A new book on Hereford United is being published on Saturday 10th December entitled 50 greats of Hereford United. The authors are Denise Powell and David Edge and the publishers are Tempus Publishing (the authors of Hereford United Images of Sport).
Included are John Charles, Dixie Mcneil, Stewart Phillips, Mel Pejic, Dudley Tyler, Ronnie Radford, Ricky George and current players Tamika, Tony James and Jamie Pitman. The shop will be open from 11 until 3 o clock when it is hoped various featured players will be in attendance including Peter Timms, Dudley Tyler, Stewart Phillips, Tony Byrne, Colin Tavener and Ricky George and others. The book will be priced £12:99 and all the profit from books sold in the club shop will go to the club.
It brings back great memories of different players and is sure to create discussions between supporters on who are the greatest players to play for the club and players they feel should have been included. It will make a great present for christmas and an interesting read for supporters young and old as there are players included from all generations.
Come and buy your copy on Saturday!
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Monday, December 05, 2005
New Book about Hereford United
Conference News Round-Up
Cambridge have been bouyed by X-rays revealing two of their players have not suffered broken bones.Stephen Smith has a badly bruised foot, while Dan Gleeson got away with bruising and ligament damage after his shinguard was smashed in half during a challenge that saw Gleeson stretchered off. Gravesend have signed former Crawley midfielder Richard Hodgson after a successful trial but have released ex-Hammers striker Manny Omoyinmi, who has joined Conf South side Lewes. Crawley consultant Alan Mullery has fired back at Jimmy Quinn's accusations of John Hollins' appointment being an "old pals act", saying that he's only met Hollins four times in 25 years. Forest Green have lost the services of loanee Ryan Harley after the Bristol City player declined to extend his loan spell for another month. Stevenage striker Dino Maamria is to seek help to curb his temper after being suspended for 13 games so far this season.
Sunday, December 04, 2005
We were awful says Turner
Graham Turner spoke to the Non League Paper after yesterday's game.
"We have betrayed the giant-killing tradition of this club. We were awful.
"We deserved nothing from the game right from the moment when we gave them a start.
"We have gone out without even a wimper - it was probably the easiest start their keeper has had all season.
"That is the disappointment for me - I'm not sure the players realise that it is the FA Cup and what a big competition it is with this club's tradition in it."
Worcester Out, But Prem Trio Get Non-Leaguers
Worcester lost 1-0 at home to 10 man Huddersfield in this lunchtime's FA Cup Round 2 match.
The only Conference side definitely through, Tamworth travel to Stoke in the Third Round Draw. The winners of Woking or Northwich will get a trip to Sunderland, and the victors of the Nuneaton/Histon replay will face Middlesboro.
Burscough, the lowest ranked team left in the competiton, will get one of the highest ranked in Manchester United if they can get past Burton.
Meanwhile, Stockport County drew a home tie with Oldham or Brentford.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Travis Frustration At Lack Of Opportunities
Amid rumours that he has walked out of the club, Simon Travis is known to be frustrated by his current situation.
After having regained full fitness nearly a month ago, Travis managed just three minutes of first team football, in the LDV win over Port Vale, in the month before playing the full 90 minutes against Exeter, with Graham Turner choosing not to even name the flying full back on the bench for any other game.
Today, Travis was seen to reload his kitbag into his car at 2pm and was pulling out of the car park within seconds of the final whistle. He was visibly angry at not being selected and chose to only make passing comments to supporters who questioned him rather than say something he may regret - responding with a firm "don't know" when asked for a reason for his exclusion.
Graham Turner, unfortunately, has a history of isolating players that question his methods. Several players have been exiled for outbursts against the management in the past with the most recent, Matt Bailey, spending nearly the entire second month of his loan out in the cold. While most of those to feel Turner's wrath have been fringe players and those the fans have not necessarily been keen on the same can certainly not be said of Travis who is a firm favourite among supporters and will surely have the backing of the fans.
Terribly slow pace says Turner
In his programme notes on Saturday, Graham Turner spoke about the future of the club.
"It has been a very busy time trying to sort out the future of the Club.
"We have had meetings in order to get an extension to our leases from the Council.
"We have met with Councillors and Officers about the future developement of the ground, and our own architects have been to Hereford on a couple of occasions recently in order to advise us how the ground could be developed to everyone's satisfaction.
"We have also been in constant dialogue with the Developers about their plans for the future.
"Everything at this stage seems to move at a terribly slow pace, with little I can report publicly, although I would say that there will be a bright future for the Club, with our good support base we know how strong a force we can be should we need to flex our muscles.
"Currently, however, everything is very amicable between all parties and I see no reason why that should not continue until everything comes to fruition.
"My old friend Alan Cotterill, now retired but a specialist in stadia Developement, has been invaluable to us with his expertise. He has helped us out absolutely free of charge and has begun roping in some of his contacts from the world of design, project management and business planning.
"I now beleive that we are acquiring the services of an impressive team of experts in their particular field."
Bulls will have to dream for another year
Hereford United will have to dream for another year about reaching the third round of the FA Cup after being defeated by Stockport County.
After the game an obviously very disappointed Andy Williams told BBC Hereford and Worcester that he thought the Bulls needed some more character in the team.
Bravely answering questions posed by sports editor Trevor Owens, the young striker admitted that Guy Ipoua and himself didn't really link up today.
"They got a soft goal and we couldn't get into the game after that. It was a bit of a hopeful long ball and he just used his pace to get through.
"Once we go a goal down we never seem to get back in the game. I think a few of us including myself have got to hold our hands up and say we weren't good enough.
"We have got to start taking our chances."
Graham Turner, the Hereford United manager, has also reacted to the Cup defeat this afternoon.
"We have betrayed the giantkilling tradition of this club," Turner is reported to have said.
"I thought we were awful."
For the second week running there were scores of police around Edgar Street, including some with dogs. A police helicopter was seen hovering above the area.
Meanwhile Stockport fans will have to wait for their Official Website to publish a report on the game.
Due to the lack of Internet facilities in the press box at Edgar Street there will, unfortunately, be a delay in uploading this afternoon's match report. Stockport County would like to apologise to all its supporters for the inconvenience this causes. Details will be posted on our return to Stockport later this evening.
Update: Rumours, posted on the Official Forum, that Simon Travis has walked out of the club have not been confirmed by the club.
United fail to make the grade
Hereford United were frustratingly knocked out of the F.A. Cup in the second round this afternoon at Edgar Street. Stockport County of League Two, who knocked out Swansea City in the first round, proved too strong for the Conference side as a goal in either half was enough to book The Hatters a place in round three.
Following the disappointing home defeat by Exeter last Saturday, Graham Turner made three changes to his side. Simon Travis was left out and Jon Brady found himself on the subs bench. Danny Carey-Bertram was rewarded with a start on the right and Adam Stansfield was named on the bench, as was Andy Bagnall who is under contract at Birmingham City.
Stockport didn't hesistate and came straight at Hereford from the start, resulting in an early lead for the visitors. An uncommon error from Tamika Mkandawire was a costly one, as he was out-muscled by Jermaine Easter, who raced clear of the defence and saw his shot rattle the cross bar before planting itself in the back of the net with just two minutes gone. This though, was about the only effort on Herefords' goal in the first half as United held out against their League Two opponents.
A corner was flapped at by 'keeper James Spencer giving Mkandawire a chance to shoot, his effort was blocked but Guy Ipoua sliced his volley wide of the mark as the ball made its way to the far post. Andy Williams believed he had a good penalty shout when he turned his defender, after receiving Jamie Pitmans' pass, and then fell to the ground while under pressure from the towering presence of Michael Raynes but referee Mr. Singh didn't agree. Uniteds' best of the half came when Ipoua met Ryan Greens' cross with a volley that flashed wide of the near post. Williams had a snap shot just before the break but a deflection took the sting out of the ball and it was comfortable for Spencer.
The Bulls almost equalised soon after the restart when Williams hit Carey-Bertrams' low cross towards goal but Spencer made a good save from close range and the 'keeper was back on his feet in time to gather Rob Purdies' follow up shot. County made a rare attack and should gave wrapped the game up when Danny Boshell got in behind the defence, centred the ball only to see Craig Mawson deny a goal, as three attackers lined up but minutes later their place was booked in the third round after a spectacular goal.
The ball was turned into the air off a defenders leg and Mickael Wolski met the dropping ball with a thunderous volley from thirty yards, that flew past the helpless Mawson and into the bottom corner, much to the delight of the 586 away fans. Stockport almost grabbed a third a minute later but Mawson was able to block Harpal Singhs' shot from the left of the box and as the visitors began to take full control of the game they were rewarded with a penalty, soon after Ipoua had been replaced by Stansfield.
Alex Jeannin was late with his challenge on Matthew Hamshaw and the ref duly pointed to the spot. Easter stepped up confidently but Mawson guessed correctly and palmed the ball into the path of Boshell, who shot harmlessley over. Williams was gifted with Uniteds' only other chance as they tried, but failed miserably, to make a comeback when he intercepted a pass across the defence but his shot was deflected behind. Brady was introduced late on but to little effect.
Stockport were, as their league position suggests, poor but in truth Hereford were worse. There was little attacking flair or pace and yet another defensive error proved vital. The majority of the 3,620 crowd will have been very disappointed with the performance of the hosts in what was seen as a great chance to book themselves a place in the third round and perhaps a money spinning tie.
HUFC: Mawson, Green, James, Mkandawire, Jeannin, Purdie, Stanley, Pitman, Carey-Bertram, Ipoua, Williams. Subs: Beckwith, Bagnall, Ferrell, Brady, Stansfield.
SCFC: Spencer, Greenwood, Clare, Raynes, Robinson, Singh, Wolski, Boshell, Hamshaw, Easter, Bramble.Subs: Duncan, Crowe, Ashley Williams, Allen, Malcolm.
FA Cup Round-Up
Tamworth are the only non-league side guaranteed a place in the Third Round after recording the victory of the round so far by dumping Hartlepool out 2-1, with Matt Redmile putting the visitors 2-0 up before a penalty reduced arrears.
Scunthorpe beat Aldershot by a single goal - meaning their LDV match with Halifax is confirmed for 13th December. Stevenage salvaged a late draw with Northampton thanks to an Anthony Elding strike. Woking and Northwich drew 0-0, and the other non-leaguers playing today, Nuneaton and Histon, drew 2-2.
Worcester play Huddersfield tomorrow (BBC1, 1.05pm kick off), and Burton's rained off game with Burscough has been re-arranged for Tuesday.
Conference Results Round Up
Accrington go top after a single goal victory over 10 man Altrincham, with Exeter slipping to third in a surprise defeat at home to Canvey. Fourth placed Morecambe lost at home to Gravesend, who move to within a point of the Bulls in ninth. Cambridge beat Scarboro 2-1 to end Neil Redfearns unbeaten start as a manager. Halifax (6th) drew 2-2 with Crawley. Kidderminster recorded a rare win, their first in seven games, by beating Dagenham 3-1 - but they will be concerned with the gate of just 1,553.
Bulls Offer Little Resistance To Hatters
The Bulls lost their Second Round FA Cup match 2-0 to Stockport.
With Ryan Green recalled, and a starting place for Danny Carey-Bertram in place of Jon Brady, the Bulls were rocked by an early Jermaine Easter goal and never recovered. A drilled 30 yarder from Mickael Wolski sealed the Bulls fate despite Craig Mawson saving a dubious penalty.
Full Report Later.
Turner hopes for 'Hat-trick'
Graham Turner is hoping that his side can make it a hat-trick over League opponents this season by defeating Stockport County this afternoon.
Already the Bulls have dispatched Mansfield Town and Port Vale out of the LDV Vans Trophy.
"I have seen Stockport on video against Barnet and we have had them watched against Mansfield, " said Turner as reported by the Western Daily Press.
"They are a League club so the pace will be a little bit sharper but it is a good chance for us to bounce back from the defeat by Exeter at the weekend."
Turner's opposite number, Chris Turner, is well aware of the dangers of being knocked out of the Cup by non-leaguers.
"We will need to be fully committed and match Hereford's commitment and passion," said the Stockport manager.
According to the Official Stockport Website County fans are expected to descend on Hereford in huge numbers.
They are planning to turn the Blackfriars End at Edgar Street into a sea of blue.
A giant scarf, which first appeared at the recent home game with Barnet, has been split into two parts and both 'STOCKPORT COUNTY' and 'THE SCARF MY FATHER WORE' will be on display.
The team will also run out to the sight of 1,000 balloons which have been purchased thanks to donations from County fans and the Stockport County Trust.
They are also encouraging County fans to take as many scarves, flags and banners as they can and really turn the away end at Edgar Street into a cauldron of noise and colour.
The game definitely goes ahead despite heavy rain in the last 48 hours.
However there is no live commentary of the game on local radio or the internet this afternoon.
Friday, December 02, 2005
Grays out of Cup
Conference high-flyers Grays Athletic were defeated 3-0 by Mansfield in the FA Cup this evening.
However Grays will be very unhappy with two crucial decisions made by referee Trevor Kettle.
Firstly, after ten or so minutes, he sent one of the Grays players off when everyone else thought it was a yellow card and secondly he awarded Mansfield a penalty when a Grays defender challenged a Mansfield forward.
The two decisions changed the game and Grays must have been livid at the referee.
Meanwhile the fourth official was Mr A Woolmer.
Interviewed on Sky the Grays manager, Mark Stimpson, was not happy about the decisions.
"It would be hard to comment now. I would probably say something I would regret in the morning.
"All I ask from my players is honesty. I just wish some other people were a bit more honest."
Only 90 minutes away!
Yesterday the Hereford Times published a feature, written by Nigel Heins, on Hereford United, the FA Cup and the tradition that has surrounded it.
For anyone who hasn't seen it read on:
Arguably the greatest giantkillers of all time, Hereford United are just 90 minutes away from another possible pop at the big boys.
If they beat Stockport County on Saturday, their name will go into the hat for the third round of the FA Cup along with the likes of Newcastle, West Ham, QPR and Millwall, who have all left Edgar Street with red faces after shock defeats.
And in the draw, too, will be clubs such as Arsenal, Spurs and Leicester City, who escaped from Hereford with pink complexions for replays.
Alongside the glory was always the fun. Who will ever forget the parachutists landing on the pitch before the humbling of Newcastle? And the fine, fearless Freetown Kudos, huge and haughty, ambling unflinchingly before the baying Spurs fans?
The first pre-match nonsense I remember was several decades ago at St George's Lane when United tanned Worcester City in the FA Cup. Three things impressed this then young fan.
One was how close the wall was behind the goal, another was how someone as bald as Cyril Beech could be young enough to score goals and the third was the appearance of the swede on the centre spot. "Worshipping the swede" before big matches and playing out the belief that the vegetable being kicked into the net was an augury of a United victory has long fascinated locals - and a wider audience.
United have an enviable reputation in the romance of the FA Cup - far more impressive than many so-called bigger clubs. Joe Royle was once asked who he fancied his Manchester City side to be pitted against and he replied: "Anyone - as long as it's not Hereford away".
And with those giantkillings has often been the razzmattaz. Before Hereford beat Hartlepool in a televised cup game, we had jugglers, a man on stilts and even a giant inflatable goalkeeper.
After the match, a Radio Five Live commentator said on air to a Hereford player he was interviewing: "You certainly know how to stage an FA Cup match here, don't you?"
But not long ago it was decided to mash the swede and banish it to the compost heap. Apparently, the tradition was abandoned because some supporters felt it gave United's following the appearance of being yokels.
So what? If teams from the industrial north or smooth south travel to Edgar Street in the belief they are to be bellowed at by fans taking a break from tossing bales of straw as if they were feathers and carrying sheep to market on their shoulders, then where's the harm?
They know full well that Edgar Street is a land where giants fear to tread so let's create such an atmosphere, pungent with the traditions and rural gimmicks that gee the fans up into urging the players into scalp-taking.
Otherwise, why not abandon the name "Meadow End", too, because of its country connotations and re-name it the "Pizza Hut End".
Against Boston United in the FA Cup last season there was no swede, no bull - and no real atmosphere.
Henry Winter, writing in the Daily Telegraph in 1996 after United had drawn 1-1 with Spurs, summed up the heady Edgar Street atmosphere that day.
"Tottenham Hotspur behaved like typical townies at the weekend. They went out to the country, saw a bull the size of Pavarotti patrolling a muddy field, lost their composure, were given a good chasing by the locals and were thankful to return to London in one piece.
"There is nothing like the FA Cup to test the chains of football's feudalism".
And after the game, Spurs manager Gerry Francis said: "I can't remember whether I've ever been there before but I don't want to go back there again."
Visiting teams and supporters should always be given a hospitable welcome to Hereford but there's no harm in spooking them with our weird and wonderful rustic rituals.
Let's send out an SOS - Save Our Swede!
Bulls looking forward to Cup game
Graham Turner and his squad are looking forward to tomorrow and the possibility of being in the draw for the third round of the Cup.
Turner was asked by Dave Bradley for BBC Hereford and Worcester whether the Bulls were favourites to win the tie against Stockport.
"I'm not quite sure of that," said Turner. "The FA Cup, they always say is a great leveller, and Stockport have not had the best of starts to the season.
"Very lowly position in the Second Division, so their confidence can't be too high. They've had a poor away record this season.
"We've just gone nine games unbeaten up until losing to Exeter last Saturday. But even that one I thought we played quite well and didn't deserve to lose the game.
"So the background to us is that we are playing with a little bit of confidence, a little bit of freedom.
"Sometimes League form goes out of the window in the FA Cup. It gives opportunities for players to just release themselves from the pressures of getting league points.
"It's a fresh game, it's a new game. It's one they will be looking forward to and it's one we're certainly looking forward to because the rewards of getting through this round is when you go into the hat with the big clubs anything can happen as we know from the past at this club.
"We've had some outstanding draws in the past.
"So there's everything to look forward to. I just feel we're okay at the moment. We're right, we seem full of confidence, we're working hard, we're playing reasonably well.
"I do think we have a great chance."
Turner then spoke about the cup and how it affects everyone.
"I always think it's a great competition for players. They have an opportunity to pit their wits and ability against better quality players and especially if you get a Premiership club. It's an amazing thing.
"But for supporters as well, it gives them a real buzz. It heightens the season. There's something to look forward to in the first week in January. And that's what it is about. And when you've been part of games like that it makes you want more.
"We've had Leicester, when they were a good side. We've had Tottenham over recent seasons and they've been terrific occasions here. And that's what we want.
"So if we get through, it's the luck of the draw. But there are some exciting prospects if we can get into the hat with the big boys.
"First of all we have to dispose of Stockport.
"I don't think it will be easy despite their position but we've got every confidence that we can go through."
Shots Boss Bounces Back With November Award
Aldershot manager Terry Brown has received the Manager Of The Month award for November after dramatically turning their season around.
Three straight league wins and an FA Cup victory has given Brown maximum marks in the month. Burton and Accrington also achieved three league victories, but Accrington were beaten in the FA Cup and Burton required a replay to reach Round Two.
Worksop's Ronne Glavin and Garry Hill of Weymouth won the Conf North and South awards.
Aldershot's FA Cup match with Scunthorpe tomorrow faces an 8am pitch inspection after heavy rain in Aldershot left the pitch waterlogged. If the tie is postponed it could mean more fixture congestion for the Bulls as Scunthorpe are still to play the LDV match with Halifax to decide the Bulls opponents and, with the FA Cup taking precedence over the LDV, a postponement will almost certainly mean the Third Round match for the Bulls will be postponed into the New Year.
Meanwhile, in other news, ex-Bull Gavin Williams has extended his loan at Ipswich for another month after scoring once in three starts for the club.
Team News: Bulls vs Stockport
The Bulls will again be without injury victims Wayne Brown and Stacy Coldicott, but will otherwise be at full strength for the FA Cup clash. Loanee Darren Blewitt is fit and available for selection. Simon Travis will hope to retain his place against his former club despite Ryan Green's return to fitness, and Adam Stansfield will hope to be on the bench at least after proving his fitness.
Stockport will be without the experienced Tony Vaughan. The on-loan Barnsley defender has missed the last six weeks with a knee injury and is yet to get match fitness. On loan Wolves keeper Carl Ikeme will also miss out after Wolves refused permission for him to play. Midfielder Mickael Wolski is likely to be recalled after a virus forced him out for two weeks. Strker Chris Williams is on loan at Leigh RMI and Danny Griffin is unlikely to feature before he is farmed out to Dunfermline.
Match Odds (bet365): Bulls 6/5, Draw 9/4, Stockport 9/5.
Conference News Round-Up
Cambridge United have brought former striker Iwan Roberts, a summer target for the Bulls, in to coach their misfiring strikers. Accrington have parted company with defender Mark Smyth after failing to agree terms on a longer deal with the non-contract player. Burton have extended Jake Sedgemore's loan deal from Bury for another month and hope to tie up Crewe midfielder Lee Bell for another month by the weekend. Altrincham are hoping to sign ex-Morecambe defender Carl Ruffer but face competition from Droyslden. Tamworth will be without Scott Stamps for a month after surgery, but Bob Taylor is likely to be back sooner than expected from a broken foot. Kidderminster boss Stuart Watkiss has told supporters he will attend a fans forum anywhere in Kidderminster to openly discuss the club's situation.
County Look To Offload High Earner
Stockport's continuing financial problems have led the club to allow high earning defender Danny Griffin to join Dunfermline on trial.
Griffin, 28, is a 29 cap Northern Ireland international and formerly played in Scotland for St Johnstone and Dundee, who paid £600,000 for his services but released him 18 months ago due to a persistent knee injury. This season, however, he has failed to hold down a first team place and will join the Scottish side on Monday for a weeks trial.
Stockport have also allowed young striker Chris Williams to go on loan to Conf North strugglers Leigh RMI for first team experience after the 20 year old forward was limited to just one start for the Hatters this season.
Ex-Bull Talks About Stockport Match
Former Bulls player Phil Burrows talked to the rivals.net site www.hattersmatters.com about tomorrows FA Cup encounter:
1) So Phil, tell me about your time at Hereford: Well I signed for Hereford in 1976 and eventually left in 1980 having played 110 games and scoring 3 goals. I enjoyed my time thoroughly down at Edgar Street and had the pleasure of playing against the late George Best when we played Fulham in The FA Cup. Obviously it wasn't my fault for any of the goals he created.
2) Any players Stockport have to watch out for on Saturday? Guy Ipoua is a tall, pacey striker who can score goals and Craig Stanley is a good ball-playing midfielder, I would say are the danger men. County will have to be aware of all the Hereford players as they will all be 'up for it' to take another League scalp. Remember Ronnie Radford against Newcastle? I also had the unfortunate experience of being on the other end of a 'giant killing' when we were beaten 3-2 at Edgar Street by non-league Wealdstone after a replay. It was without doubt the worst experience of my footballing career.
3) You are an ex-Hereford player but from Stockport. Who do you want to win? Obviously I have a lot of affection for Hereford but being a Stockport lad I would have to say County. With County's financial predicament, it is important that County go through and draw a 'big club' to get some extra money in the clubs coffers.
4) Finally what is your prediction for Saturdays result? If County are on their game then being a League side they should win but this is the FA Cup and Hereford are doing well in The Conference - I'll stick my neck on the block and say 2-1 to County.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Green returns to fitness.
Ryan Green has returned to fitness and will be available for Saturday's FA Cup game against Stockport County.
Graham Turner confirmed this news to BBC Hereford and Worcester earlier today.
Only Stacy Coldicott and Wayne Brown will definitely miss the game.
Coming into the squad will be Birmingham City goalkeeper Andy Bagnall, who signed for the Bulls last week on work experience.
Bagnall has been a regular for Birmingham's under-18 side this season.
Meanwhile near neighbours Worcester City are also in Cup action this weekend.
Their manager Andy Preece says that fever is definitely taking hold at St Georges Lane in advance of their FA Cup tie with Huddersfield.
"The city is buzzing with anticipation and the publicity we are getting from live television here and in other countries is a massive thing for the club," said Preece as reported by 4thegame.com
"In the city, we are smaller than the rugby and cricket clubs, so it's fantastic to put ourselves on the map. I was born not far away from Worcester and although I was a Villa fan, when they were playing away I would support Worcester. The big games for us then were the Welsh Cup games against Newport and Hereford. Now we are playing in the best competition in the world live on television. It's fantastic."
Previous Meetings between the Bulls and the Hatters
Stockport County first met Hereford United over 30 years ago and have defeated the Bulls three times at Edgar Street.
This edited history lesson comes from the Official Stockport County Website:
The first meeting between the two sides ended 1-1 at Edgeley Park in December 1972. The return fixture at Edgar Street was in April with the Bulls winning 1-0 in front of 10,612 fans on their way to promotion.
Hereford went up to Division Three, and then Division Two but two successive relegations followed and they found themselves back in the basement division for the start of the 1978-79 season. And this heralded the start of a long run of fixtures between the two clubs as both Hereford and County stayed as Fourth Division opponents until Danny Bergara led us to promotion in 1990-91.
Back in Division Four, Hereford did the double over us in 1978-79, without conceding a goal, and although County won the next game in October 1979 they failed to beat Hereford in the next five meetings after that.
The 1982-83 season was a better one for County as an own goal and a Trevor Phillips strike gave us a 2-1 win before we drew 0-0 at Edgar Street later in the campaign.
The 1983-84 and 1984-85 seasons saw both sides win their home fixtures and in 1985-86 Hereford won the home meeting once again although the game at Edgeley Park finished 1-1.
Strangely, the trend completely changed after this as five of the next six meetings ended in away wins.
The Bulls won 2-1 at Edgeley Park in November 1986 but County gained revenge later in the season as goals from Wayne Entwistle and Ernie Moss gave us our first ever win at Hereford and another important three points during our 'Great Escape' season under Colin Murphy.
Hereford won at Edgeley Park in October 1987 but revenge was sweet once again as Entwistle scored again at Edgar Street to secure a 1-0 victory in March 1988.
The 1988-89 season saw Hereford do the double over us for a second time, with a couple of 2-1 victories, but the following season; the roles were reversed as the Hatters achieved their first double against the Bulls on their way to the Fourth Division Play-Offs, both games again ending 2-1.
The 1990-91 season was the last time we met Hereford as County started their climb through the divisions with promotion to Division Three and Hereford stayed in the basement division for a few seasons before dropping out of the Football League.
County drew 0-0 at Edgar Street in September before recording their biggest victory, 4-2, against the Bulls in March at Edgeley Park.
Saturday's game is a first as it will be the first time the two clubs have met in any of the Cup competitions.
Singh To Referee FA Cup Match
Former Conference referee Jarnail Singh will officiate the FA Cup match on Saturday between the Bulls and Stockport.
Singh was last seen by Bulls fans in the first leg of the 2004 play-off at Aldershot. He will be assisted by J. Farries and M. Mullarkey, who previously refereed a Conference match between the Bulls and Stevenage at Edgar Street in August 2004.
Singh may not be quite so welcome to Stockport fans, having sent off Stockport striker Michael Malcolm in a 2-2 draw at Shrewsbury six weeks ago.
Conference News Round-Up
Forest Green have lost their appeal against Guy Madjo's red card last Saturday, and will now serve a three match ban but will return in time for the Boxing Day clash with the Bulls. Altrincham have appointed Andy Osgood as physio. He takes over from player Richard Norris, who has plugged the gap left by Sean Riley's departure for nearly two months. Alty have, however, lost defender Chris Butler after just one match. The former Accrington man has left after less than a month for Vauxhall Motors in the Conference North.
Financial Restraints Bite At League Clubs
More Football League clubs are facing hard financial times, as two more clubs give notices to bootroom staff.
Gillingham, whose Chairman Paul Scally recently announced that the club were financially safe despite a £7million debt, have given notice to fitness coach Russell Holman and Assistant Physio Paul Timson in a bid to plug a gap in this season's finances. Scally has also backed a player clearout planned by the struggling League One club for the January transfer window.
Macclesfield have also given notice to Assistant Manager John Askey, a 22 year servant of the Moss Rose club. The former Macclesfield player will remain until the end of the season when the post will be scrapped.
Hereford United are one of the few clubs in the lower reaches of professional football to have increased their staff over the last year with the arrival of a dedicated Physio, Wayne Jones, and also the recent addition of a Sports Psychologist.
Meanwhile Cardiff City have acknowledged that, on current gates, they will face a £600,000 shortfall in anticipated income for the current season, adding to an existing £30million debt pile. Monday's gate of 8,724 was their lowest for four years, and more than 4,000 under break-even.
Turner Speaks To Hereford Times
Graham Turner spoke to the Hereford Times about Saturday's match with Stockport: "I have seen Stockport on video against Barnet and we have had them watched.
"They are not having the best of times at the moment. When we had them watched against Mansfield on Saturday they were not at their best, although they had a very creditable draw a couple of weeks ago against Leyton Orient.
"But just as it is a good chance for us to bounce back from our league defeat against Exeter last weekend, they will probably find it a welcome break from the struggles of their league position. They are a League club so their pace is a little bit better and they will be that little bit sharper."
On the FA Trophy draw at Bognor Regis Town, Turner added: "It's not the kindest of draws for us but we have had our share of good ones along the way. We have just got to go down there and get on with it in the same way as we did when we went to Cambridge City for the FA Cup tie."
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Halifax/Scunthorpe LDV Match Now 13th December
The twice postponed LDV Round Two match between Halifax and Scunthorpe, which will decide the Bulls opponents in the next round, has now been scheduled for the 13th December.
However Scunthorpe remain in the FA Cup and, should Saturday's tie at Aldershot require a replay, that match would take the December 13th date. Should that happen it is likely that the Halifax/Scunthorpe match will move to the 20th, the day scheduled for the Third Round encounter, with the Bulls getting the night off - but having to re-arrange the LDV match for some time in the New Year with the next round due in the week commencing 23rd January.
Ball 53 for Bulls
Hereford United have been given Ball number 53 should they reach the draw for the Third Round of the FA Cup.
This from The FA:
The Draw will be made at Soho Square on Sunday 4 December at 3pm and it will be covered live on the BBC, Sky Sports and Radio Five Live.
The numbers of the balls are in for The Third Round draw - the most eagerly anticipated of the competition.
The Third Round, the stage where the Premiership clubs come into The FA Cup, is always the source of much excitement and listening to David Davies announcing a potential banana skin for a top side from Soho Square is part of the romance of The Third Round.
The full list of numbers is below:
1 Arsenal
2 Aston Villa
3 Birmingham City
4 Blackburn Rovers
5 Bolton Wanderers
6 Brighton & Hove Albion
7 Burnley
8 Cardiff City
9 Charlton Athletic
10 Chelsea
11 Coventry City
12 Crewe Alexandra
13 Crystal Palace
14 Derby County
15 Everton
16 Fulham
17 Hull City
18 Ipswich Town
19 Leeds United
20 Leicester City
21 Liverpool
22 Luton Town
23 Manchester City
24 Manchester United
25 Middlesbrough
26 Millwall
27 Newcastle United
28 Norwich City
29 Plymouth Argyle
30 Portsmouth
31 Preston North End
32 Queens Park Rangers
33 Reading
34 Sheffield United
35 Sheffield Wednesday
36 Southampton
37 Stoke City
38 Sunderland
39 Tottenham Hotspur
40 Watford
41 West Bromwich Albion
42 West Ham United
43 Wigan Athletic
44 Wolverhampton Wanderers
45 Walsall or Yeovil Town
46 Woking or Northwich Victoria
47 Burton Albion or Burscough
48 Aldershot Town or Scunthorpe United
49 Shrewsbury Town or Colchester United
50 Hartlepool United or Tamworth
51 Cheltenham Town or Oxford United
52 Mansfield Town or Grays Athletic
53 Hereford United or Stockport County
54 Stevenage Borough or Northampton Town
55 Port Vale or Bristol Rovers
56 Boston United or Doncaster Rovers
57 Rushden & Diamonds or Leyton Orient
58 Nuneaton Borough or Histon
59 Oldham Athletic or Brentford
60 Southend United or Milton Keynes Dons
61 Worcester City or Huddersfield Town
62 Torquay United or Notts County
63 Barnsley or Bradford City
64 Chester City or Nottingham Forest
How Others see Hereford
This guide to Hereford and Edgar Street appears on the Stockport County Official Website.
We reprint it without comment:
Pub Guide:
There is a club bar at the ground called 'Legends', which is open before and after the game. From inside here you can see right across the ground.
If you arrive at the ground early enough then turn left and follow the ring road right to the end. Here you will come across the 'Victory Tavern' which has a selection of real ales and a bar which resembles half an old sailing ship, complete with cannons!
On the edge of the main car park at the ground is the 'Oxford Arms' which is described as a friendly pub, with a beer garden and Sky Sports.
Edgar Street is situated in the city centre which means there is a variety of pubs in the town centre within walking distance.
Around five minutes away from the ground is the 'Newmarket Tavern' which has a large screen and is quite comfortable although away fans are advised to use their discretion with this pub, as there have been mixed reports.
Edgar Street is one of the biggest grounds in non-league and has a capacity of nearly 9,000, with seating at either side and terracing behind both goals.
The strange looking, two-tiered Edgar Street stand goes along one side. The upper tier is seated, which hangs right over the terrace in the lower tier.
The other side is the Merton Meadow Stand which is a covered, single tier stand and is raised above pitch level.
The home end is the Merton Meadow Terrace which is semi circular in shape, going out around the back of the goal and at the other end if the Blackfriars End which is another partly covered terrace.
Edgar Street also houses some large, unusual looking floodlights.
Away Day Experience:
A trip to Hereford is described as a "happy and relaxed occasion" although there have been a few recent incidents in the ground, including trouble after their FA Cup victory over Wrexham during the 2001-02 season.
Most of the time, though, away fans are able to enjoy a pint and a chat with the home supporters before and after the game, in the many pubs surrounding the ground and also in the town centre.
On FA Cup days, Hereford often parade a live 'Prize Bull' around the ground and the Swede is also blessed. This has been done before many of the Bulls' famous Cup upsets over the years.
Facilities in the ground are very basic although fans will be able to sample the delicious 'Football's Famous Chicken Balti Pie' for the price of £2.00.
10 things you always wanted to know about Hereford:
1)The county of Herefordshire has a long history of cider making, which goes back even before Roman times, and children used to be baptised in it instead of water!
2)Hereford's Royal Charters, which mark the city's progress for over 1,000 years, are among the finest in the country and are kept at the Town Hall in a strong-room where they are kept safe from fire and theft.
3)The Three Choirs Festival takes place every third year in Hereford and is the oldest music festival in Europe, having been going for over 250 years.
4)Harold Godwin, Earl of Hereford, was crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey in January 1066 AD. He was later defeated, and killed, by William, Duke of Normandy, near Hastings on October 14th 1066 AD.
5) Hereford houses the well known 'Butter Market' which, as the name suggests, was once devoted entirely to the sale of butter, cheese and other dairy products.
6) Hereford is one of the oldest cities in England, dating back to the early 7th century AD when Saxon settlers fortified the site against the marauding Welsh.
7) Pioneer photographer, businessman and inventor of the Ley Line hypothesis, Alfred Watkins, lived his whole life in Hereford.
8) Wyevale Garden Centres, one of the leading garden centre firms in the United Kingdom, is from Hereford.
9) With its mild springs, warm summers and long autumns, and also the gentle rain to swell the apple and ripen it, Herefordshire is a good place for cider making and 8,000 acres of the county is devoted to growing cider apples.
10) The Queen visited Hereford on Friday May 3rd, 1996, and formally opened the city's New Library Building.
Stockport paper thinks Hereford is in South Wales
Chris Turner, the Stockport County manager has revealed that he has had a 'very open' clear-the-air meeting with their players days ahead of what Turner describes as the club's 'biggest game in years' against Hereford United on Saturday.
The Stockport Express says Turner is fully aware that Hereford will be eyeing an FA Cup shock on Saturday, in a match which could draw a crowd well in excess of 5,000 in South Wales, but he and his players are looking forward to the challenge that awaits.
"Hereford would have still fancied beating us even if we'd have won four-nil last weekend, they are a good Conference top 10 side, one of quite a few that would do well in the Football League.
"But all I'll say is we're not playing Manchester United. We just need to be fully committed, we need to match their commitment and passion. In fact this could be a big seven days for Stockport County. If we win on Saturday and then win the two league games at home next week then everything will be looking rosier again and people will have smiles back on their faces."
Turner talked about how desperate he is for a good performance from his players after last Saturday's defeat by Mansfield, who were recently beaten by Hereford United in the LDV.
"Colin (West - assistant manager) and I have had a very good meeting with the players this week. We've been very, very frustrated with the inconsistency this season.
"Last Saturday we were so disappointed after such a good performance the week before at Orient. We got a massive point across, so now it's down to the players to try and put things right.
"We had a very open chat, it was an excellent discussion. All Colin and I are asking for is more consistency, a bit more hard work, graft and passion.
"The players know they can do it, but it's all about having a positive attitude."
"We know what's been lacking, but the problem is that we simply can't afford to bolster the squad at present. We've not got the resources so we'll be going with what we've got for now.
"But we do need to get into the third round of the cup, the additional income could be so vital for a football club that has no money."