Test

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

George Speaks On Smith Loan

Cambridge Director of Football Jez George has spoken to their official site about the decision to loan Sam Smith to the Bulls.

George signed Smith to a two year deal while he was manager of the club last summer, telling the site: “Sam was plagued by injury last season and this agreement gives him the opportunity to play regularly in this league at a good club with a good manager.

"With the signings that we have made this summer, Sam’s opportunities to start matches could have been limited and with the other options we have in the striking positions, this decision makes sense for all three parties.

“We have an option in Sam’s contract to extend it by another year at the end of this season, so this is not necessarily the end of his career at Cambridge United. We will monitor Sam’s performances, assess his progress and fitness throughout the season, and then make a decision on his future next summer.

"This arrangement protects our asset and leaves all possibilities available to us next summer.”

BBC Cambridgeshire report that the Bulls will pay 100% of Smith's wages, with the player able to play against his parent club.

Smith Joins Bulls On Loan

23 year old Sam Smith has joined the Bulls on a season long loan from Cambridge United.

"I'm delighted to get Sam in on a season-long loan, he's someone I've had my eye on for a while and I'm looking forward to seeing him develop as a player whilst he's with us," said manager Martin Foyle as reported on the OS.

"He's another youngster who comes here willing to learn. He's quick, skillful and he's got an eye for goal."

Smith made 20 appearances for Cambridge last season, scoring three goals, but didn't play in either game against the Bulls.

He started his career at Rushden in 2007 before moving to Lincoln in July 2011. He moved to Cambridge last August for an undisclosed fee - reported at the time to be £25,000 - on a 2 year deal with a 12 month option.

Speaking to the press last summer after his signing to Cambridge, Smith said: "I like to think I’m going to bring a few goals, but although I’m a big lad and sometimes get mistaken for an out-and-out target man, I’ve got a bit of pace about me and like to think I’m a natural finisher."

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Weir Rejoins Gloucester

Former Hereford United defender Tyler Weir has rejoined Gloucester City.

The 22 year old has signed a two year deal with the Tigers.

"He's looking to settle down a bit more after a hectic couple of years with what happened at Hereford and also last summer," said manager Dave Mehew.

Weir spent last season with Worcester.

Burr "Disappointed" With Foyle Comments

Kidderminster manager Steve Burr says he is disappointed with Bulls boss Martin Foyle's comments about Luke Graham.

Foyle stated, after announcing Graham's re-signing, that the Harriers had made an offer to the former Forest Green man. Burr denies this, blaming the player's agent:

“Luke Graham’s agent got in touch with me and I did have discussions with him about a possible move to Kidderminster but at no time did we ever get down to the nitty gritty or any specifics of a contract.

“When I was told he had given his word to Hereford that he would sign there, I said that was fair enough and that I fully respected that – and it never went any further.”

Burr also missed out on Marley Watkins after their play-off failure meant they could not offer the lure of Football League status, though he'll probably blame that on an agent too...

Crewe Pull Out Of Winger Talks

Crewe say they have pulled out of talks with a potential winger signing after growing frustrated with the club and player.

The Railwaymen issued a statement on their official site stating: "The club were hopeful of signing a promising winger this week, after completing the signing of the Lincoln forward Vadaine Oliver yesterday on a two-year deal, but the club staff have grown increasingly frustrated as talks have stalled between the club, the player and his representative."

The Bulls' Sam Clucas is understood to have been their no.1 target after Kidderminster winger Marvin Johnson signed a new deal with the Aggborough club.

However rumours have escalated over the last 24 hours that Clucas is mulling over an offer from an unnamed Scottish side, with both Inverness and Motherwell speculated as being the team in question.

Such a move would, as with Marley Watkins, wipe out any chance of the Bulls receiving a fee. However, Clucas has just departed on holiday and is not expected to make a final decision on his future until his return.

News Round-Up

Grimsby joint boss Rob Scott has denied speculation linking the club with moves for defender Exodus Geohaghon and Macclesfield man Ryan Jackson. Released Mansfield man Geohaghon is 'probably as far away as what we would be after as possible' according to Scott. Worcester's Supporters Trust has raised £10,000 to pay for surveys in a bid to put a planning application in for a new ground at Perdiswell in the city. They hope to put plans before the council by the end of July.

Coventry stadium owners ACL have offered the stadium to the club rent-free if the club remains in Administration next season. The offer will see the club pay the running costs of the stadium including pitch care, stewarding, and utility bills. ACL, jointly owned by the local council and a local charity, is also one of six bidders for the club to have made offers ahead of Thursday's deadline.

Bristol Rovers have had to issue an apology after they announced the death of their kitman when he is actually still alive. Roger Harding, who has been their kitman for more than ten years, is gravely ill. Luton winger Dave Martin has signed a new two year deal with the club. The 28 year old former Bulls target netted three times in 16 games since arriving at Kenilworth Road in January.

Morecambe have lost a fifth first team player to their budget cuts after forward Lewis Alessandra told them he would not be staying after two years with the club. Aldershot have drifted out to 125/1 for the Conference title after their points deduction was confirmed at the weekend. They are 7/4 - in from 6/1 - to finish in the bottom four.

Salisbury have announced new deals for midfielder Ryan Brett and captain Brian Dutton. Brett has spent three years with the Whites so far, while Dutton was with them in their last Conference season.

Silkmen Still Need £90k Cash Injection

Macclesfield still need £90,000 in the next three weeks despite the council rubber-stamping a £285,000 purchase of their Moss Rose home.

Cash from the sale, which was approved at a council vote yesterday, will go to 'consolidate existing debts' but director Andy Scott has told fans the club still needs further sums to get through the summer. He told their official site that the club was on the verge of winding-up proceedings without the council cash, but still needed fresh money to get to the opening day:

“Every summer we have a push on selling season tickets and look to fill every available space with advertising revenue, but the major difference now is the urgency in which we need the income.

“The club need to find about £90k in the next three weeks to keep us on an even keel heading in to next season."

Scott denied the claim from the Non-League Paper that their playing budget would be just £250,000 but acknowledged that funding will be limited, with the club yet to secure a shirt sponsor for the coming season.

Five Up As O'Keefe And McDonald Stay On

The Bulls are up to five players with Josh O'Keefe and Rod McDonald signing up at Edgar Street.

14 goal O'Keefe arrived at the club late September, while McDonald arrived in the January window from Nantwich Town. Foyle commented on them to the official site: "It was important to get Josh signed on. He got plenty of goals last season and getting a player who can score as many goals as he did from midfield is a hard thing to do.

O'Keefe At Stockport Last February

"He's another player with a great attitude, he's willing to learn and a true professional."

Rod McDonald

"Rod caught my eye whilst playing for Nantwich and I was pleased to be able to bring him in last season. He's tall, got a good left foot, can tackle, and has shown he's got an eye for goal, and he also wants to play football."

Graham Makes It Three

The Bulls have announced that defender Luke Graham has signed a new deal at Edgar Street.

The 27 year old will combine his role with some coaching duties as the Bulls move into the new season with a more compact coaching staff.

Martin Foyle and Luke Graham Pictured Last April

Boss Martin Foyle told the official site that Graham had a better offer from Kidderminster, but kept loyalty to the Bulls: "Luke had a better offer from Kidderminster, they were willing to pay a signing on fee and a 52 week contract, but full credit to Luke, he had already given me his word he would sign for us, and he kept his promise.

"That just sums up his attitude and character."

Graham, who was also Club Captain, played in 43 of the 46 Conference games during his first season with the club.

Bulls Youth To Also Face Leominster

The opening pre-season friendly at Leominster Town will see a string of Bulls sides take on their Leominster counterparts.

While the Bulls' seniors will face a Leominster Town (Herefordshire Select XI) at 1pm on Saturday, July 13th, the Bulls' u18 side will face Leominster Minors u18's at 10.30am also at their Bridge Street home, with u12 and u14 sides also facing off that morning.

Leominster say they will release more info on the day's events shortly.

Monday, June 10, 2013

More Ex-Bulls On The Move

Two more ex-Bulls have made moves - one to a new club and a second to a new role.

Midfielder Jamie Tolley has signed for Kidderminster on a one year deal following his release from Mansfield. The 30 year old made just two appearances for the Stags last August.

Also moving is Adam Bartlett. The keeper will retain his position at Gateshead, but has also now been appointed as goalkeeper coach for Newcastle Community Football.

Watkins Signs For Inverness

Bulls winger Marley Watkins has been announced as a signing for SPL side Inverness.

The 22 year old scored five times in 34 Conference games for the Bulls, who are understood to not be eligible for a fee due to the cross-border move.

Watkins is one of seven players to be unveiled by manager Terry Butcher, with former Kidderminster man Jamie Vincent, released Cheltenham defender Harry Hooman, and former Chester loanee Danny Williams among the names landed by the former England defender.

The move means the Bulls are now only waiting on Rod McDonald and Sam Clucas from the quartet of players that had been offered deals by Martin Foyle. McDonald is understood to have just come back from holiday, while Clucas is just about to leave.

Clucas' future may be at Crewe, after Railwaymen target Marvin Johnson signed a new deal with Kidderminster today. The League One side are seeking a winger in their summer acquisitions.

Meanwhile, former Bulls player and manager Jamie Pitman made an appearance for Fownhope B in their HFA Veterans League match against Fownhope A. The game ended 4-4 with the four team veterans league continuing through the summer.

Bulls Launch 'Executive Club' Scheme

Hereford United have launched their new 'Executive Club' scheme.

Here are all the details as first published on the OS.

The 1939 Hereford United Executive Club is Herefordshire’s premium members' club with its success and facilities set to become the centre of premium sporting facilities and networking in the area and benefiting from the proximity to the Edgar Street development with new retail and leisure facilities.

The 1939 Executive Club affords members and their guests the opportunity to watch professional football at a club steeped in history and held in high regard worldwide, whilst socialising and networking in great facilities with a superb match day atmosphere.

The networking opportunities are some of the best in the Herefordshire and the 1939 Executive Club has already become a top notch facilitator for business and building new relationships. Many of the clubs key business relationships are held with successful local, national and international companies and through the development of a vendor neutral business networking club you will not only be able to share and benefit from the successes of you peer group but gain access to some of the most successful minds in British business via our business presentations and networking events.

Members will have access to the best seats in the house, lounge facilities with catering, match day hospitality and many other exclusive 1939 Executive Club benefits.

The 1939 Executive Club members will have access to two bars, the Starlite Rooms and the newly developed 1939 Executive Club Suite and Boardroom, from where you will benefit from being able to mix with other members of you peer group, Board members, Management and Players old and current.

The restaurant is situated in the Starlight Rooms which has become one of the busiest and best value venues in Hereford. There will be additional catering available within the 1939 Executive Club Board Room where a warm welcome is extended to all members and their guests. You will be looked after by a dedicated maître de and attentive club staff. Everyone experiences a great day out, whether football fans or not.

The 1939 Executive Club includes a range of fantastic benefits representing exceptional value for money over a 5 year period.

1939 Executive Club Benefits

• Assigned seat in prime location in 1939 Executive Club seating section

• Priority Parking

• First opportunity for discounted priority booking in the Starlite Rooms

• Your seat available to you for all Hereford United matches at Edgar Street including FA Cup

• Guaranteed access to the 1939 Executive Club facilities

• VIP entry into the stadium on match days via the members' reception area

• Utilisation/ priority booking for your seat for any secondary matches played at Edgar Street

Additional Exclusive Benefits

• Dedicated 1939 Executive Club Manager

• Guaranteed 'no monthly increase' for 5 years for new members

• Automatic right to trade or sell on membership

• Transferability of membership on match by match basis

• Fast track ticketing service for FA Cup and away games where available

• Complimentary match day programmes

• Nameplate on seat

• Opportunity to meet and socialize with Hereford United players and management

• Exclusive invitation to the Seasons Launch and End of Season Dinner

• Invitation to networking functions and 1939 Club social events

• Automatic membership to the 1939 Executive Club business networking events and priority booking for seminars etc.

• Exclusive 1939 Executive Club members' section on website to include latest news, updates and offers

• Preferential rates on bookings for conferencing and events

• Members Directory in website

Cost for 5 years membership - £4,750

Additional memberships - £4000 each

Guests - £75 per match

If you would like to join the Executive Club or require additional information please email club@herefordunited.co.uk or stuart.blake@herefordshirerecruitment.co.uk

News Round-Up

Chester have announced that striker Nathan Jarman and winger Dave Hankin have agreed moves away from the club. Both are dropping down divisions with Hankin joining AFC Fylde for a nominal fee and Jarman moving to an unnamed Conf North side. Blues striker Ben Mills has told the press he hopes to be fit for the start of the season. The former Macclesfield man suffered a knee injury on loan at Altrincham towards the end of last season.

Grimsby joint boss Rob Scott has confirmed they have received interest in striker Liam Hearn this summer. The 27 year old made only four starts this season due to injury after netting 29 goals the previous season. Former Bull Kris Taylor has signed for Hednesford for the coming season. The 29 year old ended the season on loan at the Pitmen from Telford.

Sheff Weds owner Milan Mandaric says the club is losing £5million a season on average and he is looking for a buyer to take over the Championship also-rans. Telford have denied that midfielder Phil Trainer has signed for Nuneaton, saying that the 32 year old former Oxford man is still mulling over their offer.

Southend are reported in the local press to have failed to pay the wage bill for May. The Echo reports wages have only been paid to a few players and staff members, but the majority have been left without. It is only two weeks since the Shrimpers settled an outstanding tax debt to avoid winding-up proceedings. Crewe have confirmed the signing of Lincoln striker Vadaine Oliver on a two year deal. The fee is undisclosed, with the Imps previously reported to have been looking for £20,000 up front plus add-ons.

The ones we didn’t do last season

With the fixtures still some weeks away BN takes a quick look at the away grounds that will be added to the list for the coming season.

Gone are Mansfield’s Fieldmill and Newport's Rodney Parade (although it shouldn't be forgotten that RP is actually someone else's Rugby pitch). Also disappearing from the away guide for 2013/14 are a couple that will be sadly missed in Stockport and Telford…both good away days. Joining them on the slide out of Conference National are Barrow and Ebbsfleet, two of the more difficult trips.

From the Football League we gain relegated Aldershot and Barnet. The Rec at Aldershot is well known to established Bulls fans while Barnet will have moved to their new home at The Hive some 7 miles as the car flies from Underhill.

From the regional Conference leagues come promoted Chester, FC Halifax Town, Welling and Salisbury City.

From above, Aldershot and Barnet

The Shots remain at The Recreation Ground where they have been, in various formats, since 1927. A good-sized terrace behind the goal with seating near the halfway line provides perfectly decent viewing whereas a selection of drinking holes both near to the ground and in the town combine to make Aldershot one to look forward too.

Barnet have vacated their old Underhill home and moved west to The Hive which is situated at Canons Park in the London Borough of Harrow some seven miles from the old ground. The new ground appears to offer good facilities but replacing the traditional pre-match alehouses like The Old Red Lion and The Weavers is likely to be less than easy although Moranos Bar on Station Parade shows promise.

From The North, Chester and Halifax

It will be six years since our last visit to The Deva Stadium in Jester and doubtless it will still be at the back end of an Industrial Estate. Despite the situation, The Deva is well equipped and the view is good from the visitor's area. Pubs near the ground simply don't exist but the City centre offers as good a choice as we’re likely to find this season.

Just the mention of Halifax brings back memories of the Play-Of Final at Leicester but also of pubs like The Pump Rooms and The Three Pigeons. Town have gone through t'mill financially and come out with a determination to regain their Football League status. Another to look forward too.

From The South, Welling and Salisbury

Welling. Certainly one that brings back a few heart flutters. Gone are the days of "an allotment and two sheds" that were inherited from the defunct Bexley Town FC. The San Siro of Park View Road now boasts a covered stand on both sides of the ground and floodlights in all four corners. The stadium is just a short walk from several decent pubs and also benefits from a welcoming social club. I wonder if we’ll get there in time for the cricket?

Salisbury's ground is situated in Old Sarum and anyone familiar with the landscape will be pleased to learn that it doesn't require a hike to the top of an old hilltop fort. The ground is modern (opened in 1997) but is a little remote. Parking is good but the nearest pub is a mile away. The stadium includes a Club bar. Salisbury is the birthplace of a certain Martin Foyle so a victory could start a family feud.

Bring 'em on I say.

Sunday, June 09, 2013

New Balls For The Conference

The Conference have ditched Fila as the supplier of match balls next season.

German brand Jako will take over responsibility for the balls after complaints from teams about the previous ball. Surridge Sports will also replace Carbrini as benchwear sponsors.

Silkmen To Slash Budget

Macclesfield will operate next season on a budget of just £250,000, the Non-League Paper claims.

New manager John Askey told the paper: "The budget is about a third of what we had to work with last year so it will be a challenge but it's one we're certainly up for."

Askey expects top scorer Matthew Barnes-Homer to follow a string of players out of the door, with Wrexham, Forest Green, and Mansfield touted as suitors.

Assistant manager Efe Sodje has also confirmed he will continue playing. The 40 year old previously turned out for the Silkmen between 1997 and 1999, and has racked up over 600 career appearances ahead of his 20th professional season.

From The Archives - Plans For A Supporters Trust June 2002

With the plans for a supporters trust at Hereford United currently taking shape, BN looks back to June 2002 when there was an attempt to set up a similar trust.

HUISA have taken the decision to launch a Supporters Trust, and association chairman Kevin Wargen spoke to BBC Hereford & Worcester before the meeting on Thursday night, although the interview was broadcast yesterday.

A vote was held to determine how the membership felt to the Trust, and the response was good. "I've been very pleased with the response, we had from the members both by the use of the P.O. Box, telephone and e-mails, etc," he said. "We managed to get as many HUISA members as we possibly could so I am very pleased with the response.

"The move tonight will be to generally accept a Supporters Trust and then look at setting up a working party with a launch date of the middle of July, hopefully. The launch will be all over Herefordshire and everybody will know what’s going on.

"The ultimate aim is to purchase some shares and to assist the club in the day-to-day running of the club and hopefully with some financial clout. Graham Turner & Joan Fennessy are currently running the club and so we will be helping them in every way. HUISA was set up to assist the club and hopefully the supporter’s trust will go along the same lines.

"We have been very pleased (with the amount of money pledged) I understand it was somewhere around £30,000 which I think is magnificent. This has just come off supporters, hopefully the Supporters Trust can reach out into the communities and attract the business community and hopefully we can get some money that we can do some real stuff with the club and assist them with securing some better players for the club.

"We also gain the support of Supporters Direct which is the most important issue of all the legal technicalities that they bring with it, setting up the trust and you do have some good background with supporters direct. Supporters Direct are on the end of the phone if you have a query. The spokesman who was coming down to the meeting was ill but I have got a phone number for him so he could be contacted if needed. He has assured me that we will always have at the end of the telephone any help we need."

At the meeting (June 6th 2002) it was agreed by a HUISA postal ballot that a trust should be formed, and it was also agreed that a working party would be set up to organise the launch and constitution of the association. Eleven people were named and the party would disband on the launch date, when a new committee and working party would be set up at a meeting. The launch should be within about six weeks.

"It's the first time we've had a vote and one negative view hasn't been expressed so I'm quite pleased about that," said Wargent.

"It was 100%."

Saturday, June 08, 2013

Conference Team Of The Year

Former Bull Josh Gowling is one of three Kidderminster players named in the Conference Team of the Year as unveiled at tonight's Conference awards dinner.

Slightly wonky photo courtesy of @nonleagueshow

Grimsby also get three players in the XI, with two each from Newport and Wrexham, and the last man of the XI from champions Mansfield.

In the Conf South XI, former Bull Glen Southam was honoured for his performances with current club Eastleigh.

Meanwhile, Kidderminster's Steve Burr has been named Manager of the Year. The decision was made by a points scoring system, with him beating Mansfield's Paul Cox by securing more away draws.

News Round-Up

Macclesfield have announced that chief executive Jon Harris has left the club following yesterday's announcement in order to take up a similar role with an unnamed Conference side. The former Police officer has previously worked for Wrexham and Shrewsbury. Former Bull Ryan Valentine has signed a two year deal with Welsh side Bala Town. He rejoins former Bull Kenny Lunt at the club.

Alfreton boss Nicky Law says that striker Nathan Arnold is unlikely to be at the club next season as he wants to try his luck at a Football League side. The Reds are hoping for a £30,000 cash boost with the news that former defender Aden Flint is set for a £300,000 move to Bristol City, with the club holding a 20% sell-on clause on the profit from the original £150,000 transfer in 2011.

Barnet striker Jake Hyde has put in a transfer request. The Bees have accepted the request, and will expect a fee for their 14 goal top scorer. Nuneaton have released keeper Neil Collett after failing to agree a new deal. The 23 year old made only seven appearances last term due to injury. The Boro have signed Alfreton defender Theo Streete for the coming season. The 25 year old utility man is reported to be set to be used as a midfielder.

Halifax have released midfielder Chris Worsley. He has won two successive promotions from Conf North with the Shaymen and Hyde. Coventry say they are in discussions with three Football League sides over a groundshare move. Chief Executive Tim Fisher, who remains under the illusion that he is still in charge of the club despite its Administration, says they expect to get crowds of 6,000 outside the city - half their average this term - and gates could drop as low as 3,000. Fisher has also confirmed that despised club owners SISU have made an offer to the Administrator for the club in Administration.

Mod Night Seeks Paid Catering Help

This from Steve Niblett:

Tickets sales for next Friday night's Mod Nite fundraiser for Hereford United have been selling brilliantly and sets out to be the Starlite Room's biggest function to date.

The popularity though has caused a problem, we are struggling to find someone to operate the BBQ, we have all the equipment and food, but all the usual volunteers actually want to dance the night away.

Do you know of 1 or 2 people willing to help from 6:30 until 10pm'ish? It is a paid position with a free burger and/or hot dog! Maybe there some catering students looking for an opportunity for some casual work?

If anyone can offer to help, please contact Steve Niblett via modnite@hotmail.co.uk

[positions have now been filled]

Supporters Trust Launch Website

The planned Supporters Trust has launched it's website this morning.

The site, designed by Bulls fan Mike Cartwright, can be viewed in both normal and mobile versions at http://www.hufctrust.co.uk/.

Shots Accepted Into Conference But No TV Or Sponsor

Aldershot's place in the Conference has been confirmed at today's Conference AGM.

The Shots, still in Administration, will start the season with a ten point deduction, while near neighbours Farnborough have been accepted into Conf South providing they continue the path stated by the Administrator, with a 100% CVA agreed by creditors yesteday.

However, the AGM was unable to report on a new sponsor. Talks are ongoing but no deal has yet been struck, while the BT Sport TV deal also is yet to be finalised.

The completion of a TV deal is thought to be key to attaining a new sponsor.

Bulls Win Conference Respect Award

The Bulls have won the Conference Respect Trophy for the 2012/13 season.

The award recognises the efforts the club, players, and staff have gone to to ensure good working relations with officials, other clubs, visiting supporters, their work in the community, and the behaviour of travelling fans.

Awarded by a panel, which checks the official website and other media sources, David Keyte told the official site he was 'very pleased' with the award and that it was 'very much in line with what we are doing within the local community at present'.

Other awards handed out at the Conference awards today include Wrexham picking up the title of Best Programme, and Cambridge getting the Fair Play award for the best disciplinary record.

Friday, June 07, 2013

Westfields Respond To Foyle's Comments

Westfields chief executive Andrew Morris has responded to comments made by Hereford United manager Martin Foyle that 'Westfields were adamant that the Senior Cup game should be played on that date (July 30th), and they went to the HFA and complained.'

Foyle made his remarks in an article on the Hereford United OS entitled 'Friendly Changes Anger Foyle' which was published last Monday. In it Foyle said 'Unfortunately Westfields got their way'.

In a statement Morris set out his views on the matter.

'The Herefordshire Senior Invitation Final is played annually between the winners of the HFA County Senior Challenge Cup (in this instance for this season Westfields FC) against Hereford United as a pre-season Cup Final as it acts as Hereford United’s entry into a County Cup competition and is played for in pre-season so that it does not interfere with either of the finalist’s league and cup matches once the season is under way.

'Therefore as secretary of Westfields I duly wrote to the HFA on 29^th April suggesting dates when we could play in the competition as it is the County FA’s job to organise a date.

'Out of courtesy I also wrote to Hereford United and offered the dates to them also.

'I had no reply from Hereford United so I wrote again to them on 23^rd May asking them for a reply as our MFA season was due to start on 3^rd August and the County Invitation Senior Cup Final is due to be played prior to the start of the season as I have said earlier.

'As I was getting no replies from Hereford United or for that matter the Herefordshire Football Association as to a confirmed date I duly contacted the secretary of Hereford United again and on 25^th May we were sent an e-mail asking us to submit further dates for a final when in fact we had given dates as far back as 29^th April to the organisers, being the Herefordshire Football Association.

'In the end as the HFA and Hereford United could not get together with a date, the Herefordshire FA suggested I spoke to Hereford United to see if we could finalise a date and I telephoned and spoke to Martin Foyle who said he would look at the situation.

'However, the matter was raised at an HFA Board Meeting on Thursday 30^th May when I was asked to give to the HFA again two dates for us to host the Senior HFA Invitation Final which I did.

'The HFA secretary, Jim Lambert, I understand then spoke to Hereford United with the two dates that were put forward by Westfields and on Saturday 1^st June I was telephoned by Jim Lambert to confirm that the fixture would take place on Tuesday 30^th July at Westfields’ allpay.park ground, kick-off 7.30pm.

'Naturally we are now progressing with the arrangements for that fixture which we are looking forward to.'

Hereford United chairman David Keyte has worked hard in trying to forge good links with both Westfields and Pegasus.

Westfields, Pegasus and the HFA have all held meetings and functions at the Starlite Rooms recently resulting in thousands of pounds of income for the Bulls.

Gulacsi Moves To Austria

Former Bulls loanee Peter Gulacsi has left Liverpool and joined Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg on a three year deal.

The Hungarian keeper, 23, never played for Liverpool's first team despite making the bench several times. He racked up 52 appearances out on loan in total, most recently at Hull last season, 18 of them for the Bulls in League One.

Salzburg will play in the Europa League next season after finishing second in the Austrian top flight this term.

Another ex-Bull leaving the Premier League is James Musa. The New Zealander is on Fulham's released list alongside the already announced departure of Richard Peniket.

Cardiff XI Added To Pre-Season List

Premier League newcomers Cardiff will send an XI to play the Bulls at Edgar Street on 3rd August.

The 3pm Saturday game will see the u21 Development Squad visit. It is the sixth friendly match added to the pre-season schedule.

Council To Buy Silkmen For The Fans

Cheshire East Council are to buy Macclesfield Town, turning the club into a Community-owned side.

The current owners are to write off debts and sell the freehold of the Moss Rose ground to the council for £285,000. A club statement reads:

'All directors and ex-directors will also write off their substantial loans to the existing company in order to strengthen its balance sheet.

'The deal, which will see the club escape financial difficulties, and we believe will result in the Macclesfield Town becoming the first senior club in England to become community owned without suffering an insolvency event.'

The deal is subject to final Council approval and a club shareholders vote, but it is understood that without the deal the club would become insolvent within days.

Hereford United - A Pictorial History

A new 96 page book, called Hereford United - A Pictorial History, will be on sale in August.

Written by Ron Parrott, Richard Prime and John Williamson, the book is priced at £14.99.

The Hereford United story has enjoyed plenty of twists and turns through its eighty-nine-year history: promotions and relegations, international players, FA Cup successes and the BBC's goal of the century have all ensured that there has been plenty of excitement for the loyal band of Bulls fans. From humble days in the Birmingham League, the club battled its way up to what is now the Championship before slipping back to non-league football again. Now, the club is looking for a third crack at the Football League as they overcome financial problems and gain promotion from the Football Conference. Relive through this unique collection of images the fascinating history of the Bulls.

Most Hereford United supporters will know or know of the authors but for those who don't here's a brief insight.

Ron Parrott is a lifelong Hereford fan who was taken to his first game at the tender age of three by his grandfather Bill Parrott, a former chairman of the Supporters Club and sports editor of the Hereford Times. Ron acts as Club Historian as well as running the programme subscription service. He is the author of Hereford United: The Wilderness Years (Desert Island:2006).

Richard's life changed, as did many others, when Ronnie Radford's famous goal hit the back of the Newcastle net, inspiring in the then-teenager what has become a lifelong passion for the Bulls. As the sports editor of the Hereford Times, Richard now follows the Bulls' fortunes in a professional capacity and has broadened his geographical knowledge of England covering their matches for almost two decades.

John has a long-standing association with Hereford United as supporter, reporter, programme editor and contributor, and author. Although proud to be a Yorkshireman, after moving to Hereford in 1957 he also considers himself an adopted Herefordian. He is a qualified football coach and takes a keen interest in most sports. Married, with two grown-up daughters, John has two grandchildren (Amy and Ben).

Weir "Verbally Agrees" Gloucester Return

Gloucester boss David Mehew says he has 'verbally agreed' a deal with former Bull Tyler Weir to return to the Tigers.

The versatile Weir split his final season with the Bulls, 2011/12, between Worcester and Gloucester and was a transfer target last summer of both clubs after being neglected by the previous Bulls management, with the Tigers missing out at the last minute.

Mehew told the Gloucestershire Echo: "There was a lot of cloak and dagger last season when we tried to sign Tyler with lots of to and fro between us and Worcester.

"I have an agreement with Tyler and after all of the shenanigans of last year, there's no harm in getting it out in the open.

"We have a verbal agreement, but Tyler is working away in Newcastle for the rest of this week so we can't get the deal signed just yet. But as soon as he's back we'll look to get it signed."

Weir, 22, chose Worcester last season as he was unable to drive, and he was due to start a college course in the city.