Guy Ipoua could miss Saturday's game at Scarborough despite having his red card dismissed.
The Hereford United striker is said to have a hamstring injury.
Graham Turner spoke about the appeal to BBC Hereford and Worcester earlier today.
"I think it was a slur on his character as well as anything else. That has been rescinded. I would like to think that a statement exonerating any accusation of obscene jestures to the crowd. I think that was abhorrent and should never have been brought against him.
"But fortunately we won the game. Otherwise we would have been disappointed with the decision of the officials. So he is clear of any suspension."
Asked if he was clear in his own mind what he was sent off for, Turner replied:
"Never was until I saw the tape when it was clear he was pointing to Alex Jeannin's name and number. The background obviously was that Alex had played at Exeter. Everytime he touched the ball he was being booed. Guy is his big mate and I think he was emphasizing to the crowd that Alex had got the goal.
"Players sometimes do that. And there is no way it could be intepterated as an obscene jesture. I couldn't understand the officials. I was even more baffled when I saw it on television.
"But you realised the assistant referee had made a terrible error and to be fair to both the referee and the assistant, they asked, as well as we did, for the incident to be reviewed and the FA have come up with the right answer. And that was that there was no case to answer."
Meanwhile Turner faces a game with only four subs unless he signs a player before the weekend otherwise John Trewick could be on the bench.
Last week there were 21 players in the Hereford United squad. However with Ipoua possibly out and James, Ferrell and Coldicott definately out, Blewitt and Brady gone, that only leaves 15 available.
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Thursday, January 05, 2006
Ipoua could miss Scarborough Game
March 14th for Southport Game
The Official Southport Website has reported that the Hereford United Conference game will now be played on March 14th.
The kick-off is at 7.45pm.
Kidderminster Shortlist Six For Manager Job
Kidderminster Harriers have shortlisted six in their prolonged hunt for a new manager.
Harriers initially announced a plan to have the new boss in place by the end of December but, with several board members unavailable, the decision is now likely to be taken next week.
The board finally meet tonight after several abortive attempts to whittle the six down to two or three for interviews early next week. Caretaker-boss Martin O'Connor, who has recorded just two league points from twelve as boss but has progressed in the LDV and FA Trophies, ex-player Mark Yates, Stafford boss Phil Robinson and Jimmy Quinn are believed to have been joined on the shortlist by controversial ex-Cambridge manager John Beck and Keith Alexander, whose reign at Lincoln City appears to be nearing an end after being put "on leave" by the board.
UPDATE: The shortlist is now down to five, with Lincoln re-instating manager Keith Alexander. The Lincoln board have cited "and unfortunate series of events" for his temporary removal, and his assistant Gary Simpson has left the club with immediate effect.
Newman on Brady
Cambridge United have confirmed that Jon Brady is set to sign for them today.
This edited report is from the Official Cambridge United Website:
The 30-year-old Australian right-sided midfielder has been promoted from the Conference with both Rushden & Diamonds and Chester City, and subject to a medical he will join United on a free transfer today for the rest of the season.
"He's won the Conference twice, he's been involved with a successful Hereford side this season, and he's an experienced player who has been around the Conference for a few years," said Rob Newman, the Cambridge manager.
He's of an age that he can help our youngsters, plus we've watched him a few times this season and they've all been very positive performances.
"He's an attacking midfielder who gets great crosses in, but he's told us he can play anywhere along the right hand side, from right back all the way through to right wing, so in all respects he's a good player to get on board.
"We've taken over his contract for the rest of the season and we're already tentatively looking towards next season"
Brady's career in England began in 1996 with Hayes, followed by four seasons with Rushden, which included promotion from the Conference in the same team as U's captain Mark Peters.
He started the 2002/03 season with Woking but in October 2002 he joined Chester City and also earned promotion with them before moving to Stevenage Borough in December 2003. He set up an equalising goal in a play-off semi-final last May but was released at the end of the season when Stevenage signed Hereford's Danny Williams.
Brady made the opposite move to Hereford in the summer and has been a regular for them, but has now been persuaded to join United for the rest of the season, something Rob Newman is delighted about.
"He's got great energy and he's been a major part of the Hereford squad so we're delighted that we've been able to bring him here. It's also a sign of how far we've come that we can capture someone from a side that's doing well in the Conference and he's happy to come to us."
Ben Smith expected to move to Weymouth
Ben Smith, who some thought might rejoin Hereford United, looks almost certain to join Conference South high-flyers Weymouth according to Shrewsbury Town manager, Gary Peters.
"I think its common knowledge that Ben Smith is likely to go. He's got a tremendous deal lined up with Weymouth and I think it would be foolish for Ben not to take it," Peters told the Official Shewsbury Town Website.
"Weymouth are an up and coming club and they are going to win the Conference South and be in the Conference next season pushing to get into the League. They've got a lot of money behind them and signing players like Ben will help them do so"
H&W Reports Brady Leaves For Cambridge
BBC Hereford and Worcester have reported that Jon Brady has left the Bulls and joined rivals Cambridge United.
Brady, 30, joined the Bulls from Stevenage in the summer and started 21 games for the club, scoring once in the FA Cup at Cambridge City. He had lost his place in recent weeks to youngster Andy Williams.
His departure leaves the Bulls desperately short of midfield cover, with both Stacy Coldicott and Andy Ferrell injured, which suggests that manager Graham Turner would only have allowed this move if he had a replacement already lined up.
UPDATE:
"Jon was travelling a long way from Northampton, I don't think he's done himself justice here," Turner told BBC H&W.
"It frees up a place to bring another player in and there are a number of areas we are looking at."
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
McGrath Auction Just Keeps Going
John McGrath is now reputed to have signed for Conference South side Weymouth.
After apparently sealing a deal to sign for Scarboro on Tuesday, after rejecting Exeter's overtures, he was promptly poached by Forest Green who reputedly offered £200 per week more than Scarboro - with Scarboro manager Neil Redfearn quoted last night as saying: "We could not match the wages offered by Forest Green."
Now the Exeter Express and Echo reports that McGrath has taken an even higher offer from Weymouth for his services.
Ipoua Appeal Appears To Be Successful
Guy Ipoua's appeal against his red card appears to be successful.
With no official confirmation forthcoming Ipoua's name has been removed, within the last half hour, from the suspension list.
Bulls News hopes to confirm this as soon as possible.
Coleman And Collins Share Manager Award
Accrington's John Coleman and Crawley's John Hollins have shared the Manager of the Month award for December.
Roger Ashby of Nuneaton won the Conf North award, and Ernie Howe of Basingstoke Town won the Conf South award.
Parkin Likely To Leave Macclesfield
With a £300,000 bill hanging over their heads, Macclesfield are likely to cash in on striker Jon Parkin before the LDV match with the Bulls.
Lincoln and Chester today confirmed that they have lodged a bid, and Birmingham City are believed to also be tracking the striker with a £175,000 offer likely. The 6ft 4in striker has scored an average of a goal every other game since joining the club from York.
Turner comments on Transfer Window
Graham Turner has told the Western Daily Press about his hopes for the possibility of new faces shortly at Edgar Street.
"We are working on one or two options and, hopefully, they will come to fruition in the next few days."
Turner also spoke about the return of Darren Blewitt to West Ham.
"Darren wanted to play more football and I can understand that. He did well for us and I would have liked to have kept him for a little longer."
Meanwhile former Bulls winger Michael McIndoe, now with Doncaster, has been linked with a move to Celtic.
Newspaper speculation suggests any deal could be worth around £500,000 with former club Yeovil getting a share because of a sell-on clause when he was sold to Doncaster.
"I am open to anything - Scotland, The Premiership, or a big club in The Championship," said McIndoe.
"That is not being big-headed, I'm just confident I could do it.
"I'd like to think the exposure I got because Sky showed our matches will help me get a move. We don't get too much publicity in League One but we got plenty from our cup run.
"I've got two years left on my contract but the chairman and manager know I want to move on if I can.
"Doncaster know it and they are very good about it because they know I'll give them everything while trying to win myself a move."
Conference News Round-Up
Aldershot have transfer listed Ahmed Deen after 18 first team appearances. Deen joins Tobi Jinadu and Tarkan Mustafa on the list as Terry Brown tries to clear his budget to bring in a striker. Southport have extended the loan of Crewe defender Mark Roberts for a second month. Roberts, 22, played six times in his first month. Scarboro have released non-contract goalkeeper Anthony Pecora without making an appearance.
Cambridge Match Now January 31st
The official Cambridge United website has announced that the match at Edgar Street against the Bulls will now be played on Tuesday, January 31st.
It was originally scheduled for the Tuesday before, which is now taken up with the LDV Trophy match at Macclesfield. Kick-off is 7.45pm.
In other news, Morecambe have confirmed that Sammy McIlroy will remain in charge of the side for the rest of the season after Jimmy Harvey's heart attack. It was initially thought that Harvey, 47, could be back within three months, but this decision means the former Bulls midfielder will be out for at least eight months.
Preview: Scarboro vs Bulls
The Bulls go to the coast defending a six match unbeaten run since they lost to Stockport in the FA Cup.
The Bulls are undefeated against Scarboro for five games also. The opening day 4-0 win was a sign of things to come for Scarboro as they spent nearly half the time on the bottom of the division before despatching manager Nick Henry at the end of October. Results briefly improved under new manager Neil Redfearn, but they lost every league match in December and their draw against York was their first point from fifteen.
That opening 4-0 win included a virtuoso performance from Guy Ipoua, and a debut goal from Dean Beckwith as a second half onslaught demolished an already weary Scarboro. In previous seasons, the McCain stadium has not been a happy hunting ground for the Bulls - their only Conference win there coming in November 2000 with Gavin Williams and Michael McIndoe inflicting the damage in a 4-2 win.
Scarborough vs Hereford United, Saturday January 7th 2006, 3.00pm.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
It's Scarborough on Saturday
The HUISA coach for the Scarborough game next Saturday is already well over half-full.
Leaving at 8:00 am from Edgar Street this trip costs £25. Tickets are available from the club office.
For anyone driving to the game, the McCain Stadium is on the left side of the A64 as one approaches Scarborough from York. Usually there is limited parking close-by.
This from the Official Scarborough Website:
The McCain Stadium is on the outskirts of the town, on the A64 York to Scarborough road. As you enter Scarborough on the A64, you will see a retail park on your right with MFI, Magnet, Halfords, B&Q and other stores. You may wish to turn right and use the large car parks in front of these stores. If you park here, just walk across the main road and take the second left (Edgehill Road) which brings you straight to the away turnstiles.
Alternatively, on-street parking is allowed on Edgehill Road itself, adjacent to the visitors' turnstiles - but you may feel your car is more secure in the stores' car park. Do NOT park in the Curry's car park opposite the ground, or it may prove expensive!
It is also usually possible for away fans to come in through the home turnstiles if they want to sit in the main grandstand, for which there is a £2 supplement.
The McCain Lounge:
Full refreshments are available for visiting fans, but there are no licensed facilities.
Admission to the ground is £10.00 for adults, Children £2.00, Senior Citizens £5.00.
Stanley can play at Scarborough
Craig Stanley, the Hereford United midfielder, will be able to play at Scarborough next Saturday.
Bulls News incorrectly reported yesterday that he would miss the game at the McCain Stadium.
The FA have announced that his one match suspension for five yellow cards will start next Monday, January 9th.
He will miss the Trophy game at Halifax.
Meanwhile the FA have said that Guy Ipoua is set to serve a two match ban pending his appeal.
Macclesfield Complete Wijnhard Deal
The Bulls LDV Northern Semi Final opponents Macclesfield have finalised the signing of former Leeds strker Clyde Wijnhard on a free transfer.
The volatile forward, 32, has scored 10 goals in sixteen appearances since being loaned to the Silkmen from Darlington, who initially sacked the Dutchman for breaches of club discipline. Wijnhard cost Leeds £1.5million in 1998, but is now with his sixth club in seven years.
Macclesfield have scored 21 goals in their last seven games, scoring five yesterday against League Two leaders Wycombe, and have not lost since mid-November.
Ipoua Appeal Tomorrow
Hereford United have appealed against the sending off of striker Guy Ipoua at Exeter last Friday. They have studied a video replay of the incident.
The Western Daily Press expects that the appeal will take place tomorrow.
Meanwhile Graham Turner was reported not to be totally downhearted after yesterday's draw with Forest Green.
"I always say to the players, if you can't win the game, don't lose it. Single points can be vital at the end of the season."
His opposite number at the Lawn, Garry Owers, was also quoted by the paper.
"Hereford were the better team in the first half but once we settled down we deserved the point. We could have gone on and won all three.
"Madjo (the scorer who is on-loan frm Bristol City) is still with us for another couple of weeks and we will see where it goes from there."
Finally Madjo has told the Gloucester Citizen that he is enjoying his time at Forest Green.
"I'm happy to stay at the moment, but I have an agent who is working for me and I'm just concentrating on playing football.
"My job is to score goals and I'm very happy when I do that - when I don't score I feel like I haven't played well.
"I believe in God, so I'm always positive and I accept good things and bad things," he added.
Aldershot are interested in Madjo according to Sky Sports.
Rigolioso Joins Chester On Trial
Doncaster winger Adriano Rigolioso has joined Chester on trial.
Rigolioso, 26, was a rumoured summer target for the Bulls and would fit the current requirements according to popular opinion. He last played for Doncaster in March, and is available on a free transfer after spending a spell on loan at Southport which was cut short due to a knee injury.
Meanwhile, Exeter appear to have lost out on one of their winger targets. John McGrath, the former Kidderminster and Doncaster winger, is believed to have opted to join Scarboro. Exeter are likely to pursue their interest in Aldershot's Nick Crittenden, but manager Alex Inglethorpe has admitted that they had been outbid by Aldershot for the signature of Ryan Williams.
York City manager Billy McEwan has confirmed interest in Kidderminster defender Mark Jackson, who has been virtually ever-present in the Harriers side this season. York may make a move with Harriers believed to be under pressure to reduce the wage bill after falling gates and early cup losses hit their budget plans.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Stanley to miss Scarborough Game
Craig Stanley received his fifth yellow card of the season this afternoon and is expected to miss next Saturday's game at Scarborough.
With Guy Ipoua also likely to miss the game, Hereford United manager Graham Turner will need to reshuffle his team.
Both Tony James and Andrew Ferrell are also expected to miss out because of injury as will Stacy Coldicott.
It would be the ideal opportunity for Turner to bring in an extra midfielder.
Meanwhile Gary Peters, the Shrewsbury manager, has told his Official Website that Ben Smith could be leaving.
He said that he had received enquires for the former Hereford United midfielder.
"There have been rumours of Smithy going and he has had a good offer from a club that want him." said Peters.
Madjo pegs Bulls back again
Guy Madjo starred and got the equaliser, once again, as Forest Green Rovers came from behind to draw with Hereford United for the second time this Christmas period. Both sides had notched up impressive victories on the weekend and having drawn a week ago, the pre-match form gave the impression of a good game to come.
Hereford were unchanged from the side that started against Exeter other than Ryan Green being named on the bench as Darren Blewitt's loan spell with the club has ended. United continued from where they left off against The Grecians and came out at Rovers, and dominated the opening half. Guy Ipoua found Andy Williams to the right of the box for The Bull's first chance, and the youngster turned inside his man only to see his low shot saved by Ryan Clarke.
Although in almost complete control, United were finding it difficult to break through the Forest Green defence. Rob Purdie was threatening with the ball at his feet but was severely lacking when it came to the end product. The hosts then enjoyed a spell where the won three consecutive corners, but at the end of it Rovers broke through Madjo, who found Ben Harding but he directed his effort just the wrong side of the far post. Harding again went close soon after, but once again just missed the target before the deadlock was broken on the half hour mark.
United had a free kick twenty yards out and Pitman centred it for Alex Jeannin to run onto. The pass was closed down, forcing Jeannin to side-step the defender before unleashing a powerful effort that was parried away by Clarke. Adam Stansfield was the quickest to react to it and he managed to turn it into the corner of the net from ten yards out. United continued to have the better of things, but didn't come close again before half time, other than when Stansfield was beaten to a ball over the top from Williams, by Clarke, who headed into the path of Craig Stanley. Stanley looked up to see an open goal, but shot just wide from thirty five yards out.
The first had been a poor encounter in truth, so it was hoped that things would improve in the second. Forest Green looked the more dangerous of the two sides though, and Madjo, a constant threat, almost levelled things up when he met Harding's free kick with his head, but could only direct it straight at Wayne Brown. However, with just under an hour gone, Madjo finally got the better of Brown and his defence. He muscled off the challenge from Dean Beckwith as a high ball came into the box, turned well and slotted the ball in, albeit via the inside of the post, from inside the six yard area with the angle against him.
Purdie had a tame shot saved easily as United really struggled in the final third against a stern and strong defence and so, with twenty five minutes remaining, Graham Turner made a triple substitution. Green, Danny Carey-Bertram and Jon Brady were introduced in place of Pitman, Stansfield and Williams. Green was sent on in centre midfield, a position that he is not familiar with. Stansfield will have been disappointed to be replaced when he'd been far more effective than Ipoua.
Carey-Bertram had a shot on the turn blocked, following a cross from man of the match Jeannin who'd been set away down the left flank from a good ball by Stanley while at the other end Alex Meechan had crossed just beyond Madjo at the far post. Carey-Bertram shot over from twenty yards following a break through the middle from Green and a final chance fell to Purdie in the box, but his effort was deflected behind for a corner.
The final whistle ended a disappointing Christmas period for The Bulls, as they collected just five points from a possible nine. The midfield seems to be an area where Hereford were poor, not for the first time, today and with the transfer window now open, it would be no suprise if Turner was to invest in a centre midfielder. With other results generally going in Herefords' favour, they fall just once place to seventh. They will be hoping to make some ground back up next Saturday when they travel to Scarborough, a side struggling in the league, like Forest Green have been.
HUFC: Brown, Travis, Mkandawire, Beckwith, Jeannin, Purdie, Pitman, Stanley, Williams, Stansfield, Ipoua. Subs: Green, Mawson, Brady, Evans, Carey-Bertram.
FGRFC: Clarke, Simpson, Alsop, Richardson, Graham, Searle, Gadsby, Wanless, Harding, Meechan, Madjo.Subs: Garner, Sall, Teixeira,Rendell, Harrison.
Frustrating Afternoon said Pitman
Jamie Pitman admitted to BBC Hereford and Worcester after the game that it had been a frustrating afternoon for the Bulls as they could only draw with Forest Green.
"We haven't played that well. We haven't had that little bit of quality that we probably needed in the final third today.
"I don't think their League position shows what sort of a side they are.
"They were always a threat. Madjo got his one chance and he took it quite well from quite a narrow angle.
Pitman also talked about possible new players and the Ipoua red card appeal.
"We've still got ability but I'm sure the Gaffer is going to be looking for maybe some new players in the January window.
"Guy is not that type of lad to do that anyway. To be honest I think it's just a formality with the paperwork. I think he's not going to get away with it, but not get a suspension from it."
Meanwhile Graham Turner told the press:
"Forest Green are on a decent run, but we just didn't have that little bit of quality when we needed it."
Some 3507 fans watched the game with 177 from Forest Green.
Conference Results Round Up
Only Stevenage in the top eight collected full points today after beating Cambridge 3-1, with Jefferson Louis scoring again. Stevenage move above Hereford to Seventh. Leaders Accrington drew 1-1 with fifth placed Halifax, and Exeter (2nd) lost at Aldershot by a single goal. Third placed Grays lost at home to Canvey to complete a miserable month for them, with just two points from five games. Morecambe (4th) could only draw 0-0 with bottom club Southport, and York (8th) drew with Scarboro 2-2. Altrincham beat Kidderminster 3-0 - Kiddy have one point from twelve. Burton and Tamworth drew 1-1, with Jake Edwards again on the scoresheet. Woking drew with Crawley 2-2, with Daryl Clare scoring both Crawley goals. Gravesend won at Dagenham 2-1.
Bulls Held By FGR... Again
The Bulls failed to beat FGR for the second time in eight days, drawing 1-1 after Adam Stansfield had put the Bulls in front.
Guy Ipoua played, as an appeal against his red card had been submitted but there was no sign of Darren Blewitt, who was later confirmed to have returned to West Ham.
Full Report Later
Rose to Scunthorpe on-loan
Former Hereford United player Michael Rose is leaving Yeovil for Scunthorpe on a month loan deal.
The 23-year-old former Manchester United and Hereford man has been signed to bolster the Iron's defensive options following injuries to Lee Ridley and Marcus Williams reports Iron-Bru.net
Rose has made four appearances so far this season, which all came during a loan spell with Cheltenham Town.
Last year he made 40 appearances for Yeovil, scoring once, as they won the League Two championship.
He was also selected in the left back role in last year's PFA League Two team of the season.
According to the excellent Ciderspace:
Rose's fall from grace at Huish Park has been remarkable. He was a regular starter for most of last season following his transfer from feeder club Hereford and was picked by his fellow professionals in League Two's PFA Team of the Year in his preferred position of left-back.
This season however he hasn't had a look in, aside from one solitary substitute appearance (and that as an emergency midfielder). Rose spent a month on loan at Cheltenham earlier in the season but came back to Huish Park early after only starting 3 games. He's surely too good a player to be left kicking his heels in the reserves and needs regular, competitive games to get back to his best. Good luck to Michael at Scunny. Did we mention he's got some labrador puppies for sale?
Sunday, January 01, 2006
H&W at Edgar Street
BBC Hereford and Worcester will be at Edgar Street to cover this afternoon's game between Hereford United and Forest Green Rovers.
There will be first half updates and second half commentary on 94.7FM. The commentary should also be on the internet.
Aldershot Make First Transfer Window Signing
Aldershot have signed winger Ryan Williams from Bristol Rovers on a 17 month contract.
Williams, 27, spent a month on loan at the Rec earlier this season but left with a knee injury. His Rovers contract ended last night and he rejected a deal until the end of the season to stay with them.
2005: Month By Month
Here is the Bulls News review of what happened at Edgar Street over the course of 2005:
January: The year got off to a poor start, losing 2-1 at home to Exeter then 3-0 at Burton. The Bulls managed to progress in the FA Trophy but lost an LDV Area Semi to Wrexham. The Bulls were third in the table but 17 points off leaders Barnet. Bulls fans helped raise £1,339 for Tsunami disaster victims in a bucket collection. Andy Williams started his first game for the Bulls in a GLS Cup match that also featured coach John Trewick as an unused sub. New faces this month were Joe Anyinsah, on loan from Bristol City, and Ashley Hildred, who joined non-contract from Grimsby. Graham Turner notched his 500th game in charge at Edgar Street.
February: The highlight of the month was beating runaway leaders Barnet 2-0 at Underhill, but it still left the Bulls 16 points off the leaders. New faces this month was Kyle Patterson and Brian 'Junior' Smikle from West Brom. The Bulls progressed further in the FA Trophy by beating Hyde Utd, but drew with Eastwood for a March replay.
March: The Bulls finished the job by beating Eastwood 4-2 in a replay, after initial reports suggested Brian Smikle wasn't eligible to play in the first match, but crashed out of the following round after taking two attempts to lose to Hucknall in a dismal display. The Bulls also revealed profits for the previous season of nearly £300,000, and sealed a two year extension on the Sun Valley sponsorship deal. A league draw against Morecambe saw the Bulls drop to eighth. David Brown left the club after a training ground bust-up, and joined Accrington shortly after. New faces this month was physio Wayne Jones, a former assistant boss at Gillingham and a man who worked with Turner at Shrewsbury many years ago, and Daryl Taylor and Leroy Williams from Walsall. Williams made an immediate impression - scoring and then being sent off for a headbutt in his debut at Farnboro.
April: The month started with Parka'Bull running for Parliament. The Bulls, visibly bouyed by the news, beat Stevenage 1-0 to surge into the play-off zone on the back of three straight wins - the team wouldn't lose any of their remaining league games either. 1400 Bulls fans make the trip to Forest Green to see a 3-1 win with the Bulls third in the table, but only 257 watched the HFA cup win over Kington. Tom Smith departs Edgar Street after requesting his release. He later joins Worksop briefly, and Daryl Taylor will miss the remainder of the season after twisting a knee in the win over York.
May: A full house of 1400 Bulls fans travel to Hertfordshire to face Stevenage in the play-offs. A tight 1-1 draw leaves it all on the line for the second leg. The Bulls also sell out their allocation for the home leg, but lose to a single goal. Carlisle join Barnet in the Football League after beating Stevenage in the play-off final. Four players are released at the end of the season, and Mark Robinson leaves for Stockport. Adriano Rigolioso is linked with a move to Edgar Street. Simon Travis punctures a lung playing for England in the non-league tournament.
June: Andy Tretton becomes the only other player to refuse a new deal at Edgar Street, and joins Accrington on a two year deal. Alex Jeannin signs up for Edgar Street, while Danny Williams and Jon Brady make opposite trips to and from Stevenage. The GLS Cup is scrapped at the Conference AGM. Former manager Frank Lord dies at 68.
July: Dean Beckwith signs from Gillingham, Guy Ipoua joins from Doncaster, and Wayne Brown is in on loan from Chester for the season.
August: Stacy Coldicott ends two months of speculation by signing a two year deal. He is joined by Andy Ferrell, Graham Evans, and Darren Blewitt. A group of fans set off on a tour of grounds to raise money for St Michaels Hospice, raising nearly £6,000 in total. The new season starts with a 4-0 demolition of Scarboro, with Guy Ipoua dominating the game, but the Bulls are brought down to earth with a televised loss at Cambridge with team morale questioned as Brady and Ferrell are seen on camera arguing furiously. Ryan Green is controversially sent off at Tamworth.
September: Conferencefootball.tv hits the buffers as Phil Wallace refuses permission for their cameras to show the Stevenage-Exeter game live and free, later cancels planned coverage of the Aldershot-Bulls match, and manages to broadcast just half of the Grays-Dagenham match. The Bulls goalscoring problems, without Adam Stansfield and Guy Ipoua, are evident as they notch just four goals in six games in the month. Matt Bailey signs on loan from Crewe. Danny Carey-Bertram scores after 26 seconds against Aldershot to seal all three points. George Hyde dies at 69.
October: Adam Stansfield gets an operation on a Double Hernia, while Stacy Coldicott is to undergo tests on a troublesome back injury that has seen him play just five times for the Bulls. The tests later suggest that no operation is needed. Former midfielder Mick Galloway say yes, then no, to the Bulls as he joins Eastwood Town instead, while Tony James admits the team are nine points short of their target tally. Mansfield become the first LDV victims as an early Matt Bailey goal was the only goal of the game. Guy Ipoua began a slow return to fitness with a ten minute cameo appearance. The Bulls take two attempts to get past Alfreton in the FA Cup, but finally manage it after penalties. Bulls fans are attacked by Police with CS Spray at Worcester Foregate Street railway station after the derby match with Kidderminster. No injured officers and no arrests are reported, but the Police deny being over agressive.
November: Jon Brady puts the Bulls into the Second Round of the FA Cup with the only goal against Cambridge City, but mystery surrounds Matt Bailey's future of the club after fans are told by a club official that he has been sent back, which is later denied by Turner. Thankfully, Bailey is not seen again. LDV success continues with the defeat of Port Vale 2-1. Former Bulls midfielder, and current Morecambe manager, Jim Harvey suffers a heart attack prior to a match. On the pitch, Woking get thumped 4-0 as the glimpses of brilliance surface, but Wayne Brown fractures a wrist in training. Birmingham academy keeper Andy Bagnall is signed as cover. Former manager Joe Wade dies at 84, and former Chairman Frank Miles dies at 72.
December: Inconsistency bites again as Stockport meet little resistence in a 2-0 FA Cup win over the Bulls, but LDV success is quick to follow as Scunthorpe are played off the park in a 2-0 win, and Bognor are demolished in the FA Trophy 7-1. The Bulls are undefeated in the league in the month but drop valuable points at Forest Green, rounding off the year by beating Exeter 2-1 live on Sky.
2005 started with a 2-1 loss to Exeter, and finished with a 2-1 win over the Grecians. Let's hope we're not finishing 2006 playing our first opponents Forest Green!
Hereford United's Dream Team
Leigh Edwards, the football historian, recently selected a post-war Hereford United dream team with the help of several Hereford United supporters and club officals.
For anyone who hasn't seen it we reproduce it below;
Tommy Hughes: Former Scotland Under-23 international goalkeeper who was Hereford united's 'Player of the Year' in 1973-74 and 1978-79. Initially with Clydebank, he joined Chelsea in July 1965 and made his First Division debut against Sheffield United in November 1966. He understudied Peter Bonetti and moved to Aston Villa in June 1971, featuring in their 1971-72 Third Division title triumph. Joining Hereford in August 1973, he helped them reach the FA Cup Fourth Round in 1973-74 and win the Third Division title in 1975-76. He was ever-present in 1979-80 and made 240 league appearances, then was briefly manager.
Chris Price: England Youth international right-back who was Hereford United's 'Player of the Year' in 1981-82 and 1985-86. Locally born, he made his his League debut in Hereford's 3-2 defeat at Notts County a year before signing professional in January 1978. He formed a notable partnership with Phil Burrows and was a Welsh Cup finalist in 1980-81, netting 27 goals in 330 League outings for Hereford prior to joining Blackburn Rovers in July 1986. Moving to Aston Villa in May 1988, he starred as they were League Championship Runners-up in 1989-90, then played for Blackburn again, Portsmouth and Cheltenham.
Steve Ritchie: Scottish Schoolboy international left-back who was ever-present in Hereford United's 1975-76 Third Division title triumph. Signing professional for Bristol City in September 1971, he played alongside his older brother Tom and moved to Morton in March 1973. He reunited with John Sillett at Edgar Street in June 1975 and netted three goals in 102 League games prior to joining Alex Ferguson's Aberdeen in March 1978. Moving to Torquay United in March 1979, he played for Yeovil, Trowbridge, and Chard, then was youth team boss at Yeovil and Hereford.
Colin Addison: Successful player-manager who plotted Hereford United's epic 1971-1972 FA Cup run. Signing professional for York City in May 1957, he moved to Nottingham Forest in January 1961 and also played in the top-flight for Arsenal and Sheffield United before becoming Hereford's player-boss in October 1971. He managed their 1972-73 promotion success and 1973-74 FA Cup run, remaining in charge at Edgar Street until July 1974. Later manager/coach of Durban City, Newport County, West Brom, Derby County and various Spanish clubs, he returned to Hereford as manager for ten months until May 1991.
Darren Peacock: Central defender who was 'Player of the Year' as Hereford United won the Welsh Cup in 1989-90. A former Newport County trainee, he made his league debut at Plymouth five months before signing professional in February 1986 and moved to Edgar Street in March 1989. He netted five goals in 59 league outings for Hereford prior to joining QPR for £200,000 in December 1990 and starred as they finished fifth in the Premier League in 1992-93. Sold to Newcastle United for £2,700,000 in March 1994, he featured in successive Premiership title challenges and joined Blackburn Rovers in July 1998.
Steve Emery: Versatile favourite who was an influential figure in Hereford United's 1975-76 Third Division title triumph. A former apprentice at Edgar Street, he turned professional in February 1974 and played in the 1976 Welsh Cup final. Reuniting with Colin Addison at Derby County for £100,000 in September 1979, he briefly followed him to Newport County prior to rejoining Hereford in June 1983. He netted 12 goals in 279 league games overall for Hereford before reuniting with Dixie McNeil at Wrexham in August 1985, then was player-manager of Westfields and Ledbury while working in the licensed trade.
Terry Paine: Ex-England international winger who was a key figure in Hereford United's 1975-76 Third Division title success. Initially with Winchester City, he signed professional for Southampton in February 1957 and starred in their rise from the Third Division to First under Ted Bates. He set Saints' appearence record prior to becoming Hereford's player-coach in August 1974, netting eight goals in 111 league outings while at Edgar Street. Later reuniting with John Sillet at Coventry as a scout and youth coach, he then managed Cheltenham Town and has held various coaching and media posts in South Africa.
Dudley Tyler: This Meadow End favourite starred in Hereford's epic 1971-72 FA Cup run. Initially with Pinehurst, he moved to Edgar Street in August 1969 and was Hereford's 'Player of the Year'in 1969-70. He helped Hereford to beat Newcastle United in 1971-72 FA Cup third round and take West Ham to a fourth round replay, joining Hammers for £25,000 in June 1972. Gaining top-flight experience, he returned to Hereford for £15,000 in November 1973 and starred in the 1973-74 FA Cup run and 1975-76 Third Division title triumph. He netted ten goals in 103 League games, then was Malvern's player-manager.
John Charles: Legendary Welsh international who was Hereford United's leading marksman in three successive seasons. Signing professional for Leeds United in January 1949, the 'Gentle Giant' scored a club record 42 goals in 1953-54 and starred in their 1955-56 promotion success. He joined Juventus in May 1957 and was idolised in Italy, returning to Leeds in August 1962. After spells with Roma and Cardiff City, he became Hereford's player-boss in December 1967 and netted 130 goals in 243 games before leaving in October 1971. He later played for Merthyr Tydfil, then was a publican in Leeds and died in February 2004.
Dixie McNeil: Striker who was top scorer in Hereford United's 1975-76 Third Division title triumph. Initially with Leicester City, he had spells with Exeter City, Corby Town, Northampton Town and Lincoln City before joining Hereford in August 1974. He was 'Player of the Year' in 1974-75 and joined Wrexham in September 1977, starring in their 1977-78 Third Division title success and FA Cup run. Returning to Hereford in October 1982, he netted 88 goals in 141 League games overall prior to joining Chirk AAA in July 1983. He later managed Wrexham, then coached Coventry City and has since been a book salesman.
Kevin Sheedy: Skilful midfielder who was capped 45 times by Republic of Ireland after leaving Hereford United. A former apprentice at Edgar Street, he made his league debut in Hereford's 3-1 victory over Preston six months before signing professional in October 1976. He netted four goals in 51 league outings prior to joining Liverpool in July 1978, then moved to Everton in August 1982. Starring in their successes under Howard Kendall, including two League Championships triumphs and the 1985 ECWC final victory, he featured in the 1990 World Cup finals, then played for Newcastle United and Blackpool.
Grumpers Front Men praised by Brown
Hereford United's visitors tomorrow, Forest Green Rovers, were in fine form yesterday when they defeated Aldershot 4-2 at the Lawn.
The Forest Green front pair of Guy Madjo (on time for this game) and Julian Alsop were singled out for praise by Shots manager Terry Brown.
The game was held up twice because of power cuts which also affected Nailsworth.
Aldershot have conceded eight goals in their two holiday games and Brown wasn't happy.
"We knew this would be a difficult place to come and credit to them because they thoroughly deserved to win the match. It would have been an utter injustice if the lights had prevented them from winning the match. We have been beaten by a better team on the day and we didn't cope with the forward pairing who, again, were a real handful," Brown told ShotsWeb.
The Bulls drew with Forest Green last Monday at the Lawn. On that occasion Madjo only played a part of the game but scored within minutes of coming on.
The pitch at the Lawn wasn't the greatest, and Hereford should benefit from playing on a better surface and bigger pitch at Edgar Street.
Forest Green were hoping to entice Ryan Williams back to the Lawn for another loan spell. Williams was at Aldershot when the Bulls played there last September. But it appears that Williams is to join Crawley on a two and a half year deal. (Update 1pm: Williams has joined Aldershot)
The loan spell of Guy Madjo was up yesterday and as yet it is unknown whether he will be in the starting line-up tomorrow. Manager Garry Owers was said to be hoping that Bristol City would allow Madjo to stay at the Lawn for the rest of the season.
Alex Meecham was injured and may not feature. However, whatever their line-up Forest Green will go into this game full of confidence. Hereford will need to be at their best to take all three points.