Test

Thursday, July 29, 2004

Squad is capable of winning title

Jamie Pitman has said that the Hereford United squad is capable of winning the Conference title this season.

In an interview with BBC Hereford and Worcester, the midfielder revealed that he was recovering well from his operation and is looking forward to the new campaign.

"We are under no illusions that a lot of people think we are going to walk it this season, but it's going to be difficult. We accept that,"said Pitman.

"It's a confidence thing. We have got to carry on from where we left off last year. We haven't lost a game in the last twelve so we have to progress from there."

He also said how good he thought the Bulls defence would be this season with Tony James and Andy Tretton being joined by Tom Smith and Tamika Mkandawire.

Meanwhile Graham Turner has said that Daniel Carey-Bertram is to have a scan on his damaged knee to clarify the seriousness of the injury. He currently has a slight swelling on the knee but is able to do light training.

United set to sign Hyde

Hereford United will confirm the signing of veteran midfielder Graham Hyde within the next week. The ex-Sheffield Wednesday man is still under contract with Bristol Rovers, but once this expires at the end of the month the thirty-three year old will put pen to paper at Edgar Street.

Hyde has been training with the club recently and has played in the last two friendlies, Swansea City at home and last Tuesday evening at Evesham where he was granted the opportunity to impress from the start. He was the only trialist in this seasons team photograph that was taken this morning.

Hyde will be the fifth summer signing for United taking the squad to a total of sixteen. Hereford will be looking to draft in a new goalkeeper and one or two left sided players before the start of the season, to take the squad total to around nineteen, a number that Graham Turner has said that he would like to have for the first game against Farnborough Town next month.

Guinan feared the worst

Steve Guinan, the ex-Hereford United striker, feared the worst when he was stretchered off during Cheltenham's pre-season friendly with Birmingham City.

The 28-year-old striker thought he could have been facing up to year on the sidelines when he was carried off the field with a knee injury.But the problem is not as bad as first feared and manager John Ward is hopeful his new striker will be fit for the first game of the season against Southend.

Guinan told Cheltenham's official website: "You see, hear and read about these horror stories every week and just hope it never happens to you.

"For a split second I thought, that's it. I've got here and I am on the verge of playing again in the Football League and suddenly it's not going to happen. I really thought I was looking at a year on the sidelines when they carried me off on that stretcher."

Cozic did well

Northampton manager, Colin Calderwood , is still looking at former Hereford United's player Bertram Cozic.

Cozic featured in their 4-0 win over Stevenage last night.

Calderwood told the Official Northampton website;"Bertrand Cozic did well again. We will keep looking at him in training and at Barnet on Saturday and see where we go. He impressed again at Stevenage. He is in fantastic physical condition and that shows a good attitude as he was training on his own for most of the summer."

Late Update: Cozic has been made an offer and is expected to agree terms within the next day or two.

Calderwood commented:" He has done well and had a good influence on the team. He is a powerful boy and he is going to give us extra physical strength and strength in depth in the squad."

Wednesday, July 28, 2004

Odds cut for Bulls

The best odds for the Bulls to win the Nationwide Conference have been cut to 8-1.

Coral had Hereford United at 9-1 but cut those odds yesterday. They are now the same as Skybet. Most other bookies are quoting a price of around 6-1.

Carlisle are still firm favourites at between 3-1 and 4-1.

Kennedy still on trial at Burton

Jon Kennedy, the ex-Accrington goalkeeper, who was suggested by Matt Baker as a possible replacement for the ex-Hereford United goalkeeper, has yet to sign for Burton Albion.

Last night he played for the full ninety minutes against Nottingham Forest and reports suggest he had a good game and was much more confident than in his first game for the Brewers.

Nigel Clough, the Burton manager, told the Burton Mail that Kennedy had been asked to stay at the club until the weekend with the chance of playing against Notts County tomorrow and Saturday's friendly with Chesterfield.

Clough revealed that he expects another goalkeeper to be unveiled on trial before tomorrow's game and that he was looking at two other stoppers as potential replacements for the departed Matt Duke.

Last Nights Trialists

Those on trial last night when Hereford defeated Eveham 3-0 were:

Adam Ding - Goalkeeper from YTS.

Daniel March - Centre back who was on the books at Shrewsbury last season, but did not make a first team appearence.

Nathan Talbot - Nineteen year old left sided player, defender or midfielder. Talbot was playing for Yeovil Town at the end of last season following his release from Wolverhampton Wanderers where he played regular under 19 football and had also appeared for the reserves.

Graham Hyde - Experienced thirty-three year old centre midfielder known as "The crab". He has played at the highest level with Sheffield Wednesday and has plenty of league experience with Birmingham, Chesterfield, Peterborough and Bristol Rovers. He has notched up 233 league appearences.

Nick Williams - Played as right-wing back last night in place of the Absent Ryan Green. Williams is from the YTS.

Mark Robinson - Twenty-three year old left back from Hartlepool. Played two games on loan at Scarborough last season. and has made eighty league appearences at Hartlepool.

Sean Doherty- Nineteen year-old midfielder formerly of Fulham. He didn't make any appearences for Fulham but played once for Blackpool last season where he had a loan spell.

Tuesday, July 27, 2004

Bulls ease past Evesham

Hereford United kept a third consecutive clean sheet as they cruised past Evesham United in a friendly match at Common Road this evening, final score 3-0. Several changes were made to Hereford's starting eleven, but there were no new trialists on show.

Adam Stansfield netted his first goal for the Whites following a mix up between Evesham's keeper and centre back allowing the ex-Yeovil forward to nip in and tuck away a low effort into the far corner.

Nicky Williams, who started at right back replacing Ryan Green, found Andy Williams who linked up with his strike partner Stansfield for the attacker to cut a pass back to David Brown as United searched for a second, although Brown scuffed his shot from a good position in the penatly box. Shortly afterwards, Graham Turner made his first change of the evening when Simon Travis replaced Williams at right wing back. Travis was straight into action with a powerful run down the right flank, and a pin-point cross for the lively Stansfield to head against the crossbar. Sean Doherty, 19, formerly of Fulham, was first to the rebound, but his shot was wide of the far post.

Andy Williams, who impressed once again, came close to doubling Hereford's advantage but, after latching onto a Tony James pass, he saw his low effort blocked by the goalie. United did score a second through Stansfield again. Brown, playing in midfield, split the defence with a through ball for Stansfield, who turned a defender and powered a high effort into the top corner.

At half time the Bulls made two changes, Craig Stanley replaced Graham Hyde and Nathan Talbot was subbed on for Mark Robinson. James, Tom Smith, Stansfield, Doherty, Brown and Ben Scott were all replaced throught out the second half by Tamika Mkandawire, Andy Tretton, Rob Purdie, Danny Williams, Jamie Pitman and Adam Ding respectivly.

After Andy Williams had another shot well saved, Purdie scored a stunning third for United. The second half sub chipped the ball forwards to Andy Williams, who returned the pass with a delightful back-heel in the air, for Purdie to smash a volley into the top corner, leaving the keeper with no chance. Hereford had further chances, but neither Andy Williams, Danny Williams or Purdie managed to cause the goalkeeper too many problems with shots from outside of the area.

The game was another useful work out for Hereford, and a good opportunity for some trialists to impress the coaching staff and the 250 or so Hereford fans in a crowd of roughly 400. The Hereford supporters may get the chance to see these trialists again next Saturday, against stronger opposition when Wrexham visit Edgar Street for United's fourth pre-season friendly.

Hereford Team: Ben Scott, Nicky Williams, Tom Smith, Tony James, Daniel March, Mark Robinson, Graham Hyde, Sean Doherty, David Brown, Adny Williams, Adam Stansfield Subs : Adam Ding, Simon Travis, Andy Tretton, Tamika Mkandawire, Rob Purdie, Danny Williams, Craig Stanley, Jamie Pitman, Nathan Talbot.

Hereford Win Another Friendly

Hereford United defeated Evesham United 3-0 this evening.

Adam Stansfield scored two goals and Rob Purdie scored the other.

Jamie Pitman made a welcome return to the squad late in the game.

Former Bulls to meet

Gavin Williams and Paul Parry should play against each other for the first time since leaving Edgar Street this evening when Cardiff City travel to Yeovil.

The two former Hereford United players Gavin Williams and Paul Parry should be re-united provided Parry has recovered from a leg injury sustained against Chester City last week.

Glovers star Williams told the Western Daily Press: "I am looking forward to it because I have supported Cardiff since I was a kid. I was never involved with them as a player, but that would have been a dream. And I have never played against them either."

Williams, who has seen Parry leap from Conference side Hereford to Cardiff and full international caps for Wales continued: "I was at Hereford with Paul and I am pleased he has got a good move - since he has left Hereford he has done brilliantly. I have always known he is a good player and we tried to sign him, but he went to Cardiff.

"I wanted him to come down here, but you can't blame him for moving to Cardiff and it's proved the right move for him, because he has done brilliantly."

Moran caught in drugs check

Andy Moran, who had a short spell at Hereford United three seasons ago, has been fined and banned after testing positive to a drugs test.

Moran, now with Rhyl, was suspended from July 12 to February 28 next year, fined £250 and ordered to pay £2,500 costs. after testing positive in March for 19-norandrosterone, a metabolite of nandrolone, a performance-enhancing anabolic steroid.

He was the Welsh league top scorer last season with 47 goals.

Tuesday Comment

This week Huw Williams suggests the whingers hold fire.

They've started already. The whingers that is. I don't suppose United are unique in this respect, but there seem to be a hard core of supporters who simply aren't happy unless they are bloody moaning about something.

The forum is full of it. "oh my God we haven't got a keeper yet. We're doomed. What is Turner doing". And "I saw Hyde pay for 45 minutes and he looked complete *****, Turner is bringing rubbish in, we won't win the league this year". It goes on and on.

After the last two seasons it is obvious that Graham Turner is a good manager, and he knows what he's doing in the transfer market. Also after everything that's happened over the last 8 or 9 years there cannot be any doubt of his commitment to the club. Yet the doubters and complainers are getting up a good head of steam, and if we don't get off to a flying start they will be calling for Turner's head by mid-September.

Turner was adamant last year that he would only bring a player in if he was sure that he was right for the club, and I think we can say that by and large he got it right. There were a few duffers such as Craven and Teasdale, but they've moved on now and the squad looks strong, particularly in defence. Some triallists may need a couple more games before we can be sure about them - if they look OK then they may get a contract, if not, GT will show them the door.

He has also been good at spotting potential, look at the huge development in Rob Purdie's play last season. Let's hope for something similar with DC-B this time. David Brown didn't look too special at the start of the last campaign either, but having had an extended run in the team he started to deliver.

My own feeling is that there may not be a repetition of last season's goalfests when we banged in 5 or more goals on a regular basis. We will however grind out the wins when we need to, and won't throw away points against lesser teams as we did last time. The team building isn't finished yet, but I believe Turner will put together a squad that will be the equal of last year's, and what's more do it without crippling the club financially.

As for the whingers, shut up and give the bloke a chance.

Evesham friendly this evening

Hereford United travel to Evesham for their third pre-season friendly this evening. The kick-off at Common Road is at 7.45pm.

The Bulls are expected to field various trialists in their squad, hopefully including most, if not all, of those who played against Swansea last Saturday.

Parking close to the ground is limited.

Bulls News will have a full report from the game.

Monday, July 26, 2004

Baker saves two penalties

Matt Baker has impressed his new team with two crucial penalty saves in the Isle of Man Tournament.

The goal-keeper rose to the occasion when Wrexham needed him most against Conference side, Carlisle United. He made crucial saves in the shoot-out showdown after the two sides were on 3-3.

Baker made the first of his two penalty saves by keeping out Chris Billy's effort. Next Danny Williams put Wrexham 4-3 ahead and then Baker saved a kick from Karl Hawley, another player who has been at Edgar Street, to give his side victory.

The ex-Hereford United stopper told the Wrexham Leader: "Yeah, obviously I was pleased with my performance. There was a lot of pressure on me. The pitch didn't help, but I'm glad I kept them out and we won. It was a nice feeling."

Cozic on trial with Cobblers

Bertrand Cozic is having a trial at Northampton and reports suggest that Colin Calderwood is impressed.

Cozic spent a short spell at Edgar Street last season after being released by Cheltenham.

Colin Calderwood is planning to have a further look at the French trialist in the friendly with Stevenage Borough on Wednesday.The midfielder impressed against Wolves on Saturday, and Calderwood believes he could prove to be a valuable addition to the squad.

"We will speak to Bertrand Cozic and his agent and we will certainly want to keep him for a bit longer to have a bit more of a look at him.He has done his chances no harm at all and he might play at Stevenage on Wednesday," said Calderwood.

Meanwhile former Hereford United striker Paul Fewings has admitted he was "very disappointed" after being released by Nationwide Conference North club Kettering Town. Fewings finished as the top scorer at Rockingham Road in the Ryman League Premier Division campaign last season but, after two weeks of pre-season training with the Poppies, manager Kevin Wilson has let the striker go.

Scott wants the job

Ben Scott wants to be Hereford United's number one goalkeeper. He kept his second clean sheet in the pre-season friendly games on Saturday against Swansea.

"Hopefully I have put some thoughts into the gaffer's mind," Scott said as reported in the Western Daily Press.

"I told him, not in an arrogant way, that I had learnt a lot from Matt Baker and had confidence in myself to be number one at Hereford."

Graham Turner is still looking for another goalie but said of Scott:" Ben had the courage to knock on my door and tell me he thought he was good enough to be in the side and I would have no qualms in playing him."

The manager added:"The goalkeeper we have been pursuing for some time has finally said no, so the focus is now elsewhere,"

Sunday, July 25, 2004

Save The Bulls Fund

There are various ways to help Hereford United. One of the most popular is to enter the Save the Bulls Fund.

Mandate forms are now available for the Save The Bulls Fund sponsored by Netsounds.com. The fund was devised after a suggestion was made on the club's website following several enquiries from fans on how to help the club financially. Fans are invited to donate a sum of their choice to the fund once a month by standing order; for every pound donated they then receive one entry into a monthly draw where the winner receives 20% of the total amount donated to the fund.

Do not miss out on next months STB Fund draw, fill in a mandate form and submit it to your bank before the end of this month. Mandate forms can be collected from the main office, the club shop or downloaded from the official website at www.herefordunited.co.uk.

Another way to help the club is to become a Matchday Sponsor.

The club is looking to take bookings for Match, Matchball and Mascot Sponsorships for the forthcoming season. Match sponsorship is a unique way for company representatives of groups of supporters to watch one of the home games and enjoy pre-match, half-time and post-match hospitality.

And for children, why not give a child the chance to become a club Mascot for a game which includes going onto the field with the team and having photographs taken of the event.

Another way to help the club is to sponsor a player. Bulls News are sponsoring John Trewick, the new Hereford United coach. But hurry as there are not many player sponsorships left.

For full details contact the club on 01432276666.

Admission Prices Confirmed at Edgar Street

Hereford United have confirmed matchday admission prices at Edgar Street for this season.

Terrace prices are Adults £10 and Concessions £6.

Seating prices are Adults £12 and Concessions £9.

In the event that Hereford United should be occupying a top five place after the first three league games admission prices will increase by £1.

To obtain concession prices children or senior citizens need to purchase a Bulls membership card which is priced at £10. Without a card Concessions pay £1 extra to the stated admission price.The cards are available from the main office.

Season tickets are still available and for any supporter likely to watch the majority of home matches could be a worthwhile purchase.

Open Day Next Sunday

Hereford United's annual open day takes place next Sunday, August 1st, from 11am to 2pm at Edgar Street. The main event of the day will be the official launch of the new home strip. This strip will be available for purchase at the ground.

There will be opportunities to meet the players and, as long as they are prepared to go in the stocks, a chance to soak your favourite player. Last year Richard O'Kelly soon became wet-through.

Other attractions include a bottle stall, cake stall, bouncy castle,coconut shy, and splat the rat.

For the more athletic there will be a penalty shoot-out.

One of the busiest stall is likely to be where the club sells players old kit. Most fans should find something to suit them on this stall.

Any donations for the bottle and/or cake stall would be greatly appreciated and can be dropped into the club office at Edgar Street.

Saturday, July 24, 2004

Turner still looking for a goalie

Despite Ben Scott keeping a second clean sheet this afternoon, Graham Turner told BBC Hereford and Worcester that he is still looking for an experienced goalkeeper.

Scott was only tested once with a shot late in the game to which he reacted well.

However he doesn't look ready to be the number one goalie yet and so Turner, who according to BBC H&W is talking to two or three at present, will have to continue his search. The manager also revealed that Carey-Bertram may have nicked a cartlidge.

Overall the Bulls looked quite fit although they starting training a week or so later than Swansea. But both David Brown and Adam Stansfield were not quite sharp enough close to goal and trialist Graham Hyde, whilst looking as though he could be a useful acquisition in mid-field should his signing be confirmed, may also be lacking fitness.

Of the other trialists Nathan Talbot stood out. He came on in the second half replacing Mark Robinson on the left side.

Talbot looked eager to impress and his crossing of the ball was quite accurate. He also was prepared to challenge the Swansea players who were quite physical for much of the afternoon.

United draw with Swans

Hereford United drew 0-0 with Swansea City in an uneventful game this afternoon at Edgar Street. The Bulls had two new trialists in the team, Mark Robinson started at left wing back and Graham Hyde was on the bench. Robinson was playing at Hartlepool last season and Hyde was contracted to Bristol Rovers.

Swansea had a chance early on to take the lead but Paul Conner only just failed to connect with a cross from the right. United replied to this when Adam Stansfield, in a similar fashion to Conner, failed to connect with Craig Stanley's from close range. Stanley had the first effort for Hereford but his twenty yard shot, after Stansfield's break from the half way line, was tame and wide.

Conner caused more problems in the air for the Hereford defence and almost gave Swansea a first half lead, but his header at the back post went across Ben Scott's goal and wide of the far post. Ryan Green linked up well with David Brown on the right, and Brown found Stanley with a neat flick, but the ex Telford man shot straight at Gueret in the Swansea goal. Tom Smith left the pitch a facial injury and was replaced by Tony James late on in the first half.

There were several changes for both sides at half time and throughout the second half. Simon Travis, Hyde, Nathan Talbot all came on at half time and Sean Doherty, Andy Williams, Sam Gwynne and one other(whose name we don't have) all made appearences in the second half. Tamikia Mkandawire, Robinson, Stanley, Danny Williams, Adam Stansfield, Green and Brown were replaced.

The second half started quietly with neither side creating many goal scoring opportunities until after the hour mark. Rob Purdie collected the ball on the right from Stansfield and delivered a cross on the ground slightly behind Brown who looped a shot over the bar. Rob Purdie volleyed over from the edge of the box from a Travis cross. Swansea came closest to scoring when Tony James took a cross away from Scott in the Hereford goal, but just as the ball was about to drop into the United net, the skipper had recovered and managed to head the ball around the post to safety.

Brown knocked on a cross from Hyde that caught Stansfield unaware, but luckily for Swansea the ball rebounded off the hard working Stansfield, who was two yards out, and into the keeper's arms. Brown then had three good chances to break the deadlock but failed to do so on each occasion. The first he managed to blast over the bar following good play between Purdie and Talbot on the left, then Brown forced Gueret into a smart save with a good effort from ten yards and finally, his best chance of the afternoon, he connected to a cross from the impressive Talbot but his outstreched foot could only direct the ball inches wide of the far post.

The Swans almost nicked a winner five minutes from the when Adrian Forbes hit a smart shot from six yards, but Scott was equal to it and reacted well to make a save low to his left.

The performance from either side was not the best and certainly didn't excite either sets of fans in a crowd of 1778, but the work out should prove handy for both sides who were good competition for each other. Hereford's next friendly is at Evesham this Tuesday evening and on the following Saturday United should have another more competitive match when they play hosts to League One side Wrexham.

Hereford United Team: Ben Scott, Ryan Green, Mark Robinson, Tamika Mkandawire, Andy Tretton, Tom Smith, Danny Williams, Rob Purdie, Craig Stanley, David Brown, Adam Stansfield. Subs: Tony James, Adam Ding, Graham Hyde, Simon Travis, Sam Gwynne, Andy Williams, Nathan Talbot, Sean Doherty and (unknown).

Battling Bulls keep Swans at Bay

Hereford United draw 0-0 with Swansea City at Edgar Street this afternoon in front of a crowd of 1778 which included about 400 from Swansea.

Both managers would take some positives from the game but Graham Turner will probably be the happier with the display from his team.

As expected Hereford were without both Danny Carey Bertram and Jamie Pitman, but Tony James came on towards half-time when Tom Smith received a knock.

Turner gave a trial to Mark Robinson and Graham Hyde and also on show were several others who played at Ludlow last Monday.

Full match report shortly.

Friday, July 23, 2004

We want to go one better

Tony James, the Hereford United captain, has spoken to the Evening News of his aims for this season.

James, who hopes to take some part this afternoon in the friendly against Swansea City, thinks that the Bulls can win the Conference.

"It's simple. We just want to go one better than last season. If we do that we won't be doing too much wrong. We need a good start I should think and with the new players if we do that it will bring everybody together.

"We want to be top, that's where the players and everybody at the club wants to be if we can. We don't want to be second or third if we can help it."

Asked what other teams he thought would do well James noted:"Obviously I think we've got the likes of Carlisle who had some good performances towards the end of last season.There's also a few teams managing to accumulate a lot of good players like Morecambe and a few others but we're concentrating on what we need to do."

Turning to the pre-season preparations James continued:"As usual pre-season's been quite hard to begin with but it's starting to come together and all the football is starting to look good.

"The new players seem to be settling in but obviously we'll find out more about them once the games begin but so far they look pretty sharp. Nearer the time you want to get a bit of both performance and fitness but at the moment it is about getting minutes under your belt."

Kennedy to play at Burton

Jon Kennedy is to play for Burton Albion this evening (Friday) in a local friendly against Belper Town.

Kennedy, formerly with Accrington Stanley, was number two goalkeeper in the English National squad last season and was suggested by former Hereford United keeper Matt Baker as a possible replacement for him.

Burton are looking for a new keeper as they have sold Matt Duke to Hull for around £60,000 and Nigel Clough looks to have acted quickly to try and get the signature of Kennedy.

Should Kennedy sign for the Brewers, it is one less goalkeeper for Graham Turner to consider.

Teesdale released from York

Richard Teesdale, formerly with Hereford United, has been released by York City after a trial at Bootham Cresent.

Player/Manager Chris Bass confirmed the news earlier today. York currently have a squad of around 22 players.

Meanwhile another ex-Bull, Paul Parry, has been given the number 19 shirt in Cardiff City's squad for this season.

Trundle to miss friendly

Lee Trundle, Swansea City's much travelled striker and probably best known player, will miss tomorrow's friendly at Edgar Street along with several other team members.

Swansea will go to Edgar Street nursing several more injuries since their Barry Town friendly. Andy Robinson should be back to full fitness but will not be risked tomorrow, as is the same for Brad Maylett(Groin Strain). Stuart Jones suffered a 'clean break' in his nose after a clash of heads which means he may still be still be allowed to play. Kevin Austin could play after recovering after a twisted ankle but may be saved for the Swans Holland tour.

Lee Trundle, about whom there was speculation that he might leave the Vetch, will not feature and remains a doubt for the Holland tour but he insists he'll play and be ready for the 04/05 season.

Kenny Jackett, the Swansea manager, said:''I watched one of their play-off games and thought Hereford were very unlucky not to go up last season.They looked a good side to me and this will certainly be our biggest test yet."

Without several key players Swansea may not provide as strong a challenge for the Bulls as had been expected.

James may start tomorrow

Hereford United captain Tony James is hopeful of starting for the Bulls tomorrow in the friendly fixture against Swansea City, but both Danny Carey-Bertram and Jamie Pitman will not feature.

All three were left out of the squad that played last Monday at Ludlow. James was said to be carrying a minor knock but Carey-Bertram is beleived to have a knee problem. Pitman has started training after his operation but will not be risked.

On-trial Graham Hyde, formerly of Bristol Rovers, should feature, but some of the other trialists that played at the Coors Stadium on Monday have left Edgar Street.

Meanwhile reformed Telford had their first game last night at Ludlow and defeated the home side 3-1. And ex-Hereford United Ben Smith scored for Shrewsbury in their 6-0 friendly win over Millbrook.

On the betting front, Hereford United are still at 9-1 to win the Conference with Coral. In general there has been little or no movement in the main prices for the leading clubs in the last week.

Thursday, July 22, 2004

Swansea preview Saturday friendly

This article comes from SwanseaMad.

Swans MAD takes a look at Saturday's friendly opposition....

If there was any justice in football, then perhaps Hereford would have been gearing up for a League Division Two meeting against Swansea, and not a friendly. Finishing only a point by champions Chester, Hereford entered the playoffs lottery with their first fixture against Aldershot, a side that had accumulated some 20 points less over the course of the season. In true football style, Aldershot progressed on penalties and Hereford were left contemplating another season in the Conference.

Hereford had previously been a league club for some 25 years, and were elected into the Old Fourth Division in 1972 under the management of ex-Swansea manager Colin Addison (who had taken over from Sir John Charles). Hereford gained immediate promotion after finishing runners up to Southport, before winning the Old Third Division just three seasons later. Unfortunately, two successive relegations then lead to Hereford having to apply for re-election on three occasions, after finishing bottom three times in four years.

1996/97 became Hereford's last full season as a league club, when they eventually found themselves relegated on the last day of the season. Brighton, who had looked doomed for much of the campaign, enjoyed a fantastic revival and played out a tense and dramatic 1-1 draw at Edgar Street and ensured their survival.

The club is currently managed by Graham Turner, once of Shrewsbury, Aston Villa and Wolves. Turner joined Hereford in 1995 and was present during the Bulls relegation into the Conference just two years later. However, Turners position at Hereford is fairly unique, seeing as he also holds the position as club chairman after buying shares from former directors. It is no wonder he's still manager then!!

The Football League has now been without Hereford United for some seven seasons. Recent years have been dominated by financial uncertainty and The Bulls will be hoping that they can finally re-gain that elusive league status soon. However, a number of Hereford's outstanding performers have left over the course of the summer, including top scorer Steve Guinan (joined Cheltenham) and goalkeeper Matt Baker (Wrexham).

Players to Watch?

So who are the players to watch in what is likely to be a fiery encounter on Saturday?

Defender Tony James is one of three Hereford players still at the club who were selected in the Conference "team of the year". James will be starting his sixth season for Hereford, after joining from the West Brom reserves and was labelled by Peter Shreeves as the "best defender in the Conference" last year.

Hereford also have a record-breaker in their side, with Ryan Green being the youngest ever player to represent Wales at senior level, aged 17 years and 226 days. This cap against Malta was added to by another friendly against Tunisia, but five years later, Green is looking to getting his career back on track, after spells at Millwall, Sheffield Wednesday, Cardiff and Torquay.

Turner has also made a couple of signings over the course of the summer, with Tamika Mkandawire, Adam Stansfield and Andrew Tretton (should be Craig Stanley-ed) all joining from league clubs. The club have set their sights on promotion to the league this season, and after the last 12 months, the supporters will probably not settle for anything less.

Will Kenny Jackett's side maintain their 100% friendly record, or will Saturday's match at Hereford be one trip too far? Can Dennis Oli steal the headlines again, or will Adrian Forbes finally grab his first goals in a Swansea shirt? No doubt, Saturday's fixture will be a tough one and should Swansea win, they will be feeling very confident as they approach the Dutch tour.

Meanwhile it will cost supporters £7 to watch the game on Saturday with a £4 charge for concessions.

Wednesday, July 21, 2004

Goalkeeper Headache for Turner

Graham Turner is still chasing the signature of a goalkeeper to replace Matt Baker as it looks as though his first choice has decided not to sign.

"We're hopeful that something will be sorted out by the weekend but we've been in negotiations with one particular player for nearly a fortnight now and there comes a time when you have to move on to someone else," Turner told the Hereford Times.

Meanwhile the Hereford United manager suggested that there was work to with his squad after the game at Ludlow.

"There were some good aspects to the performance with some good passing and movement. But our finishing wasn't all that bright.

"We've yet to do a session on that."

Bulls Interviews now on Broadband

Exclusive interviews are now on the broadband Nationwide Conference site at: conferencefootball.tv

On the site right now are Skeets' (aka Keith Hall - The Voice of Edgar Street) interviews with: Graham Turner, John Trewick, Craig Stanley, Tony James, Danny Williams and in the "famous for fifteen" section is David Booth with his fans eye view of United's promotion chances.

* GT tells us how he's remaining confident that United will be in the hunt for promotion.

* John Trewick on how he wants to take the Bulls to the next level.

* Tony James says United's fans can make all the difference

* Danny Williams claims the Bulls will continue to play entertaining football

* Craig Stanley on his move to Edgar Street

There's also a view for Away Fans from the Blackfriars and Len Weston Terrace. Take a look, and if you haven't already registered and voted - please do. The more you vote for United the more chance we've got of the Bulls being one of the featured matches each week.

In other news...the conferencefootball.tv site has today agreed to feature the United legend Ricky George in a weekly "Beat the Bookie" style feature previewing each of the weeks matches. Skeets will be interviewing Ricky to see who's in top form, who are the clubs to watch out for, as well as those important forecast banker homes, draws and aways... If any other fans want to add their views to the site by being "famous for fifteen", and want to see themselves on conferencefootball.tv you can contact Skeets via the PA Box at the club on matchdays, or by emailing him via the official website.