Captain ready to send United up

Following the departure of Ian Wright, Hereford United's new captain is Tony James.



Not that he's new to the role, though, as his defensive partnership with Andy Tretton kept Wright out of the team last season, and was given the armband as a reward.



"I'm glad to be captain, I get on with all the lads really well," HU-FC.co.uk heard. "I'm not the biggest talker in the world, but hopefully I can lead the lads on to some good things."



This season's pre-season campaign has been impressive, in that the Bulls haven't lost a match so far. "We've started off quite well, are passing the ball really well and have a fit enough squad at the moment."



Having conceded just three goals so far, James continued: "It can be a bit false and you could go into the first game of the season and get hammered, but you have to try and play games to keep clean sheets and score goals, and that's what we're doing at the moment.



The last of the pre-season matches is a home match against local rivals Kidderminster Harriers. "It will be our toughest game, and a good test a week before the start of the season and hopefully, we'll play our strongest side and give them a really good game.



James, who will be taking Hereford United's penalties this season, commented: "If we can improve on last year, obviously we've got a chance. We've got to take each game as it comes, win as many as we can at home and look for points away."



Meanwhile, several triallists played last night. Ryan Green had signed before the match, but three appeared on the bench. Danny Moon has been written about previously, but defender Pierre Ennis is a new player completely. He played for Aston Villa as a trainee, featuring in their under 17s side a couple of years back. A prominent defender, Ennis is of Irish nationality and has been capped for their under 19 side, as well as at schoolboy level.



Goalkeeper Jamie Hales also has an interesting background. A YTS player with Cheltenham Town, Hales has since played for both Cinderford Town and Wellington.

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Ryan Green Signs

Ryan Green has signed a two year contract with the Bulls.



The ex-Wolves & Sheffield Wednesday full-back has been capped three times for Wales, and is indeed the youngest player to feature for the principality.



Meanwhile, the game finished this evening 1-0 to Birmingham. Terry's report is here.

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Blues name strong squad

Hereford United will face a decent side when they play Birmingham City this evening, kick off 7.45pm.



Montenegro international Dragan Zilic will feature, as Brum boss Steve Bruce wants to watch the twenty-eight year-old triallist goalkeeper, who has five international caps.



Other first-teamers included are skilful midfielder Bryan Hughes, once of Wrexham, Senegalese international Ferdinand Coly, who is on-loan from Lens, and ex-Manchester United attacker Jovan Kirovski, who has international experience with the USA.



The squad in full is: Dragan Zilic, Peter Vaughan, Ferdinand Coly, Marcus Painter, Mathew Sadler, Mark Allen, Curtis Woodhouse, Sam Alsop, Jovan Kirovski, Andy Barrowman, Craig Fagan, James Dormand, Chad Shepperd, David Arrowsmith, Peter Till, Carl Motteram, Paul Longthorn, Bryan Hughes.

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Keetch unhappy with proposals

Paul Keetch, MP for Hereford, has written to the Hereford Times about the Edgar Street Grid plans. In his letter he questions whether a huge supermarket on the site might lower the amount of funding that can be obtained from Advantage West Midlands.



"The development should not seek to try and establish a new shopping centre for Hereford," writes Keetch. "I believe that it should contain civic,sporting and cultural facilities that would complement, not complete with, the city's existing facilities."



The Herefordshire full council passed the proposals last week although the fate of the cattle market is not yet known.



It appears that the politicians are beginning to fall out about the plans for the area. The question of funding and a supermarket on the site could be discussed for months if not years. The longer the plans are held up simply makes the future of Hereford United less certain.



Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that there will be a minutes silence before Saturday's game for Dolly Davies, the well-known Bulls supporter who died recently.



Graham Turner commented: "She was a fantastic supporter and it is a sad loss to the club."

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Brown pleased to be black and white

Attacker David Brown, who signed from Telford United in June, has missed most of pre-season through injury but is impressed with what he sees in Hereford United.



Speaking to HU-FC.co.uk, the ex-Manchester United youngster said: "The lads have done well in pre-season and scored a lot of goals so hopefully, when the season starts, we can carry that through.



Of his own injury, it was somewhat unexpected and a complete accident. "It was just a freak accident in training," he said. "I just fell over and Richard Teesdale fell on top of me and it was confirmed the day after that I'd cracked a bone in my collarbone so I don't think it was as bad as first thought and it seems to be healing pretty well.



"I can hopefully start training by the end of this week. I'm on a special programme at the minute where I can do certain things to build up my fitness but I'm hoping by the end of this week, I can join in fully again with the training."



At Telford last year, Brown netted sixteen goals and hopes to top that total this term. "I scored quite a few goals for Telford last year in a team that struggled and so you would think, with the players that we have at this club, I would score more goals," he commented. "I'm aiming to get more goals than I did last year and to get Hereford to the play-offs."



"I've played against Hereford three or four times now and they do create a lot of chances so that'll be good for me. Everyone at the club wants a play-off place, and the gaffer has strengthened the squad and there's no reason why we can't do better than last year."



Brown is unlikely to play any part in tonight's friendly match at Edgar Street, when the Bulls host Birmingham City, kick off 7.45pm. Steve Guinan should play some part as his recovery from knee surgery continues, while Danny Bertram is likely to feature having come off with a hamstring niggle in last Saturday's win at Bromyard.



Meanwhile, the club have revealed that over £2,500 was raised at last Sunday's annual Open Day.

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Versatile Purdie just happy to be playing

One player who has really enjoyed the pre-season campaign is Rob Purdie, the Hereford United midfielder.



Despite playing in the centre of the park for most of last season, Purdie has impressed in his matches where he has positioned in attack, particularly when Steve Guinan and David Brown have been unavailable.



"I've been doing alright this pre-season," said the ex-Leicester City youngster. "I've been playing up-front, which is not unfamiliar to me as I played there with Leicester when I was younger, but I'm hoping to try and hold down a position more than I was last season. I think with the way the team's been playing, we've got a good chance this season to get into the promotion places."



"I feel most comfortable in centre midfield but if I play on either of the wings or up-front, I'm not bothered. I'm happy to play anywhere as long as I paly more games than I did last season."



Purdie notched just one goal for the Bulls in the Conference last term, in the 2-2 draw at Northwich Victoria, but already this pre-season, he has scored three. "It's a good boost to the confidence. I thought I should have had a few more but three in four games, I'm happy with that. Let's hope I can get a few more against Birmingham and Kidderminster."



The Bulls open the Conference campaign on August 9th, when they go to Tamworth, a game which Purdie reckons will be a tough one.



He told HU-FC.co.uk: "They're going to be up for it having just been promoted to the Conference. The main thing we've got to do is match them for enthusiasm. With the way we've been playing pre-season, I can't see why we can't walk away with three points."



Playing in the most competitive position for United, central midfielder Purdie knows he will be kept on his toes. "If you're playing centre midfield and all of a sudden, a triallist comes in, you have to up your workrate by 10% and that can only be good for the club and our promotion chances."



One player who has had a good pre-season is Rob Sawyers, despite failing to regularly play last term. He is highly rated by Purdie, who said: "In training all last season, he was a good player and has great feet. This pre-season, he's played well at left-back and centre midfield so that's another position that he'll be challenging for."



Meanwhile, the Hereford United youth team start their season on August 20th, as they play their first match in the Midland Floodlit Youth League Premier Division.



The Bulls start at home against Sutton Coldfield Town, before playing Nuneaton Borough a week later and then travelling to Bedworth United.

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Triallist opts to go part-time

Graham Turner offered a contract to Shrewsbury Town's Pete Wilding, but he has chosen to move to Welshpool.



Thirty-four year-old Wilding was offered a twelve month deal at Edgar Street, but has opted to switch part-time with the Welsh Premiership side.



Wilding told the Shropshire Star: "I've weighed a few things up with my business and with working and playing part time and I've decided to join Welshpool."

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Attacker to make Tamworth opener

Steve Guinan was Hereford's top scorer last season but has overcome knee surgery in the summer to be on the road to full fitness for the big kick-off against Tamworth.



"I got a few more minutes than I thought I would do at Bromyard," Guinan told HU-FC.co.uk. "It's nice to be involved and out there kicking a ball.



"In the last six weeks of the season, I was really struggling with it every game. I saw the specialist in the close season and he thought an injection was the way to go. That wasn't successful, so I had to have knee surgery and thankfully, it seems to have sorted out the problem.



"At the moment, I'm playing catch-up with the boys fitness-wise but I managed almost a half at Saturday, maybe more Thursday night and perhaps a full game against Kidderminster. I think by the time the ninth comes, I'll be not far off full fitness."



Last season, Guinan played in attack with various strikers, including John Grant and short-term signings Albano Correia and Chukki Eribenne. However, with the signings of David Brown and Danny Bertram, some stability should be brought to the United attack.



Guinan commented: "That can only benefit the club really. If me or John Grant were not performing well, then there were no other options but now, there are three forwards that will be battling for a place and that will keep everyone on their toes."



Another new signing is Jordan King, who was released by Telford at the end of last season. Despite his young age, he has had a trial with Everton and Guinan claims he will be a useful acquisition: "He's a good player, different to what we had last season but he likes to put his foot in. He's nice and steady on the ball and has chipped in with a few goals already this pre-season."



With players moving down the leagues, the Conference will be a stronger competition, explained Guinan. "There are a lot of players who I have played with in the Football League who are struggling to find a club now, and are looking at the Conference. The Conference will be the strongest it's ever been, and is almost level with the third division."



However, while other clubs also appear to be strengthening their squads, Guinan is adamant that United will improve on last season's final placing of sixth. "We've got to aim higher than last season. We've got to aim for play-offs, or above."



Meanwhile, our condolences go to the family of Dolly Davies, who has passed away at the age of eighty-five. Dolly was a committed Hereford supporter, watching the Bulls from the Len Weston Stand.

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Dean Craven signs season-long deal

Dean Craven has sealed his move to Hereford United after putting pen to paper on a season-long deal.



The twenty-four year-old left-sided player played for Bridgnorth last season, but is adamant that he can make the step-up to Conference football. "I think I'll just be trying to play, first and foremost, and get into the starting line-up," he told HU-FC.co.uk.



Craven has experience with Shrewsbury Town as a professional for two years, and was also on the books of West Bromwich Albion, where he was an apprentice.



Of United's chances this season, he commented: "We've got a good chance of pushing for the play-offs. If you get in the play-offs, it's a lottery."

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Baker looking to go one better

Hereford United's number one Matt Baker knows he must be on top form this season, despite being the only goalkeeper at the club.



He told HU-FC.co.uk: "There is always competition for your place. Whether someone's here or not, there are plenty of other people out there willing to try and do your job so. I've just got to concentrate on doing my bit and hope it's good enough."



Graham Turner is actively looking for a new goalkeeper to back-up Baker, in case of injury or suspension. Last season, Baker played every Conference match and prevented Ken Griffiths from getting a look in, but Hereford have had a local lad, Adam Ding on trial.



"He's done really well," said Baker. "He fitted in really quickly and it's never easy as a goalkeeper coming in and having to learn everyone's names straight away to try and communicate with them. He's played two games, granted they've not been the best of opposition, but that's probably the best way to ease him into the team."



Last season was disappointing for the ex-Hull City stopper as United missed out on the play-offs. "We've had a long break to reflect on what happened last year and hopefully this season we'll finish one place higher," he said.



"We've got to be looking to get promoted. We've added to the squad and David Brown in a proven goalscorer. I know him from my days at Hull City and he's a top class finisher so coupled with Steve Guinan and Paul Parry, we've got a real attacking threat and we just need a right-back now to fill Matt Clarke's void."



In the right-back position, ex-Swindon Town man Nathan Edwards has played in the last couple of matches. Baker continued: "Nathan did quite well at right-back. Again, it's difficult to see what kind of level players are at if they're not playing against professional opposition and I'm sure if he gets a chance on Thursday or/and Saturday then he'll show what he's capable of. The defensive stability comes from last year. In Andy Tretton and Tony James, I don't think there are two better centre halves in the Conference - they're quick, strong and good in the air - and we have a great understanding at the back. Add Michael Rose, who's played for his country in every international this year, and I think we're looking pretty strong."



The Bulls play two more pre-season matches before they kick-off their Conference campaign at Tamworth on August 9th. United face Birmingham on Thursday, while two days later host Kidderminster Harriers in a Herefordshire-Worcestershire derby.



Baker said: "I think up to now, there's only really been the Wolves game that's been a really tough test, but I'm sure now we're further into pre-season and the big kick-off's approaching, and it'll be a really good test for us. Birmingham will hopefully bring a strong team and we can pit our wits against Premiership players which is always nice to do."

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Moon hopes for United contract

Hereford United triallist Danny Moon has not yet been offered a deal.



The defender, who played for Kington Town last season as well as featuring on the Hereford United substitutes bench for a spell, told HU-FC.co.uk: "It was good to get some experience and get ready for this season."



On a potential contract offer, he commented: "Hopefully soon, we will talk about one."



Moon started the match at Ludlow, which United won 13-1 on Thursday night, and he was pleased with the outcome. "It was good result which was good for our confidence at the start of the season," he said.



Meanwhile, today's Open Day was a success, with the new away kit (pictured right) being launched. See the pictures here.

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Craven to sign tomorrow

Dean Craven has agreed a deal with Hereford United, and will sign tomorrow.



Speaking to HU-FC.co.uk at the open day, he said: "I've been nervous for a few of the games as I was on trial but I've enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next game. It's difficult to come into a club but I knew Richard O'Kelly, Tony James and Andy Tretton so it wasn't too bad."



"I'll be signing tomorrow until the end of the season so I'm looking forward to it."



Meanwhile, 16-1 is still the general price for Hereford to win the Conference this season. Ladbrooks, Sportingbet, Paddy Power and Bet 365 are all quoting this price.



Chester remain favourites at 9-2.

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Open day today

It's the Hereford United Open Day today, and everyone is welcome.



The doors at Edgar Street open at 11am, where the new away strip will be unveiled, and you can meet the players and help raise money for Hereford United.



Come along and join in the fun!

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Bertram seals United deal

Hereford United manager Graham Turner has confirmed that Danny Bertram signed a contract at the club yesterday.



The nineteen year-old attacker, who was released by West Bromwich Albion in May, impressed in a trial, particularly after scoring five goals in Thursday's 13-1 win at Ludlow Town.



Turner said that today's 7-0 win over Bromyard Town was a more difficult match than was perhaps anticipated. "We were made to work for our goals," he said. "Our friendlies have been a mixed bag. We've scored goals in matches, which have been better than scoring in training sessions, and are looking quite fit."



The Bulls have two matches left to go before the big kick-off, with Birmingham City coming to Edgar Street next Thursday. "We are hoping for most of the Birmingham first team," continued Turner, whose side also play Kidderminster Harriers next Saturday.

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Unbeaten run continues

Hereford United successful pre-season continued this afternoon when they overcame Bromyard Town 7-0. Rob Purdie scored two in the first half, and five goals after the break gave United a comfortable victory. Jordan King, Paul Parry, Nathan Edwards and Steve Guinan's double secured the victory for the Whites.



You can read Terry's report on the match by clicking here.

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"I can be fit for the season" - Brown

David Brown, currently suffering from a broken collar-bone, has been talking to both BBC Hereford & Worcester and the Evening News about his former clubs and future hopes.



Brown started his football career at Manchester United where he spent three years learning his trade. "If you can't learn anything from playing with players of the quality of Eric Cantona you might as well hang up your boots, it was a fantastic experience," he said.



"They all had good attitudes and things I learned then I'm still trying to bring into my game now. I wanted to play first team football but it was clearly going to be difficult at Manchester so I decided I had to move and had three enjoyable years at Hull where we made the play-offs. "



Brown later switch from Hull City to Telford United, via Chester City and Torquay United, where he was spotted by Graham Turner.



"I'd played against Hereford three or four times and they've always been a team that plays good football which is something that I want from a team," he added. "I don't want to play for a team that hits long balls - that's not my game.



"I met Graham Turner, liked what he was saying and with the need for a fresh challenge felt this was the right move."



Of his hopes for the future, he said: "To do better than last year, both personally and for the club. I've enjoyed training so far. They are a good bunch of lads although quite a young squad. It's a good mix at the club so it's looking good for this year."



A pre-season training injury has set-back his chances of reaching the first team squad, but he is confident that his broken collarbone will not see him miss too much of the season. "It's a clean break and it's not too bad so hopefully I can be fit for the season," he continued. "At least I know what has happened to it and what I need to do to let it recover. Because it's a bone it just needs to heal so I've got to let nature take it's course and then I can get back in.



"There is never a good time but it's happened but at least I have got two weeks of pre-season behind me and I can do certain things to keep fit."

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United ready for another local trip

Today, Hereford United make the trip to Bromyard Town in their fourth pre-season friendly, kick off 3pm.



Last season, the Bulls recorded a 12-0 victory over the county opponents, who ply their trade in the Express & Star West Midlands League Premier Division. After Thursday's 13-1 steam-rollering of Ludlow Town, the United faithful will be looking for more of the same from Graham Turner's men.



Bromyard Town's Delahay Meadow ground is situated outside the town itself, and the wrong side (from Hereford at least) of the bridge currently closed to traffic. As a result, an alternative route is recommended. From the A44 (from Leominster) or A465 (from Hereford), instead of taking the B4203 Stourport/Kidderminster Road, continue on the A44 eastbound towards Worcester. Continue past the junction for the B4220 on the right, and then take the next left to Bromyard Downs. Follow this road until the junction with the B4203, and then turn left for Bromyard instead of right for Stourport. The football club is on the left through iron gates, around a mile from the B4220 junction.



The Bulls hope to give Steve Guinan more match practice after he returned from injury on Thursday, but David Brown misses out once again.

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Tesco want new site

Tesco are front runners to make a bid for a new store on the Edgar Street Grid site, to replace its existing store which is only 100 metres away but with poor access, according to local media.



A Tesco spokesman said: “We are certainly interested in getting a greater presence in Hereford.”



It is understood that there have already been approaches by the UK supermarket group to the council.



Former leader of the council Terry James has been quoted as saying: "I think it is a very sad day for Hereford. We have seven supermarkets at present and all we are going to offer is another."



However if Tesco are chosen this will not add to the number as they will close the existing store in Bewell Street. Former Bulls director, and now deputy leader of Herefordshire Council George Hyde said: "This is the most exciting project Hereford has had in a long time."



Last week's council cabinet meeting approved the idea of a supermarket on the site as it would bring much needed finance to the project. Tesco is bound to be favourite for the site but the council has said that it wants a fair and open competition to maximise the price.

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Manager in good mood after Ludlow

Graham Turner was naturally upbeat after Hereford United thumped Ludlow Town 13-1 in last night's friendly match.



Talking to Trevor Owens of BBC Hereford & Worcester, Turner said: "If you could put on a session for finishing, then you couldn't have got anything better than that. I thuoght it was a really good work out, and we made it easy for ourselves by the tempo that we played at."



The team just kept going until the end, despite having the game wrapped up, and this pleased the boss. "Even into the ninetieth minute, we were still full of running, and that's the pleasing aspect of the group of players that we've got," continued Turner.



Danny Bertram, who scored five times, has been offered a deal and is expected to sign today after verbally agreeing to a deal. Turner commented of his performance at the Coors Stadium: "He got off to a great start, and it's done his confidence the world of good. He's only nineteen, and the one thing that impresses me is his willingness to work. He wants to make the runs, and that's the hallmark of his game."



With one striker likely to sign, it was good to have another returning from injury. Steve Guinan came on as a second half substitute after undergoing keyhole knee surgery in the summer, and Turner told the BBC: "He needs some football now, as he hasn't played an awful lot with the lads, either in games or training."



Only David Brown is currently likely to miss the start of the season, when United travel to Tamworth, but Turner remains hopeful that he will play some part. "The thoughts are that within seven to ten days he could be back in training again, so there's an outside chance he could be fit for the opening game of the season.



"It's a big boost for us," he stated.

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Bertram signing should be sealed

Five-goal striker Danny Bertram is expected to sign for Hereford United today.



The youngster struck five times in last night's friendly win at Ludlow Town, and Graham Turner said that he was likely to confirm the signing this afternoon.



However, he told the Evening News: "You take nothing for granted in football."



Midfielder Rob Purdie expects to return after missing Thursday's match at Ludlow with a knock on the heel when United travel to Bromyard Town tomorrow, kick off 3pm.



Meanwhile, the club have announced that, due to an England European Championships qualifying match against Liechtenstein on the Saturday, Hereford United's match at Burton Albion has been switched to Friday 19th September 2003. The game has a 7:45pm kick-off, although the England game will not start until 8pm on the Saturday.

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Players battle for contracts at Ludlow

Several triallists featured for Hereford United in last night's 13-1 win at Ludlow Town.



A local goalkeeper, Adam Ding just seventeen and finished last season as number one with Express & Star West Midlands League Premier Division club Ledbury Town after switching from Leominster Town. Featured in the Herefordshire FA youth squad for 2002/03, the stopper has played for the Hereford United side in the Midland Flootlit Youth League.



Dean Craven, who looked very lively last night, started his career as a West Bromwich Albion trainee. Age twenty four, Craven played the whole of last season with Midland Alliance club Bridgnorth Town after spells with hometown club Shrewsbury Town, where he made eleven Football League appearances; Merthyr Tydfil, Stafford Rangers and Newtown.



Danny Moon is another local player, having spent a spell at Edgar Street as a non-contract player. A sturdy defender, Moon impressed last night following spells in the county with both Pegasus Juniors and Kington Town.



Playing at right-back for the game, Nathan Edwards was a new name on the teamsheet. Formerly with Swindon Town, who released him after sixteen appearances in two seasons, Edwards is just twenty and has a simple but effective style which earned him many plaudits at the County Ground.



Finally, attacker Danny Bertram netted five goals in last night's victory. Released by West Bromwich Albion, Danny Carey-Bertram had a spell on-loan at Stafford Rangers last season under former United coach Phil Robinson. He was a regular in the Baggies reserve team last season, playing against the likes of Liverpool and Middlesbrough, against whom he scored. Age nineteen, Bertram spent three years at the Hawthorns and comes highly recommended by coach Gary Shelton.

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Big Win for Hereford

Hereford won 13-1 at Ludlow this evening, with triallist Danny Bertram scoring five.



Terry's report can be read here.

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Ludlow friendly tonight

Hereford United travel to Ludlow this evening for another pre-season friendly. The game will kick off at 7.30pm after the official opening of the new Coors Stadium, which has cost in the region of £1m.



The Bulls are hoping that Steve Guinan, who has been recovering from knee surgery, will come on as a substitute.



Located in Bromfield Road, the ground is situated just off the A49 on the northern outskirts of Ludlow. Take the B4361 signposted Ludlow, and continue for a quarter of a mile, turning right into the lane leading to the ground. The Coors Stadium is on the left, after the school.



Meanwhile, it is being reported that Michael Husbands, the Aston Villa striker who spent several weeks on loan at Edgar Street last season, has been signed by Southend.



Also former Hereford United trialists Justin Rowe and John Daniels have been given one year deals at Telford.

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Brown seeing specialist

David Brown is due to see a specialist today to assess the extent of the damage to his broken collarbone, reports the Evening News.



Last week Hereford United's new striker fractured the bone when Richard Teesdale collided with the 24-year-old whilst training. The following day came confirmation that it was broken and today he should be told how long he will be out for.



"It depends on how bad the break is but it could be anything from two to four weeks or even longer," said Brown.



Despite the injury, Brown hopes to be fit for the start of the Conference season.



"I've still got three weeks and I'm pretty fit having already done two weeks pre-season training and played in the Wolves match," he added.



Better news for Hereford fans came from the Yorkshire Post yesterday which suggested that Doncaster winger Andy Watson is being linked with Yeovil as a replacement for Michael McIndoe. There now seems little likelyhood that Paul Parry will be on Gary Johnson's shopping list at least for the time being.

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Offers for trialists

Hereford United manager, Graham Turner, is reported to be considering making offers to three trialists before the end of the week. The trialists are believed to be Danny Bertram, Danny Craven, and Peter Wilding. He told BBC Hereford & Worcester today that he was confident that his team would soon be finalised.



"People who watched us play last night, irrespective of the players background that we are looking at, must have been impressed with the manner in which the trialists played, so we might well be offering contracts before the end of this week," said Turner.



It has already been reported that Wilding was likely to feature in the next friendly at Ludlow on Thursday, but this latest statement from the manager seems to confirm this intention.



Turner will be taking a gamble should he sign all three. Bertram, the striker, looks as though he will need some time to become a prolific goal-scorer. He has missed several reasonable chances so far but with Brown injured and a striker probably the hardest position to fill he may feel he has little option than to hold onto the youngster.



Craven, who has played at left-back, is a possible replacement for Michael Rose should Turner decide to play him in midfield. Although lacking height, he seems keen and not afraid to go into challenges.



Wilding, who has only played in last night's friendly, started as a right full-back in a 4-4-2 set-up and did not look that comfortable. Later he was switched inside and his experience was more obvious. But it has to be asked why Hereford needs to sign a 34 year-old when surely others are available, and whether he is an adequate replacement for Matt Clarke.



The other two on trial last night were locals Kevin Gwillam and Danny Moon. Both played for about twenty minutes and held their own. It should, however, be remembered that the game was against a West Bromwich side with an average age of no more than eighteen. The youngsters started well and looked fit and keen and maybe the result flattered the Hereford side a little but the goals will have given the Bulls confidence.



One disappointment was the performance of Jordan King, whose passing was not very accurate on the night. He was also quite lucky not to have been given a talking to by local referee, Andy Williams, after he appeared to have unfairly challenged a West Bromwich player.



Meanwhile, Ken Griffiths, who was understudy to Matt Baker last season, has been let down by Torquay with whom he was to have a three month trial. It now looks as though he will link up with Exeter so may play against Hereford in the Conference.

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Turner pleased with performance

Following Hereford United's 5-0 win over West Bromwich Albion last night, Bulls manager Graham Turner said he was pleased with the work-out.



"Right on schedule, we're looking sharp, fit and strong," he said. "The passing and movement were excellent."



Hereford are next in action on Thursday night, when they travel to Ludlow Town to open the new Coors Stadium, which has been built thanks to a £1 million grant from the footballing authorities.

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Hereford beat West Brom

Hereford won 5-0 against a young West Brom team this evening at Edgar Street in front of 1306 spectators.



Tony James commenced the scoring with a penalty after a defender had handled the ball in the area. Michael Rose made it two after a Danny Williams corner.



Ben Smith scored twice within a minute of coming on as a substitute and Danny Bertram made it five. More here.

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Articles needed for Talking Bull

With the start of the new season looming large, the first issue of Talking Bull should be released at the first home game of the season but is short of articles, jokes, songs, etc.



Any contributions would be greatly appreciated, and can be sent to Talking Bull, PO Box 2000, Hereford, HR2 7WA or you can e-mail them to talkingbull@hufc.com.



If you have any comments regarding Talking Bull then please e-mail the editors at the above address.



In other supporters-related news, Hereford United followers have the chance to quiz Graham Turner over his plans for the new season at a fans forum, to be held on Monday 4th August.



The forum, set to be held in Legends bar, will follow the night's HUISA vs Hereford United match, which pits the fans of the club against the first-team squad.



Supporters can also meet the first-team squad and take part in activities at this summer's open day, which is to be held next Sunday, starting at 11am.

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McIndoe linked to Cardiff

Michael McIndoe is being linked to Cardiff City, after the former Hereford United player was transfer listed by Yeovil last week.



McIndoe is known to Cardiff City manager Lenny Lawrence from when he was coach at Luton - McIndoe was sacked from Luton before Graham Turner turned his career around. In an interview with HTV Wales, Lawrence said he may run the rule over transfer-listed Yeovil midfielder.



Lawrence said: "He is not someone who we are actively chasing, but I may take a look at him over the next few weeks."



Cardiff City, who are owned by Sam Hamman, would be able to pay a reasonable fee for McIndoe if discussions start. A percentage of any fee would be passed on to the Bulls. However in an interview with Radio Bristol, Yeovil manager Gary Johnson said: "There haven't been any enquries and he's sat at home waiting for a call.



"We need someone to come up quick with the right transfer fee so we can move him on and get on with our own stuff."



Meanwhile, Gethin Jones, who had a trial at Edgar Street last Monday, has not been given a squad number by Cardiff City and is understood not to have gone on their European tour. Jones, who has been at Ninian Park for three years, made one appearance for the Bluebirds as a substitute at Oldham Athletic last season. He was told by Lennie Lawrence that if he did not find a new club, he could make a return to Ninian Park.

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Baggies reserves look for victory

West Bromwich Albion reserves are eager to bounce back from yesterday's 2-0 defeat to Nuneaton Borough when they visit Edgar Street to play Hereford United tomorrow, kick off 7.45pm.



The first team squad are on a pre-season tour of Denmark and play Midtjylland in their final match in the nation on Monday, so a reserve side will feature at Hereford.



The young side, managed by Gary Sheldon, were unable to break down a strong Nuneaton back-line, and also lost four players to injury. All are unlikely to play Edgar Street.



Sheldon told the official West Brom website: "It wasn’t a dirty game and we’ll just have to pull together now for Monday’s clash at Hereford United.”



Meanwhile, former Hereford United striker Steve Piearce has joined the police force, and will play for West Midlands Police in the ICIS Midland Combination next season.

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