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Saturday, March 29, 2014

I'm Gutted For The Players Said Beadle

Steve Jenkins and Peter Beadle

Hereford United manager, Pete Beadle, told BBC Hereford and Worcester that he was gutted for his players after they put on a better performance this afternoon against Grimsby.

"I just said to the boys I'm genuinely gutted for them because they put in such a good shift, played some good stuff, lacked again a little bit in the final third with a little bit of quality," said Beadle.

"We didn't test their keeper enough but certainly did enough to deserve something from the game."

One very good goal separated the sides

"It was a fantastic goal but we think it could have been cut out way before he got into the box.

"We could maybe have put a bit more pressure on the ball before he came into the box.

"But when you're down there, you're down there, and you keep getting kicked in the stomach all the time, but we've got to roll our sleeves up and keep going.

"Even after the goal we were positive, we stuck almost four up-front and tried to get in the game.

"On another day one drops for us in the box and we get a chance but we're just not getting that luck at the minute.

"We moved the ball quite well at times and we had some nice little passing movements but we just want the end product to go on the end of it.

"Defensively we were pretty sound, they had a couple of half chances.

"When you're playing like we are at the minute you're going to have half chances against you.

"We were pretty sound all over the pitch until he cuts inside and bends one in the top corner which sometimes you can't do much about.

"We'll work again this week and do some more stuff in the final third.

"We knew it wasn't going to change overnight, we're asking them to do different things, to be brighter, to be comfortable and trust people with the ball and they're doing it.

"But we're just not opening teams up yet."

Beadle admitted the team needs a goal.

"We just need that goal, we need to get that goal, we need that bit of luck or a bit of magic like Grimsby had today.

"We need someone to come up and get us that goal.

"A goal would have been a big plus for us today but we didn't get it.

"Fair play to Grimsby they came and did a job."

Rocket Rocks Beadle's Bulls

A solitary 20 yard rocket saw the Bulls lose 1-0 to Grimsby in today's match at Edgar Street.

The Mariners ended the game with ten men but the advantage, and the vociferous support of a swelled crowd, couldn't sharpen the Bulls' front line.

Full report later.

Wayne Brown Hopes Fans Can Save Bulls

Former Hereford United goalkeeper Wayne Brown has said that he's very worried about the financial situation at his former club. Brown is currently goal-keeping coach at Oxford.

“When I left, Graham Turner was the chairman and he ran such a tight ship, nothing went to waste," Brown told the Oxford Mail.

“For that to turn into the way it is now in a couple of years, I can’t get my head round it.

“I had some good times down there and it’s such a friendly club.

“The fans are great and stick by you, through thick and thin. I’m astonished.

“I’ve been speaking to a few people, who said it might get liquidated and become one a phoenix club, like Chester.

"Hopefully, fans can do something. It’s part of the football family, nobody likes to see a club go under."

Celtic Marches Donate Cider To Club

Herefordshire based Cider company Celtic Marches are donating bottles of their Thundering Molly cider for the Bulls to sell at today's game.

The 5.2% Medium Cider is described as having a 'gorgeous golden colour and a well balanced finish. Made on our Herefordshire farm from 100% cider apples.'

The donation has been arranged through London Bulls and HUST.

Latest From HUST

Here's the latest imformation from HUST:

Today is a crucial day in the future of Hereford United.

The Bulls face a battle both on and off the pitch. A crucial three points against Grimsby and a substantial attendance can help preserve the Bulls' current status.

Over 6,000 fans turned out six years ago to see the Bulls beat the Mariners in a celebration of promotion to League One. We've had some rough times since, the whole country has, but we now need the support of all Bulls fans and the wider community to see us through the current crisis.

Fans of Worcester, Luton, Crystal Palace, Brighton, West Brom, Ipswich, QPR, Shrewsbury, Wolves, Sheff Weds, and Wycombe have contributed over the last 24 hours to our fundraising page: http://www.gofundme.com/SaveHUFC and the legendary Jeff Stelling also contributed to the cause yesterday afternoon as a fan of a lower league club. The 'football family' has turned out in force over the last few days with national press attention now centered on our beloved club.

The game will be a celebration of the club, it's 90 year history, and the ties that bring us all to the Edgar Street shrine every other week. The players have expressed their commitment to the cause, and we as fans will do the same.

HUST will have their usual membership table in the foyer of the VP Club from 1.30pm to 2.45pm for new memberships, merchandise sales, and any general queries. The Starlite Cafe is open from 9am for breakfasts, while there is a Fans March from the Victory pub at Noon and a bucket collection at Tesco's Belmont during the morning. The March will arrive at the club at around 1pm in good time for the game, with the club offering £1 entry for Under 15's for the match.

Kids For A Quid At Edgar Street Today

This afternoon's game at Edgar Street is a 'Kid for a Quid' in an effort to get as many Hereford United supporters as possible through the gates for the visit of Grimsby Town.

Before the game there is a fundraising rally which will start at the Victory Pub around 12 noon. Supporters will walk to the game through High Town. they will have collection buckets with them.

As for the game manager Peter Beadle is hopeful everyone will rally around the team.

"Fans, players, we are all in this together now and we must help one another through the next seven games.

"I'd like to think we are giving to give ourselves the best possible chance and we're going to do that if we stick together and unite as one."

Meanwhile a pint of Owd Bull will cost just £2.50 in Addisons today. The beer has been donated by the Hereford Brewery.

Friday, March 28, 2014

Advanced Talks With One Possible Investor Says Keyte

Hereford United chairman David Keyte has told Talksport that the board is in talks with a possible investor.

He is also hopeful of a good result and a good gate tomorrow before the HMRC hearing in ten days time.

"It's probably the most important weekend in our history, it would be nice to get three points against Grimsby.

"We've got a bit to do.

"We knew we've not been able to meet the tax so we know the winding up order was coming so we've been in discussion with the tax people mainly because we've got two parties talking to us about investment if not taking over the club.

"We knew the winding up order was to be dated April, probably a week or so earlier than we expected."

How would a good gate help?

"A real full house of 6,000 would bank about £60K plus the secondary sales in the bars etc.

"Realistically as big a crowd as possible would be a great start towards the figure we need, realistically 3,000 would be a great start to the week. Anymore than that would be a huge bonus."

Keyte was then asked if he stood by his statement of 'no harm would come to the club on your watch'.

" Well the same as ever, not just me. Everybody in the club is working hard.

"I was criticised the other day for questioning the division amongst a small supporter base that we would all like to be larger. But the small supporter base appears to be divided as well between supporters associations, supporters trusts and what not.

"If we're not all pulling in the same direction it will be very difficult to make a concerted effort in the next few days.

"The football club comes first.

"It's about everybody putting some money into the tills tomorrow."

What about these possible investors?

"We are at advanced stages with the one. There is one that seems to have moved forward in front of the other one," said Keyte.

"They are fully aware of the timescale in terms of the immediate tax bill so if that’s going to happen , it would be nice if that happened in the next seven days.

"I have been criticised for saying too much too early in the past about possible investments so we are working hard on this one."

Jeff Stelling Donates To Cause

Broadcasting legend Jeff Stelling has backed the Bulls' cause by donating to HUST's GoFundMe donation page.

The Soccer Saturday kingpin donated on Friday afternoon. As a fan of the other HUFC, the monkey hangers, he told fans:

Fans of Worcester, Luton, Crystal Palace, Brighton, West Brom, Ipswich, QPR, Shrewsbury, Wolves, Sheff Weds, and Wycombe have contributed over the last 24 hours.

You can add your donation at http://www.gofundme.com/SaveHUFC

Fans Rally - Victory At Noon, High Town 12.40pm

Tomorrow's Fans Rally will start at the Victory at Noon before moving into High Town.

It will get into High Town around 12.35-12.40pm before making it's way to the ground. All are welcome to join.

Bulls 15/4 to Defeat Grimsby

Grimsby are the visitors to Edgar Street tomorrow and if the bookies are correct will head back north with three points.

However, given everything that's been going on around Hereford United this week, there's likely to be a bigger crowd backing the Bulls tomorrow which could galvanise the team into a winning performance.

Best price for a Bulls win is 15/4 with SpreadEx.

Top price for a draw is 13/5 with various bookmakers.

Typical quotes - these from Bet365:

Hereford 16/5 Draw 13/5 Grimsby 8/11

Tesco Belmont To Hold Bucket Collection For Bulls

Tesco Belmont will hold a bucket collection for the Bulls tomorrow morning.

HUST volunteers will be manning the buckets and dressed in HUFC shirts from 9am.

PFA Confirm Bulls Talks

The PFA have issued a statement today about the Bulls:

With regard to the situation at Hereford United, the PFA continues to be in contact with the nominated players’ representative, Luke Graham, regarding the ongoing financial problems the club is currently experiencing.

The PFA will provide support to the players, many of whom are former members of the Association, and will look to give financial assistance to them during this very difficult period.

Limited Tickets For Tonight

Beer For The Bulls

Hereford Brewery have donated a barrel of Owd Bull for the club to sell.

Owner Jim Kenyon made the offer at Monday's HUST/HUISA meeting, with the beer delivered to the club yesterday. The beer is described by the brewery as 'a light copper session ale. Initial bitterness leads to a pleasing hoppy aftertaste.'

It will be on sale in Addisons at £2.50 a pint.

Kenyon, who also owns the Victory pub where the Fans Rally will start at Noon tomorrow, will also give each fan in a Bulls shirt at the Rally a free pint.

Stand Fanzine To Donate £1 To Bulls For Every Copy Sold

STAND fanzine launched in 2012 giving a platform for disgruntled football fans from across the UK and Europe to air their grievances with the modern game.

Since then the lads behind the mag have galvanized supporter opinion and became a focal point for an increasing number of fans irritated with the way our sport is going.

Along with a thought provoking magazine the lads have produced badges, stickers and a t-shirt.

Copies are £2.50, with £1 from each one being donated to the club. They can be bought from http://www.distantecho.co.uk/products/stand-fanzine-issue-7

Volunteers/Models Wanted For Saturday

The club are looking for volunteers for various roles tomorrow.

Anyone with some time to give is asked to call the club on their temporary number of 01432 375630 (with the 08442 number having technical difficulties today) to offer their services.

Dave Preedy is also looking for some models to model the shirts for next weeks auction at half time of tomorrow's game. Any volunteers are again asked to contact the club.

Fundraising T-Shirts In Club Shop Tomorrow

Bulls fan Tom Ammonds of Stitch Embroidery has donated 40 T-shirts for the Bulls to sell in the Club Shop tomorrow.

The T-shirt, priced at £12, have been designed and printed by Tom, with funds raised going to the club. Available sizes are Medium, Large, and Extra Large with Tom hoping to supply some kids sizes next week.

Guilfoyle Prefers A Consortium

Experienced football club Administrator Brendan Guilfoyle has spoken about the 'benefactor' ownership of football clubs.

Speaking to the Sky Sports FL72 podcast, Guilfoyle said: "The majority of clubs are run on what is known as the benefactor model so they are funded by a benefactor, be it a company or an individual.

"The benefactor model is OK if the person has got very deep pockets. Bristol City lost £17million this year because they've got Stephen Lansdowne of Hargreaves Landsdowne funding it and he has got a lot of money.

"But if someone comes in with a limited amount of money it does get eaten up very quickly. The best model I saw (as an administrator) was at Crystal Palace where I met two potential owners who were both worth about £130million, and they found another two, but this is a club in London where there is a lot of wealth.

"The four of them own the club and that to me makes sense because if one wants out the other three can hopefully shoulder the losses together until they find someone else to come in and fill that spot.

"I like that consortium model rather than a benefactor because it seems to me more sustainable. If the circumstances of your benefactor change - he runs out of money, he becomes ill, he gets divorced - then that undermines the viability of the club."

Guilfoyle also spoke about what he normally finds at a club in crisis:

He said: "You normally get there and there's a CEO who's hopefully been there a while, who is running the club, but if you haven't got one of those because he may have only been in a short time or he's gone with the previous owner there's always a club secretary who's been there donkeys years who can tell you exactly how it all is.

"The thing that worries you is the rate at which cash is burned. The wages come around very quickly and you're looking to find in excess of £1million generally to fund the wages (in the Championship).

"You can't go anywhere to get that money so you're looking at things like selling players and invariably getting the players to agree not to be paid and to carry on playing until the club is sold.

He also spoke of his time at Luton:

"Luton Town really got to me. They got sanctioned for going into administration, they got sanctioned for failing to come out of administration without the agreement of the Inland Revenue, and then the FA weighed in with another sanction because they'd paid some agents fees through a holding company.

"They fell right down to the Conference but they're running away with it now and I was told the other day they'd found some benefactor who's a very quiet guy who doesn't even take a car to games but is putting money in at that level so hopefully they'll be back in the Football League next year."

Artus: Massive Game For Both Sides

Bulls midfielder Frankie Artus has spoken to the Grimsby Telegraph about tomorrow's game between the two sides.

Artus told the paper: “It’s going be another tough task for us tomorrow. Every game that Grimsby go into now they need to get points, and it’s the same for us – for very different reasons.

“It’s a massive game for both sides. It’s not like anyone is mid-table with nothing to play for. Hopefully we go away with the three points. It’s a bit more important for us than them, but only just!”

He then spoke about the Bulls' current problems, and his move back to Bristol after his spell with the Mariners: “It’s been good being back in my hometown, closer to my family and friends, but recently the financial state of the club has made things pretty tough.

“That’s impacted the results and where we’re sitting in the league, so we’re now in a relegation dogfight. Obviously, you enjoy your football when you’re getting the results and winning, but it’s not as good when you’re struggling like we are at the moment.

“We haven’t won in a while, and there have been a few changes, with the manager moving on and Peter Beadle taking over.

“We’ve just got to give everything we’ve got over the next few weeks to ensure we stay up. Hopefully, with the new manager coming in, he will get a reaction and we can stay in this league.”

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Southport Win Leaves Bulls Needing Points

Southport beat Forest Green 2-0 for their fifth successive home win to move seven points clear of the bottom four, and three points ahead of the Bulls.

In the other game, Braintree beat Nuneton 2-1 to move up to fifth in the table with games in hand on their rivals.

Graham's All Time Conference XI

Bulls captain Luke Graham has focused his latest blog on his all time best Conference XI.

Eleven ex-Bulls get a mention, with only two making the starting XI - Chris Carruthers, and Sam Clucas:

I just couldn’t leave him out and he has been playing upfront for Mansfield this season. Last season he went from strength to strength and even excelled what I thought he was capable of. Quick with fast feet, a great dribbler and always commits a defender one v one. He always left me having to give him a kick in training he could be that good. Regularly scoring goals now and destined for better things.

It's also worth noting that Clucas has also been named in the Top 10 players in League Two this season by the League's managers.

The full blog can be found at http://thelukegrahamblog.wordpress.com/

Emperor’s Clothes?

Exiled Bull is in full agreement with Mike Langford– Liquidation is the Only Way

For too long now, we’ve bailed out HMS Hereford United. Over and again, we’ve responded to fund raising appeal after appeal. Buy shares. Buy a piece of grass. Join our Lotto. Bring a friend. Bring another friend. Come to our show. Buy 50-50 tickets. Make a donation and so on. Gimme gimme gimme. The wallet assault appears never-ending.

At what point, Emperor-clothes like, that we realise that the club is sinking rapidly and is beyond our help. I’m grateful to Mike Langford for pointing out the bare truth. The warning light has been winking for months but we collectively just don’t want to face it.

Just suppose by some stretch of the imagination, £78,000 is raised in the next two weeks to pay off HMRC. It will only buy a little more time, a very temporary postponement for what appears to be inevitable end to me. HUFC is a colander. There are just too many holes to plug. The debts are mounting. Every week, those gallant few turning out on the pitch are owed more and more. So too are the over-stressed, horribly underpaid backroom staff. Mike is so right. There is no help out there. Why would anyone want to buy Hereford United in its current state with debts rising all the time and no prospects of making profits?

Any canny group would wait for the club to slide into administration and then pick it up very cheaply, possibly through a pre-pack route. The debts would be somebody else’s problem.

In his highly erudite article, Mike Langford does touch on administration and its attendant horror. One point which I haven’t seen mentioned elsewhere is administrators’ fees. They do not come cheap, expecting between £200 and £400 per hour for their intervention. When Port Vale went through the process, they ended up with a £500,000 bill from the administrators. The Pompey saga led to an even higher charge - £1 million. This ridiculous sum almost finished the club completely and only tough negotiating with the threat of a breakaway club reduced the amount.

Liquidation is a better route to maintain a senior football club in Hereford. Undoubtedly we’ll have to start from a very low level (possibly the West Midlands League) and build slowly from there. It will require a lot of work from dedicated people to make it happen. Yet the potential for a real community club which is a pleasure to visit is immense. Think Chester FC, think FC United, think AFC Wimbledon. There is a buzz about these places, a sense of pride and satisfaction. After 3 successive play-off Final failures, FC United remain in the Northern Premier Division but every game feels an occasion. Let us remember, this is a well-trodden path used by Nuneaton, Hednesford, Aldershot, Exeter, Leamington and many others. Community-owned and Social Enterprises in general are a huge growth area.

The only major concern I have is our remaining players and the remaining off-field staff, who under liquidation, will basically get nothing. That is wrong and the worst kind of hypocrisy. Right now, just like the band on the Titanic, they’re currently sacrificing themselves to maintain a kind of normality for everyone else.

I believe there should be some kind of hardship fund to bail out these guys. This worrying sore apart, a new club for me is the only way forward.

Oh Look, An Actual Game Of Football

Amongst everything going on at Edgar Street, the Bulls get a chance to actually do what they were intended to do on Saturday - play a game of football.

Grimsby come to Edgar Street looking to cement their play-off ambitions. They are currently eighth in the Conference table, a point shy of fifth place with up to three games in hand on their rivals.

Ex-Bull Joe Colbeck is back in contention for a place in the matchday squad after missing the last seven games through injury. Mariners boss Paul Hurst will only be missing defender Paul Bignot for the trip, with an otherwise full squad available.

Hurst will be seeking more points than their home game produced. The 1-1 draw at Blundell Park earlier in the month saw the Mariners' booed off the pitch as Rod McDonald cancelled out Ross Hannah's penalty.

Since then, the Mariners have won two and lost two games - beating Wrexham and Nuneaton but losing to Forest Green and Luton.

Player Of The Year

This from HUISA:

HUISA will again this season be sponsoring this years Hereford United Player of the Year award.

Voting forms will be available from Saturday March 29th from the club office and the bars around the ground. All completed forms should be handed in to the club reception.

Votes can also be cast on line at huisavote@gmail.com or by posting to HUISA PO BOX 1999 HEREFORD HR2 7WA.

Voting closes at 6pm on Saturday April 12th after the Gateshead match.

The award will be presented at the Easter Saturday match against Alfreton on Monday 21st April

Meanwhile, they have also issued a rallying cry for Saturday:

HUISA would urge all fans past and present to make the trip to Edgar Street on Saturday. The club at this time needs your support more than ever. Anything you or your friends can do to support the on and off field activities will be greatly appreciated.

Fans Rally And Fundraising Walk On Saturday

There will be a Hereford United Supporters rally and fundraising walk on Saturday organised by 'save Hereford United'.

We will be having a fans rally and fundraising walk through Hereford town centre on Saturday to raise awareness of the current situation of Hereford United and collect a few donations.

We will be meeting at 12:00 at The Victory pub before heading upwards into High Town before ending up at Edgar Street.

Landlord of The Victory Jim Kenyon has kindly offered to give anyone wearing a Hereford United shirt their first pint free. Thanks to Len Weston for speaking to Jim.

John Charles At Hereford

There's a feature in today's Daily Mail about John Charles who late in his career became player manager at Hereford United.

Bullish: Charles prepares to make his debut for Hereford United, who were then in the Southern League

The paper printed the above picture but who is the other person with the 'Gentle Giant'?

£3000 Raised By Donations Direct To Club

Hereford United have said that £3,000 has been received in donations so far.

£78,000 is needed before next Monday week's winding up order to pay off the HMRC.

The appeal for funds started after Monday's supporters meeting.

Supporters can donate directly to the club or to HUST.

Donations to the club will go towards the outstanding HMRC bill, player and staff wages and any other pressing bills that need to be paid.

Donations to HUST are slightly different in that one can choose what the donation can go towards.

News Round-Up

Tamworth have lost the services of striker Matthew Barnes-Homer after Cambridge recalled him. The 28 year old netted once in seven games for the Lambs. Cambridge recalled him after their own loan striker, Ryan Bird, was recalled to Portsmouth after four goals in nine Conference games.

Alfreton have signed goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith on loan from Sheffield Wednesday. The teenager is in his first pro season. Reds striker Paul Clayton has been handed a three match ban after accepting a violent conduct charge from video evidence of their game against Halifax on Monday.

Aldershot have signed two more players with defender Mark Phillips and striker Harry Cornick arriving on loan. Southend man Phillips, 31, has made 32 appearances for the Shrimpers this term, while Bournemouth teenager Cornick made five appearances on loan with Welling this term, scoring once.

Forest Green have signed Charlton midfielder Bradley Jordan on loan. The 20 year old comes in as a replacement for the injured Marcus Kelly. Port Vale manager Micky Adams says the club has a transfer embargo in place after being refused permission by the Football League to sign a loan keeper. Adams says he will have to use striker Tom Pope as his no.2 stopper.

Portsmouth have sacked manager Richie Barker after just 20 games with the club in danger of relegation to the Conference. The Supporters Trust, the club's majority owner, said that the prospect of relegation was 'unthinkable'. Southport have signed striker Marcel Henry-Francis, with the youngster having been released by Birmingham in the summer.

Chester have signed two more players with veteran defender Andy Griffin and defender Luke Ashworth joining their ranks. Ex-Stoke and Newcastle man Griffin, 35, has been looking for a club since leaving Doncaster last summer. Ashworth, 24, comes in from Hyde after 18 months with the Tigers.

Barnet have signed defender Sam Muggleton on loan from Gillingham. The 18 year old has made one start and one sub appearance for the Gills in the last 12 months. Cambridge have loaned winger Mitch Austin to Brackley for the remainder of the season. The former Stalybridge man has made only one start for the U's since a summer move.

Another Busy Day For HUSSA

HUSSA has had another busy day pushing the meesage that Hereford United needs help.

Wow such a proud past few days for me where I've managed to help get Hereford United's financial difficulties recognised not on a local scale, but almost fully nation wide! I have been campaigning and tweeting non-stop as they need £78K in 2 weeks or will close down and this has seen me almost have almost 7000 retweets from personalities such as Premier League player Gary Hooper, the chief executives of the Daily Mirror, The Guardian, The Times, The BBC, SkySports, Omid Djalili the comedian has also been helping me and former Premier League player Danny Higganbotham and dozens of players in the Championship and other Leagues, I've managed get on BBC Radio 2, we shared an event for our game on Saturday to be seen by almost 20,000 people, Facebook groups with almost 3 million followers want to share my story and 'Ultimate Lad' who have 600,000 followers helped me! I've managed to get donations from clubs such as TNS, Luton Town, Liverpool and Cardiff and ultimately the Daily Mail say they want to do a piece! I've just been interviewed by ITV where I'll be on the news tomorrow at 6! And Hereford United have offered me a job at board room level to help develop the Community Trust! Such a mental few days!

HUST Vice-Chairman On Talksport

Martin Watson, vice-chairman of HUST, was interviewed by Colin Murray on Talksport this morning.

After talking about the financial situation, Watson reminded listeners that Hereford have a home game on Saturday.

"We've got a game this Saturday against Grimsby Town.

"Five years ago when we won promotion into League One we played Grimsby Town in a game where we had already won promotion, it was literally a celebration and we had 6,000 fans there.

"We need the 6,000 back, not to celebrate promotion but to celebrate the football club, to celebrate 90 years of history, and not let it die."

For those who might have missed it, the interview can be heard at: http://picosong.com/e63L/