaton.

Alfreton have allowed midfielder Anton Brown to leave the club. The 25 year old has signed for Conf North side Harrogate after making 31 appearances this term. Former Bulls defender Tyler Weir has announced he has left Worcester. The 22 year old was a regular for the Conf North side this season.

Cambridge have released defender Jonathan Thorpe by mutual consent. The 20 year old is expected to turn part-time and go to university. Former Bulls striker Tim Sills has left Conf South side Basingstoke Town. The 33 year old netted 13 times in 39 games this season.

Barnet's Academy chief Paul Fairclough says the club will have to reconsider it's investment in their youth development plan following relegation. Fairclough says the club made a deliberate move last summer to focus on youth and a particular style of football, saying that was the main reason they did not appoint Martin Allen as their permanent manager.

Crewe Chase Clucas

Crewe are reported to be leading the pack for Bulls winger Sam Clucas.

The local radio in Staffordshire has named Clucas as a target for manager Steve Davis, with departed Aldershot striker Danny Hylton and Lincoln targetman Vadaine Oliver also on their hitlist.

While the club have acknowledged a move for Hylton, who was released by the Shots following their relegation, they have refused to comment on speculation surrounding either Clucas or Oliver - both of whom would be subject to compensation payments.

Port Vale sign a winger and it’s not our Sam

Newly promoted Port Vale have signed Cheltenham wideman Kaid Mohamid on a free transfer thereby reducing the chances of their reported interest in Sam Clucas coming to fruition.

However, the move now puts Cheltenham in a position of requiring a replacement themselves and with Newport also said to be close to announcing a brace of additions which includes an attacking wide player, Bulls fans are still non the wiser regarding Clucas' continuing tenure at Edgar Street.

Clucas and team-mate Marlon Jackson have today joined the England C team on a flight to Bermuda ahead of the match on June 4^th. It is not clear if Ryan Bowman is still part of the squad following his move to York.