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Thursday, January 31, 2002
Herefordshire Council Leader Terry James has revealed in today's Hereford Times that he hopes to meet new backers of Hereford United within the next three weeks.
He has already spoken to individuals and will hold further discussions with them soon. The club owe over £1 million to property developers Chelverton which should be repaid on May 19th 2003.
The news came after yesterday's HU-FC.co.uk release of letters that saw an end to negotiations between Councillor James and Chelverton's Simon Morgan. Morgan confirmed that Chelverton were not prepared to write off the £1 million investment which had saved United from extinction.
Morgan told the Hereford Times: "We have started the new year with problems. I have been told that there are parties interested in investing in the football club but we don't know their identity and we ourselves have not been contacted. If they are out there, I would appeal for them to come forward."
Councillor James commented: "Nothing is going to happen overnight. Chelverton may wish to hang on and see if the council is going to change its mind over the use of the football ground. But we are very unlikely to change our views."
Chelverton intend to make representations during the UDP process and hope to argue their case at a subsequent inquiry.
Wednesday, January 30, 2002
The following letter formed a press release from the council today, as Herefordshire Council Leader Terry James replied to a letter from Chelverton director Simon Morgan. Further statements are expected soon.
Mr. Simon Morgan,
Chelverton Properties,
Richmond House,
22 Richmond Hill,
Clifton,
Bristol
BS8 1BA
28th January, 2002
Dear Mr. Morgan,
Thank you for your letter of 14th January regarding Hereford United Football Club. You set out the history of the situation which I think we are all well aware of but I have to take issue with you on a number of the points you make in your letter.
Chelverton’s prime objective is not, as you state in your letter, to secure the future of the Club but to make a profit from the demolition of the stadium and the building of a supermarket partly on the site. Chelverton is a development company; nothing more, nothing less, and the loans to Hereford United were given to secure financial benefit for your Company, which is its purpose. That does not mean that I or the Herefordshire Council have to set our policies and priorities to the detriment of our own future in order to secure your financial gain.
I have discussed with you before my desire to develop the Edgar Street area as a multisport and leisure facility, including multiplex cinema and other facilities, which is supported by the public of Herefordshire, but you still persist in forcing your vision upon this county, namely yet another supermarket and allied warehouse type retailing. Indeed the plans you showed me some twelve months ago filled me with horror and would be viewed as such, I am certain, by Herefordshire residents.
When we first met to discuss your interest in this area you stated you wished to work with the Council in partnership to develop the area but all we have subsequently had in effect is a series of ultimatums and threats to Hereford United, its supporters and ourselves which is hardly the basis for a working relationship let alone a partnership. My position has always been that if there was a certainty of sufficient funds to purchase a site, develop and build a new stadium and those monies were guaranteed, that would form the basis of a serious discussion but you know and I know that that is never going to happen. With seven existing food/supermarket retailers in Hereford there is never likely to be serious competition involving the major supermarket chains for the Edgar Street site, indeed if there were a desire by the various companies for a site, their preference would be for the cattle market site not the Edgar Street ground.
All you have placed before the fans and ourselves is that it could produce ‘X’ amount of money, but no guarantee. I have to say I could win the lottery but I am not planning my future on its likelihood.
Let us clear up a number of points:
1. If, as you state you are certain, there is sufficient value in the site after all costs and the repayment of the debt of Hereford United have been met, to purchase a site and build a new stadium, you would be prepared to give a binding legal guarantee to provide sufficient funds to carry out the project. You have not, nor I venture to suggest, will you ever.
2. You make much of the meeting held on the 10th November and your surprise at its outcome. Your description of the meeting is totally at variance with all that I have had reported to me by numerous supporters, and your suggestion that it was improperly run is an insult to those that were there, the HUISA Committee and its Chairman.
3. You state that the Board supports your decision but as I understand it, they are contractually bound by the loan agreement to so do and are not entirely free agents in this matter if I am correct.
Finally, I see no point in continuing what I think is a pointless dialogue over these matters. As you say, you will make your representations during the UDP process but I have to say to you bluntly that they are unlikely to receive any support from the Council, from the planners or from the public and they are unlikely to be successful.
I am disappointed that we are unable to work together on what will be an exciting development for Herefordshire. As the landowners, we are determined that what happens on this site will be what the people of Herefordshire want, not the wishes of a property development company.
Yours sincerely,
TERRY JAMES
LEADER OF THE COUNCIL
Cllr Terry James' Statement
In reply to a long letter from Chelverton, the potential developers of Edgar Street, Terry James has suggested that there is no point in continuing the dialogue as their proposals are unlikely to be succesful. He states that Chelverton have not come up with a binding legal guarantee to provide sufficient funds to carry out the project. He doesn't believe that Hereford needs another supermarket and allied warehouse development.
More details to follow.
Tuesday, January 29, 2002
Today's expected press release from council leader Terry James didn't materialise despite an announcement in last week's Hereford Times. More...
Monday, January 28, 2002
Southport drew 1-1 with Hereford United on Saturday and Phil Robinson was disappointed not to win. More...
Sunday, January 27, 2002
Hereford United coach Phil Robinson was satisfied with yesterday's 1-1 draw at Southport. More...
Saturday, January 26, 2002
Southport still haven't beaten Hereford since 1972 as today's Conference clash at Haig Avenue finished all square. More...
Hereford United fell behind to a Lee Elan goal on the stroke of half time. Ian Rodgerson equalised on 47 minutes. Paul Parry collected a yellow card in the first half and Dave Jones the Wolves manager was rumoured to be in the crowd.
Scott Goodwin picked up a yellow in the second half. Rob Elmes came off for Davidson as Hereford tried to make the pressure count.
Final Score 1-1
Friday, January 25, 2002
All the pre-match news from both camps as Hereford go to Southport tomorrow. More...
Team news and reports, updated 11.41am.
Southport host Hereford United tomorrow in the Nationwide Conference, kick off 3pm, and Sandgrounders boss Phil Wilson has told the Nationwide website (www.football.nationwide.co.uk) that it will be a difficult tie.
"They are a big strong side that battle and make life difficult," he admitted. "Away from home earlier in the season, when we drew 0-0, we found it hard to cope and we expect the same thing on Saturday. But we will try and play football and play our normal game."
Wilson doesn't see the difference between the sides - sixth and thirteenth - as a major factor. "There is very little in terms of points between fourth and 14th position (six points) so we are not taking anything for granted," he added. "It's always difficult so we'll continue to do our best and see how it goes."
Southport welcome back experienced striker Steve Whitehall and utility player Neil Grayston from suspension after both players missed the defeat at Stevenage Borough because of one-match bans and will be joined in the squad by new signing Andy Scott from Stalybridge Celtic.
Hereford striker Danny Davidson has an ankle injury and is a doubt to make the team and Gavin Williams is suspended. Goalkeeper Matt Baker is back in training after recovering from an illness, but midfielder and club physio Ian Rodgerson has now been struck down by a bug. Paul Parry (calf) is expected to be part of the Bulls squad but Scott Voice, who went to see a consultant on Friday concerning his groin injury, will not play.
Surrey Sports quote Southport as 4/5 favourites to win, with Hereford at 3/1. A draw is priced at 11/5.
Thursday, January 24, 2002
Hereford go to Southport on Saturday with Phil Robinson calling for a more positive performance. More...
Robbo calling for Port boost
Hereford United go to Southport on Saturday with manager Phil Robinson calling for a more positive performance, kick off 3pm.
The Nationwide Conference trip to Haig Avenue could see Hereford extend their unbeaten run to eight games after crushing Margate 3-0 at Edgar Street last weekend. Robinson told the Hereford Times: "We have to start looking to score a few more goals away and hopefully that will start this Saturday.
"We have scored 23 league goals at home so far this season, but only 10 in 13 away matches. I have asked the players to be more clinical in front of goal."
Southport, in sixth, played out a goalless drew with Hereford at Edgar Street in August and have lost just three times in home league games this season. However, they slumped at Stevenage Borough last weekend, going down 2-1 at Broadhall Way.
Former Hereford defender Chris Lane is in the Southport squad having scored four goals this season. Hereford will be without striker Gavin Williams who is serving a one-match ban, and Scott Voice is visiting a consultant this week about his long-term groin injury. Goalkeeper Scott Cooksey will be speaking to his surgeon about his wrist injury, so Matt Baker should continue in goal if he recovers from illness. Paul Parry should be fit, despite missing training earlier this week with a calf injury, whilst Danny Davidson hopes to shake off an ankle problem.
HUISA confirm Morgan stance
HUISA have confirmed that they will no longer enter discussions with Chelverton director Simon Morgan.
The Hereford United Independent Supporters' Association have said that they will deal with the property company, but not Morgan.
In a recent edition of Bullseye, HUISA chairman Kevin Wargen wrote: "I have to tell supporters of a letter I received from Simon Morgan, of Chelverton, who basically accused HUISA members of spreading misinformation and ultimately the destruction of the club. HUISA members spend a lot of time trying to talk to all concerned regarding development. We also raise money for the club, run away travel, paint the ground in the summer and do whatever to keep the club from folding. I feel so upset at this accusation by Morgan that I will not sit around a table with him. Indeed if it means he is in charge of relocation, I would resign. I am not above criticism from anyone - supporters or directors - but I will not be accused of trying to finish the club that I love and would do whatever I can to make it survive. I am happy to know that other people on the committee feel the same as me over the letter."
HUISA met Herefordshire Council leader Terry James on Tuesday and will release an official statement next week regarding the relocation/redevelopment situation.
Bulls quiz Swindon over cash
After finally receiving £18,000 from Swindon Town for their FA Cup second round receipts, Hereford United are challenging the amount paid.
The club have asked to see Swindon's documentation from the game and the investigating FA competitions officer Steve Clark told the Hereford Times: "I understand that Hereford have received most of the money, and we are now dealing with a few queries. As far as I am aware about £18,000 has been paid, although there has been a query from Hereford about some of the payments, which is quite normal."
Initially, the FA investigated the matter when Swindon didn't pay money within the fourteen day deadline - the Wiltshire side claimed the cheque had been posted. Swindon have reported debts of £10 million.
Davies set for Bulls return?
Ex-Swindon Town defender Gareth Davies, who retired from professional football last week with a knee injury, has said he would love to re-join Hereford United, his first club.
The twenty-eight year old played for Reading and Crystal Palace and would relish a move back to Edgar Street. "At the moment I am looking at all the options, but I may be able to train once a week and play at the weekends," he told the Hereford Times.
"I am looking to get into coaching, perhaps to become a manager of a youth team, but I would love to play for Hereford United again - even if it was a one-off match. I support Hereford United and my time with them was priceless. It would be a dream come true if I were to play at Edgar Street again, " said Davies.
Davies joined Hereford at fifteen as a youth trainee before playing ninety five games in the first team, being capped for Wales under-21 and moving to Crystal Palace for £120,000 in 1995.
"After my third knee operation I said to myself that if something happened and my knee swelled up again, I would have to give up playing professionally," said Davies. "And, when it did, I looked at my eight-month-old son Rhys and I knew that I didn't want to be in a wheelchair and unable to play with him when he grows up."
A cousin for the former Ireland and Everton player Kevin Sheedy, Davies has also been linked with Dr. Martens League club Chippenham Town. He added: "At the moment, I am looking at the options, but I don't want people to feel sorry for me. I have had 10 years as a professional footballer and I feel very privileged to have had that."
Wednesday, January 23, 2002
Hereford United will be without striker Gavin Williams for Saturday's trip to Southport. More...
Monday, January 21, 2002
Hereford United are amongst the frontrunners for the FA Trophy, according to bookmakers Surrey Sports. More...
Sunday, January 20, 2002
Hereford United beat off Margate 3-0 at Edgar Street yesterday, and left Scott Goodwin exstatic. More...
Saturday, January 19, 2002
Hereford continued their excellent recent run with a comfortable 3-0 win over Margate, at Edgar Street today. There was one change to Tuesday night’s winning side, which was Goodwin returning to the starting line up instead of Quiggin. Goodwin came into left midfield, after his suspension, and Parry was pushed up front to partner Williams.
The first half was a dull affair, with Hereford doing most of the attacking but no really chances made. First to make an effort towards the Margate goal was Ian Rodgerson, in the tenth minute, when he headed a Shirley cross, but Gavin Williams managed to get in the way and deflect it wide. Within less than a minute the only real chance of the first half came and went. A cross by Parry was pushed into the path of Williams by Goodwin, but the Margate’ keeper raced off his line to save point blank from Williams.
The rest of the half saw a new corner routine which resulted in Parry shooting wide, and it was Parry, again, who headed a Goodwin cross wide ten minutes later. Margate’s only chance of the first half came in the thirtieth minute when Phil Collins forced Ian Wright into a mistake and ran onto it, but shot high and wide from a tight angle. The only other chance of note was a John Snape shot deflected for a corner.
The second half was far more entertaining, first off was Goodwin’s goal in the fortyninth minute. A right wing cross was chested by Goodwin to Rodgerson on the penalty spot, who laid the ball back for Goodwin to hit an 18 yarder in off the post. More pressure by Hereford saw Snape shoot over and Williams forcing Mitten into another excellent save, after a Parry cross, with a header.
Leon Braithwaite’s pace almost got the better of Hereford when a weak back header by Clarke dropped into no man’s land. Just as he collected the ball Tony James slid in and took it off his toe, a very important and excellent tackle. Within 11 minutes of the first goal, John Shirley scored Hereford’s second with a 20 yard volley with his left foot. Superb goal in which to shut his critics up within Block B, in the first half some guy said ‘Shirley! Get off the pitch!’. When he scored Shirley ran over and pointed at him!!!
Margate were almost back in it within three minutes when Ian Wright headed against his own post, and between the two goals, two Margate players were booked for fouls. One of them, Simon Beard, booked in this time, was booked again for a late challenge and sent off. From the resulting free kick Parry almost scored, when he struck the ball towards the top corner, but the Margate keeper made a comfortable save. The next few minutes saw Hereford dominate and make 2 half chances, Goodwin chipping over the bar from 20 yards and Snape shooting wide. Margate did get a chance on target when Lamb headed gently at Baker in the Hereford goal, this took them seventy eight minutes to achieve.
Another two half chances were made by Hereford before Elmes finished off Margate with a tap in. A run by Williams down the right was stopped by a Margate defender, but as Mitten ran out to collect the ball Williams managed to kick back to Clarke. With the keeper nowhere near the goal Clarke kept his cool to pass the ball to Elmes on the 6 yard area and Elmes made no mistake tapping home. Elmes had replaced Parry earlier on in the game. After this Margate totally lost their rag with three bookings and their central defender was sent off for handling the ball to stop Williams from running on and adding a third. Also in the middle of this Elmes put a header wide of the post, and Clarke was also booked.
So yet another comfortable home win for the Bulls in front of 1,474, with about 30 Margate fans. I felt Margate lacked any imagination going forward, and they were made to pay by a confident Bull’s side. Man of the Match I will give to Ian Rodgerson, I think he has done an excellent job over the last few games and is a bit of an unsung hero.
One player who has returned to the Hereford team after injury recently is John Shirley. More...
Friday, January 18, 2002
Hereford United's injury problems have got worse for tomorrow's game against Margate. More...
Thursday, January 17, 2002
Hereford United are unbeaten in their last six games and aim to make it seven when they take on Margate at Edgar Street on Saturday, kick off 3pm.
The Kent-based club who were promoted from the Dr. Martens League Premier Division last year, lie fifth in the league despite only winning one of their last eight league encounters. However, they have lost just two of their twelve away encounters so far this campaign.
The Bulls have fitness worries over Scott Voice (groin), Danny Davidson (ankle) and Rob Elmes (back). Midfielder Scott Goodwin is available after suspension, while Alex Kevan remains at Edgar Street on a non-contract basis.
Meanwhile, United's Nationwide Conference tie with Telford at Edgar Street has been re-arranged for Tuesday, March 5.
In last night's action, Hereford United reserves lost their Central Conference League match 3-0 at Tamworth. Mark Hallam scored the opening goal, and Tamworth were 2-0 up at the break Luke Rowlett back heeled the ball over the line following good work by Nuneaton's Jason Peake and Hallam. The scoring was completed in the second half when Richard Follett hammered the ball home at the far post.
Wednesday, January 16, 2002
Billy to raise money for club
Billy the Bull and his little helpers will be asking fans on Saturday to donate loose change to the club.
Hereford United take on Margate at Edgar Street, kick off 3pm, and all money raised will help fund a new Bull costume for Billy. Any extra coins will be donated to the Save The Bulls Campaign.
And if you're not a member of Save The Bulls, take a look at what it has to offer. Log onto the official website (www.herefordunited.co.uk) and click the Website Options button, and then 'Save The Bulls Fund'.
Tuesday, January 15, 2002
United through to fourth round
Hereford United 4 - 0 Chesham United
Goals from Phil Robinson, Paul Parry, Gavin Williams and Steve Piearce saw Hereford United comfortably progress to the fourth round of the FA Trophy tonight at Edgar Street in a replay against Chesham United.
The 4-0 scoreline reflected the Bulls' dominance although Chesham held their own for long periods of the first half and will perhaps have felt themselves a little unlucky to have been behind at the break. However, a superb second half display saw Hereford extend their scoreline with three well-taken efforts.
The Bulls named Jimmy Quiggin in attack in place of Rob Elmes as coach Phil Robinson made just one change from the team that drew 2-2 at Chesham on Saturday. With Elmes and Danny Davidson injured, Steve Piearce was recalled to the bench and later entered to score the fourth goal. Chesham boss Bob Dowie drafted in Victor Boyle-Renner into midfield after he come on from the bench on Saturday.
Hereford skipper Ian Wright flashed an early effort wide after Paul Parry had received treatment for a knock, but it was Chesham who started to dominate against their high-graded oppenents with little reward in terms of shots on goal. After fifteen minutes, Hereford took the lead as Matt Clarke and Gavin Williams played a slick return pass on the right hand side before Clarke crossed in to Jimmy Quiggin. The ball fell to Phil Robinson, and from two yards out the veteran midfielder fired home to give Hereford a vital lead.
Three minutes later, Chesham stopper Delroy Preddie managed to show off his reflexes when he spilled a Gavin Williams shot and, as the ball fell to Jimmy Quiggin, he jumped back to his feat to prevent the youngster doubling the Hereford advantage with an impressive catch. Gavin Williams headed across goal midway through the half as he failed to connect onto a Parry cross and Ian Rodgerson fired over from twenty five yards as Hereford pushed in attack.
However, Chesham fought back and were eager to equalise before the break. Lee Spiller made some promising moves with little reward due to a sturdy Hereford backline, including John Shirley who looked greatly improved since Saturday. The Ryman League side were let down by the wayward shooting of Wayne Andrews and Paul Fewings who had several openings but squandered efforts.
The second half saw Hereford dominate and Chesham pushed onto the back foot. Fewings headed a ball wide on fifty three minutes, but Hereford responded and three minutes later, made it 2-0. Gavin Williams, after a great turn away from the defender near the half way line, ran to the edge of the box before slipping the ball short to Parry. The midfielder took it in his stride before cutting inside and getting it onto his right foot and smashing it home. His crisp connection gave Preddie little chance of a save, and the Bulls had doubled their lead.
Gary Wooton had a chance for Chesham blocked following a goalmouth scramble from a corner and on a counter attack minutes later, Jimmy Quiggin failed to beat Preddie when clean through as the goalkeeper blocked well with his legs. Quiggin was removed soon after and replaced by Steve Piearce who initially had little impact. Two minutes later, Phil Robinson smashed a drive at Preddie following a Gavin Williams free kick and with nineteen minutes left, a goalmouth scramble increased Hereford's advantage further. A shot came in for Preddie to deal with and the ball was knocked out to Williams who hit a high lob over the defenders and stranded 'keeper which bounced in off the far post. Hereford's domination had paid off, albeit with a dubious deflection.
Matt Clarke and Ian Rodgerson were both withdrawn for Mark Williams and Alex Kevan respectively to freshen up the Hereford team, whilst Chesham brought off defender David Pratt for young midfielder Mark Boyce. The move paid dividends for the Bulls as with ten minutes left, a corner was swung in from the left. The ball was blocked and fell to Williams who knocked it onto the head of Piearce, but the striker nodded just wide. However, he made up a minute or two later when Williams threaded through a superb one-two for Piearce to run goalwards. He didn't hesitate as he approached goal, lifting the ball over the advancing 'keeper who had made a dive forward to increase Hereford's lead to 4-0.
In the aftermath of the goal, Victor Renner-Boyle was sent off for Chesham after arguing with and then pushing over the referee, Mr. Chapman, who had officiated well throughout allowing the game to flow. Despite Chesham going down to ten men, they fought on but failed to create anything of note in the closing stages.
Hereford pick up a place in the fourth round on 2nd February, when they host another Ryman League side, Hampton & Richmond Borough. The Bulls also net a prize of £1,000 for tonight's victory. The man of the match award goes to Gavin Williams who was at the heart of Hereford's attacking play but nobody from the home side played badly. What was particularly encouraging to see was the link-up play between certain players. Paul Parry and John Shirley overlapped well on the left side of the pitch and after his entrance, Steve Piearce made some good moves with Gavin Williams to torment the Chesham defence.
A job well done for Hereford, but the score doesn't reflect Chesham's effort which stretched the Bulls in the first leg.
Written by Terry Goodwin - 15th January 2002.
Hereford United: Matt Baker, Matt Clarke (off, 72 minutes), John Shirley, Phil Robinson, Ian Wright (captain,) Tony James, Ian Rodgerson (off, 79 minutes), John Snape, Jimmy Quiggin (off, 62 minutes),Gavin Williams,
Paul Parry
Subs; Mark Williams (on, 72 minutes), Scott Cooksey, Alex Kevan (on, 79 minutes),Steve Piearce (on, 62 minutes)
Scorers:
Phil Robinson (14 minutes)
Paul Parry (56 minutes)
Gavin Williams (71 minutes)
Steve Piearce (83 minutes)
Man of the Match: Gavin Williams
Attendance: 1,075
Referee: Mr. G. Chapman