An article in the Birmingham Mail has suggested that the honesty of Andy Williams, the Hereford United striker, in not going to ground after being clipped by Walsall keeper Clayton Ince might have cost the Bulls the game.
WALSALL benefited from the honesty of Hereford striker Andy Williams during the draw at The Banks’s Stadium.
Doing the decent thing in football can cost you. Darren Wrack can vouch for that from September 2003 when the Saddlers visited Ipswich in the Championship.
In the second half, with an Ipswich player having received treatment, Wrack threw the ball not out for a goal-kick but straight to home goalkeeper Kelvin Davis and was still chasing back into position seconds later when Darren Bent scored the winner for Town.
On Saturday, it was Williams who was punished. Clean through on Clayton Ince in the first half, the striker was clipped by the goalkeeper but, instead of going down, Premiership-style, like a sack of potatoes, he stayed upright and tried to score.
His reward? Nothing – as Manny Smith got in a great block. Ince might not have been red-carded had Williams gone down – he did get a bit of ball as well as player, but the referee would have faced a tricky decision.
“We thought there should have been a penalty,” said Hereford manager Graham Turner. “And the referee would then have had the problem of should he send the goalkeeper off? If Andy had gone down there was a possibility of a penalty and a sending-off.”
Both Williams’ conduct and Turner’s measured response only added to the credit Hereford took from the match. Turner is adamant his team won’t go down and let’s hope they don’t. The former Wolves and Villa boss reckons his opposite number Chris Hutchings will succeed at Walsall. “Chris has a good record at previous clubs and a lot of experience,” Turner said.
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Sunday, January 25, 2009
Honest Willo and the Penalty Shout
Real Culprits will not be at Hereford
Millwall Executive Deputy Chairman Heather Rabbatts has released a statement in which she spoke of the club determination to help identify those involved in the trouble at Hull yesterday.
"I have already spoken to a number of genuine fans as well as my other directors, and we are as one in our determination to rid this club of the element that caused problems on Saturday. The reality of the situation is that we have a core of around four or five hundred travelling fans who follow the team up and down the country week-in week-out causing no probems whatsoever. These people will now be identified by other clubs and police forces as potential trouble makers and treated accordingly, whilst the real culprits will not be at Hereford on Tuesday night for example.
"We, at Millwall, will continue to take responsibility for doing everything in our power to rid ourselves of a criminal element which clearly sees big games involving our club as an opportunity to indulge in anti-social behaviour. Saying that these are not genuine Millwall fans is not ducking the issue because clearly those who support the team regularly know what damage incidents such as Saturday's do to the club and are as dismayed by and condemnatory of these events as the rest of us.
"What is even more vital now, is that everyone working in football wakes up to the fact that there is still an anti-social hooligan element in our society which continues to be attracted to football as a vehicle for their activities. While Millwall's name was again the one that hit the media headlines, so-called Hull City fans were also arrested on Saturday and there were problems at other games just as there have been during the course of the season. Football clubs and the football authorities have to redouble our efforts in working with police and other agencies to tackle what remains a major issue for all of us."
Attendances To Determine Transfer Activity?
Football League attendances have continued to fall with most people awaiting their first pay packet of the new year.
Yesterday saw Accrington barely break 1,000 supporters in their game with Barnet, a Football League low of over ten years. Walsall's attendance against the Bulls was just about their lowest home support turnout, removing the away supporters, as was Cheltenham's gate. Both those sides have instilled a 'one in, one out' transfer policy as gates fall.
Walsall's chairman cited the cutbacks at Jaguar as a cause of their lower gates, while Swindon are likely to be similarly affected by Honda's four month closure with a number of anciliary businesses in the area shedding staff with little work on the books for those months.
This Tuesday there is a full FL programme of matches that could determine transfer policy amongst a number of other clubs over the final week of the transfer window. Low gates on Tuesday, with Premier League action live on TV and a rainy night forecast, could stifle transfer activity as Chairmen across the FL reign in spending ahead of what has repeatedly been warned as rough times ahead for football.
The Bulls originally budgeted on an attendance of 3,900 this season, but have so far managed nearly 700 fewer than that figure. It will be boosted by the 'marquee' fixtures against Leeds and Leicester, but the final total is likely to fall short of the stated figure. That figure was given to the VP Club AGM in mid-July when just fifteen players were signed to the club.
By the time the season kicked off the squad was up to nineteen and far from complete. The long promised striker signing never materialised, with the wages set aside for the incoming target man presumably still to be spent. Graham Turner has repeatedly stated over several seasons that he has kept money aside in the budget 'for the right player'. That player was supposed to be Gary Hooper, originally, and has probably been a few other names since he fell off the drawing board.
Given the sudden, and brutal, nature of the economic downturn the failure to capture the big money targets may have accidentally been in the best interests of the club in the long term. With only Toumani Diagouraga and - presumably - Matt Done under contract for next season, and most clubs shedding playing staff, it will be a buyers market to snap up the finest of the surplus talent.
The only question is, does the buyer dip his toes into the shark tank of the final week of the window - or wait for the warmer waters of the PFA released list?
News Round Up
The Sun claims that the Lionel Ainsworth and Anthony Pilkington transfers to Huddersfield cost a combined £800,000. In the same paper Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn states he expects several clubs to go under in the next two months. Northampton striker Adebayo Akinfenwa is claimed to be interesting Leeds.
Cheltenham have signed Leeds midfielder Ian Westlake on a deal until the end of the season after Leeds terminated his contract there. Carlisle have accepted a six-figure bid from Colchester for winger Simon Hackney.
Travel to Stockport next Saturday
HUISA are running a coach to Stockport for next Saturday's League One game against Hereford United.
The coach will leave Edgar Street at 9.30am.
The cost is £16 with £1 off for HUISA members. Bookings can be made through the main office (0844 276 1939) or in Legends before the start of the Millwall game on Tuesday evening.
The FUNBUS is also believed to be making the trip. Details from the usual suspects.
No information from HUMADS so it is assumed they are not running a coach for this particular game.
Last season 260 Hereford United supporters watched the equivalent game at the County Ground.
UPDATE: Taking the train to Stockport may be an option. Trains leave Hereford at 9.55, 10.55 and 11.55 and take just over two hours. More details on travel etc to Stockport will appear in mid-week.
Hull Statement About Millwall Damage
Hull City AFC utterly condemns the violence and criminal damage caused by Millwall supporters at the Kingston Communications Stadium during yesterday's FA Cup Fourth Round tie.
A full statement will be issued on conclusion of police and stadium investigations, but it is already clear that a significant contingent of the travelling Millwall supporters arrived at the match with the single intention of causing maximum disruption.
Over 50 seats were destroyed together with toilet facilities and concession shutters, all in the North Stand occupied by visiting supporters.
Tigers chairman Paul Duffen commented: "There is no place for this kind of mindless hooliganism in football. It is an ugly throwback to a bygone era which most clubs have long since eradicated from their culture.
"Hull City Football Club will be seeking full financial compensation from Millwall for all the damage and will be making the strongest representations to the football authorities regarding this incident."
Reflections from Yesterday at Walsall
It's probable that Graham Turner would have taken a point before the start of yesterday's game at the Banks Stadium. This morning he may be reflecting that his side were close to taking all three.
Had the Bulls had been awarded a penalty in the first half, when Andy Williams appeared to have been caught by goalkeeper Clayton Ince, and then converted it, the result might have been different.
The incident occured at the wrong end of the pitch for the travelling support to be certain what happened. Only a video replay will tell whether the referee made the correct decision.
The stats showed that Walsall were penalised 21 times for fouls during the game. Several times Matt Done was brought down whilst charging down the left wing in the second half but only once did he win a free kick. Having said that Done did 'win' the Bulls a penalty when he was clipped by Mark Bradley.
Once again in general there was excellent travelling support for the Bulls with 899 said to be in the away end. However it was thought by some that the abuse given to right back Richard Rose by some fans was over the top. Rose didn't have a good game but getting on his back every time he made a mistake was unlikely to have helped him.
Rose was given a hard time by young Walsall winger Sofiene Zaaboub who, particularily in the first half, got past the defender with relative ease. It was similar to last Saturday at Edgar Street when Lionel Ainsworth gave the Oldham left back a torrid time. The problem for Graham Turner was whether to bring on Richard Jackson for Rose. However Jackson isn't known for his pace and, for whatever reason, Turner kept Rose on the pitch for the full ninety minutes.
Looking forward to Tuesday's game against Millwall at Edgar Street, it's difficult to see what changes Turner might make to the starting eleven assuming Sam Hewson remains unfit. However there might be a case for putting Jackson or possibly Sam Gwynne in the right back position instead of Rose.
Looking further ahead the Bulls have seven games over the next four weeks. Injuries and suspensions are bound to have an effect on team selection. For example Kris Taylor will miss the Stockport game next Saturday because he has collected five yellow cards.
No doubt Turner will be still hoping to bring in a few extra bodies to bolster the squad. He only has a week left before the transfer window closes, however the emergency loan rules will come into play shortly after that.
Results Round Up
Leicester's lead at the top of League One is now nine points after twice coming from behind to beat Huddersfield 4-2, while MK Dons were not in action. Oldham move back up to third after beating Stockport 3-1, with Peterboro losing to seventh placed Leeds by the same score. The Whites are still five points off the play-offs. The Posh are level on points with Scunthorpe, who beat Leyton Orient 2-1, and FA Cup occupied Millwall, who now have two games in hand on their rivals.
Down the bottom the Bulls remain three points short of the safety zone after Brighton only got a point at Cheltenham in a 2-2 draw, while Swindon did not play. Crewe were hammered 5-1 by the previously out of form Northampton, while Yeovil took a huge step away from danger in beating Southend 1-0. They move four points clear as a result, with the Shrimpers beginning to look nervously at the wrong end of the table. Bristol Rovers drew 0-0 with Colchester to stay 17th, with Carlisle a point above after being thrashed 4-1 at Tranmere.
In League Two Wycombe's shock 3-1 loss to Bournemouth cuts their lead to six points with seven teams behind them within two points of each other. Shrewsbury are one of those seven after beating ten man Darlington 1-0. Accrington amassed a whopping 1,056 attendance for their draw with Barnet, with Luton are on one point after a stormy 3-3 draw with Bradford that saw four booked, one sent off, and a penalty equaliser for the Bantams in seven minutes of injury time.
In the Conference Burton's winning run comes to an end with a home 1-1 draw with Altrincham. They are 14 points clear though non-playing Histon now have four matches in hand. Stevenage storm into the play-offs after a 4-2 win at Salisbury, while Forest Green are 22nd after drawing 2-2 at Rushden on Friday night. Kidderminster lost 1-0 at Barrow to slip out of the play-offs.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Heavy Police Presence expected for Millwall Match
Following this afternoon's trouble at Hull City where sections of the Millwall support were said to have thrown coins, bottles and seats at Hull supporters, it is expected that there will be a heavy police presence on Tuesday evening around Edgar Street for the League One game.
A Millwall Club statement this evening acknowledges the problem at Hull:
Millwall Football Club strongly condemn the behaviour of certain individuals who detracted from what should have been an enjoyable and memorable occasion for both Millwall and Hull City supporters at the KC Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
We understand that South Humberside Police will be conducting a full post-match enquiry. We will provide our fullest co-operation with any investigation in order that those individuals can be identified and brought to justice.
The BBC reported that a number of people were arrested during the crowd trouble.
There were reports of ripped-out seats used as missiles in Hull's KC Stadium, and police in riot gear tackled the trouble in areas used by Millwall fans.
After the match, which Hull won 2-0, mounted police patrolled the edge of the pitch and thousands of Millwall supporters were delayed from leaving.
The Daily Mail also covered the trouble.
A group of around 150 travelling Millwall hooligans broke through the lines of stewards as the game kicked off, though they stopped short of wading into rival supporters at that stage.
When police and stewards formed a human wall, it appeared that the tensions between rival sets of supporters might subside.
Instead, Millwall fans charged into the police line and threw missiles into the Hull section in one corner of the ground. Those objects were returned by a hard core of Hull supporters as the violence threatened to spiral out of control
Around 2,500 Millwall supporters were said to be at the game. However they may struggle to bring more than 300 or so on Tuesday.
Walsall Reaction to Draw with Bulls
Chris Hutchings gave his reaction to the 1 -1 draw with Hereford United this afternoon.
"I'm a little bit disappointed that we weren't able to hold onto our lead," said the new Walsall manager. "But the boys gave me everything out there.
"I felt that we worked hard in the first half and I was pleased with our shape, but the game became a little too open for my liking in the second half and you have to give Hereford credit for that.
"The attitude throughout the team was excellent and at the end of the day a point is better than none. There is a lot for us to work on, but we will take the plusses from the performance and go away and work on the deficiencies."
Hutchings also spoke to ITV:
"You also have to give credit to Hereford because they caused us a few problems, but we did hit a post and then had a great chance near the end."
End to End Game said Smith
Hereford United's Ben Smith thought that one point was the least the Bulls deserved out of this afternoon's game at Walsall.
"It was a really end to end game. We had a lot of chances and looked dangerous on the counter attack a few times," Smith told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"Before the game I think we would have been happy with a point but after the game we were a little bit disappointed. Still a point on the road is good."
The game hinged on two penalty shouts, one given, one not when Andy Williams appeared to have been brought down by keeper Clayton Ince.
"The ref seemed to think the keeper got a touch on the ball but I think that's pretty irrevelent because he went around him. Even if he touched him and rolled it into an empty net he's obviously put him off balance by tackling him so in my mind it's definitely a penalty. May be that was in the refs mind when he gave us one in the second half.
"I played it inside to Matt and then he played it to Toumani. I was following the ball and didn't really see but then the ref pointed to the spot. So we were more than happy with it. But I don't think it was clear cut."
And a few words on new loan signing Jennison Myrie Williams:
"He had quite an act to follow after Lionel's performance last week but I thought he looked really sharp. He's quick like Lionel. And he looks like he has got good feet.
"I think he tired a bit near the end because I don't think he has played for a few months.
"I think it's important to keep having that pace on the wings with Matt Done on the one wing and Jennison on the other."
Robinson on loan at Southend
Former Hereford United loanee Theo Robinson has joined Southend from Watford and came on as a sub for them against Yeovil this afternoon.
The 19-year-old has joined the Shrimpers on an initial emergency loan it is expected that his loan will then be extended until the end of the season, allowing the youngster to get further first-team football under his belt.
Robinson made his debut for Watford's first team in April 2006 and spent last season on loan at Hereford, where he finished as the club's top scorer with 16 goals in all competitions.
He has featured just four times for Watford this season.
Bulls and Saddlers share the spoils
Hereford United had to be content with a point this afternoon despite a good team performance against Walsall. The game finished 1-1 with a goal in either half. Troy Deeney tapped in from close-range to hand the hosts a half-time lead but a penalty from Steve Guinan levelled up proceedings in the 60th minute to the delight of the 899 fans in the away end, in a crowd of 4,438.
Following the transfer activity of the past few days, Lionel Ainsworth's position on right-wing was replaced by Jennison Myrie-Williams, who has joined on loan from Bristol City. Sam Hewson missed out due to injury with Ben Smith replacing him in the middle. Kris Taylor lined-up against his former club, who themselves named a mixture of experience and youth in Chris Hutching's first match in charge. Anthony Gerrard, cousin of Liverpool and England star Steve, captained the Saddlers whilst Chris Palmer, who once spent a short loan spell with The Bulls began the game on the left-hand side of defence.
The game started openly with both sides playing some neat football; the first opportunity of note fell to Deeney after good work down the right from Richard Taundry with the striker's acrobatical effort falling past the post. Tricky winger Sofiene Zaaboub, who caused Richard Rose a handful of problems throughout, sent a powerful left-foot strike goalwards with Craig Samson not holding the effort but Karl Broadhurst cleared out to safety. Hereford's best chance of the first interval fell to the out of sorts Andy Williams; a slip by Gerrard allowed Williams a one on one chance with the experienced 'keeper Clayton Ince. The Trinidad born 'keeper did enough to knock Williams off his stride and his eventual effort was blocked by Emmanuele Smith.
Following Williams miss, Hereford began to take control creating a number of chances. Quick distribution from Samson found Myrie-Williams on the right and he ran some 70 yards directly goalwards before dragging a low-shot past the far post. Taylor saw a curling free-kick held by Ince before Williams went close with an excellent long-range effort. It came about from neat control and vision from Guinan to send a ball into Williams' path and the striker his a half-volley early and narrowly missed the top of the goal. Walsall took the lead in the 33rd minute following good-work from Zaaboub. The former Swindon winger went into the box unchallenged and cut-back for Deeney to tap in from six yards to hand the home side the slender advantage.
United looked to respond quickly and some good link-up between Guinan and Williams saw the former send a right footed shot on target but it was straight at Ince. Gerrard rose above the Hereford defence to meet a Zaaboub corner but it lacked direction and ended up in the away end. Hereford again had a chance from a set-piece to score with Taylor again taking the responsibility; this time the ball was to the left of the centre of the goal but he failed to hit the target. Mark Bradley sliced a shot harmlessly wide from 20 yards after being put under pressure by Broadhurst whilst just before the half-time whistle, Guinan went close to equalising. Good work from Williams in the channel and on the by-line saw him see off the challenge of Gerrard before picking out Guinan who saw his place shot cleared off the line by Palmer.
The second-half followed a similar pattern to the first with proceedings relatively equal in terms of possession although Hereford again were creating the best chances. Taylor seemed adamant that he was going to get a goal against his former team and his burst from left-back allowed him to strike just over from 25 yards. United rode their luck slightly after the lively Deeney had collected a pass from Jabo Ibehre and took an early shot goalwards; it took a slight deflection off Broadhurst leaving Samson motionless as the ball struck the inside of the post before the Scottish goalie eventually claimed the loose ball. Walsall had their 'keeper to thank for a wonder-save to keep them in the lead. Ince, who entertained the away fans with some banter during the second-period, may be recalled by Hereford fans for making a world-class save from none other than Tim Sills two years ago at Edgar Street and he did the same again to deny Broadhurst. Done did well to keep the ball in play down the left wing and he crossed for Hereford's captain who made a strong connection but Ince somehow got to the downward header to stop the ball on the line before claiming it.
However, Ince could do nothing about the equaliser which came minutes after Broadhurst's chance. Some neat short-range passing allowed Smith into the box and his pass found Done's burst which was stopped by a trip from Bradley and the referee awarded a penalty in front of the away fans. Guinan stepped up to superbly place the ball in the corner past Ince, despite the 'keepers best efforts to keep it out. Smith saw a half-volley held by Ince although the effort was lacking power whilst at the other end, Deeney connected well with a cross from Alex Nicholls but the ball fell the wrong side the post for the home side.
Samson kept the scores level after a deep cross from the right had eventually made its way to the back-post for Zaaboub to control but Samson's quick reactions saw him rush out to block the close-range shot. Myrie-Williams' run down the right allowed him to find Done, who sent an effort into the body of Ince. Marco Reich replaced Zaaboub as Walsall upped the tempo in the last fifteen minutes although Hereford seemed content with trying to catch them on the break. Ibehre tamely headed at Samson after a cross from Nicholls before United introduced Simon Johnson for Williams late on, with the local lad picking up a knock. In stoppage-time, Nicholls met a cross from the right at the back-post and saw his header fall on the roof of the net.
The Bulls will be pleased with a point on Hutching's debut as Walsall boss although it could have so easily been three points but for some wasted chances and a brilliant save. Like last week, Williams showed his lack of confidence by fluffing a one on one chance. There were good performances from Broadhurst and Joshua Gowling at the heart of the defence whilst Done is improving with every game. Next up for United is the visit of Millwall on Tuesday, before the trip to Edgeley Park for our annual three points at Stockport!
Hereford: Samson, Rose, Broadhurst, Gowling, Taylor, Myrie-Williams, Diagouraga, Smith, Done, Guinan, Williams.
Subs: Veiga, Jackson, Beckwith, Gwynne, Johnson.
Walsall: Ince, Palmer, Smith, Gerrard, Taundry, Nicholls, Mattis, Bradley, Zaaboub, Deeney, Ibehre.
Subs: Gilmartin, Boertien, Sansara, Davies, Reich.
All The Stats From Walsall
Below are the main stats from this afternoon's League One game at the Banks Stadium which finished 1-1.
Possession: Walsall 50% Hereford 50%
Shots on Target: Walsall 8 Hereford 10
Shots off Target: Walsall 9 Hereford 6
Corners: Walsall 6 Hereford 6
Fouls: Walsall 21 (Twenty one) Hereford 7
Offside: Walsall 3 Hereford 3
Attendance: 4438 with about 899 from Hereford.
Thrown Out: Two Hereford supporters UPDATE: Three not two.
Booked: Rose and Taylor who received his fifth yellow of the season. He will miss the game at Stockport next Saturday.
Players Ratings: Myrie-Williams was awarded an eight. Samson and Rose received a six. All the other Hereford players were given a seven.
Bottom of League One:
18 Yeovil 26 -13 27
19 Swindon 25 -9 24
20 Brighton 25 -9 24
21 Leyton Orient 27 -16 23
22 Hereford 25 -14 21
23 Cheltenham 25 -25 21
24 Crewe 25 -24 19
Gowling can play against Carlisle
Hereford United defender Josh Gowling has been given permission to play against his own club in ten days time
Normally when a player goes out on loan from one club to another club in the same league, part of the deal is that he can not play against the club that has loaned out the player.
However Carlisle are reported not to have asked for that clause to be put in Josh Gowling's extenstion to his loan at Edgar Street which was confirmed yesterday.
“It is something managers sometimes request in loan deals, but we have not made that request on this occasion,” confirmed managing director John Nixon as reported in the Cumberland News.
Hereford United play Carlisle on February 3rd at Brunton Park.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Good support for Bulls expected at Walsall
Hereford United will travel to Walsall this morning for this afternoon's League One game full of confidence after last Saturday's 5-0 victory over Oldham at Edgar Street.
There will be good support for the Bulls at the Banks Stadium as it's little more than an hour and a half from Hereford. The weather too will help it is expected to stay bright but cool for most of the day.
For those unable to travel to Walsall BBC Hereford and Worcester will have full match coverage with Keith Hall and Ricky George, however this will only be available on 94.7FM in the Herefordshire area. BBC WM will have reports from the game.
Meanwhile Graham Turner has welcomed the addition of Jennison Myrie-Williams to the club. The young Bristol City player is expected to start for the Bulls this afternoon
“He’s got pace, he’s got trickery and I think we need that out wide. Wide players are vital to us and he should be available for selection," said Turner as reported by the Worcester News.
“He played against us for Tranmere in the FA Cup last season and caused us a few problems. He also went on for Carlisle in the last 10 minutes or so here when we beat Carlisle 1-0 and hit the outside of the post.”
Hargreaves happy to playing in 4th Round
Former Hereford United player Chris Hargreaves is probably as surprised as anyone that at age 36 he will be playing in the fourth round of the FA Cup this afternoon.
His team Torquay, who will include another former Bull Tim Sills in the starting eleven, are at home to Coventry. And a cup upset isn't out of the question.
Hargreaves is a journeyman who has now played over 600 games in the Football League and more recently the Conference. And there have been some up and downs as he explained to the Daily Mail.
"While I was at Northampton we played Manchester United in the fifth round of the FA Cup and I scored the one and only own goal of my career. What a time to score it. There was only a worldwide audience of 60 million so it's not as if there was anyone really watching. We were 1-0 down, I was on the goal-line, got bundled and managed to slice one in for Man United."
He didn't take to every manager he played under.
"The manager at Grimsby, Alan Buckley, wasn't my cup of tea. He gave me so many rollickings. I remember a training session and he said, "You can be Grimsby's first million pound player". A few years later he sold me to Hull for 35 grand."
And he admits his judgement could have been better.
"I've have made mistakes, just as everyone does. I left Everton as a 14-year-old when I shouldn't have. When I was at Plymouth, Newcastle came in for me and the club refused it.
"Then I was driving to Reading on deadline day to sign for them and that fell through because I found out later on that my agent was asking for 50 grand."
He thinks he's lucky to still be playing and likes to tell younger players what they should do.
"Every day I go on at them - they probably get bored of it - about staying as long as you can on the training ground because that's where it matters.
"If you don't, you'll end up regretting it. When I was playing for Grimsby, in those days it was go training, go straight to the pub for a pint because it was the done thing. Back then the old pros didn't tell you any different. They used to be as bad as us.
"There came a time when I knew the big move had passed me by. Now it's all a bonus. I'm thinking about playing on until I'm 40, but I still get hellishly low after defeats. You can't change that, even after 18 or 19 years.
"I've got five huge boxes of papers and videos of goals and cuttings at home. It's quite good looking back but I need to put them in order. I can't keep collecting old papers and taking them from house to house. They're just going from one garage to another and the wife's going mental at me."
Hargreaves joined Hereford United in February 1996, having had a spell on-loan, from West Bromwich and played over 100 games for the Bulls before moving to Plymouth Argyle.
Profile of Jennison Myrie-Williams
Jennison Myrie-Williams, who has joined Hereford United today as a replacement for Lionel Ainsworth, is a London born 20 year old winger who started his footballing career at Bristol City.
However, as yet, he has struggled to make their first team and so has been out on loan to several different clubs.
He made his debut for City against Southend on the last day of the 2005/06 season and then cemented a place in the City squad the following season.
Last season he firstly went out on loan to Cheltenham Town, and then to Tranmere where he was playing when they met the Bulls in the FA Cup.
This season he again went on loan to Cheltenham but only for a month before moving, again on loan, to Carlisle. When Greg Abbot took over as manager at the Cumbria club Myrie-Williams was soon returned to Bristol City.
Bulls supporters will have had the chance to watch Myrie-Williams on several occasions recently. Last October he came on as a sub for Carlisle at Edgar Street.
Jennison Myrie-Williams added some pace to the faltering Carlisle attack, replacing Graham up top, and he looked threatening.....Myrie-Williams kept Rose and Easton busy late-on, but couldn't hit the target with a left-foot shot from 20 yards...... Myrie-Williams came close to grabbing a point for the Cumbrians after using his pace to cut in past Rose and Easton, but his left-footed shot hit the side-netting.
And last January he featured in the FA Cup replay with Tranmere Rovers at Edgar Street.
Tranmere were boosted by the return of Jennison Myrie-Williams; the winger is on loan from Bristol City but didn't feature in the first leg....Veteran Gareth Taylor fired past the post after a good run from Myrie-Williams....Quick-thinking from Rovers nearly resulted in a goal, when Paul McClaren took a free-kick to Myrie-Williams. The wide man cut in past Richard Rose before smashing the bar with a powerful drive....Tranmere continued to probe, with Myrie-Williams dangerous once more as he jigged past two defenders before firing wide....again Myrie-Williams threatened after cutting in from the right-wing, but the end product was weak and Brown held on....Much like the first-half, Myrie-Williams run Rose ragged and again had a strike on goal with his left foot, but again Brown was equal to it.
Myrie-Williams has ambition. He recently told 4-4-2 magazine he would like to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ainsworth talks about his Move to Huddersfield
Former Hereford United and Watford winger Lionel Ainsworth has been telling the Huddersfield faithfull about his move to Yorkshire.
"I'm very pleased to be here - it's a step in the right direction for me. My agent called me and explained that a bid from Huddersfield for me had been accepted and soon afterwards the manager called me and gave me my options. From that point on the choice was up to me, so I came up to talk to everyone," said Ainsworth.
"I already like the place and the Club ticks all of the boxes. I have spoken to the Gaffer and he knows there are no quick fixes and I want to here in the long-term, as I think my contract reflects.
"I obviously played here for Hereford and Huddersfield were amazing to play against. When we came off the pitch, I thought we deserved to lose as we didn't do anything too special on the day and although I was playing against them, the Huddersfield team were good to watch
"The manager has explained that our wingers get most of the ball and if that isn't the case in a game something is wrong! Having played against the side, I know that is the case too and I cannot wait to get started.
"My preference is the right wing, although I used to play up front in my Derby days and I can play on the left side too. Put me anywhere and I will do a job! I've got a bit of pace, which has come from nowhere really - I seem to be getting quicker still - and hopefully I can show that to the crowd.
"I've been told that we are travelling down to Yeovil on Monday. It may be a long, long way to go but I am looking forward to it. It should be a good game and hopefully I'll be involved and we can come away with all three points."
Good Move for Gowling says Carlisle Manager
The extension to May 5th of Josh Gowling's loan at Hereford United has been welcomed by Carlisle manager Greg Abbot.
"We have agreed to the move, and Josh was eligible to play tomorrow anyway, so it is now just a case of Hereford completing the paperwork at their end," said Abbot.
"Once that is done, he will be registered to play for them until the end of the season.
"It's a good move for him, as it will get him regular first team football. He has enjoyed it down there, and there are others in front of him in the pecking order up here, so we were happy to agree to this extended stay."
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Huddersfield welcome Ainsworth
Huddersfield Town have welcomed the signing of Lionel Ainsworth from Watford, formerly onloan with Hereford United, and also Anthony Pilkington from Stockport.
"They fill the criteria I set out for players being young, hungry and good footballers," said manager Lee Clarke.
"They can play at the level above this and beyond and there is a lot of room to develop them as players. They are outstanding young footballers at this moment in time but they are hungry to do better. They can come on the journey with us at Huddersfield Town and compete at a higher level.
"Once we had an agreement from their Clubs it was quite easy. The players were very enthusiastic. We told them what we want to achieve long term and they bought into it.
"We beat of competition for both players from teams in the League above. I think people are hearing about the plans we have got here and what we want to do in the future and they must have been impressed by what they heard because we struck deals with both boys within an hour or two and in today's transfer market that's quite unique."
No news of fees involved for the players has been released as yet and neither is it known whether Hereford United might benefit from any sell-on fee for Ainsworth if there was one in the deal when he was sold to Watford.
Taylor ready for Walsall
Hereford United's Kris Taylor has spoken of his hope that the Bulls can spoil the start of the new management team, Chris Hutchings and Matin O'Connor, reign at Walsall by taking three points tomorrow. Taylor who was at Walsall for several years before moving to the Bulls keeps in touch with his old club.
"I think Martin will do well there," Taylor told the Walsall Advertiser.
"Since he's finished playing, I've played golf with him a couple of times and he talks a lot of sense about football.
"And it's great for the fans because they love him there.
"We are down there near the bottom and we need to get a result but the way it's been at Walsall they are the same.
"I was speaking to Anthony Gerrard this week and he said they desperately need a win.
"It will be my first game back there as a player so I'm looking forward to it. I don't speak to too many people there now because most of my best friends have moved on.
"I speak to Gez, but the likes of Dean Keates, Chris Westwood, Mark Wright, Danny Fox and Scott Dann have all gone elsewhere."
Taylor then commented on Hereford's recent form and 5-0 win against Oldham last Saturday.
"We have been threatening that result for a few weeks – we've been playing well but haven't taken our chances.
"We've been coming out of games saying 'how we drawn that one' or 'how have we lost that one?'
"That's been our problem for the last month or so but against Oldham everything seemed to come together."
Two Changes for Walsall Match
With Lionel Ainsworth moving on Hereford United manager Graham Turner has said that there will be at least two changes in the line-up for tomorrow's game at Walsall.
"We lost Lionel and Sam Hewson is not going to be fit. He's got a problem with his groin," Turner told the Official Site.
"So there's two changes at least.
"In all probability Myrie Williams will be signed in time. In all probability we've got Ben Smith or Sam Gwynne available. Sam is doing very well at the moment. So we've got options.
"Confidence should be high.
"We face the problem of Walsall just having appointed a manager. It does make a difference in the dressing room for a week or two but that's something we have to contend with."
News Round Up
Cheltenham have transfer listed three more players, taking the current total to six. Striker Paul Connor and midfielder Andy Lindegaard are available on frees, but striker Damian Spencer is subject to a small fee. Spencer was due to join Crewe for £150,000 last January, but failed a medical and has failed to score for the club since. Oldham's Lee Hughes won't be joining Doncaster after the Yorkshire club spoke to his agent over terms. They've turned their attention to Bristol City striker Steve Brooker.
Stockport striker Peter Thomson suffered a collapsed lung in training yesterday, and will be out for at least six weeks. Peterboro publicist Barry Fry has told Celtic they will need to pay £15million for Craig Mackail-Smith, Aaron Maclean, and George Boyd after the press claimed interest from the Scottish giants. Leeds' interest in striker Grant Holt is pure speculation, according to Shrewsbury boss Paul Simpson.
Chester have rejected a 'comical' £15,000 bid from Chesterfield for former Bulls target Kevin Ellison. Darlington and Bradford have also expressed interest, but neither has made a bid. Brentford lost £500,000 last season, a low figure only thanks to £350,000 of 'exceptional income', and have budgeted for a £650,000 loss this season. Their net debt is now over £8million.
The Conference is to review it's own activities after receiving complaints over the registrations of players that have seen four clubs docked points this season. The 'Administrative review sub-committee' will report it's findings in a month. A war of words has broken out at Weymouth. Departed owner Malcolm Curtis claims of pumping £240,000 into the club have been dismissed, with the amount classed as a loan. Curtis is also accused of reneging on an agreement to put another £150,000 into the club.
Grays have released six players as money troubles continue. Northwich, still locked out of their home, have signed three and seen three depart. Owner Jim Rushe has reached agreement to buy their home, but must now wait for the legal process to officially reposess the stadium. The Football Foundation are also monitoring the situation as Mike Connett continues to strip the stadium of the contents it helped to fund.
Leyton Orient have resigned West Ham defender Jordan Spence on loan until the end of the season. The England u-19 international played once in a six week spell earlier in the season. Swindon striker Barry Corr has been ruled out for the rest of the season after deciding to have surgery on his recurring dislocating shoulder.
Football League Interactive, who operate websites for 65 League clubs will soon have no.66 after Chester opted to join the network. They had been using a service similar to the Bulls' official site. Morecambe have released two players by mutual consent to relieve their wage capping problems. Ryan McCann and Michael Carr both signed 12 month deals at the start of the season.
Gowling loan to be extended
Hereford United have confirmed that the loan of Josh Gowling is expected to be extended until the end of the season.
The deal should be completed later today according to manager Graham Turner.
In his latest interview Turner reveals that he has made an offer to Gowling for a permanent move but Gowling and Carlisle have rejected the offer.
Myrie-Williams Set To Join
Bristol City winger Jennison Myrie-Williams is set to join the club on a months loan, Graham Turner has told the official site.
The youngster started the season on loan at Cheltenham, scoring once in five games, and was then immediately loaned to Carlisle where he started only three of the ten games he was involved in. He then turned down the Bulls immediately after returning to Ashton Gate, hoping to force his way into the first team picture there.
In total he has made 57 starts and 32 sub appearances, scoring seven times, spending virtually all the last 18 months out on loan. The six-footer can also play up front and is an England u-18 cap.
Guinan always a Threat
Walsall new manager Chris Hutchings appears to have done his homework as regards Hereford United. In particular he's noted the ability of Steve Guinan.
"Martin O'Connor, his assistant, watched them beat Oldham 5-0 last weekend and it just goes to show that everyone in this League is capable of beating each other on their day," said Hutchins.
"Obviously they will come here full of confidence on the back of that result and in Steve Guinan they have a player who is always a threat up front.
"But we will be going all out to give our supporters something to shout about and achieve a positive result. We've had a couple of good training sessions this week and are raring to go."
Ainsworth Joins Huddersfield
Lionel Ainsworth has agreed terms on a two and a half year deal at Huddersfield, once he passes a medical.
He will be joined at the Galpharm Stadium by Stockport winger Anthony Pilkington. The 20 year old joins on a three and a half year deal. Both fees are undisclosed, but Pilkington was rumoured to be a £1million target.
Ainsworth departs Watford after just eight starts and twelve sub appearances in fourteen months on loan and permanent transfer.
Pilkington's move was accepted by the Hatters after Jimmy McNulty rejected a £150,000 switch to Brighton, citing their poor League position and the distance involved. It is understood the fee for Pilkington is sufficient for them to balance the books for this season, though they will have to hand 20% of it to their former owners as part of the deal that saw supporters take over the club.
Hereford United manager Graham Turner is reported to have made enquiries about bringing Ainsworth back to Edgar Street but it appears he couldn't, or wouldn't, compete with the fee being offered.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Bulls win Award of the Week
The League Managers Association five-man Performance of the Week panel, comprising Chairman Howard Wilkinson, Sir Alex Ferguson, Joe Royle, Dave Bassett and Barry Fry, were in agreement that this week, the F&C Investments Performance of the Week Award should go to Hereford United following their stunning 5-0 win at home to Oldham Athletic, in Coca-Cola League One on Saturday 17th January 2009.
Manager Graham Turner will receive a specially engraved crystal football in a presentation to be screened on Sky Soccer Saturday on 24th January 2009.
Steve Guinan hit a first half hat-trick as Hereford United outclassed an Oldham Athletic side challenging for promotion.
Dean Windass hit the post for Oldham before Guinan opened the scoring from Matt Done's long throw-in in the 3rd minute.
Seven minutes later, Lionel Ainsworth set up Guinan to score his second goal from close range then made it 3-0 himself, just before the half hour, following up after Guinan's header had hit the bar.
Guinan completed his treble, four minutes before the break, with a shot on the turn and Ainsworth rounded off the scoring midway through the second half after dispossessing Kelvin Lomax.
Steve Guinan's was quick to deflect any praise for his personal contribution.
The 33-year-old said the Bulls' 5-0 victory was a true team effort.
"It's been a long time since we have annihilated a team, at times we were absolutely sensational.”