Test

Thursday, August 12, 2004

Lock-in continues at Farnborough

Farnborough Town continues to make the Conference headlines this evening with the continuation of the lock-in. Local BBC and ITV have both had reporters at the ground. And the near-by Asda store is supplying daily food parcels for those staff and fans sitting in at the Cherrywood Road protest.

The dispute centers around who owns shares in the club. (more details - see Monday's Bulls News, now in Archive section)

Tony Theo, the current chairman, continues to receive the over-whelming support of the Farnborough Town fans. Theo beleives he had made a deal to buy a large number of shares from former chairman/manager Vic Searle, but Searle now says he has sold them to two others.

The future of manager Dean Austin, the ex-Tottenham player who was brought in as first team manager this summer in place of Searle, is also uncertain. If Searle and his associates oust Theo as chairman then Austin,Theo's number one choice for the job, could also be ousted, paving the way for Searle and his associates to take over the club and appoint a new manager.

Saturday's game at Edgar Street should go ahead. A good contingent of Farnborough fans is expected to travel and there are reports that they will have a bucket collection to aid their cause (Fans for Farnborough) on Saturday at the ground.

The "Fans for Farnborough" fund will be used as a fighting fund towards securing the clubs future for the fans. The money may be used to pay any expenses incurred in securing the clubs future which could include paying legal costs or contributing towards outstanding debts run up whilst we're not in control of the club. Once the clubs future is secure the money will go into the club to contribute towards the running costs. Once a Supporters Trust is up and running "Fans for Farnborough" will be wound up and any outstanding money will be transferred to the Trust.

Squad Numbers announced

A list of the squad numbers for the forth coming season:

2: Ryan Green

3: Simon Travis

4: Tom Smith

5: Andy Tretton

6: Tony James

7: Danny Williams

8: Jamie Pitman

9: Adam Stansfield

10: David Brown

11: Rob Purdie

12: Danny Carey-Bertram

14: Ben Scott

15: Craig Stanley

16: Andy Williams

17: Tamika Mkandawire

18: Graham Hyde

New signings Johnathan Gould, Lee Mills and Mark Robinsons' numbers are not yet known although it is expected that Gould will be handed the number one shirt.

Mills could sign by weekend

Graham Turner has said that new signing Lee Mills may sign a more permanent deal by the start of the Conference season this weekend. The former premiership striker was announced as a new signing at the Fans Forum last Monday evening. It is the second time that Turner has signed Mills. Turner spent £15,000 on the striker when manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers. Mills was then playing for Non League outfit Stocksbridge Steels.

Speaking to the Hereford Times Turner said, "Lee Mills just wants to play football, it's now just a question of whether we take him for a month to have a good look at him or sign him on a year's deal now."

However, the Hereford manager, who goes into his tenth season in charge at Edgar Street this weekend, went on to say that a player will a history like Mills' should have proven himself enough to sign on a more permanent contract. "With someone who has such a good pedigree you're not really taking much of a chance and there's a possibility we shall have a deal tied up for the season before the weekend."

Meanwhile, Turner has spoken of his confidence that he is taking into the first couple of games of the new campaign. "We have a decent squad of players who are looking fit and sharp, there's no reason for anything but optimism."

Wednesday, August 11, 2004

The New Campaign starts on Saturday

After the disappointment of failing to attain promotion last season, Hereford United will be looking to go just that little bit better this time. Most supporters will have been counting down the days to the start of the season since last May and, with all the good news coming out of Edgar Street recently, are feeling pretty optimistic. And with season ticket sales the best for years, many supporters have already backed the team with their committment.

As regards this Saturday's game, Graham Turner knows that Hereford will start favourites to win against Farnborough. However the team that will start the season will probably be missing a couple of players so may be it is fate that has brought Farnborough to Edgar Street. Yet it was a few of the less fancied teams that proved most troublesome at home last season.

"It's one of those games that you would expect to take the three points from on the basis of last years form but we can take nothing for granted," admitted Turner.

Jim White in the Daily Telegraph recently captured the feelings of supporters on the first day of the season.

"For supporters the first game of the Conference season always brings a whiff of optimism, the collective triumph of hope over experience. Saturday morning is the morning that dawns the brightest.This is the one moment in the season when they can look in the paper and see that every other team in the division is still within touching distance.

"Fans will don their new team shirts, buy their lucky burger from the stall along the way and once inside the ground catch up with fellow addicts, whom they have not seen for three months.Everyone will be smiling and full of good cheer.

"If anything, the collective optimism will only increase as the team trots out on the pitch, limbs tanned, the new signings up front eager to make an impression, even the pie-maker at the back looking as though he might have shed a few pounds in pre-season training. And then the whistle will blow.

"Enjoy the moment."

Away Games on TV

Conference Football have announced that all Hereford United's away games are to be covered by the new venture. Also, on the site are interviews with players and staff from Edgar Street.

Although not yet confirmed, United legend Ricky George is expected to take part in a weekly "Beat the Bookie" style feature previewing each of the weeks matches. Skeets (Keith Hall) 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.

Woking v Exeter has been selected as the main highlights match with commentary for Tue 17/8. Voting is now up and running for Sat 21st Aug at York when United are due to visit Bootham Crescent for the first time since the sides met in the Football League.

Meanwhile problems continue at Farnborough where there has been a lock-in this morning. Tony Theo remains the largest shareholder at present.

Whilst the club continues to try and operate, the team are preparing for Saturday's Nationwide Conference opening fixture away at Hereford United.

Tuesday, August 10, 2004

After Father came Son

The arrival of Johnathan Gould to Edgar Street comes 26 years after his father Bobby Gould arrived at Edgar Street.

Gould senior, who was assistant to Mike Bailey, signed for the Bulls in September 1978. He was 32 at the time.

His football career spanned some great English sides. He started out with Coventry City and turned out for Arsenal, Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Bromwich Albion, Bristol City, West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bristol Rovers before joining Hereford in 1978 for £10,000.

He left the following year to become assistant manager at Chelsea under Geoff Hurst, and has managed Wimbledon (when they won the FA Cup in 1988), West Bromwich Albion, Coventry City, Wales and Cardiff City. He later became Director of Football at Ninian Park and also featured regularly on television.

Playing as a striker he made his debut for the Bulls against Reading at Edgar Street on September 13th 1978. Altogether he made 45 appearances for the Bulls and scored 13 goals before moving to Chelsea. (profile from HU-FC.co.uk)

Meanwhile new coach Jon Trewick could have helped Johnathan Gould come to Edgar Street. It is beleived they spent time together at West Bromwich.

Keep Keetch informed

Bulls News has been told that Paul Keetch, the local Liberal MP, has sent a survey around to households in Hereford.The purpose of the survey appears to be finding out how the current council (Conservative/Independent) is doing and whether a future Liberal council could do better.

One Hereford United supporter contacted Bulls News with the following thought about the survey :

I like everybody else in the city have received the Paul Keetch City Survey through the post the other day asking whether the current council or if a future Liberal council is doing or can do better. I've filled in my thoughts. One of the questions towards the end ask will you vote for the Liberals and help them to be elected to run the council (or something like that) which to be honest I have left blank, Why?

This is why, The very last question is asking do you have any other issues,if so to please write on a separate piece of paper and send with the survey, which I have. I've asked if they really want to secure my vote what will they do in the future to help Hereford United Football Club???

I know it's only little old me asking Paul Keetch this question but I'm sure if just a few more Hereford United supporters in the city ask the same question surely Paul Keetch will take notice, wouldn't he!!??

I'm not one who normally gets on his high horse or gets involved with politics but when it comes to United we have to fight to make this club heard and keep this great club going, so through your site are you going to make everyone aware of this opportunity or am I just being a bit stupid,don't answer that!!! (we won't - ed)

Here's to United and let's hope we can go that one better this season and get back in the league!!!!

Crawley Tickets at Edgar Street

Hereford United have confirmed that tickets for the away game at Crawley Town on August 17th have arrived.

Supporters are reminded that they need to purchase their tickets on or before next Saturday.

The club will accept cheques from fans unable to get to the club office but a stamped addressed envelope would be very helpful.

Prices are Terrace: Adults £9, Concessions £6.

Seating: Adults £10, Concessions £8.

Preston confirm Gould's Loan

The official Preston North End site has confirmed that their goalkeeper Jonathan Gould is to go on loan at Edgar Street.

North End's Scottish keeper Jonathan Gould will join Conference title favourites Hereford United on a month's loan, beginning this coming Friday, with view to a more permanent deal.

The 36-year-old stopper handed in a shock transfer request during the club's pre-season tour of Ibiza, which was accepted by the board and this move to Graham Turner's side will allow Gould to move a lot closer to his family in Bristol.

The former League outfit begin their campaign at Edgar Street on Saturday against Farnborough and their boss is pleased to have captured Gould."I wanted someone who had played two or three hundred league matches that would bring all his experience into the club," said Turner.

One of the unofficial Preston sites commented: North End fans will be wishing Gould all the best; he will undoubtedly be one of the best goalkeepers in the conference and may end up helping title favourites Hereford to promotion.

Turner Bullish at Forum

Fans Forum 9th August 2004.

A report by Huw Williams.

A Fans Forum was held in the Legends bar last night. Graham Turner attended, and answered questions put by the 80 or so supporters present in his usual open and articulate manner. Keith Dodd, chairman of HUISA, chaired the meeting, and opened proceedings by asking for a round of applause for GT for last season's performance, which got a good response.

The first subject was, not surprisingly, new players. Having teased the audience a bit first, Turner gave details of the Jonathon Gould loan arrangement, which begins with a one month trial, with a view to making it a season long deal if both parties are happy. The capture of Gould has to be a good move, in my opinion - he has played at the highest level, and goalkeeper is the position where experience counts for so much. GT said that we would not be paying him anything like his current wages, but Gould was just happy to be playing. The same applied to striker Lee Mills, who was at Telford last year, and was playing Premiership football with Bradford City as recently as 2000. Mills will be training with the Bulls from today, having trained alone through the close season following Telford's collapse.

Youngster Mark Robinson has agreed a one month deal. GT feels he's shown enough in pre-season to be worth a longer run, and provide some left sided cover. GT made the point that a few new faces helped to liven the dressing room up, and that Graham Hyde in particular was a good influence on the squad, both on off the pitch. The only fitness issues were Ryan Green, whose back problem had now transferred to his hip, and Danny Carey-Bertram who was due to have a scan on a suspected cartilage problem in his knee. Everyone else should be fit for the new season.

Turner also confirmed that the spirit and work attitude in the squad was first class, and that there was no hangover from last season's disappointment. He's pretty clear what his starting eleven will be next Saturday, with the strikers being the only undecided area.

On to financial matters: an offer has been made, eight or so weeks ago, to the supervisor of the CVA which will clear it. This has been agreed by the Inland Revenue, the largest creditor, and by Mark Ellis. This means that it will go through, it is just a matter of when. A huge amount of credit and thanks is due to Graham Turner and Joan Fennesey for bringing us out of the CVA, and it provides a great psychological lift to the club.

GT also said that the Richardsons had accepted that there was little or no chance of repayment of the £1 million debt which was originally owed to Chelverton. Their only hope of getting any return was to be involved in any future development of the Edgar Street "grid". Turner didn't expect to see anything significant "in his lifetime" ! The council is adamant that the club will stay in it's present location, and GT said that the only thing that made any sense was to redevelop the ground on the existing footprint. Work was commencing on extending the changing rooms to enlarge them and bring them up to league standard. The two ends of the ground would soon require work - the Blackfriars end was being monitored, but would be open this season. The capacity remains unchanged.

GT declared himself "very happy" with John Trewick. He wasn't on a contract, and had taken a substantial wage cut to come here, to be working with senior players, and his friendship with Richard O'Kelly had been an influence on his coming to Hereford. He is a different style of coach, more intensive, perhaps not so much of a "father figure" to the young players as ROK was, but just as effective. The club also has the services of a new, very highly qualified, chartered physiotherapist, in Steven Heptinstall (apologies if I haven't got that quite right), 3 days a week. Jamie Pitman would also assist which would help his development as a physio.

The issue of the Crawley match being all ticket was a sore point with the audience. He explained that it was a police decision, and pointed out that Crawley's gates last season were no more than 1200, so if we take 500 down there it could be a problem. He said that it was an issue of numbers and safety, and nothing to do with the bad reputation created by a violent minority. He said it was likely to happen at a few games this season, and was always a police decision at short notice, which gave both the home club and us problems with ensuring ticket distribution and availability.

The question of using the HFA Cup games to work off suspensions was raised. GT's answer was a bit tongue in cheek, but he made it clear that the FA were wise to the dodge of hastily arranged county cup games, so we had to be careful. He also talked about the fixture congestion that often arose at the end of the season, and couldn't understand why we had so many blank mid-weeks early on when the pitches and weather were still good.

There was a lot of further chat , too much to report in detail here. GT agreed that Carlisle, the bookies favourites, would be a big threat this season. He also mentioned Exeter and Morecambe, and possibly Stevenage as potential rivals for the title. The last question from the floor was on the subject of how the club should be known - Graham said he'd be happy to be known as "Champions". We'll all second that

Monday, August 09, 2004

Mark Robinson

Mark Robinson has agreed a one month contract at Edgar Street with a view to a one year deal. The left back has been training with the club since the start of pre season and has appeared in all of the clubs pre season friendlies. He has had to compete for his contract with Nathan Talbot and he impressed Graham Turner enough to be offered a place at Hereford.

The twenty three year old has been playing for Hartlepool for the past couple of seasons, but had a short loan spell with Scarborough last season where he made two appearances. The following player profile has been taken from sportnetwork.net: A product of the Youth Team, Robbo is firmly established as the regular Left Back at the age of 21. Making his debut at the start of 2000/1, he didn't get many starts that season and it was only last year that he broke through properly. His distribution has been called into question, and we have very little cover in his position - the arrival of Brian Barry-Murphy for a spell only highlighted this. Having said that, Barry-Murphy didn't offer anything more than Robbo to most eyes, but is now at Sheffield Wednesday and getting a regular game!

Lee Mills

Lee Mills has signed for Hereford United on a non contract basis. The thirty four year old rejected terms at Kidderminster Harriers before agreeing a deal at Edgar Street. Mills has tons of experience having played for clubs at the highest level including Bradford City in the premiership as well as Manchester City on loan.

The 6ft 1 hitman notched up twenty nine goal in sixty five games for Bradford and thirty five goal from eighty one games for Port Vale in the most successful part of his career. Hereford will be Mills tenth team in his career that has seen him bag ninety five goals in a total of two hundred and sixty games.

Mills was with Telford United last season where he netted ten times, nine in the league and one FA Cup goal. He fits the bill of a "target man" that Graham Turner is known to have wanted to add to his squad before the start of the season this Saturday.

Johnathan Gould

Johnathan (Johnny) Gould comes to Edgar Street having spent the main part of his career in Scotland. Now 36, the 6ft 1in goalkeeper was born in Paddington and started his football career at Cleveden.

He then had spells at Halifax, West Bromwich and Coventry before moving to Bradford City.

From Bradford Johnny Gould was signed by Wim Jansen in August 1997. The following notes come from a Celtic site:

" Plucked from the white hot atmosphere of Bradford City (reserves) his opportunities there had been so limited that he spent some time on loan to Gillingham. Boasting a pedigree that included spells with Halifax Town, West Bromwich Albion and Coventry City, it's probably fair to say that he must have been as surprised as any of us that he found himself strolling through the front door of Paradise at the age of 28.

"His first appearance at Celtic Park was in the return leg against the Austrians. Although Celtic made it through the tie on aggregate - thanks largely to an amazing performance by Larsson - we conceded three goals in a horror show of harum scarum defending.

"Nonetheless, once things settled down Gould played his part that season in a defence which conceded a miserly 24 goals. He looked reasonably competent behind the regular centre back pairing of Rieper and Stubbs.

"With the arrival of Rab Douglas, someone who resembled a serious 'keeper, the party was over for JG.

"Apart from the odd moment of low farce, domestic competition was never really too much for Gould too handle. He chose these important matches to reveal all the neuroses and insecurities which set goalies apart from mere mortals, and had us all in stitches with his Chaplinesque routines against the likes of Helsinki and Zurich.

"He has been a lucky Bhoy to have been given the chance to win some honours with a big club the stage in his career when Celtic plucked him from obscurity, but he always gave the impression that he was well aware of this and seemed to enjoy every minute of it. Off the pitch he was affable and always a good ambassador for the club."

From Celtic, Gould moved to Preston North End. The following is taken from the Official Preston Site:

"Jonathan Gould arrived from Celtic on a free transfer and it was immediately clear to see why Craig Brown had swooped to sign a player who was languishing in the reserves at Celtic Park.

The big keeper received two international call-ups to the Scotland squad under Brown and his form for PNE got him a recall to the national squad during the 2003/04 season. A great shotstopper Gouldy rescued valuable points for the Lilywhites on several occasions last season.

"But the strain of being away from his family has led to this popular player asking for a move away from the North West and his time at Deepdale looks to be running out."

Last season Gould made 41 appearances for Preston collecting one red and one yellow card.

Three signings confirmed

Graham Turner has announced the signing of Johnathan Gould on a one month loan deal at tonights fans forum. Gould, currently with Preston North End, has recently been linked with a move to Edgar Street to solve Hereford's goalkeeper problems. The deal has a view to a season loan move for the veteran thirty six year old.

Also, it's been revealed that Lee Mills who played for Telford United last season will be joining up with the squad tomorrow on a non-contract basis with a full time contract expected to be offered in the near future.. The experienced target man has played in the premiership with Bradford City. He has recently been training with Kidderminster Harriers but reportedly failed to agree personal terms.

Mark Robinson has also signed for United as previously suggested by Bulls News on Saturday. The left sided player has been on trial with the club all pre season and has signed a one month deal with a view to a one year contract. The twenty three year old has plenty of league experience with Hartlepool where he has made 85 appearences.

The three signings will take the squad size up to nineteen for the start of the season next Saturday when United take on Farnborough Town at Edgar Street.

Ownership Dispute at Farnborough

A dispute over who owns Farnborough Town has flared up in recent days.

Tony Theo beleives he has taken over from former chairman Vic Searle but Searle maintains he has passed his shares to Ron Higgins and Tony Tuberville.

Following discussions today between the parties a statement has been released:

Farnborough Town Football Club wish to advise supporters that following a stand off at the ground earlier today it has been agreed between Chairman Tony Theo, Ron Higgins and Tony Turberville that talks in respect of a possible compromise will continue, away from the ground, later today. In the meantime both parties are in agreement that Tony Theo remains as club Chairman and Dean Austin as Manager until discussions are completed. The club will make a further announcement on the situation at 10am tomorrow.

There is no suggestion that Saturday's game at Edgar Street, when Farnborough Town are the visitors, will be affected.

Meanwhile a fans' online petition "to let Higgins and Turberville know they are not wanted and to keep Tony Theo in charge." has been set up.

Revenue after Wrexham

The Inland Revenue are chasing Wrexham Football Club for nearly a million pounds. Chairman Alex Hamilton says the club has ten days to convince the revenue it can pay the bill.

According to BBC Wales, Hamilton has revealed a £840,000 bill to the Inland Revenue, and a further £120,000 owed to Customs and Excise. He says the club's debts total £5m, and claims a insolvency expert has told him the club should be placed in administration to stave off creditors.

A summary of the club's problem has been printed on ic NorthWales:

* The club still owes the Inland Revenue and Customs & Excise close to £1m.* The club made a loss of £262,000 in the financial year to May 2004.* Budgeted proposals for either commercial or residential redevelopment of part of the Racecourse site will not realise enough money to clear the club's debts.* In June this year the club's bankers refused to extend Wrexham's over-draft facility.David Acland, a partner in insolvency firm Begbies Traynor, who is an advisor to the Professional Footballers' Association and has acted as joint adminstrator in the past at Chester City, Lincoln City and Huddersfield Town, was called in last month to assess Wrexham's financial position.

It looks as though Wrexham will go into administration with all the problems for the club that will bring. The number of both staff and players are likely to be cut.

It is quite possible that some players could go out on loan. Matt Baker could be one of them as Andy Dibble is still their first team keeper.

Meanwhile near-neighbours Chester City has changed the name of their ground from the Deva Stadium to the Saunders Honda Stadium.

The club has announced a six-figure deal with the Chester car sales company which will run for two years with an option of a third year.

Gould could come to Hereford

Preston Today has a report that suggests goalkeeper Johnathen Gould might be allowed to go out on loan from Preston.

Craig Brown has told unhappy keeper Jonathan Gould he can go out on loan if he struggles to find a permanent move. On the same day he agreed to allow Mansfield to borrow young striker Joe O'Neill for three months, the Preston boss told his veteran goalkeeper he too can have a temporary transfer away from Deepdale.

"I am trying to be as helpful as I can to Jonathan," said Brown. "I would certainly consider a loan because it would mean we could call him back if anything happened to either Andrew Lonergan or Gavin Ward."But at the moment Gouldy has had informal contact with one or two clubs and something might come of that."

The exact reasons behind Gould's shock transfer request, while North End were playing a pre-season tournament in Ibiza, are still not being made public.The official line is that the former Celtic and Coventry keeper wants to move closer to his family in the West Country. But he declined to be interviewed by the Evening Post this week as he continued to train as normal with the Preston squad.

Brown said: "I'm happy for Jonathan to stay here, he is a very good keeper. And he has been first class in the way he has got on with his work.Although he has asked for a transfer he has said in both his written request and to me personally that it won't affect his attitude or his performances if he is selected to play.

"We have circulated clubs with his name and Jonathan has enough contacts within the game, as does his father, to find a club."

Sunday, August 08, 2004

Coach Trip to Crawley

Fancy combining a trip to Crawley on Tuesday August 17th to see Hereford United play with a few hours in Brighton before the game?

Then if enough people are interested, Denise Powell is hoping to run a coach trip to combine the two.

The coach will leave the Merton Meadow Car park, Hereford at 9am for Brighton and should arrive in the sea-side town around lunch-time. It will leave Brighton around 6pm and arrive at Crawley football ground well before the start of the match.

The Cost is £18.00. Children under 13 will pay £10.

The trip is a one-off giving supporters the chance for a good day out with the fun of watching United in the evening. Bookings can be made at Hereford United's Office (01432276666) or in the Club Shop. If anyone is interested please contact us as we need to know if we have enough people to run the bus. e-mail Denise@powellclehonger.freeserve.co.uk

Things move very slowly

Recently Bulls News reported that "Graham Turner had informed us that an agreement has been reached with the CVA." The quote was taken from Black and White, the HUISA newsletter. However it appears that HUISA may have jumped the gun a little as although an agreement is expected it had not been reached late last week according to Turner who spoke about the CVA on BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"I think things like that move very, very slowly. I know that the supervisor has written to all the creditors saying that an offer has been received. The big ones, as far as we're aware, have approved it, that's the Inland Revenue. I think of the smaller ones we're just getting the consenus of their opinion.

"But I think that won't make a great deal of difference as long as the big ones vote for it.

"It looks as though it will all go ahead and we can settle that.And I think that will be a big milestone for the club. It might not mean too many things in practical terms but certainly to come out of the CVA will be a big milestone for us.

"It's a majority decision based on how much is owed and so on the basis that the Inland Revenue is owed the most then they have a big say on it."

Saturday, August 07, 2004

Addison leaves Barry

Former Hereford United manager, Colin Addison, has quit his job at Barry Town .It is believed that relations with owner Stuart Lovering had become strained at cash-strapped Jenner Park.

"I wish the club and supporters the very best, I have no club in line to go to," Addison told the South Wales Echo.

"I'm not happy with certain things and it's best left there."

Meanwhile of those players who left Edgar Street at the end of last season to move to higher graded clubs, only Bertrand Cozic and Michael Rose played for ninety minutes today.

Cozic was said to have impressed in Northampton's 2-0 win at Swansea. However Rose was on the losing side for Yeovil who lost 3-1 at Bury.

Steve Guinan came off the bench for Cheltenham in the second-half but his side defeated Southend 2-0. Ben Smith started for Shrewsbury but was replaced by John Grant in the second half. Shrewsbury lost at home to Lincoln 1-0.

Matt Baker had to stay on the bench for the whole game at Wrexham where the home team defeated Swindon 2-0.

Goalkeeper search still on

Graham Turner is still looking for a goalkeeper to bolster his squad.

Wellington put two past Ben Scott this afternoon, although to be fair, the second, from a free kick that would have beaten many other keepers.

Even the first goal was probably more down to a defensive error than a goalkeeping one, but Scott was lucky not to receive a card when he made a sliding challenge on a Wellington player just outside the box which resulted in their second goal.

"We want a goalkeeper," said Graham Turner to BBC Hereford and Worcester..

"We are talking to a club at the moment to see if we can get one sorted out. We have moved down the line with several goalkeepers. We lost one or two experienced ones.

"The profile of what we want is clear. Whether we can get that exact profile remains to be seen but we're still working on that. We are talking to a club at the moment.

"There are still one or two goalkeepers looking for clubs. If we don't get one on a permanent basis we'll certainly bring one in on loan."

Turner gives credit to Wellington

Graham Turner, the Hereford United manager, gave credit to Wellington after this afternoons game for defending well and "getting two goals against us. They acquitted themselves very well."

But he was disappointed with some aspects of the Hereford performance.

"I was disappointed with the way we defended when Wellington scored and I thought we did not pick up the tempo that I wanted from the game, " he told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"Although it was a comfortable win in the end, I think we made some silly decisions, some silly errors but better get them out of the way this week than next week. So we have a final week of sharpening everybody up to be ready for next Saturday against Farnborough.

"We didn't move the ball about as briskly as we should have done, unlike against West Brom on Wednesday. That was a great performance in terms of passing the ball and moving about and causing them problems.

"I don't think we played to that standard or tempo today."

Turner was pleased that Adam Stansfield was amongst the goalscorers and he noted that Danny Williams did well at set pieces.

But he revealed that several players could miss the opening Conference game with injuries.

"I am hoping that Ryan Green will begin training again on Wednesday, but David Browns' knee is still troubling him. Danny Carey-Bertram has had a scan but we haven't got those results yet so he might not make it. Tony James, although he played for an hour today, is just feeling the quad muscle strain that he have got, so we will nurse him through the week and hope he is fit for next weekend."

United progress to Semi-Final

Hereford United progressed to the semi finals of the Herefordshire FA Senior Cup against a hard working Wellington side this afternoon. However, the final result 6-2 was not a fair reflection on the game as a whole. Wellington battled hard and until the final quarter of an hour the score was 3-2.

The Bulls were without five players who were missing through suspension or injury. Graham Hyde and Andy Tretton were serving bans and David Brown, Danny Carey-Bertram and Ryan Green all had knocks.

Simon Travis, who impressed in place of Green, set up the first attack after a nervy start by the home side. The right wing back skinned three players before laying the ball off to Danny Williams but his shot was blocked as was Mark Robinson's who was first to the rebound. Williams took the resulting corner and Tom Smith was unlucky to see his shot go just over.

Craig Stanley went close following a one-two with Rob Purdie before Adam Stansfield opened the scoring. Danny Williams struck a curling free kick which was pamled away by the 'keeper Marcus Priday but Stansfield was on hand to tap in from close range. Stansfield then released Travis down the right who crossed for Stanley, but his powerful effort was straight at Priday. Stansfield had the ball in the net again but was in an offside position when he deflected Stanley's volley.

Jamie Pitman smashed a shot towards goal from thirty yards, but the goalkeeper dived to his right and caught the ball superbly. Purdie should have doubled the lead but after Williams had rounded Priday and knocked the ball back to Purdie. However, he chipped the ball around a defender and inches wide of the far post. Three minutes before half time United grabbed a second. Williams had a shot blocked that fell to Robinson who volleyed into an unguarded net as the goalkeeper was on the ground after diving for Williams' previous effort.

Hereford were shocked when they conceded at the start of the second half. First half substitute Rob Parsons scored from close range after the ball had been layed off to him following a long ball from defence. Williams restored the two goal advantage with a brilliant free kick from the edge of the box that curled away from the goalie and into the top corner. However, Matt Williams made it 3-2 within two minutes with a free kick equal to Williams' from a similar positition. Ben Scott had attempted to smother the ball, but let it run loose and was forced to challenge for it on the edge of the box. He made a sliding challenge worthy of card, but was not booked for it.

Matt Pugh was replaced by Michael Prince for Wellington and shortly after United made their first change, Tony James who is still feeling a thigh strain was replaced by Daniel March after an hour. Rob Purdie was taken off for Andrew Williams. Tamika Mkandawire scored a fourth, heading in after the ball had rebounded off the cross bar from a Smith half volley. It was evident that United were the fitter team by then and it was no suprise when the Bulls netted two more. Sam Gwynne, on for Pitman, was knocked over in the area and so the referee awarded United a penalty. Danny Williams calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

Andy Williams struck the post from twenty yards with a low left footed drive before Stansfield netted his fourth in two games from close range to seal a 6-2 victory.

The 640 spectators will not have been too happy with Hereford's display as they failed to get the passing game together like they did in midweek against WBA. Hereford will be dissapointed with the defensive performance as there were a few wrong decisions and errors.

There was no appearance by Jamie Smith (Gosling) who has been on trial at the club. This may be because he is on trial and has not signed for the club as yet. However, Mark Robinson played as did Daniel March. Both players have been on trial at the club which suggests that they may have signed contracts at Edgar Street.

HUFC Team: Ben Scott, Simon Travis, Mark Robinson, Tamika Mkandawire, Tony James, Tom Smith, Danny Williams, Jamie Pitman, Craig Stanley, Adam Stansfield, Rob Purdie. Subs: Andrew Williams, Adam Ding, Daniel March, Sam Gwynne.

Wellington Team: Marcus Priday, Joe Parker, Andy Clarker, Mark Fish, Dale Withers, Richard Jones, Matt Williams, Matt Pugh, Michael Craig, Andy Price, Keith Jones. Subs: Sam Lloyd, Rob Parsons, Steve Brotherwood, Michael Prince, Bryn Watkins.

Fitness wins the Game

Hereford Uniteds' better fitness paid off this afternoon as the Bulls defeated Wellington 6-2, but the opponents put up a brave fight as at one stage Hereford were held 3-2.

Full report shortly.

DEVA-CHAT suspended

Deva-chat, the Chester City forum, has been taken off the web. A message saying "this account has been suspended" has replaced the well used message board.

Whether this suspension has anything to do with other events at Chester City is not yet known. However there were hundreds of postings on the site yesterday connected with the sudden departure of manager Mark Wright.

Many of the postings were critical of owner Stephen Vaughan.

Statements are expected today which may clarify the situation at the club. But whatever the reason for Wright leaving so close to the start of their season, in the background there are signs that the club is not financially strong.

For example,Hereford United had to wait several weeks for money from ticket sales to Chester fans who came to Edgar Street for the Conference game of the last day of the season just ended. It was reported that the first cheque to Hereford bounced before Vaughan paid out of one of his other accounts.

Lambert to ref this afternoon

Herefordshire Football Association secretary Jim Lambert is to referee this afternoons' cup game with Wellington.

Lambert is responsible for setting up the new-style Cup competition which involves seven local clubs and Hereford United.

He explained how the idea came about to BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"The chairman of the competitions committee and senior members spoke to Graham Turner at Hereford United and he was ameanible to the idea. It has its' advantages to Hereford as well and we decided on selecting seven other senior sides on an invitation basis to Hereford in the cup," said Lambert.

Meanwhile youngsters Paul Brown and Chris Mortlock have signed for local team Pegasus Juniors from Hereford United.

Friday, August 06, 2004

Turner looks forward to Cup Game

Graham Turner is looking forward to the new format Herefordshire Senior Cup game with Wellington tomorrow. The quarter-final game kicks off at Edgar Street at 3pm.

Hereford are expected to be without David Brown, Danny Carey-Bertram and Ryan Green who are all injuried. Tony James remains a slight doubt. Graham Hyde and Andy Tretton are suspended.

In the Wellington side will be Matt Williams who is a cousin to Bulls striker Andy Williams and also former United player Mark Cross.

Turner told BBC Hereford and Worcester:" We will want to play at the right pace. We don't want to take any liberties. We know they will be wound up and want to have a go."

No Signings confirmed

No new signings have been confirmed by Hereford United this morning, despite rumours on the forums.

Graham Turner told BBC Hereford and Worcester that the search continues for a goalkeeper and a striker and is confident he will have the positions filled before the first Conference game.

He has confirmed he is in talks with a keeper.

There was no mention of a left-sided player in the part of the interview played so far. This could suggest that Turner has offered a contract to Mark Robinson, the trialist from Hartlepool, but that is not confirmed.

Wright leaves Chester

Mark Wright has left Chester City in unexplained circumstances. His assistant Dave Moss is also reported to have quit.

Chester has been rumoured to have debts of £3 million, but it is not known whether the financial situation has played a part in Wright's departure.

Wright took Chester from the Conference to the new Division Two when his side won the league by just one point from Hereford United last season.

Meanwhile the Chester Chronicle has confirmed events that manager Mark Wright has left the club just 24 hours before the club's long-awaited return to the Football League.

They report that the club have made no official comment as yet but the news is set to throw the club into turmoil as they set out to re-establish themselves after four years of non-league football.

It is believed that much of Wright's backroom staff have departed with him, with ex-Tranmere Rovers and Wigan Athletic manager Ray Mathias expected to take temporary charge.

Later Wright was reported as saying: "It was my decision. The position was untenable. I did not want it to happen, but it has. It's not the right time and I apologise for that. It's a very sad day. I know the side is a good side."

Thursday, August 05, 2004

Pitch looks superb

The pitch at Edgar Street, the home of Hereford United, looks in superb condition as the start of the new Conference campaign loams.

There appears to have been some drainage work done recently as spectators can see some "brown lines" running towards the Meadow End.

Outside the ground an area adjacent to the main building is fenced off in readiness for the extension to the dressing rooms for which permission has been granted.

Meanwhile the club is said to be short of help for matchdays. Extra stewards and turnstile staff are wanted.

Full details from the club on 01432276666