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Bury have been thrown out of this seasons FA Cup after fielding an ineligible player in their Second Round replay win over Chester.
Hartlepool midfielder Stephen Turnbull did not have the correct permission to play in the game that Bury won 3-1. Chester will be reinstated as a result, but Bury have already stated that they will appeal. The appeal will be heard on December 28th.
The Bulls will be looking to bounce back from the disappointing defeat at Shrewsbury when they visit Meadow Lane Nottingham on Friday evening for the League 2 match against The Pies. The ground was completely rebuilt in the early 1990's and is now one of the better stadiums at this level offering around 20000 capacity as an all seater. The visitor's accommodation is provided in the 5400 seat Kop End which has good catering facilities and offers an excellent view of the game.
For those travelling by road, the trip is fairly straightforward so long as you enter Nottingham from the south (For Sat/Nav users, the postcode is NG2 3HJ). From Hereford go to Worcester and join the M5 north to Junction 4A where you join the M42. Follow the M42 to the end and onto the A42. As you approach the M1, branch left and merge onto the A453 (sign East Mid Airport/Notts South/ Derby). At both roundabouts, take the third exit onto the A453 (sign Nottingham). Continue to Clifton roundabout and take the 2nd exit (sign Notts) then keep in the left lane and branch left to a roundabout where you take the 1st exit onto the B679 (sign Grantham, Melton, Newark) entering Nottingham. At West Bridgeford, turn left into Loughborough Road A60 (sign Notts). Follow City Centre signs onto London Road and at the traffic signals turn right onto Cattle Market Road A6011 (sign Southwell, Colwick). Turn right into Meadow Lane.
There is parking in the Cattle Market £2 or in the football clubs car park opposite their offices in Meadow Lane £2.50. Otherwise, there may be some Street parking.
HUISA Coaches £13 departing HUFC at 3.00pm. Tickets from club (01432 276666)
FUN BUS £10ish departing HUFC 1.00pm. Usual contacts
REFRESHMENTS. There are a number of Pubs and eating houses close to the ground with The Globe in London Road and The Southbank just over the Trent Bridge both offering a decent choice of Ale and good food. For real ale fans, the Vat and Fiddle in Queensbridge Road looks a good bet with up to 10 ales on and a Micro brewery next door! Finally, for those who prefer their waitresses to be not "overdressed", a visit to Hooters (on the outskirts of the Town A6011) could be the answer. I understand the fried eggs are well thought of in the area.
Rule Bulltania
Following scans, it has been confirmed that Shrewsbury forward Derek Asamoah did not break his ankle when challenged by Alex Jeannin last Saturday.
Jeannin's challenge cost him a booking and constant booing from the home support and the Frenchman was pulled off at half time, probably to protect him from retailiation or getting himself dismissed. Asamoah is expected to return to action in a couple of weeks.
In other news, veteran Grimsby man John McDermott has confirmed that this season will be his last. A one club man for his entire career, 37 year old McDermott should pass the 750 appearance mark for the club later in the season. York striker Clayton Donaldson has rejected a new deal at the club, fuelling speculation that the 13 goal striker will return back to the league.
Hereford United reserves played a friendly against Cardiff City on Monday.
The game, at Edgar Street, was won by Hereford 3-1 according to the Official Cardiff City Website.
Mansfield have sacked manager Peter Shirtliff after a run of one win in eight games left them just four points off the drop zone.
Shirtliff took over in September 2005, but the club finished just five points clear of relegation last season. Assistant manager Paul Holland will take temporary charge.
Meanwhile, former Macclesfield boss Brian Horton has thrown his hat into the ring for the vacancy at Rochdale. Macclesfield have sold all their allocation of 4,500 for their FA Cup trip to Chelsea, with the club laying on 70 free coaches for supporters. Accrington have been dealt a blow with striker Leighton McGivern being ruled out for four months after an ankle operation. The club have also extended the loan of ex-Bull David Brown to Burton for another month.
In other news, Swindon have revealed that around 60 seats were ripped out from the Arkells Stand during the trouble that marred Saturday's game with Bristol Rovers. According to a club statement, the damaged seats were roughly in equal proportions from each set of supporters and as a result the 'sterile' area between the home and away support will be increased.
The names of the referees for Hereford United's next four games have been announced.
Notts County - Rob Lewis from Shropshire
Bristol Rovers - Dermot Gallagher from Oxfordshire
Wrexham - Anthony Taylor from Cheshire
Wycombe Wanderers - Grant Hegley from Hertfordshire
Mr. Lewis is a familiar face to Bulls fans, last visiting Edgar Street for a 2-0 win over Stevenage in February. Mr. Gallagher is a regular feature in the Premiership and has never been to Edgar Street before. Mr. Taylor reffed the Bristol Rovers - Bulls match earlier in the season, and Mr. Hegley is one of the few referees to not send anyone off yet this season.
Floors-2-Go have revealed how much help they have given Hereford United in their sponsorship deal.The flooring specialist, which has its head office in Birmingham, has teamed up with Hereford United and will support the team for the next 12 months.
According to an article in the Ledbury Reporter 'the club's prominent main stand has been transformed with Floors-2-Go signature vibrant orange branding and the flooring specialist has also supplied stewards' jackets, flooring for the players lounge and Champions Pitch grass laminate for the club shop'.
Floors-2-Go's operations director Chris Middleton said: "I am proud to be part of a company that recognises the benefit of investing in the local community. Having lived in Hereford for many years and as a supporter of the local team, it is great to be able to give something back."
Floors-2-Go chief executive Simon Farnsworth added: "Our business is going from strength to strength and we wanted to support our Hereford store by investing in the local community. The senior management team at Floors-2-Go are all big football fans and we are looking forward to supporting Hereford this season."
The Mayor of Hereford, Councillor Bob Preece, has been presented with a copy of the new Hereford United book - Onwards and Upwards - by Hereford Journal photographer Andy Compton.
Andy, who compiled the book together with Brian Goodwin fron Bulls News, took a copy to the Mayor's parlour at Hereford's Town Hall in St Owens Street.
Looking through the book with Andy and the Mayor is Caroline Preece. Picture by John Bullough.
The book is available for £8.99 from Hereford United's club shop, The Hereford Journal and Print Plus offices in Widemarsh Street, Ross Labels Factory Outlet in Ross on Wye and Addyman's Books in Hay-on-Wye.
More in Wednesday's Hereford Journal.
According to the official site, Neil Mackenzie has been recalled by Scunthorpe.
The recall is the second in a week, after John Eustace returned to Stoke, and leaves the Bulls short of experience in midfield. Scunthorpe sustained injuries to captain Andy Crosby and Joe Murphy in Saturday's defeat to Blackpool, and are also missing midfielder Matt Sparrow.
With competition for midfield places now a little thin on the ground, Graham Turner may look to recall Jon Wallis from his loan spell at Dover. Wallis, who has indicated a desire to return to the Bulls and challenge for a place, has played in every one of the nine games he has been eligible for Dover bagging one goal and creating at least four others. He has filled in both at right back and, more usually, in a central midfield role where he has the main responsibility for free kicks and corners.
The FA have confirmed that Hereford United defender Dean Beckwith will be suspended for the rest of December after receiving a red card at Shrewsbury last Saturday.
He will miss the games against Notts Co, Bristol Rovers and Wrexham.
As usual at this time of year some players begin to get close to missing a game because of receiving five yellow cards.
For Hereford captain Tamika Mkandawire is currently on four cards. Several other players have three cards to date.
Rushden have confirmed the ever unpopular Graham Westley as the new manager of the club, with a club statement stating he was always their first choice despite approaching Gravesend boss Liam Daish and former Crawley man John Hollins.
Bury have employed the serviced of former FA Compliance officer Graham Bean in a bid to escape serious punishment over fielding an ineligible player in last week's FA Cup win over Chester. The club have also rejected the resignation of what a statement says is the person responsible for the mistake, believed to be the Club Secretary.
Mansfield owner Keith Haslam has admitted he will sell the club to a local businessman if the price is right. The head of chief sponsors Perry Electrical, Andy Perry, has confirmed his interest in the club but is yet to make a firm offer. Haslam has also denied that Chairman Peter Lee has quit the club after not being seen for weeks. Meanwhile, the club have had £23,000 of lottery grants for their Youth policy withheld after a Sport England audit found some of the £138,000 grant from the 2004/05 season had been spent on other things, including a £255 speeding fine.
Steve Parkin has left Rochdale by mutual consent after three years as manager.
The club had lost seven of their last eight games, and had slipped to 22nd - only out of the relegation spots on goal difference. His assistant, Tony Ford, has also left the club.
Parkin was in his second spell at the club after an earlier two year stint, and also managed Barnsley and Mansfield in his ten year managerial career. Director of Youth Football Keith Hill will take over on a caretaker basis.
Swindon Town are to investigate crowd trouble during yesterday's derby match with Bristol Rovers.
Individuals from both sets of support were seen to rip up and throw seating during the match while there were also reports of coin throwing between the two sets of fans in seperate stands. Over 2,000 Bristol Rovers supporters made the short trip to the County Ground and the behaviour of some in their number will only worry the Police further ahead of their Boxing Day trip to Edgar Street.
With the FA Trophy first round today, a number of ex-Bulls plying their trade in the lower leagues featured today.
Goal machine John Grant scored again for Aldershot as they lost 2-1 at home to AFC Wimbledon. Bertrand Cozic was an unlikely scorer for Exeter as they beat Heybridge 3-0. Mark Beesley and Danny Williams both started for Forest Green but couldn't stop them losing 1-0 at home to Yeading.
Danny Carey-Bertram and Jon Brady will be resting their ears after a very probable bashing from manager Jimmy Quinn as their Cambridge side lost 5-0 at local minnows Histon. John Brough helped Newport beat AFC Sudbury 2-1, but fellow ex-Bulls defender Kristian James - who played six times for the Bulls in late 2001 - saw his Merthyr side lose 7-0 at Stevenage.
In League One, Steve Guinan played for the first time in five games as Cheltenham beat Rotherham 2-0. In the Championship, Gavin Williams scored the only goal of the game as Ipswich beat Leeds 1-0 - his first goal of the season. Paul Parry made a surprise return from injury but saw his Cardiff lose again, this time to strugglers Hull. John Eustace made his Stoke return with a 15 minute sub appearance, but the damage was already done as Colchester beat them 3-0.
More detail has come to light over how and why Dean Beckwith was sent-off this afternoon at Shrewsbury.
Dean Beckwith receives a red card from referee Pat Miller -picture by Andy Compton of the Hereford Journal
In his report for the Hereford Times, Richard Prime wrote:
Dean Beckwith received a red card for retaliating after an offence by Cooke which went unseen by the officials.
Fifteen minutes from time, Brown threw the ball out to start another Hereford attack after a Shrewsbury move broke down.
The linesman then drew referee Pat Miller's attention to an offence that few others on the ground had seen and Beckwith was sent off and a penalty awarded.
Keith Hall for BBC Hereford and Worcester reported the incident:
Wayne Brown had made a tremendous save but the linesman had raised his flag on the far side and after conferring with the referee a penalty kick was awarded and Dean Beckwith was red carded for an apparant use of the elbow.
The Official Shrewsbury Town report says:
Hereford were down to 10 men after an off the ball incident, play had moved on when Dean Beckwith and Andy Cooke clashed, Cooke was walking away when Beckwith swung an elbow which saw Cooke go to ground, the linesman flagged and after a brief chat ref Miller had no hesitation in showing a straight red for the Hereford defender and awarded a penalty to Town.
Whether the cameras will have picked up the incident remains to be seen. But whilst there is no excuse for retaliating, Beckwith may be able to suggest he was provoked.
Meanwhile Graham Turner told the press that he didn't see the penalty.
Boston climbed away from the relegation zone with a 1-0 win over fellow strugglers Torquay but their squad will be stretched further after they finished the game with just nine players. The Pilgrims had David Galbraith and Drewe Broughton sent off for two bookings - the latter receiving his second yellow for slowly walking off while being subbed.
Macclesfield's brief winning run ended with a 3-3 draw at home to Accrington. The Silkmen are six points off safety with Stanley, now with just two points out of 24, only two points above the drop zone. Rochdale lost 1-0 to Hartlepool last night to remain deep in trouble.
Wrexham are also looking at the wrong end of the table despite an encouraging 1-1 draw with leaders Walsall, whose lead at the top is cut to five points after Swindon beat Bristol Rovers 2-1. MK Dons are third after beating 10 man Wycombe 3-1, with the Chairboys facing an FA fine after having six booked.
Lincoln are fourth after a 2-0 derby victory over Grimsby, who also ended up with 10 men. Mark Wright made a triumphant return to Peterboro as his Chester team won 2-0, leaving the Posh in sixth. Notts County reversed their recent bad form with a 1-0 win at Darlington. Bury beat Stockport 2-0 to move up to ninth, and Barnet beat Mansfield 2-1.
Hereford United have dropped to fourteenth position in League Two after today's results. However several clubs are bunched together in that part of the League.
10 Chester 22 4 30
11 Darlington 22 -1 30
12 Shrewsbury 21 10 29
13 Stockport 22 -1 29
14 Hereford 22 -3 29
15 Bristol Rovers 22 -6 28
Just three Hereford United players gained a seven - Connell, Purdie and MacKenzie. All the others received a six. For Shrewsbury Edwards was given an eight.
Perhaps surprisingly Hereford had eleven goal attempts on target against Shrewsbury's nine attempts. And despite one red and three yellow cards, Hereford only conceded ten fouls.
A visible reduction in the numbers of Police was noticable around the Gay Meadow today.
This wasn't surprising given that only about 500 (later confirmed as 692) Hereford supporters were at today's game.
However, according to the Shropshire Star, football fans were made to walk through mobile metal detectors at Shrewsbury Station in an attempt to cut down 'knife-related railway crime'.
No trouble was reported before or during the game other than a few verbals between seated fans.
Meanwhile Gary Peters, the Shrewsbury manager, was in a hurry to get away from the ground after the game.
He was destined for today's 3pm kick-off at Wrexham where Walsall were the visitors. Shrewsbury play at Walsall after Christmas.
Gary Peters in a hurry - picture by Andy Compton of the Hereford Journal
His wife was waiting for him in a silver car at the entrance to the Shrewsbury ground. After repeatedly blowing the horn and asking Hereford fans to get out of the way, she drove off.
Things probably couldn't have gone any worse for Hereford United at Gay Meadow this afternoon as they crashed to a 3-0 defeat, and defender Dean Beckwith was sent off late on. It seems the Gay Meadow holds a bit of a curse for United who haven't won there at all in recent years. Hereford's cause wasn't helped by the recall of John Eustace, meaning Luke Webb had to fill in, and they were also missing Andy Williams through injury. Shrewsbury were without captain Sagi Burton.
Shrewsbury dominated pretty much from start to finish as Hereford really under performed, having their only real decent spell just after the break. David Edwards seemed to be at the heart of most of The Shrews attacks and he was first to force Wayne Brown into a low save. It was Edwards' original shot that led to the ball ending up in the back of the net for the first time, but it was ruled offside as a striker got a decisive touch with his head. On the twenty minute mark Derek Asamoah was replaced by the hosts as an early challenge from Alex "
Guillotine" Jeannin caused an injury, and the Frenchman was booked.
Hereford's best chances in the first half came aerially, but Webb's attempt from Stuart Fleetwood's cross was easy for Scott Shearer.
Luke Webb received a cut to his face after clashing with a Shrewsbury player believed to be Hope - picture by Andy Compton of the Hereford Journal.
Town had a good call for a penalty turned down when Tamika Mkandawire had handled inside the box, moments after Brown had kept The Bulls level with a fantastic save. Neil Ashton had raced to the by-line on the left before crossing low, but Brown palmed it away into the path of Andy Cooke. Brown, somehow though, managed to leap in front of Cooke's goalbound effort just in time to divert it over the cross bar.
With the pressure building, the homeside finally made a break through with ten minutes until half time, with Cooke scoring a great opportunist goal.
Brown beaten by Cooke's first goal. - another Andy Compton picture
United's defence let the ball bounce in the box from a cross and Cooke, with Mkandawire close behind him and his back to goal, hooked the ball over his and the defenders head, and it dipped into the far side of the goal. Hereford replied with a couple of headed efforts, both from Rob Purdie crosses but both Tim Sills and Alan Connell didn't make Shearer work too hard.
At the break Graham Turner made a straight swap at left wing back, Simon Travis on for Jeannin but it had little effect on the outcome, though Travis' slip was crucial for Shrews' second goal. Neil MacKenzie, a contender for United's man of the match though the competition wasn't up to much, had a low drive blocked before a mix up between 'keeper and defender almost gifted Travis an equaliser, but he sliced high and wide with his left foot.
After a good spell from The Whites, Town broke away at pace through first half sub Danny Thomas but his near post cross was met by Edwards, who couldn't hit the target. United needed to get more of a hold in midfield, and Turner tried to address this by introducing Andy Ferrrell in place of Fleetwood, meaning Connell had a rare opportunity as striker. Ferrell was straight in on the act as he fired wide from the edge of the box, after Webb had ventured forward down the right. Connell then fired a free kick off the wall and just wide before Shrewsbury got the sucker punch on sixty six minutes. Connell had tracked back well on the left and won the ball, but then played it back to Travis, who slipped allowing Ben Davies to cross low to the near post for Cooke to get his second.
Connell had a half chance before United had a penalty appeal turned down moments before Town got a penalty themselves. Dean Beckwith was sent off for an off the ball incident in which the linesman judged him to have elbowed an opponent, and a penalty was given. Michael Symes took authority over Cooke, who was on a hat trick, but fired wide of the mark. It didn't matter though, as Shrews got their third just a minute later. A good move down the right resulted in Edwards heading in at the near post, glancing the ball in at the far.
Connell went close again from a free kick but the game had been sealed at 2-0 in all honesty. United really were poor this afternoon, and will be needing to get back on track next Friday against Notts County. It'll be interesting to see if Turner changes his midfied, which is where the game was lost today. Eustace, despite not having played that well as of late, was sorely missed. It's onwards and, hopefully, upwards for The Bulls though, who, on the bright side, never have to visit Gay Meadow again!
HUFC: Brown, Gulliver, Mkandawire, Beckwith, Jeannin, Purdie, MacKenzie, Webb, Connell, Sills, Fleetwood. Subs: Travis, McClenahan, Thompson, Ferrell, Rose.
STFC: Shearer, Aston, Herd, Hope, Edwards, Drummond, Davies, Asamoah, Symes, Cooke, Langmead. Subs: MacKenzie, Jones, Thomas, Sorvel, Fortune-West.
Hereford United were well beaten by Shrewsbury Town this afternoon.
One goal before half-time and two afterwards sealed the win. And Shrewsbury missed a penalty after Dean Beckwith was sent off after using his elbow. The referee consulted his linesman before showing the red card. The incident happened 'off the ball' and between Beckwith and Shrewsbury's Andy Cooke. Few, if any, Hereford supporters had a good view of what actually happened.
Beckwith is expected to miss three games starting with Notts County on Friday evening.
Alex Jeannin was booked in the first half for a rash challenge. He was replaced at half time by Simon Travis. Both Phil Gulliver and Neil MacKenzie were also booked.
The game was somewhat reminiscent of three seasons ago when the Bulls were defeated 4-1.
This is expected to be the last time Hereford will play at the Gay Meadow as Shrewsbury are expected to move to their new stadium which is being built on the southern side of town.
Graham Turner in the area for the last time at the Gay Meadow - Bulls News picture
Although Graham Turner will have fond memories of the stadium from the times he played for and managed Shrewsbury, supporters will be aware that the Bulls have failed to win a game there for more than thirty years.
Full report shortly.
Bury have been charged with the FA over fielding an ineligible player in their FA Cup win over Chester.
On loan Hartlepool midfielder Stephen Turnbull is believed to not have had the correct clearance to play in last Tuesday's replay win. He was originally ineligible as Hartlepool did not want the player cup tied, but the Pools lost to Macclesfield in the FA Cup ten days before and Hartlepool gave verbal permission for the 20 year old to feature in the replay.
The FA, however, require a player to have written permission, and Bury now face a Challenge Cup Sub Committee on Wednesday to face charges of fielding an ineligible player. Bury could face a fine, be ordered to replay the game in question, or be thrown out of the competition. The club drew a potentially lucrative tie with Ipswich in Round Three.
Shrewsbury Town have confirmed that today's match against Hereford United is on. Kick-off is at mid-day.
The Shropshire club report that last night's rain has drained away.
A dry day is forecast.
Shrewsbury Town Football Club said this afternoon that no inspection is planned at the Gay Meadow in advance of tomorrow's game with Hereford United 'as things stand at the moment'
However since that news was posted moderate rain has been falling around Shrewsbury. This rain looks as though it will be through that area by late this evening.
Staff will be at the Gay Meadow early tomorrow morning so should be able to access how conditions are before most Hereford United supporters leave for the game.
Assuming the game goes ahead, the pitch is bound to be very heavy. Whether that will benefie one side more than the other remains to be seen.
Meanwhile the independent Hereford United forum is carrying posts saying that some supporters have not yet received their tickets for this game. It's unclear whether they have been posted late or simply delayed in the Christmas post.
One supporter who says he has spoken to Shrewsbury Town suggests that fans will be able to pay on the gate if their tickets have not arrived. Anyone is this position may consider bringing a receipt with them which should suffice as proof of purchase.
Meanwhile it is understood Hereford United have travelled towards Shrewsbury this evening for an over-night stay.
There will be full commentary of the Shrewsbury Town/Hereford United League Two clash tomorrow on BBC Hereford and Worcester.
Keith Hall will be at the Gay Meadow for the station.
The commentary from 12 noon will be available on 94.7 FM in Herefordshire.
Meanwhile Shrewsbury appear to be favourites to win the game.
Sky Sports are quoting:
Shrewsbury 11/10 Draw 9/4 Hereford 2/1
Shrewsbury Town are confident that tomorrows game will go ahead after a "Herculean" effort to clear water from the pitch.
Virtually all the standing water is now clear and the club are not expecting problems from the high tide later today. The pitch will be very heavy for the game and is likely to cut up badly.
Speaking to the Shropshire Star yesterday, Shrews manager Gary Peters surveyed the suituation: "I got in at 6.30am to push the water off the pitch for the last one and I don't know if there are any other managers in the country who would do that. But then it's just whether it comes back again. It depends what's happening in Wales at the moment and whether the river rises again. Rest assured though, everything we can do will be done."
Hereford United's on-loan mid-fielder John Eustace has been recalled by Stoke City and will miss Saturday's game at Shrewsbury.
"We are disappointed," John Trewick, the Bulls coach, told the Worcester News. "I think Stoke have got one or two injuries in midfield which have prompted them to take him back.
"We had him for an extra month which took us through to the New Year. We have lost him for that and I don't think we can have him back after that. He felt he was getting some benefit from playing matches and he added a bit of quality to the squad so both parties are disappointed."
With Eustace un-available it is expected that either Luke Webb or Andy Ferrell will partner Neil MacKenzie in midfield on Saturday.
The paper has also reported that both Wayne Brown and Alex Jeannin have missed some training.
Brown missed training today through illness and Alex Jeannin is struggling with a hamstring problem.
As reported earlier Andy Williams is a doubt with a tonsil infection.
The decision to move the livestock market out of Hereford has been confirmed this morning by the Herefordshire Council.
The market will move to a 48 acre site close to Wyevale Nurseries just off the recently upgraded Roman Road.
The move is seen as another step in paving the way for redevelopment of the area known as the Edgar Street Grid which includes Hereford United's football ground.
The cost of a new market is said to be around £6 million but the value of the land it currently stands on in Hereford may be worth at least twice as much.
The game is now scheduled to be played at St Mary's, Lugwardine this Saturday with a 10.15 kick off. As before anyone who is interested would be welcome.
If any added incentive was required, the draw for the next round would see them at home against Mid-Cheshire, who beat Salford 1-0 to reach round 5. Given the distances involved, a home draw has to be a big advantage.
According to this morning's Hereford Times, Andy Williams is suffering from ulcerated tonsils and could miss Saturday's game at Shrewsbury.
The game looks as though it will go ahead. River levels have dropped.
Manager Gary Peters is said by the Shropshire Star to be optimistic after most of the water has gone off the pitch.
"I got down here at 6am this morning and you could see onto the pitch," he said.
Meanwhile back in the Hereford Times, Graham Turner is quoted talking about the forthcoming third round cup tie with Bristol Rovers.
"It will be a tough game for us but we feel that we can deal with them.
"Rovers thoroughly deserved their victory (on Tuesday evening) and looked good."
Darlington boss Dave Penney has bemoaned the current loan system preventing him from bolstering his 'depleted' squad. The club had five players injured, forcing Penney to deploy three players out of position from his 29 man squad. Penney told the local press: "The system is wrong for us. We can't afford to have big squads at this level and we have to make do with what we have for another five games at what is a crucial stage of the season."
Wrexham have released striker Jon Newby after they decided to end his rolling one month deal as Lee McEvilly and Juan Ugarte return to fitness. Newby started just two games, coming off the bench for another eleven, and failed to score. Bristol Rovers have extended the loan of West Brom striker Stuart Nicholson for another month. He is not eligible to play in the FA Cup match with the Bulls.
Shrewsbury defender Ben Herd has told the Shropshire Star that they are not worried about their league position just six points off the relegation zone: "I don't look at league positions until they matter, and that's in May. I've no doubts in my own mind about where I think we'll be but I don't want to say it because when I have before we've always seemed to go on a losing run, so I'll keep it to myself. All being well, people will keep working hard and the spirit will remain good like it is now. If we have that then I'm sure we'll be up there. It's certainly not time to push the panic button."
Peterboro defender Chris Plummer has quit the game to take a job in financial services. The 30 year old had recently spent a couple of spells on loan in the Conference and didn't want to stay there. Swindon have told experienced midfielder Gareth Whalley he can leave in January. The 32 year old helped Wigan into the Premiership before joining Swindon, but hasn't featured in the league this season.