It's only the first day of December

It doesn't seem that Hereford United have already played 21 Conference games this season and so have reached the half-way point. After all its only the first day of December.



The Bulls have played every team in the league except Exeter and have completed their first double of the season by beating Farnborough twice.



So far the Bulls have found the net on 50 occasions, which gives them an average of 2.38 goals per game. That must be some sort of a record for a Conference side.



Other stats show that the Bulls are third in the 'cards' league with 29 yellows and 2 reds so far. Even better they have only been penalised for 208 fouls, the lowest in the Conference.



Steve Guinan is second top scorer with 14 Conference goals, three less than leader Giuliano Grazioli of Barnet.



The average attendance at Edgar Street to date is 3479 which is 51% over the reputed budget figure of 2300. Graham Turner will be pleased with that figure as it means that the income from the gates will be about £100,000 higher than predicted. Add to that extra sales of programmes and fresh advertising boards and the balance must look better than expected.



Chairman Graham Turner, however, will point out that he is having to pay the players higher bonuses and probably more importantly that there is no prospect of any more television income from the FA Cup this season. So at the half-way stage he may still feel reluctant to spend any more than really necessary.



Supporters still await last seasons final accounts which are likely to show a five figure profit. Much of that profit will have been spent simply paying bills that were outstanding.



Even at this stage it is difficult to be certain how high income from the turnstiles will be for the remainder of the campaign. For example gates from now on of 3000 might bring in an extra £50,000. There is also, hopefully, the probablity of income from play-off matches.



What the figures show is that there is the ability to take on a couple of extra players for the rest of the season without putting the club into a position where a loss is made this year.

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Where was Jordan King?

Yesterday's substitute bench only contained one defender, Dean Craven, and three forwards, David Brown, Daniel Carey-Bertram and surprisingly perhaps Nick Harrhy. Jordan King, not reported as injured, was left off.



Luckily there were no problems with injuries during the game, but it was a reminder to supporters than Hereford United appear to be short of a defender/midfielder.



With the uncertainty about a return for Mkandawire to West Bromwich and Tretton out until well into the New Year, it looks increasingly likely that Graham Turner will bring in another player shortly.



The manager will also have on his mind that several players are close to five bookings. Turner will not want an under-strength team to face Exeter in the Xmas/New Year games. If a player on four bookings gets another against Tamworth on December 13th he would miss the New Year Day's game.



With no game for a fortnight Turner and O'Kelly should have plenty of time to look for a suitable player. It had been rumoured that Jake King, father of Jordan, was doing some scouting for the Bulls but little, if anything, seems to have come of that as yet.

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Pitman gets his first goal

Jamie Pitman scored his first goal of the season today with a simple tap and well deserved to be HU-FC.co.uk's man of the match.



Speaking after the game Pitman told BBC Hereford & Worcester that he thought the Bulls were a more resiliant and confident side this season.



"The younger lads have come on a year and are more experienced at playing at this level. It is showing at the moment because we pass the ball well. We make ourselves plenty of chances and the lads are taking their chances.



"We've got Ben Smith on 12 and Steve Guinan on 18 which is excellent for this stage of the season."



Describing his goal, Pitman said: "It was a good run by Paul Parry and it came off the post and I gambled really. It was a tap-in really."



He praised his team mate Ben Smith saying: "He's been outstanding this year. It's fanastic to get twelve goals before Christmas. He's got a knack of being in the right area at the right time. He's got that ability to pick those times out and he knows I will be covering for him."



Commenting on the game Vic Searle, the Farnborough chairman and manager, added: "In the first half we were magnificent, but in the end we got what we deserved."

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A win in the end

It took Hereford United 69 minutes before they took the lead through Ben Smith this afternoon, and another 20 minutes before Jamie Pitman made sure of a win against Farnborough.



It finished 2-0, and Terry's report is here.

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Game is on this afternoon

Although the forecast gave heavy rain and high winds, conditions have not been that bad and what rain there was has now moved out of the area, so the game is on this afternoon.



The pitch is unlikely to be badly affected as a drying wind has now set in.



Even the sun is out at HU-FC.co.uk HQ!

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Avoid slip-ups says Smith

Although Hereford fired five past Farnborough during September's clash in which Ben Smith bagged a brace, that counts for nothing warns the ex-Yeovil man in today's Evening News.



"We were expected to beat Leigh and should have but we gave a terrible performance and came away with what we deserved which was nothing," said Smith. "It's important we keep our guard and don't waste the win against Halifax.



"If we can get on a run of seven or eight matches without defeat we can do ourselves a favour because it's so close at the top. There are five or six teams that are all taking points off each other so we can put a run together it could put us in a great position."



Smith says that the 7-1 win over Halifax was vital after the Shrewsbury game. "We were awful at Shrewsbury and it was especially disappointing for all the fans who made the trip over there," he said. "It was important we bounced back against Halifax. There's been a bit of doom and gloom but we're still in second position just a point behind the leaders.



"We're paying the price a little for starting like a train and people have got a bit disappointed because we'd been top but if we'd gradually moved up to the position we are in now everybody would be delighted.



"The manager wasn't happy with the display at Shrewsbury and asked for a big performance against Halifax and he got. I thought Halifax were quite a good side which makes the result even better."

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Tretton will miss Xmas games

Andy Tretton will miss the two Christmas games against Exeter. Graham Turner has confirmed to BBC Hereford & Worcester that the defender will not be fit enough to take part.



"It's probably going to be in the New Year before he is fully fit. It's been a blow to us having him out for that long," said Turner.



The thigh muscle injury has taken longer to heal than initially thought and Turner suggested that whilst recovering at Lilleshall 'one or two things aggrevated it'.



"It's been a severe blow to us to miss a player of his quality for so long but it looks likely to be the New Year before he is going to be fit."



As regards Tamika Mkandawire, Turner said that as he is suspended for tomorrow's game and the fact that the Bulls do not play next weekend, no decision has been made as to whether he will continue at Edgar Street.



"I've spoken to Tam and I've spoken to West Brom. We would not rule out in a fortnight's time that he might be here for another month. But there is no certainty of that.



"I think that Tam himself felt that it might be time to go back to West Brom and be seen around the Hawthorns. But I pointed out to him that it's a great opportunity to be playing in a decent class of football. Better than West Brom reserves and I think he took that on-board and might reconsider.



"We will continue to try to get him to sign for another month," said Turner.

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Youth team beat battling Hay

Hereford United youth team beat Hay-on-Wye Under 18s 9-0 to progress to the next round of the Herefordshire FA Under 18s Giantkillers Cup. Adam Kite scored five, Andy Williams and Paul Collins both netted two.



United led 5-0 at half time on a frosty pitch in Kington. Hay tried to pass the ball throughout but the gap in class was just too great for the Welsh side. The two teams were as follows:



Hay-on-Wye: Kristoffa Hubball, Roger Goodwin, Alex Howard, Phil Coombes, Tom Lloyd-Williams, Chris Howe, Joel Weale, Josh Davies, Sam Powell, Josh Wisniewski, David Evans, Gavin Williams (sub).



Hereford United: Adam Ding, James Lester, Simon Gwilliam, Lewis Jones, David Hart, Mark Smith, James Wood, Paul Collins, Paul Allen, Chris Mortlock, Adam Kite, Andy Williams, Dean Jordan, Matt Kurkas.

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Planners say 'no' to Asda

The Hereford Times have reported that the planners have given the thumbs down to the proposed Asda developement close to the new river bridge. It will now be up to the full Council to decide next Monday whether to give the go-ahead.



Hereford MP, Paul Keetch, and Paul Lowe from Asda have both questioned the planners recommendations.



Keetch has accused the council of sending out wrong messages to potential investors.



He suggested: "Are they trying to scupper Asda's plans at Belmont in order to bump up the value of Edgar Street?"



Lowe thought: "It has been suggested some on the council take the view that we will be tempted to the cattle market site creating a bidding war between Tesco and Asda. We have looked at the potential developement in the Edgar Street Grid and, as far as we are concerned, it is non-exsistent - there will be no bidding war involving us."



The planners say that although the the land involved was sorely in need of regeneration, the Asda scheme did not meet the present criteria.



Interestingly Graham Turner, the Hereford United chairman, says in his column this week that he has had no recent contact with either of the parties to whom the club owes a substantial amount of money and from whom the club lease the football ground.



Maybe the Richardson/Carillion parnership are simply watching what goes on at the Asda site and feel no need to make any moves at present.



If the Asda scheme is rejected and Asda walk away, will the Edgar Street area be worth as much money if there is only one supermarket to bid for a place on it?



However, Asda may be bluffing and as it is aiming to keep up with Tesco it is unlikely not to want a store in Hereford area. They may be fearful that if/when Morrisons take over Safeway the competition in Hereford could hot up. But in the long term if the plans for revamping the Edgar Street area do get the go-ahead it seems highly unlikely that only Asda, of the big four supermarkets, will not have a store somewhere in the area.



Waitrose are also thought to be watching the situation. They are known to be looking to expand along the West Midlands/Welsh Boarder area and it is beleived that they could be interested in taking over either the exsisting Safeway or Morrison store in Shrewsbury. One or other will have to be sold on if/when Morrisons buy Safeway.



Turner is delighted that the football ground is featured in the Edgar Street project but is worried that it some years away. In the mean time the ground has to remain in reasonable condition and that costs money.



"What is the point of spending a lot of money on something which is going to be torn down not far into the future.



"We would like to know what is the time scale and how it will be financed," he asks.



The Hereford Council must get its act together and make some decisions about the future of Hereford. All this uncertainy isn't helpful.

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Four from Hereford in Court

Four Herefordshire men today appeared in court charged with public disorder and disorderly behaviour offences in Shrewsbury last Saturday when Shrewsbury Town played Hereford United, reports the Shropshire Star.



They all appeared at Shrewsbury Magistrates' Court and each had their cases heard separately.



Peter Clarke, 34, of Golden Post, Hereford, and Paul Errington, 39, of Union Walk, Hereford, both denied using threatening or abusive behaviour which would cause people to fear that violence would be used. Both cases were adjourned until January 15th for a pre-trial review.



Andrew Tilby, 41, of Roman Road, Hereford, denied disorderly behaviour that would cause harassment, alarm or distress. His case was adjourned until January 15 for a pre-trial review.



And Gavin Lloyd, 26, of Kingstone, Hereford, denied a charge of disorderly behaviour which would cause harassment and alarm and a second charge or being drunk and disorderly on Wyle Cope. His case was adjourned until December 3.



All four were released on unconditional bail.

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Teesdale in against league's bottom side

Hereford United will be without on-loan defender Tamika Mkandawire for Saturday's home match against Farnborough Town, kick off 3pm.



The West Bromwich Albion centre back will finish his loan spell at United after the game, unless manager Graham Turner can gain an extension on the deal. Richard Teesdale is likely to partner skipper Tony James for the game against the bottom-placed side, as Andy Tretton remains sidelined for a month.



United bounced back from a 4-1 defeat at Shrewsbury Town on Saturday with on overwhelming 7-1 win against Halifax Town on Tuesday night, much to the delight of the 1,875 crowd. However, that number should be increased on Saturday, as better weather and a potentially convincing performance will bring the fans back.



However, the Bulls know not to be complacent. Defeats against Leigh RMI and Accrington Stanley, as well as a draw with Gravesend & Northfleet, have dented confidence somewhat but this will have been boosted by Tuesday's victory.



Without Mkandawire and Tretton, United should not miss any other players, while Farnborough, who's home match against Margate was postponed on Tuesday night, have no fresh injury worries reported yet. Vic Searle's side are rock bottom with just ten points, and United won 5-0 at Cherrywood Road while they were under Tommy Taylor's stewardship earlier this season.

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Fixture switch

Hereford United will now play their away match at Scarborough on Tuesday, February 3rd, report the Seadogs' Official Website.

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Turner hopes for more support

"We have got a December where we have got a chance of taking good points if we play like we've done tonight," Graham Turner told BBC Hereford & Worcester last night.



There are two more home games, against Farnborough and Tamworth, before the pre-Christmas trip to Forest Green. Turner hopes that the crowds will return on Saturday for the Farnborough game as the attendance was only 1875 last night.



"You would hope that they realise that they missed a cracking game," he commented. Some great entertainment."



"It was the real die-hards that always support us that came out and they were rewarded with that sort of performance. So we hope we can get a few more through the turnstiles on Saturday to respond to the way the players have performed."



Meanwhile, Tamika Mkandawire has played his last game for the Bulls unless his loan period is extended. He came off to applause last night when he was replaced by Richard Teesdale in the second half.



Although his loan period extends to Saturday's game, he is suspended as a result of being sent-off against Margate.



His substitution was probably more to give Teesdale some practice than for any other reason as Mkandawire has shown himself to be a useful young player.



It is understood that Graham Turner is hoping that West Bromwich will extend his loan period as it seems likely that Andy Tretton will be out until the New Year.

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Performance will restore confidence

A performance like that will restore confidence within the squad is how Graham Turner saw last night's 7-1 win over Halifax.



"They showed a lot of character, particually after going 1-0 down. For a team under pressure to recover like that from a goal down showed good character," Turner told BBC Hereford and Worcester.



"I thought there were some tremendous individual performances and good team performance. The players got what they deserved, a good scoreline which will do their confidence a power of good."



Halifax Town boss Chris Wilder blasted his side's defending after the Shaymen were demolished 7-1 by Hereford United at Edgar Street.



Wilder told The Courier, as reported on the Nationwide website: "It seemed for a period of 15 to 20 minutes in the second half that every time Hereford went forward they scored.



"We defended very poorly. The centre-halves were all over the place. We made it easy for them and they took full advantage. We take the plaudits when we do well, so we have to take the stick when we get stuffed and we were well and truly stuffed.



"It was a terrible scoreline and I don't like losing 1-0 let alone 7-1."

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Bulls hit seventh heaven

Hereford United silenced their critics by hammering Halifax Town 7-1 at Edgar Street tonight.



The goals came from Ben Smith (2), Steve Guinan (3), Rob Purdie and David Brown, while Lewis Killeen put the Shaymen ahead after two minutes.



With Chester City drawing 3-3 at the Deva Stadium against Accrington Stanley, and Barnet drawing 2-2 at Scarborough, the Cestrians remain top but Hereford are now just a points behind. They go up to second, two points ahead of fourth-placed Exeter City, who won 3-2 at Shrewsbury Town.



Aldershot vs Stevenage Borough was called off, as was Farnborough Town vs Margate.



Tonight's report, written by Brian, can be read here.

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Quite impressed with Halifax

Halifax make the long journey to Edgar Street tonight with no injury worries apart from Adam Quinn.



And Hereford United are expected to have Micheal Rose back in the side after a one match suspension. Both Paul Parry and Tony James are also likely to play after picking up knocks on Saturday.



Richard O'Kelly saw the Shaymen in action last week and was reported to be quite impressed.



Meanwhile Court proceedings against several men from the Hereford area, who alledgedly took part in the disorder at Burton some weeks ago, are due to restart today.

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Fourteen arrests after Shrewsbury clash

Fourteen arrests were made on Saturday as Hereford United and Shrewsbury Town followers clashed in the Shropshire city centre, reports the Shropshire Star.



Hereford and Shrewsbury police worked together to prevent further trouble, although the Yorkshire House pub sustained minor smoke damage when Shrewsbury fans set the building on fire to reach Hereford followers outside. Two people were arrested.



Police spokeswoman Sami Turner said today: "Officers were escorting the Hereford supporters to the railway station and they had to go past the pub.



"The landlord there agreed to not let anyone out of the pub until we had gone past. Someone made an attempt to set fire to the pub as a way of getting out."



Late this afternoon, it was confirmed that five of those arrested were from Hereford. Four were bailed and are due to appear at Shrewsbury Court this coming Thursday on public order type offences.



The fifth was released but has to return to Shrewsbury on January 14th for possible further questioning.



The total attendance at the game was 6,585, and no trouble was reported at the Gay Meadow itself.

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Bulls bid to bounce back

After Saturday's capitulation at the Gay Meadow, Hereford United can get back to winning ways when they play Haifax Town at Edgar Street tomorrow night, kick off 7.45pm.



It will be a tough task for Graham Turner's Bulls to collect all three points though, as Halifax are a plucky side who beat United 1-0 at the Shay last term. Chris Wilder's men won 2-0 against Farnborough Town on Saturday, with both goals coming from Craig Midgley spot-kicks.



Midgley has now netted seven goals for the Shaymen this term, who lie in mid-table, ten points behind third-placed United, who have Michael Rose available again after suspension.



Andy Tretton, though, remains sidelined with his thigh injury, so Tamika Mkandawire and Tony James will play at left-back. Dean Craven could miss out to allow Rose in at left-back, and Turner faces a dilemma over his strike-force. Steve Guinan, Daniel Carey-Bertram, Rob Purdie and David Brown are all battling for places.



On paper, United should win. They have won six of their nine home matches, while Halifax's away form is poor, having won just one in nine. However, the Yorkshiremen have drawn four of those outings.

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We will have to perform on Tuesday

It isn't a case a doom and gloom, but the Bulls will have to perform on Tuesday against Halifax, said Richard O'Kelly after the defeat this afternoon.



"It will knock us back if we do not get a favourable result," O'Kelly told BBC Hereford & Worcester.



Defending the Bulls against criticism that other clubs have sussed out Hereford tactics, he said: "If you move the ball around you will create chances, but today we had opportunities to pull the trigger at times or deliver a cross in there or to get a body in there. We did not do it."



Meanwhile, Shrewsbury manager Jimmy Quinn thought that the Shrews deserved to win the game. But he did think that Hereford "will be there or there abouts (the top of the league) at the end of the season."



He said: "Hereford are a decent side but it's our best performance this season."



The crowd at the Gay Meadow of 6,585 was the highest this season in the Conference with about 2000 from Hereford in attendance.

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Shrewsbury played well

Graham Turner could have little complaint about the scoreline but he was critical of the referee's decision not to award the Bulls a penalty near the start of the game.



"Shrewsbury played well and probably outbattled us. They were more determined than us," said Turner, talking to BBC Radio Shropshire. "I thought cast-iron penalty at no goals for us. I think the difficulty for the referee was that he would have had to send the lad off but he didn't give it and Shrewsbury went down the other end with a wicked deflection for the first goal.



"Sometimes decisions like that do change games and I felt that was the case. That's not being wise after a 4-1 defeat. I don't complain too much about referees but that decision I could not understand.



"That knocked us down a notch or two. After that I have to say that Shrewsbury looked a good side and caused us problems. We were out-muscled and out-fought", he said.



"I thought we started to pass the ball well just before Shrewsbury scored and got into some good areas but the goal gave them a lift at home and the crowd got behind them. And then they got another one fairly quickly and if you can't play well when you're 2-0 up then there is something wrong.



"They will be in contention at the end of the season. It's been an embarrassing scoreline. I feel for our supporters. We brought up a terrific following here," Turner remarked.

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Local derby result

Hereford United lost 4-1 to Shrewsbury Town at the Gay Meadow today, with the Bulls' goal coming two minutes from time through Tamika Mkandawire.



Terry's report from the encounter is here.

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It's the big one today

Hereford United travel up the A49 to Shrewsbury for today's game hopeful that they come back with at least a point. The game should provide a real test between the two rival clubs and although the bookies appear to have gone with Shrewsbury, there is little doubt that the Bulls will be hoping to be back to top form.



So far this season, Hereford have drawn at top of the table Chester and at fourth placed Barnet. They defeated third placed Aldershot at home and won at home against Exeter, currently fifth, in a LDV game.



And Graham Turner will want to see his team do well against a club which he managed back in the eighties. He has seem the Shrews play on several occasions this season and has fond memories of his time there. But he says that he loyalty is now firmly with Hereford United and he will be very pleased if the Bulls come away with three points.



Full coverage of the game is available on the BBC Hereford & Worcester website (see earlier article) and there will be the usual coverage on both local radio stations.

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Shrews official site predicts a draw

The official Shrewsbury Town website is predicting a 2-2 draw in the local derby with Hereford United tomorrow. The draw at Leigh RMI last Tuesday has given the Shrews cause for concern and it says that Jimmy Quinn is "facing the sternest test of his managerial credentials since arriving at the club".



Quinn appears to have fallen out with Luke Rodgers, the Shrews highly-rated striker. "His handling of Rodgers has come under the microscope with the once prolific marksman cutting an increasingly forlorn figure," reads the site. "We are told that he is now injured ahead of the Bulls clash and must take that claim at face value. But the truth of the matter is that Town lack a cutting edge without him."



On the Bulls it points out that: "Graham Turner will need no introduction to the Meadow faithful. The man is a living legend at Shrewsbury for his exploits in guiding the club to the old Division Two. He is showing once again that he has something of the Midas touch about him as he steers a financially poor Hereford towards the Football League."



In comments about the Hereford players they mention both Steve Guinan and Dean Craven as being ex-Shrews players. "Guinan has certainly filled his boots and Darren Tinson will have to be at his most alert to stop him," and as for Craven: "he was a surprise summer signing from Bridgnorth but has recently forced himself into the starting line-up in recent weeks."



They also wrote that others to watch out for include Paul Parry and Ben Smith. "The flying winger (Parry) has attracted much interest from league clubs and has a keen eye for goal. Pint-size midfielder Ben Smith has also caught the eye this season with a string of goals."



Meanwhile Jimmy Quinn thinks that tomorrow should be a good game. "Hereford's style of play should suit us as both sides try to play decent football," he commented.

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Tight Conference finish predicts Turner

The following article appeared in today's Shropshire Star.



Shrewsbury legend and Hereford supremo Graham Turner is predicting the tightest Conference race in years as the two clubs closest to his Turner is patently aware that Salop could go to within two points of the Bulls with a game in hand if his former club win tomorrow's eagerly awaited derby as things tighten up at the top of the table.



He said: When you look through the sides it might be an accurate forecast to say it's going to be one of the closest Conference championship races in years because of the quality of the clubs in there.



"Yeovil were by far the best Conference side I'd seen when they won it last year and I don't see anybody this year doing the same as Yeovil did and getting away from everybody else.



"I think the gap has closed this year because a lot of clubs have improved and although its obviously two up and two down now the task of getting out is becoming harder by the season."



The Edgar Street supremo believes Shrewsbury's ability to splash the cash and attract experienced players will see them challenge for the title.



"I've seen them twice against Tamworth and at Leigh and they've got a lot of experience in there like the two lads at the back Tinson and Ridler and the two up front Darby and Cramb and you look at the strength on the bench," he said.



"When I saw the teamsheet at Leigh the other night I thought they'd got the reserves out with Rodgers and Quinn on the bench but I suppose at his age he's got to have a breather now and again!"



"The big spenders will be up there at the end of the season. I don't mean that necessarily in terms of transfers fees but the big wage payers like Chester and Shrewsbury."



In stark contrast, Turner is relying on youth and enthusiasm to give his cash-strapped club a chance of the championship and keeping his fingers crossed that they can hold their nerve.



"The likes of us and Barnet have got to hope that enthusiasm, good organisation and some useful young players, which is what we've got, will be enough to get us up there at the end of the season," he said.



"I think we've got enough about us to challenge but with such a young group of players they have to be able to handle the pressure when it starts to get into the last two or three months of the season when every point is vital.



"That's when we find out if we've got enough strength of character to pull it off."



Turner says Hereford's former Meadow contingent are relishing their return to the riverside ground tomorrow as Shrewsbury was the first fixture they looked out for at the start of the season.



He said: "I think there's a great interest in the game, not only from a personal point of view in going back to the Meadow but we've got one or two in our squad like Steve Guinan, Andy Tretton and Dean Craven who are looking forward to going back.



"We're delighted that there's a derby in store because it just adds a little bit of spice to the season and makes things more exciting locally."

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Nicky on the run

Nicola Goodwin, the BBC Hereford and Worcester sports presenter, is this lunchtime half way through her run from Worcester to Hereford to raise for BBC Children in Need.



The ultra-fit Nicola left Worcester at 9.00am this morning and after a break at Froomes Hill hopes to arrive at Hereford at 3.00pm.



HU-FC.co.uk will give a donation to Children in Need in appreciation of Nicky's efforts and will DOUBLE the amount if Hereford beat Shrewsbury tomorrow.



Donations can be sent to BBC Hereford and Worcester, Hylton Road, Worcester, WR2 5WW.

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Guinan and Craven get chance to shine

Graham Turner has said that tomorrow's match at Shrewsbury will give several players the chance to make a point against their former club. He noted that it was unfortunate that former Shrews player Andy Tretton is out injured but for two others there will be a chance to shine.



"It will add a bit of spice for someone like Steve Guinan who has come here and done very well for us with his goals and the manner of his performances," said Turner. "So I think he will go back there wanting to prove something, as will Dean Craven."



Two Hereford "rejects" could feature for the Shrews tomorrow. Both Jimmy Quinn, best remembered for a missed penalty, and Jake Sedgemore had spells at Edgar Street.



Meanwhile Graham Turner has confirmed that Andy Tretton still faces sometime out of the game to allow his injury to heal.



"It looks as though it's a bit more serious than just muscle damage. It has gone on for eight weeks and I'm disappointed as I thought the maximum he would have been out was for six weeks," he told BBC Hereford & Worcester. "It doesn't look as though it is any closer to being sorted out. So that's a disappointment to us, but the rest of the lads are okay," he said.

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Mkandawire out for one game

Hereford United have confirmed that Tamika Mkandawire will only serve a one match suspension for being sent-off last Saturday against Margate. He will miss the home game against Farnborough on November 29th.



Graham Turner admitted that their initial fears were that the ban might have been for three games. He is said to be releived that Mkandawire was given the minimum punishment. It is thought that the Bulls are hoping to extend his stay at Edgar Street.



Meanwhile Turner has told BBC Hereford & Worcester that there are no major injury worries ahead of Saturday's Shrewsbury game apart from Andy Tretton.



It is understood that Tretton will have another scan to determine how recovery from his injury is progressing on Saturday.

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Stern warning ahead of big derby match

Hereford United miss left-back Michael Rose for Saturday's crunch derby at the Gay Meadow against Shrewsbury Town, kick off 3pm.



Rose's one-match suspension means Dean Craven, once of the Shrews, will play at left-back, while Tamika Mkandawire will continue to fill Andy Tretton's boots at the heart of defence. Jamie Pitman, though, will return in midfield alongside Ben Smith, if Graham Turner decides to maintain the heart of the side that beat Margate 2-1 last weekend.



Shrewsbury Town have been hit by the news that star striker Luke Rodgers will miss Saturday's game.



The Shropshire Star reports that Rodgers has a hamstring injury and manager Jimmy Quinn does not want to rush him back. He said: "Luke Rodgers has got a problem with his hamstring attachment which he's been carrying for a little while now. He's persevered with it because he didn't want to stop training in case it affected his chances of getting back into the team.



"He's very sore and he's likely to miss Saturday because we've got another big game on Tuesday (against Exeter) and we want him right for that rather than make it worse."



Darren Tinson, the club skipper, has a neck injury, so Quinn will have to find a replacement if he is not fit, and winger Sam Aiston is suspended.



One fear is that of potential trouble at the game, but over one hundred police officers will be in attendance on Saturday, according to the Shropshire Star. Football intelligence chiefs will monitor hooligans travelling by cacr and train, and also keep a look out over potential hotspots in the Shropshire city.



The report reads: Dog handlers, mobile CCTV units and officers armed with hand-held video cameras will all be mobilised across Shrewsbury in a bid to make sure the top-of-the table Conference clash goes ahead without trouble.



The crowd is expected to be around 8,000, with 2,000 away fans, according to DCI Martin Whitelegg, who added: "Come to Shrewsbury, enjoy the football but if you cause trouble you will be locked up. Both clubs have some history of disorder and this match has potential for disorder in Shrewsbury.



"Our policing operation will be put into place to prevent that and we're putting other measures in place to prevent people coming into Shrewsbury on that day. If they are intent on travelling, we'll legitimately be able to detain them.



"It isn't a spontaneous thing. It's pre-planned disorder. They are not supporters, they're trouble-makers from both towns. Our job is to make sure the genuine supporters can come to Shrewsbury."

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Edgar Street area meeting

Hereford United followers living close to the city will have the chance to listen to Geoff Hughes, Herefordshire Council's head of development, about how the Edgar Street area plans are shaping next week.



A public meeting has been set for next Wednesday, November 26th, at the Shire Hall by the Hereford Civic Society at 7.30pm. The general public will be given the opportunity to ask questions about the redevelopment.



Meanwhile, the Hereford District Council have announced that the public will be able to view the Edgar Street Grid Masterplan-A Twenty Year Vision exhibition at various locations in the county from November 24th to December 5th. The first location is in the Atrium, Maylord Orchards, in Hereford. They are looking for comments from the public by Monday December 8th.



The "Vision" suggests that the existing football stadium will be rebuilt and redesigned onsite.



Copies of the proposals can be obtained by post from Geoff Hughes, Head of Community and Economic Development, PO Box 44, Leominster, HR6 8ZD, or by telephoning 01432 260695.

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2000 to go to Shrewsbury

Graham Turner says that Hereford United will be taking around 2000 supporters to watch the local derby at Shrewsbury on Saturday.



But, as he told the Hereford Times, he is surprised how the Shrews have handled the ticket arrangements. "We were led to beleive that it would be an all-ticket match and only found out that it wasn't, it's just all-ticket for the Hereford fans, when we were informed by our supporters," he said. "I think you have to be very careful with that scenario."



Last week Turner saw videos of trouble that occured earlier in the season at Burton and Tamworth when Hereford 'fans' were involved in violence. He hopes that the sixteen arrests that have been made will have a calming influence on the fringe elements.



Whilst always looking at the Shrews results with interest as a former player and manager, there's only one place Turner's loyalty lies. "We must make sure that the three points come back to Edgar Street with us." he remarked.

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