Test

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

News Round-Up

Cambridge defender Scott Garner says he will not be returning to the club after his loan spell at Boston ends. The 23 year old told the local Boston press he 'doesn't really want to go back or associate with the people there' despite his loan spell ending in December. An unnamed bidder in talks to buy Barrow has pulled out. Negotiations had been ongoing for a few weeks.

Gateshead have appointed former Spurs midfielder Darren Caskey as their new assistant manager to boss Gary Mills. The 39 year old replaces David Rush, who was no.2 to Anth Smith. Caskey has been no.2 at Ilkeston until his appointment with the Heed. Southport report that their October 8th match with Wrexham will be their 1,500th in non-league football since their relegation from the League in 1978.

The chairman of Billericay Town has asked fans to submit information after he became concerned that his club may have been the victims of match fixing. They were one of a trio of Essex clubs to have been accused of acts last season, with several Essex-based players now under arrest in Australia on similar charges. Steve Kent says he 'will keep gathering information until I come to a conclusion one way or another.'

Tamworth boss Dale Belford has asked his team's fans for patience after a string of poor results was halted with a win over Forest Green. The local press reports that 19 Tamworth fans watched the victory.

Meeting "Appropriate Time And Place" For Share Discussion

In his notes from last night's programme, David Keyte is disappointed that fans have been discussing tomorrow's share vote on 'unofficial' platforms.

He wrote: "In my view, a formal meeting will always be the appropriate time and place to debate issues, answer questions and decide upon the best way forward for Hereford United Football Club (1939) Ltd.

"It is totally inappropriate and unprofessional to publicise the financial dealings of a Private Limited Company through the realms of unofficial websites and forums, and thus attract opinions of non-shareholders.

"They, understandably, are often ill-informed opinions as, to be fair, they are not privee to the facts."

Meanwhile, Bob Pritchard has also used the programme to expand a little on the proposals for redevelopment. In a lengthy piece in the magazine, he says the club will now enter three separate leases for the ground of 30 years each with the option to extend them to 250 years 'on disposal of any of the development land at either end'.

Pritchard adds that the latest delays to agreeing the leases have been in order to 'avoid any future tax liabilities'. He also expands information on the previously announced stands, a 2,000 capacity terrace at the Meadow End and a 1,200 seat stand at the Blackfriars End.

The Blackfriars End proposal is for a five storey building totalling 60,000sq ft, with hotel, office, retail and residential use under consideration. The Meadow End would see a 24,000sq ft four storey construction, with a proposal to joint-market the site with the Council to improve the value of the site.

Luton Given Room For 1359 Supporters At Edgar Street

Luton Town has been given room for 1359 supporters when they take on Hereford United at Edgar Street on Saturday.

In the 1359 are 469 seats and 890 terrace places.

The Blackfriars End will be available if required.

Yesterday they took 731 to Woking for an evening fixture.

Last November Luton brought just 372 supporters for a Tuesday night fixture.

And to make matters worse for the Hatters, the Bulls won the game 1-0 thanks to 'a 55^th minute wonder strike from James McQuilkin' .

News Round-Up

Brian Smikle scored for Altrincham in last night's win over Gloucester. The goal can be seen on Facebook here. Gary Hooper scored twice on his full debut for Norwich in the League Cup. The 25 year old £5million striker netted late on to force their game with Watford into extra time, then netted the winner to send the Canaries into the next round.

In a report to members, Portsmouth's Supporters Trust reports that the club are now paying just 27% of turnover to their playing staff. Due to income being well over their forecasted level, they have cut their expected first year losses this season by £250,000. The Trust hold just under 60% of shares in the club, with the 'Presidents', the individuals who stumped up large sums to allow their takeover, holding the rest.

Simpson Disappointed With Defeat At Hereford

Lincoln's Jordan Tries To Stop Dan Walker's Run

Lincoln City manager Gary Simpson told the press that he and his players were disappointed to have lost at Hereford last night given he felt they had worked hard.

“The players are very disappointed because they worked hard tonight,” said Simpson.

“Hereford had their tails up, but in the first half we completely dominated the game.

“We know we have to work the keeper more, we know that, but we’ve got what we’ve got.

“They were more direct in terms of putting it in there and we had to try and battle with them to win the headers. That’s their style of football.

“We have tried to get it down and tried to play. I’m not saying which is right and which is wrong, but at the end of the day they got the one goal, the ball dropped, they’ve hit it and it’s gone in, so good luck to them.”

Simpson also admitted that he took striker Ben Tomlinson off as he was concerned that he might get sent off: “We were conscious for Ben Tomlinson because he had been booked and he is the last person I wanted to be sent off, so we took him off as well."

Reality Bites

Wednesday morning comment from Harwood Bull.

Last Saturday I made the trip from Lancashire, where they put gravy on fish and chips, and call a bread roll a teacake, to Yorkshire, where they …… well I’m not sure about the fish/gravy thing, but they still call it a teacake. A familiar trip, as I have worked in or near Halifax for the last three years. Despite that I had never seen the Shay before. I was surprised, I’d mistakenly expected a crumbling relic of former good times, but it was quite impressive. I should have known that the Shay was a decent venue, as my employers have used the conference facilities there - something that we aren’t able to offer. Maybe one day.
It got me thinking of a thread on Bulls Banter 2 or 3 weeks ago, where someone asked the question “how do you think other supporters see us?”. The main point was, I think, do they look at us as ‘a big club’ at this level, or just a team like Barnet who bob up and down from the Conference to League Two and back again on a regular basis. Certainly if they make that assessment on the basis of the ground, we are definitely on the Barnet level, whereas Halifax look like a club with potential, and a ground that would sustain a team in a higher league with crowds to match.
I don’t think we should kid ourselves. Despite visiting managers’ clichés about ‘a difficult place to go’ or ‘a big club’, I doubt that a trip to Edgar Street holds many fears for the opposition. Supporters of my age can remember one season in Division Two, as it was then (i.e. The Championship now!), but that was almost forty years ago. For most current fans – of the Bulls and rivals – this is about as relevant as the last time Preston North End won the FA Cup. For those who have come to football in the last 15 years or so, they probably regard us as a modest club who had a brief period of success half a dozen years ago and who have struggled ever since. One thing that always riles me is when someone says ‘get this club back where it belongs’. If a club is in a lowly position and/or hugely in debt it is because of poor performances on the pitch and financial mismanagement. You belong at the level your performances dictate - one cliché I do agree with is ‘the table doesn’t lie’.
A lot of folk probably expected a big dividend from the transfer lottery, I mean tribunal, with talk of having asked for a fee of £100,000 for Clucas. I thought we might get £25,000 if we were lucky. As it turned out we got less than that. Despite the Mansfield manager crowing about the result, I can’t see anything remarkable about Clucas – sure, he was a useful young player, but there are hundreds of journeyman pros flogging around the lower leagues who were thought to be talented youngsters in their day. After all we’ve had a few of them on loan from the big clubs’ academies in the past.
If we are to haul ourselves back up the football ladder it will require steady rebuilding on and off the pitch. The reality is that it took 9 years last time and we shouldn’t delude ourselves that it will be any different now. We should also stop agonising about it – as long as we still have a club to support , football life goes on. Anyone fancy a few shares?
Come on you Bulls.

Harwood Bull

FA Youth Cup Match At Edgar Street This Monday

The Bulls' youth team will be playing their FA Youth Cup First Qualifying Round game at Edgar Street on Monday, September 30th.

Peter Beadle's side will face Newcastle Town to progress to the next round. Entry is £5 for adults and £3 concessions.

Staffordshire side Newcastle play in the Midland Floodlit Youth League Premier Division North, where they have won, drawn, and lost two games each so far this term.

Meanwhile, the Community Trust have had a new van courtesy of local dealers Stirling of Hereford:

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Gutsy Performance Said Foyle

Martin Foyle Waiting For His Players To Come Off The Pitch

Hereford United manager Martin Foyle praised his players for stepping up their game in the second half against Lincoln City last night.

"It was a gutsy performance," Foyle told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"I enjoyed it, I know there are areas we've got to work on and I can't hide from that fact.

"It was gutsy, determined, we put our heads in and as you could tell the response from the supporters was great.

"And we needed it as at 0-0 at half-time it was one of those - which way is it going?

"I couldn't say whether it was going to be them or us, whoever raised it 10 or 15%.

"And it was us".

Martin Foyle, Andy Porter And Lincoln Manager Gary Simpson

Bush strike seals points for Bulls

A Very Happy Chris Bush

SeeBlocker watched the game for BN

Hereford United recorded their first win in 6 games, when an 86^th minute Bush goal separated the sides at the final whistle.

The starting XI was unchanged following the 1-1 draw with Halifax on Saturday, but Pilkington replaced Rankine on the bench.

The game was very slow to get started and Lincoln looked composed and had the bulk of possession in the first period. The Bulls however, did get the first meaningful shot on target. Kingsley James sent a decent ball through to striker Sam Smith whose shot forced Lincoln’s keeper, Paul Farman, to react with a good save to keep the scores level.

A run down the left by Bush, saw a low-range effort sent goal-wards but was deflected out for a United corner. After the second consecutive corner, Bush was again on hand, but this time his shot was off-target and sailed over the crossbar. Other than that, the first half was a pretty dull affair, but Hereford’s midfield certainly looked stronger and more organised.

HT: Hereford 0 – Lincoln 0

The teams emerged unchanged after the break and the Bulls started more positively with both Bush and Leadbitter making more forward runs. Brodie produced a run up the flank and got in a good cross, Lincoln’s defenders were on hand to head it away. The follow up shot was easily caught by Farman.

Lincoln followed this with a period of pressure before Foyle decided to make his first change with Walker replacing the tiring Brodie.

Walker’s first touch should’ve been a goal when managed to scoop the ball over the bar from 8 yards, when it looked easier to score; Brown had worked his way up the left wing and sent in a cross right to the feet of the advancing Walker.

One Of The Five Cards Handed Out To Lincoln Players

Lincoln received their fourth booking of the night, just before Leadbitter’s powerful effort was inches over the bar.

Danny Leadbetter

The Sponsors’ Man of the Match, Danny Leadbitter, kept pressuring the Imps’ defence, when his third attempt on goal in little over five minutes was deflected out for a corner. He again linked well with Brown on the right wing, but his shot didn’t make it through the numerous amount of bodies in the area. The Bulls’ determination finally paid off on the 86^th minute when they took the lead.

Following another determined Leadbitter run and a Hereford corner, Lincoln failed to clear the ball from the danger area. Bush got a powerful shot away and miraculously it made it through the congestion and trickled into the back of the net.

Scorer Chris Bush With The Red Boots

The Imps put the Bulls under pressure in the final few minutes, but Hereford comfortably saw out the remainder of the game.

FT: Hereford 1 – Lincoln 0

Overall, this was another improved Hereford performance, especially in midfield and although Lincoln had a lot of the ball they never really threatened Hereford’s goal. In the second half, Hereford grew in confidence and were unlucky not to have scored more than just the one goal.

Hereford: Evans, Leadbitter, Bush, McDonald, Graham, Green, James, West (Pilkington 87’), Smith, Brown, Brodie (Walker 67’). Subs not used: Collins, Gywnne, Odhiambo.

Lincoln: Farman, Miller, Newton (Dixon 72’), Boyce, Brown, Jordan, Fofana, Power, Sheridan (Fairhurst 71’), Nolan, Tomlinson (Wright 67’). Subs not used: Foster, Gray.

Second Half Pictures From Edgar Street

Action from the second half this evening at Edgar Street:

Brown Gets In Front Of Brodie

Rob McDonald Jumps Above The Imps' Defenders

Farman Gets The Ball Away

Kingsley James With The Ball In The Lead Up To Hereford's Goal

It's In The Net

Scorer Chris Bush Gets The Congratulations

First Half Pictures

Not much action in the first half at Edgar Street this evening:

Referee Treleaven Leading The Players Onto The Pitch

Michael West Took All Hereford's Six Corners

Richard Brodie And Sam Smith Led Hereford's Attack

Results Round-Up

The Bulls are 15th in the table, four points short of the play-offs, after tonight's win over Lincoln. Cambridge are four points clear at the top after a 3-0 win over second place Nuneaton. Kidderminster closed the gap in third with a 2-0 win over Halifax, and Salisbury are fourth after beating sorry Hyde 2-0. Luton are up into the play-off spots after beating Woking 4-0, with Alfreton dropping down after a 2-1 loss at Southport. Grimsby moved back into the reckoning after beating Dartford 5-2.

Down the bottom, Hyde remain rooted to the foot and are seven points short of safety already. Aldershot are 23rd after they lost 1-0 at Welling, with Chester and Woking level on points after Chester lost 3-2 at Gateshead. Macclesfield moved up three places after a 2-1 win at Barnet, with Edgar Davids making his first playing appearance of the season in front of a dismal 1,179 attendance. Tamworth moved clear of immediate danger with a surprise 2-1 win at Forest Green, but Wrexham remain at the wrong end of the table after losing 3-2 at home to Braintree.

Stats From Edgar Street

Chris Bush Scored The Only Goal Of The Game

Below are the main stats from this evening's Conference game at Edgar Street.

Result: Hereford United 1 Lincoln City 0

Scorers: Chris Bush (against his former club)

Possession: Bulls 57% Imps 43%

Shots on Target: Bulls 2 Imps 3

Shots off Target: Bulls 7 Imps 3

Corners: Bulls 6 Imps 3

Fouls: Bulls 14 Imps 15

Cards: Yellow for Paul Green/ Five Lincoln players were booked

Attendance: 1398 with 83 in the away area

Danny Leadbetter

Sponsors Man of the Match : Danny Leadbitter was selected by Thorne Wigdery

Conference Table: Hereford remain in 15th position

Bulls Beat Five Card Trick

The Bulls beat Lincoln 1-0 in today's game at Edgar Street.

A deserved three points from a solid performance came with Chris Bush's drilled effort. The Imps lived up to their reputation, earning five bookings for a variety of lunges.

Full report later.

Cox "Over The Moon" At Clucas Fee

Mansfield boss Paul Cox says he is "over the moon" at the fee decided for Sam Clucas.

He told the Mansfield Chad: “It was an excellent result for the club. Everyone knows what Sam Clucas is about and what he can do. He is going to go on to play at a much higher level.

“I am over the moon with the result. He is a player that has developed well because he is working hard and listening.

“If he keeps working hard and doing what he is doing then he has a very bright future.”

Worthington: Bowman Fee Was "Spot-On"

Speaking to the York Press, Minstermen manager Nigel Worthington says the tribunal's decision on the fee for Ryan Bowman was exactly what his club had offered.

“It was spot on. It was exactly what the club offered so we are delighted with the outcome" said Worthing,

“We presented our case, which was that the player has come out of the Conference into the League and is finding his feet at this level. As much as he has scored goals in the Conference, he is yet to do so in the League, but I’ve just told him he can start scoring now.”

The paper reports that the Bulls had asked for a fee around £100,000.

Comedy Night - Thursday

Tickets are available from Club Reception until kick-off tonight, through the day tomorrow, or on the door.

News Round-Up

Barrow have given manager Dave Bayliss a formal written warning over his foul mouthed outburst during a BBC radio interview, but he will keep his job. A complaint from a fan over a confrontation shortly before has also been dropped after the two parties mutually agreed to drop the matter. Hyde have signed midfielder Martin Devaney on a short term deal. The 33 year old ended last season with Kidderminster after leaving Tranmere.

Former Telford midfielder Joe Yoffe is threatening to take FIFA to court over what he claims is an unfair restraint of trade. The nomadic player will return from Icelandic football at the end of October, but will be unable to sign for a UK side until January.

Wrexham defender Leon Clowes is their latest injury victim. The young defender is to undergo a scan to determine whether surgery is required on a hernia problem. Meanwhile, manager Andy Morrell has denied that defender Mark Creighton is considering retirement. The 32 year old has been scouting for Morrell after spending most of the last year out injured.

Former Bulls defender Stuart Watkiss has returned to Grimsby as youth team coach. The 47 year old, who played 21 times for the Bulls in the 95/96 season, previously spent three years with the Mariners as assistant manager to a trio of bosses.

Monday, September 23, 2013

Simpson Wary Of Hereford

Lincoln City manager Gary Simpson has said he expects a different kind of game at Edgar Street this evening compared with last Saturday's clash against Luton Town.

“We have another long journey now against an experienced, very physical team which will ask us different questions,” said Simpson as reported by the Lincoln press.

“If we are not up to that battle it will be a difficult match for us, so we have got to be prepared for another style.

“Technically they (Luton) were a good side on Saturday, these (Hereford) are going to be physically a lot stronger, they’ll put things in our box, they have long throws, they have big strong players and you have to stand up to it."

Meanwhile Hereford United manager Martin Foyle is expected to name an unchanged starting eleven for the game after last Saturday's draw at Halifax.

However Michael Rankine who came on as a sub at the Shay is a doubt after he felt his hamstring whilst on the pitch.

Bulls 13/8 To Defeat Imps

Hereford United are 13/8 to defeat Lincoln City tomorrow evening at Edgar Street. That price is with BetVictor

The best price for a Lincoln victory isn't much different, 7/4. That's also with BetVictor.

Top price for a draw is 5/2 with Bet365.

Tribunal Decisions Revealed

Sam Clucas Scoring At Telford Last April

The Bulls will receive a total of £40,000 up front from the transfers of Sam Clucas to Mansfield, and Ryan Bowman to York.

Clucas' move will see the Bulls earn £20,000 from Mansfield, with a 15% sell-on clause. York will also have to pay £20,000 upfront for Bowman, again with a 15% sell-on fee.

A FA tribunal made the decisions today after hearing evidence from the clubs involved. Bulls chairman David Keyte has already expressed his disappointment at the decisions.

Meanwhile according to the York Newspaper The Press 'Bowman's transfer fee matched the offer, including a 15 per cent sell-on clause, that City made to the Edgar Street club in the summer.'

Trust Membership Table Pre-Match In Addisons

This from the Supporters Trust (link):

Once again, the Hereford United Supporter’s Trust will have a Membership Table in the Skittle Alley of Addisons ahead of tomorrow’s game. We will begin taking memberships from 6.30pm, the table will close shortly after 7.30pm.

As we’re always welcoming new members, why not bring a tenner along & bring a friend with a tenner and sign yourselves up for the Trust and help us achieve our goals.

We’ve had members such as Rob Elmes, Ricky George & Jesse Norman join in recent weeks, and you can join alongside them.

Junior members are able to pick up their certificates from the table, whilst new junior members can join for a solitary pound coin.

We will also have merchandise forms ready for any orders you would like to make, with our sample Hoody & Polo Shirt on display. Pin Badges are also in development, but will not yet be ready to order.

Remember, to vote a member onto the Trust’s board at our inaugral AGM on the 14th November or become a board member yourself, you will need to be a member of the Trust ahead of the AGM. So if you think you are able to help the Trust, or you feel that you know someone else who would be perfect for our Board, then please sign up and have your say.

It’s one member, one vote.

For details regarding the nomination process and further developments from the Hereford United Supporter’s Trust, keep an eye here on our website. In the meantime if you are able to help us out in anyway, please get in contact.

Imps Getting Bully Tag

Under manager Gary Simpson, Lincoln are beginning to earn a tag as a side of bullies.

A string of opposition fans have taken to forums already this season to complain about the long ball strong-arm tactics of the Imps during games. The complaints could be seen as sour grapes with the Imps earning 17 points, and a brief stay in the play-off zone, before Saturday's 3-2 loss to Luton.

That loss saw the first time the Imps had conceded more than one goal this season, with just five conceded in the other nine games. Keeper Paul Farman was guilty for the second goal, allowing a free kick to squirm from his grasp, but boss Simpson was keen not to blame him too much as he told the press:

“The second goal gave them the impetus. It is a mistake by Farman, but to be fair to the kid he has been terrific this season. You can't legislate for it. Hopefully he will put it to the back of his mind and get on with it.

“We win as a team and we lose as a team. It's not just down to him why we lost the game. We know we are in it together - supporters, staff, players, board, everybody. You win as a team and you lose as a team.”

Looking towards Tuesday's game, Simpson added: “We are in good nick. At the end of the day, games come thick and fast and I don't mind. I think we are playing well.”

While their defensive record is solid, the Imps have scored only 11 times in 10 games with the lack of forward options a criticism from their own fans. Ben Tomlinson leads the line with four goals this term while former Bulls loanee Waide Fairhurst, an unused sub on Saturday, has netted twice in the four games

Trust Prediction Update

Beanser still leads the Trust Prediction League after 10 games, but his lead is cut to four points with Barney Rubble moving up to second.

29% of the 106 entrants predicted Saturday's draw, with 21 correctly naming the 1-1 scoreline.

Predictions are now welcome for Tuesday's game with Lincoln. They can be sent to the usual predictions@hufctrust.co.uk address along with your username.

News Round-Up

Youth team keeper Kyle Moore played for Taunton in their 3-1 loss to North Leigh on Saturday. The teenager has now played nine times for the Peacocks. Aldershot have had planning permission for a new bar and turnstiles at their ground extended for three years. They earned permission for the 34m structure in 2010, replacing a bar demolished the previous year, but their financial woes have prevented construction.

Barnet have loaned midfielder Freddie Warren to Canvey Island for an initial month. The 20 year old former Charlton trainee made three appearances for the Bees last season. Tamworth have added coach Steve Farmer to their first team coaching roster. The local leagues veteran has been assistant boss at AFC Stamford recently.

Truro City's ground could become a supermarket under plans by the ground owners. The Treyew Road site was sold by the club's former owners last year with the plans effectively making the club homeless. Alfreton have released striker Kristian Ramsey-Dickson by mutual consent. The 23 year old made only one sub appearance after signing in the summer.

Halifax chairman David Bosomworth says the club were only told about the potential sale of the Shay two weeks ago, despite the discussion process with the bidder lasting more than 18 months. Rumours are rife that the valuation of the ground is under the £2million threshold to require a full Council vote, and the sale will be dealt with by a six-man committee, with Bosomworth calling on the Council to provide more information on the deal.

Alfreton have signed Sammy Akinde, younger brother of current Reds striker John. The 19 year old also came though Ebbsfleet's youth team. Woking have signed midfielder Darren Murphy on a short term deal. The 28 year old had a brief spell with Macclesfield in February, but asked to cancel his deal and return home to Ireland for personal reasons.

Temporary Car Park Opposite Edgar Street To Close

The temporary car park opposite the Edgar Street football ground and adjacent to the new development on the former livestock market site is to close on October 1st.

Herefordshire Council say that the space is required by contractors Sir Robert McAlpine.

Alternative parking is available at the Garrick House multi-storey which has recently re-opened following a re-fit.

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Tribunals To Be Held Today

The transfer tribunals to set fees for Ryan Bowman and Sam Clucas are set to be held today.

The Bulls are to face the panel to argue how much they are entitled to from Mansfield for Sam Clucas at 11am, with Ryan Bowman's move to York the subject of debate at Noon.

The FA are expected to release details of their decisions later in the day.

Aspin And Foyle Shared A Drink

Neil Aspin ( in the middle)

It's well known that Neil Aspin, the Halifax manager, and Martin Foyle, the Hereford manager, are old friends.

And after yesterday's drawn match at the Shay they had a chat over a drink.

Afterwards Aspin told the Halifax OS about Hereford's tactics and his admiration for Foyle.

"Martin picked a strong team that was more defensive in midfield rather than attacking. They didn’t play their wide players like they did the other night. They are big physically and that helped them against our threat.

“But I don’t want to praise him too much! He was obviously a very good player and he’s a good professional who has done well in his management career.

“It’s nice to face up to your old team-mates. There isn’t going to be any fighting tonight because it’s a draw! But it would have been nice to have won. I’ve got a lot of respect for Martin. He always does a good job wherever he manages.”

Important Week Off The Pitch

Chairman David Keyte With Several Board Members And Guest Ronnie Radford At Halifax Yesterday

Whilst the Bulls have home matches on Tuesday evening and Saturday afternoon, it's matters off the pitch that are probably just as important this coming week.

On Thursday shareholders will meet to discuss the latest share issue details. It's likely they will be approved partly because the board has been told they only need a minimum of over 50% of the votes received for the resolution(s) to be passed.

The directors, who between them own 7045 shares, 'intend to vote in favour'. Whilst it's uncertain how some of the other large shareholders will vote, HUISA are also expected to back the updated proposals.

The fact that the meeting is to be held on Thursday at 10.30am will probably help the board. Not every shareholder who attended the previous meeting will be able to attend because of work committments. The board might counter this by suggesting shareholders can vote beforehand but there's nothing like being at the meeting and voting after discussions have taken place.

The board have said that the time of the meeting has been set so that a representative from Lanyon Bowdler can attend. Given that the firm is based in Hereford that's a poor excuse for the timing.

No doubt there will be some discussion over the details sent out by the board.

One of the questions to the chairman is almost certain to be about whether shareholders are to vote on one or two resoultions. The formal letter to shareholders says that there is one vote on an 'Ordinary Resolution For The Allotment Of Shares' with two paragraphs of detail.

However the attached voting form has two resolutions on it. Firstly 'to approve conversion of Loans into shares' and secondly 'to give the Director's your approval for them to Administer this share issue/loan conversion'.

Again, as in the original proposals, there's some confusion here.

Another question may be about where a figure of raising 'up to an aggregate nominal amount of £2,820,000' has come from.

In the original details it was said the club was 'seeking to raise' a figure of £1.5 million plus a conversion from loans of up to £660,000. Together the total figure was £2,160,000.

The £2,820,000 figure is £660,000 higher than the £2,160,000 figure.

Thirdly it's thought there will be questions to the Chairman about what will be done with the money raised. It's understood the plans for developing Aylestone Park, one of the projects listed in the original documents, are likely to be dropped given the costs involved and the grant situation. A smaller scheme may be put forward instead.

Fourthly there's likely to be questions about why Pinsent Masons were ever involved in preparing some of the details of the original documentation given the Chairman's comments. For example does the club owe them any money for their work.

Whatever the questions, should the resolution(s) be passed the real hard work will then start - persuading current shareholders to increase their shareholding and then assuming they don't take up all the shares opening up the issue to new shareholders.

Most shareholders agree that the club needs this share issue to go ahead. There's no money in the kitty at present and there appears to be no plan B or sugar daddy.

However Chairman David Keyte will need to convince shareholders that the 'use of the proceeds' will be of benefit to the football club as a whole and not just to pay off loans.

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Bulls stop the rot at The Shay

Luke Graham Leading The Bulls

Hereford United came away from Halifax with their first point from four games when Sam Smith had headed through his own goal after Richard Brodie had opened his Bulls account with an early strike.

Martin Foyle tinkered with both the matchday squad and the formation to give a start to Jon Brown in place of Dan Walker with Kingsley James taking the place of Rob Purdie who failed to make the bench.

Danny Leadbitter was on the overlap straight from the off but his low cross was hooked away for a corner that was cleared upfield. Paul Green took a nasty bang from a late challenge but Bushy’s free kick was too long and drifted out for a goal kick. Then on 8 minutes, The Bulls took the lead.

Leadbitter was again involved in the build up down the right and when Michael West’s accurate cross came in Richard Brodie was perfectly placed to volley home.

Celebration Time

A Matty Pearson header for the hosts sailed harmlessly over the bar and when Jon Brown whipped in a cross from the bye-line, Halifax keeper Matt Glennon was quickly down to smother. At the other end, Rhys Evans came to claim a corner from Gardiner and Luke Graham was alert to cut out another dangerous cross from Gregory.

Bush and Brodie combined well on the left and Bush’s cross was glanced well wide of the target by West. Gregory tried the old backing in and falling down routine but referee Wigglesworth was wise to his simulation. However, when Scott McManus pulled a similar stunt the ref fell for it and awarded a free kick against Leadbitter when he was actually the one being fouled. The referee’s error proved costly to The Bulls as when Gardner’s cross came in, Sam Smith won a rare headed challenge and deflected the ball into his own net to level the scores on 30 minutes.

The Wall For The Halifax Free Kick

Shortly after, McManus was up for a corner and wrestled Leadbitter to the ground and held him to prevent him getting up yet the referee ignored the incident completely. Brodie shaped to break away and was hauled back by his shirt and when Bushy cut out a ball a yard in front of Gardner the shayman decided to roll about in apparent agony despite not having been touched. He duly received some brief advice from Andy Porter, presumably, about the blade of grass that had tripped him. The half ended with Kingsley James volleying over from the edge of the box following a bout of ping-pong in the home box.

HT Halifax 1 Bulls 1

James sent Brodie away down the right and he cut in to send a rising left footed shot over the bar. Michael West made a darting run to the bye-lie before cutting back to Brodie who fired just wide from 12 yards. Rhys Evans was forced into a fingertip save after The Bulls failed to clear their lines from a corner in a period when United gave the ball away cheaply in some poor areas.

Rod McDonald was lucky to see his sliced clearance whistle over the bar before, on the break, Jon Brown saw his rasping effort tipped over by Glennon and a Leadbitter cross was head back across goal by McDonald but no Bulls player was on hand to convert.

Michael Rankine joined the action with a little over twenty minutes remaining to replace the tiring Brodie. We’ll have to wait a bit longer to see the mighty combo on the field together.

Eric Odhiambo On as A Sub

The referee finally produced a yellow card for Halifax when late in the game Marshall was very late on Leadbitter as the fullback launched into another charge down the flank. Paul Green slotted a delightful ball through to Smith but his shot from inside the box was pushed away by Glennon.

Walker replaced Smith late on and put presented with a weighted pass by Rankine that would have put him through on goal had he been looking in the right direction.

Four minutes of added time failed to provide any further delight for the 1362 in attendance of which some 90-odd were probably relieved to see the run of defeats ended.

FT Halifax 1 Bulls 1

Hereford: Evans, Leadbitter, Graham, McDonald, Bush, Brown, James, Green, West (Odhiambo 77), Brodie (Rankine 69), Smith (Walker 89). Subs not used: Gwynne, Collins.

Halifax: Glennon, Toulson, Roberts, Ainge, Lowe (McReady 46), Pearson, Maynard, Gardner (Holsgrove 64), Marshall, McManus, Gregory (Carver 73). Subs not used: Senior, Williams.

The return to 4-4-2 gave a bit more stability in the centre particularly as the wide players showed an improved appetite for their defensive duties. Richard Brodie took his goal well and should/could have had at least one more. Kingsley James’ industry in the centre was a fine example for other to follow and while the back division all performed well it was Leadbitter’s forward runs that caught the eye.

Better. Now let’s build on it on Tuesday night.