Former Hereford United coach Richard Bate has joined Watford.
59 year-old Bate has spent the last year as technical director of the Canadian Soccer Association.
"I want Watford Football Club to have the best Academy in the world and I believe we have captured the best developer of talent in the world in the shape of Richard," Aidy Boothroyd, the Watford manager, told the club's official site.
"This is a massive coup for me and Watford, and it's as important a signing we will make this summer. He is going to be a massive addition to any young player's development plan, and he adds to what is an already strong Academy department at Vicarage Road."
Already at Watford is former Hereford United player Gavin Mahon who is the Watford captain. Mahon has signed a new two-year contract extension with the Premiership newcomers
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Friday, July 21, 2006
Bates joins Watford
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Farewell to Grif
This article, written by Ricky George, was published on 24dash.com this afternoon.
When my daughter called me this morning to tell me Fred Potter was on the telephone, I was full of trepidation when I picked up the receiver.
Although Fred and I are old team mates from Hereford United's great era of the early seventies, we very rarely speak on the phone.
Sadly, my inclination proved to be correct; Fred was calling to give me the dreadful news that Roger Griffiths, our full-back in the same team, had passed away suddenly last night after suffering a heart attack.
Roger was sixty one in February. Last year, shortly after his sixtieth birthday, the Giant-Killers got together at the Left Bank Restaurant in Hereford for another reunion. Colin Addison, our player-manager during the FA Cup run in season 1971-72, was instrumental in bringing the players together again, and promised that we would gather more frequently in the future, for obvious reasons.
I have been asked many times, to try and explain how and why our team of part-time footballers, many of whom were already in their thirties, were able to play four games against the highest opposition in the land and lose just once. For the record, Hereford United drew 2-2 away at Newcastle United in the third round of the FA Cup, and then beat the First Division side in extra time after a replay.
Four days later, in the fourth round, the Southern League team drew 0-0 with West Ham United at Edgar Street, before losing 3-1 in the replay at Upton Park.
Roger Griffiths played in both Newcastle games. In the historic replay at Edgar Street, he broke his leg just six minutes into the game, but played on for a further eighty minutes. You would never have known during that time that the full-back had actually snapped his fibula.
It will sound trite to say that that was typical of Roger, however it was typical of the team, and if any player typified that squad of thirteen players, it was 'Griff', the only Hereford born member.
Sir Alf Ramsey always made reference to the four world class players in his victorious 1966 team, complimented by the other seven, whom he described as just 'great'.
My answer to questions regarding Hereford United circa 1972 would be that we had six players whose names would be first on any team sheet, because of their utter reliability, and Roger was one of those. The rest of us drew confidence from their performances, week in, week out. Apart from Brian Owen, who played up front, the group I am referring to comprised the goalkeeper and the back four; Fred Potter, Roger Griffiths, Mike McLoughlin, Alan Jones, Ken Mallender.
Earlier this year, Roger Griffiths was nominated by the Football Association as part of their FA Cup 'Team of heroes', to celebrate 125 years of the FA Cup. Also nominated was the late Bobby Moore, a player idolised by Griffiths, who because of his injury, missed the opportunity of playing against the England captain in the two fourth round matches against West Ham in 1972.
In two spells at Hereford United, Roger Griffiths played 250 games and scored 26 goals. He made history as the club's first ever substitute when he took the field during the opening game of the 1966-67 season, a match that also saw the Bulls' debut of the great John Charles.
Tony Gough, who captained the Giant-Killers, has said many times that whereas the team would always be a part of the Hereford United story, Hereford would forever remain in the hearts of the players.
Never was a truer word spoken, and it is with a very heavy heart that I say farewell today to the first of the great side to leave us, the softly spoken, modest son of the City - Roger Griffiths.
Blewitt on trial at Daggers
Darren Blewitt is on trial at Dagenham and Redbridge. He played for 60 minutes against Kings Lynn in a friendly.
Blewitt, who has been released by West Ham, spent the first half of last season at Edgar Street.
Meanwhile another former Hereford United player, Danny Carey-Bertram hasn't had a very good start at his new club.
The Cambridge Evening News reports that DCB played in a friendly against Fakenham.
"But United's other forward Danny Carey-Bertram could not have bought a goal last night despite having enough chances to bag a double hat-trick.
"There were enough signs to see that the former Hereford man is capable of hitting the back of the net regularly though, as he showed a knack for being in the right place at the right time.
"Had Carey-Bertram been able to take advantage of his opportunities though, United would already have been well home and dry."
Gulliver needs to get fit
Graham Turner has spoken to the Hereford Times about Phil Gulliver, who joined the Bulls this week.
"He will provide competition for places with Dean Beckwith and Tamika mkandawire and will give us the option of playing three centre-halves if we so wish.
"He's not been training so he needs to get fit and is unlikely to play much of a part in our home friendly with Bristol City on Saturday."
Meanwhile it is reported this morning that former Hereford United player Roger Griffiths has died suddenly.
He was one of the team that played against Newcastle in 1972.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Consensual agreement not to give Turner Freeman honour.
Hereford Council have decided not to nominate Graham Turner for the honour of becoming an Honorary Freeman of Hereford.
Commenting on the decision director Grenville Smith told the Hereford Times that it was a 'shame' that Turner could not be honoured in some way by the city.
"We were in dire straits when Graham took the helm and he has turned the club around.
"To many people Hereford United is Herefordshire - one of the biggest attractions the city and county has got."
Last time it was Dixie McNeil
One of the features of Ron Parrott's new book, the Wilderness Years 1997 to 2006, is the ability to forward order the book and have your choice of player from Hereford United's time in the Conference put in the back of the book along with your name.
The same feature was used by Parrott in his book Hereford United - The League Era 1972/1997.
Then over 260 supporters voted for 54 different players.
Most popular Hereford players from that poll:
1st Dixie McNeil
2nd Chris Price
3rd Steve White
4th Jimmy Harvey
5th Dudley Tyler
6th Mel Pejic
McNeil had 44 votes or just 17% of the votes.
There doesn't seem an obvious player to top the list this time. Candidates may include such former players as (in no particular order) Gavin Mahon, Paul Parry, Gavin Williams, Steve Guinan, Ian Wright, Scott Cooksey, and Michael McIndoe or possibly someone from last season such as Tamika Mkanadwire.
Any supporter who hasn't ordered a copy of the new book can find more details on a Bulls News article dated July 5th.
Brownrigg On Move Again
Former Bulls defender Andy Brownrigg is on the move again, after leaving Unibond League Buxton due to travelling problems.
Brownrigg, who turns 30 in two weeks, left the Bulls after just eight games back in early 1995 for a £100,000 move to Norwich. Injuries hampered his chances and he slipped into non-league football after a brief spell at Rotherham.
After ten clubs Brownrigg ended up at Buxton last season, helping the club to promotion but he is to start a Sports Science course at Huddersfield University in September.
Chester's Ravenhill Move Collapses
Chester City's £50,000 move for Doncaster midfielder Ricky Ravenhill has collapsed.
Twelve days after Chester officially confirmed Ravenhill as a signing, and issuing the player with a squad number, Doncaster have called off the deal. An official statement reads: "Rovers Director of Football Mickey Walker confirmed that after delays by Chester City in the signing of midfielder Ricky Ravenhill, the transfer had been called off. Ricky will be placed back on the list and all clubs will be notified."
The move comes days after Chester Chairman Stephen Vaughan placed a block on incoming transfers after just 269 people attended a pre-season friendly with a top Belgian side, costing the club thousands.
In other news, Bristol Rovers have finalised the signing of Bristol City goalkeeper Steve Phillips on a two year deal. Lincoln have signed Shrewsbury striker Mark Stallard, also on a two year contract. Mansfield have signed veteran 'keeper Carl Muggleton on a free transfer from Chesterfield.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Bulls seal cup glory again
Despite a decent Westfields performance, Hereford United won the Herefordshire Senior Cup once again with a 4-1 victory over their near neighbours. Despite Mark Hibbard's equaliser for the away side after Alan Connell's opener, Stuart Fleetwood, Tim Sills and Andy Ferrell all netted to hand Hereford the win.
Graham Turner gave recalls to Tamika Mkandawire and Alex Jeannin at the back whilst youngsters Karl Lewis started in goal and Sam Gwynne who played in central midfield. Ferrell partnered Gwynne and there was also a start for Connell alongside Fleetwood.
The early stages of the game saw Fleetwood fire a free-kick into the arms of the Westfields 'keeper before Connell's through ball gave Ferrell the chance for the opener but his right foot drive struck the bar. Down the left, Gareth Sheldon's whipped cross was met by Fleetwood but the header went over the bar. Despite United creating some good opportunities, the play was very stop start creating a scrappy encounter. Westfield's determination nearly resulted in the first goal when a header by their striker was tipped out by Lewis, who pulled himself up to make a fine second save from the follow up and keep the away side at bay.
Yet, despite this chance for Westfields, it was United who took the lead in the 28th minute. Sheldon swung a dangerous corner in and despite Jeannin missing the ball completely when in a decent heading position, Connell picked up the pieces at the back post to volley home. It was Connell again who was in the action when Fleetwood's pace and pass sent him free but the left foot shot by Connell went into the side netting.
Hereford were to regret that Connell miss when Westfields hit back just two minutes afterwards. Good work down the left side by the away team created a chance for Hibbard after the pull back who cooly slotted home past the helpless Lewis. Hereford went in search of a goal before half time, Fleetwood's half volley was just over the bar. Yet just a minute later, Fleetwood's pace and determination resulted in the second goal for The Bulls.
A pass back from Westfields seemed to have their goalie in no trouble but Fleetwood took a gamble and using his pace to great effect, closed down the keeper. The attempted clearence struck the former Cardiff man and deflected into the back of the net to make it 2-1. Just before half time, Gwynne, who impressed with his long range passing, shot just over the bar after Connell had held the ball up well.
United started the second half with a completely different strike-force, Connell and Fleetwood made way and on came Sills and Andy Williams. It was Sills who impressed in the early part of the second period, shooting over the bar before good work from Sheldon saw Sills firing at the 'keepers legs.
With 56 minutes on the clock, Sills got his goal for the evening. A defensive mix-up saw the goalkeeper miss the ball when the defender headed clear. The ball fell to Sills who first time, looped his header over the Westfield defence and in to an empty net. Once again, the dangerman was Sills and long range drive was tipped out before Williams follow up was saved.
Played in extremely warm conditions, no-one can blame the players for taking their foot of the gas towards the end of the game. Chances became few, Dean Beckwith headed back for Sills but his powerful header was tipped over by the impressive Westfields goalie. Sheldon's quick cross from the right nearly saw Jeannin get on the scoresheet, but despite making decent contact, his header rebounded off the bar. Rob Purdie was introduced for the final ten minutes, but it was Ferrell who wrapped off proceedings with a bang. His 30 yard effort flew off the post and into the net to finish the scoring at 4-1.
The final score was a little dissappointing after the recent 10-0 victory over Ludlow, fans might of expected a few more goals but the heat did not help. 410 fans saw a fiesty encounter with Westfields playing their part in a decent game. The Bulls will need to step it up when the face Bristol City on the weekend, who were 6-0 victors at Forest Green last night. It is expected that United will have some trialists in the squad on Saturday, they were unable to play this evening due to the rules of the competition.
Hereford: Lewis, Travis, Jeannin, Mkandawire, Beckwith, Wallis, Ferrell, Gwynne, Sheldon, Fleetwood, Connell.
Subs: Brown, Rose, Purdie, Williams, Sills.
Hereford Subs warming up before the game: Rob Purdie, Tim Sills and Richard Rose. Also photographed is new signing Phil Gulliver who was out on the pitch despite not being named as a sub.
Baker transfer listed
Former Hereford United goalkeeper, Matt Baker, has been transfer listed by MK Dons.
26 year-old Baker has been deemed surplus to requirements at the National Hockey Stadium following the arrival of former Brentford keeper Ademola Bankole, 36, as player/goalkeeping coach this month reports Milton Keynes today.
It is understood Baker has been told he is free to leave as soon as he fixes himself up with a new club.
The 6ft stopper, who has a year left on his contract, has played 62 games for the Dons after being signed from Wrexham by former boss Danny Wilson in December 2004.
He moved to Wrexham from Hereford in summer 2004.
Gulliver linked to Bulls
Philip Gulliver has been linked to Hereford United.
Gulliver, a 6ft 2in, defender has recently left Rushden and Diamonds where he spent the last two seasons.
He featured in 40 games and scored four goals last season.
Now 23, he has had spells at several clubs including Blackpool, Bournemouth, Bury and Middlesbrough where he started as a trainee.
UPDATE 11.20am
Signing confirmed by Hereford United. He is to be sponsored by HUMADS, the new Hereford United supporters group based at Malvern.
Philip Gulliver whilst at Rushden and Diamonds. Picture from Team Talk.
Club Shop Stocks Up For Open Day
The Club Shop has stocked up with new lines ahead of Sunday's open day.
Alongside the Wayne Brown "Superman" T-Shirts (M,L,XL £10.99), new HUFC Polo Shirts are available in both Black and White (all sizes, Kids £11.99, Adults £14.99) and Baseball Caps at £7.99.
The new home shirt will also be available at the open day with Graham Turner telling last night's Liaison meeting that up to 700 should be available on the day.
The Club Shop also have a limited stock of 30 training tops, originally brought in for the players to use at Leicester but never worn. These collectors items have been embroidered with "HEREFORD UNITED NATIONWIDE PLAY OFF FINAL WINNERS 2006" and cost £49.99 (Large only).
Monday, July 17, 2006
Turner: Four Trialists Released
Graham Turner has told Monday's Liaison meeting that four of the trialists vying for contracts at Edgar Street have been told their futures lie elsewhere.
The four, believed to include Sam Alsopp and Steve May, have been released after playing in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Birmingham City.
A fifth, winger Davion Hamilton from AFC Telford, has been asked back for further sessions - but AFC Telford boss Rob Smith may not be too happy with the wide man after Hamilton apparently left the Bucks in the lurch by failing to appear at pre-season training, missing several training sessions without informing Smith according to the Shropshire Star.
Turner also told the meeting that he hoped that two more signings would be completed within a week, but refused to be drawn on the names of those players, adding that the squad could still be as large as 22 once the season started.
The Meadow End would again not be open for the Westfields match, and it was doubtful for Saturday after a drain collapsed by one of the toilet blocks which would need to be repaired before the terrace could be used.
Season Ticket sales were reported to be steady, Ground Advertising was almost full, and there was a waiting list of sponsors for new players. Saturday's match with Bristol City would also cost the same as the two friendlies so far.
The club were also awaiting Football League confirmation that three home matches would have 12 noon kick-offs on Police advice.
Ipoua lines up for Forest Green
Former Hereford striker Guy Ipoua played for Forest Green Rovers this evening in their 6-0 defeat by Bristol City. Ipoua is looking for a contract after being released from United in May. If Ipoua impresses at Forest Green, then he could be in the squad to face The Bulls when United travel to The New Lawn a week on Tuesday.
Bull wants Wolves job
Steve Bull is eager to get into football management and he applied for the vacant managers job at Wolves.
Bull, who was signed by Graham Turner and Ron Jukes for Wolverhampton from West Bromwich Albion, scored over 300 goals and won 13 England caps in 13 years playing at Molineux between 1986 and 1999.
He obtained his coaching badges partly from his time helping at Edgar Street.
"I have emailed Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey saying I would love to be involved," Bull explained to BBC Sport.
"I need to learn. I'd like to be an understudy for two or three years and see how I get on from there."
There are said to be about 20 applicants for the post.
Bulls should take the Cup
Hereford United meet Westfields in the final of the Herefordshire Floodlit Senior Invitation Cup tomorrow evening at Edgar Street. The Bulls claimed their place in the final with wins over Bromyard and Kington Town.
Westfields are the county's second side. Currently they play in the Midland Alliance but spent much of last season in the bottom half of the table finally just escaping relegation.
Andy Morris, the well-known Hereford estate agent, is currently the man behind Westfields. He was the driving force in moving the club to the All-pay stadium just a few hundred yards from Edgar Street.
Several of the Westfields squad are former Hereford United players. However best known is Ian (Dodge) Rodgerson who had two spells at Edgar Street and is remembered by many Hereford United fans for scoring the winner in a 3-2 defeat of Yeovil at Huish Park several seasons ago which kept Yeovil in the Conference for another year. Rodgerson helps with both coaching and physio work.
Graham Turner is expected to give several trialists another chance to impress tomorrow evening but will also be mindful that this game gives the Bulls the chance to put some silverware in the Cabinet.
Last years final of this cup, again between Hereford United and Westfields, was played on the first Saturday of August in front of just 575 spectators. The Bulls won 3-0.
Bulls away to Bromyard in HFA Cup
Although the final (Hereford against Westfields at Edgar Street) of last seasons cup is to be played tomorrow evening, the draw for this season's Herefordshire Football Association Floodlit Senior Cup has been made.
Hereford United will travel to Bromyard, as they did last year, for their game which has to be played before the end of the first week of November.
Full draw:
Bromyard v Hereford United
Westfields v Pegasus
Ledbury v Wellington
Hinton get a bye.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
HUMADS To Take 76-Seater To Stockport
HUMADS, the Hereford United Malvern And District Supporters, are starting off big and have booked a 76 seat double decker coach for the trip to Stockport.
The coach will leave Ross at 8.30am, Edgar Street at 9.30am, Cross Keys Malvern at 10.30, and Worcester South (J7, M5) at 11am to arrive at Stockport at 1.15pm.
To book your place on the coach, costing £12, call Reg on 01684 572945.
Steve May promising trialist
One of the trialists currently at Hereford United is Steve May who has been with Brighton.
May has played in both Hereford United friendlies mainly at right back but also in other defensive positions.
Last March, May went on loan to Bournemouth where he played for the Cherries reserve against Bristol City reserves. It was reported that Richard O'Kelly was 'taking a look at him'.
He didn't stay with the Cherries for long as in April he played for the Brighton reserve team against Aldershot.
The Brighton Website says May is a right back who likes to get forward and points out that his father, Larry May, was a former Brighton defender. May Senior was also a member of the Leicester City side that put the Bulls, and Graham Turner's Shrewsbury, out of the FA Cup in 1982.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Capacity to remain over 7,000
The capacity of Edgar Street is to remain over 7,000 despite the work currently on-going to ensure the ground is up to standard says Graham Turner writing in today's Bullseye.
The Hereford Council issues the safety certificate and the club has worked closely with them.
Turner estimates the cost of the work, which also has to meet Football League criteria, to be around £70,000. This includes the installation of CCTV and an upgraded computer system for the turnstiles.
Some of the work has been carried out to the Meadow End.
Turner gave BBC Hereford and Worcester some of the details.
"The second wall just before the terracing starts has been knocked down and replaced by barriers and the whole of the area at the bottom has been tarmaced. Toilets have been refurbished and updated.
"There has been an awful lot of work going on, some of it is not yet completed, but come the fifth of August it will all be finished.
Meanwhile Turner has also been speaking to BBC Hereford and Worcester about how much money he will have this season.
"They call it salary management in the football league. It's the same principle (as squad budgeting in the Conference). It's mandatory in the Second Division.
"We're allowed 60% of revelant turnover. It's a bit complicated but we've put together our budget and I think I have adequate funding there to produce a decent squad."
Bulls fight back to draw
Trialist Sam Alsop scoring Hereford's first goal with Jamie Price (originally from the Hereford area). Picture by Andy Compton.
Hereford United fought back from two goals down to claim a decent draw against a Birmingham youth side. Played on a fine summers afternoon, Birmingham raced into an early lead and doubled it halfway through the half before trialist Sam Allsop and Andy Williams scored to earn United a draw.
Jon Wallis started after recovering from his shoulder injury, whilst Stuart Fleetwood led the line with Tim Sills. Trialist Allsop started alongside Rob Purdie whilst another trialist Steven May partnered captain Dean Beckwith at the back.
It didn't take long for the away side to get going and it was Allsop who was at fault when The Blues took the lead. His sloppy pass led to a cross from the left and Clive Allen netted with a simple header. Hereford looked for a quick reply and Sills nearly found it when his persistance led to an opening but his lob from a tight angle struck the post, soon after Gareth Sheldon's run in from the left and shot was just over the bar.
On 15 minutes, United won a corner and Purdie delivered well, Fleetwood missed a decent heading opportunity before a scramble in the box led to Richard Rose skying from all of two yards. Yet despite the pressure from Hereford, it was once again Birmingham who were more clinical. Burge did well to find space in the box and his shot was deflected, giving Wayne Brown no chance as the ball looped over him into the far corner.
The lively Nick Wright from the away side went close on two occasions within minutes, proving a handful with his strong running but it was Hereford who managed to score the next goal. Fleetwood collected from Wallis' pass and an intelligent ball through from the former Cardiff striker fell to Alsop, who turned and confidently placed the ball into the corner with his left foot. This gave Hereford a boost and just before half time, Stuart Fleetwood went close to equalising. His strong running enabled him to get the other side of the defence before a delightful chip narrowly missed the top corner.
As expected, The Bulls made many changes to give all players a decent run out. Tamika Mkandawire, Alex Jeannin, Stephen Smith, Andy Connell and Andy Williams all came on, replacing Simon Travis, Rose, Purdie, Fleetwood, Sills. Immediately after the restart, Williams was involved, turning neatly past the defender before cutting back to Wallis who from close range forced Adam Legdzins into a decent save. The equaliser came just four minutes later though, with Williams grabbing it. Connell played an excellent ball through and Williams pace took him past the defence and from the edge of the area, he neatly slotted home.
Birmingham thought they were back in front five minutes later, when number 9 got on the end of a free-kick forcing Brown into an excellent diving save and despite strong appeals that the ball had gone over the line, nothing was given. May was booked for a strong challenge before Sheldon and Wallis made way for Davion Hamilton and Joe Stibble. Shortly after, Andy Ferrell and Sam Gwynne also made appearences replacing Dean Beckwith and Sam Allsop.
The game ended slowly for both sides as chances decreased, Birmingham's best opportunity fell to Wright who once again after showing some great pace, burst through the Hereford defence to meet a through ball, and despite going past Brown, Jeannin covered superbly to make a goal saving tackle. Connell once again showed great intelligence to find Williams who held the ball up and created a chance for fellow sub, Hamilton but his left drive was wide. Karl Lewis played the final ten minutes after replacing Wayne Brown, but had little to do in an ending that saw neither side looking like grabbing a winner.
Despite the Meadow End being closed, 856 turned up at Edgar Street to see an entertaining draw. Once again, there were many impressive individual performances, notably May, who had a strong game, showing his ability to play at different positions and decent all round game. Next up for The Bulls is Westfields in the Herefordshire County Cup, which should be a much easier test than todays opponents.
Hereford (starting XI): Brown, Travis, Rose, May, Beckwith, Wallis, Purdie, Allsop, Sheldon, Sills, Fleetwood.
Bulls draw 2-2 with B'ham
Hereford United drew 2-2 with Birmingham City reserves at Edgar Street.
Trialist Sam Alsop and Andy Williams scored for the Bulls.
Report shortly
Alsop on trial at Edgar Street
Sam Alsop, a defender who has been with Birmingham, is on trial at Hereford United.
Alsop described as 21 years old and 5ft 11in had a loan spell at Yeovil late last season.
He is in the line-up for this afternoon's friendly at Edgar Street against Birmingham.
Friday, July 14, 2006
"Super" Bob Gets Kiddy Trial
Kidderminster appear to be attempting to set a record for the Conference's oldest strikeforce, after confirming that former West Brom legend "Super" Bob Taylor will play in tomorrow's friendly with the Baggies.
Taylor, who is as old as Stuart Fleetwood and Andy Williams combined, is expected to team up with recent recruit Dean Sturridge, 33. Kiddy manager Mark Yates said: "He's a good mate of mine and at the moment he needs games and it gives us an opportunity to have a good look at him. Its an arrangement that suits both parties."
In other news, Danny Carey-Bertram played the second half of Cambridge's 0-0 draw with Histon - but scored a penalty in the County Cup shootout. He is a doubt for tomorrow's match with injury.
Meanwhile, Grays have signed former Canvey striker Lee Boylan but have surprisingly released teenage defender Gary Hooper. The 18 year old was subject to a bid by Reading last season, but has now been released after being a regular feature last season. He is currently on trial at Barnet.
Chester Chairman Insulted By Crowd Numbers
Chester chairman Stephen Vaughan has threatened to quit the club, again, after just 269 fans turned up for their home friendly with Belgian side Cercle Brugge.
The gate was over 1,000 down on the gate for another friendly, with Stoke City two days earlier, and left Vaughan feeling "insulted". Vaughan later claimed to the local media that he had ploughed £5million into Chester City, but that all incoming transfers would be put on hold: "I'm off if the crowds don't improve. I know it was hastily arranged but 269 is an insult. Last night has cost the club thousands of pounds. I drove from one end of the country to watch the game but where were the others? I've put a freeze on putting any more money for transfers and I'm going to take stock over the weekend. If there's anyone else out there with ideas of how they can take this club further then they can give me a call. And if they want to buy it, They'll need £5 million. It's night's like last night that make you think that's it.
"All I've had is criticism for the past two years and it still continues, I've got people complaining about friendly admission prices, I've got season ticket holders demanding to be reimbursed because they don't like all the games being switched to a Friday night. I'm just totally disillusioned with the whole thing. We put on these friendlies to help pay for the signing on fees and relocation fees for the payers that we have brought into the club. This was a Premie League Belgian side we were talking about last night. 269 is an insult and the 800 home fans who came to the Stoke game wasn't good either."
Fans were critical of the high prices for the friendlies. Both games, two days apart, cost £12 admission each and many fans on the club forums were opting to ignore the second game after seeing a disappointing start to the pre-season with a 2-0 loss to Stoke. Chester also lost the second game, 1-0, after Brugge had a man sent off.
Team plans for tomorrow
Hereford United entertain Birmingham City Reserves tomorrow at Edgar Street kick-off 3pm and Bulls coach John Trewick has told the Worcester News of his thoughts about how the Bulls will approach the fixture.
"I think it will be a similar approach (to the Ludlow game)," he said. "Birmingham are bringing across a young-ish side. They are at a good level themselves and it will be a decent test for us.
"I would think the plan is to give everybody a game. Some people will get more than 45 minutes, maybe an hour's football for some.
"The results aren't important. It's nice to win but it's more important to perform. We are looking at individual performances.
"Those little things that we're doing in training, we're looking for those to come to fruition."
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Smikle Scores In Kiddy Trial
Kidderminster Harriers have give one time Bulls loanee Brian Smikle a chance to shine at Aggborough.
The former West Brom player, released in May, was part of the Halifax squad to make the play-off final in May after tasting Conference action with the Bulls the year before.
Smikle played the second half as Kidderminster defeated Gloucester City 5-1, scoring the fourth from a Luke Reynolds cross. Kidderminster had previously done similar fitness trials at Gloucester University as the Bulls had done.
Prices announced for next two games
Hereford United have announced that admission to the Birmingham and Westfields games will be £8 for adults and £4 for concessions anywhere in the ground.
The club has also said that repairs to the Meadow End may mean that that area is not available on Saturday.
Meanwhile it is still thought that Birmingham will bring a reserve team to Edgar Street on Saturday although the first team isn't playing on the day.
Jon Wallis - "I just want to play"
On Tuesday evening, I managed to get a quick chat with new signing Jon Wallis about his move to Edgar Street and his hopes for the season ahead.
I asked Jon how he felt about dropping down to League 2. "No problem at all, the club is one that is on the up and I really feel I have a chance to secure a regular first team spot for myself and help the club progress. I've been impressed with the level of skill within the squad and the lads have made me very welcome. I picked up a bruised shoulder in training so I'm missing the game tonight but should train on Thursday and hope to play on Saturday against Birmingham - I can't wait to get started."
I asked Jon about his preferred position and reminded him that a good few of his opportunities at Gillingham had been at full back. "I just want to play, I'd prefer a midfield role and ideally want to prove myself as a creative central player but anywhere along the midfield will suit me and yes, even full back if the Gaffer wants me there."
I then asked about the sort of support the club received at Gillingham and what his expectations were in Hereford. "Well, gates of 5000 have been mentioned at home but the lads have told me about the traveling support here and I'm looking forward to seeing them at our away games starting at Stockport. The supporters can really help the team and we will be doing all we can to give them plenty to cheer about."